The Apple IPad, Next Generation of Portfolios?

The IPad is all the rage right now.  Even older people seem to be interested in them.  Step one foot in an apple store and you will see tons of them out with crowds of people around every single one.  But, with any new technology, I wonder if it will have it's advantages for the professional photographer.  The first thought that came to my mind, was using it as a way to demonstrate my portfolio to clients and potential clients.

The IPad has a brilliant colorful screen and will really show off photos well.  It's easy to use, and can be updated easily.  For a few years now, I've been showing off my printed portfolio.  The problem with printed portfolios?  They are expensive to update and maintain.  I find that I'm showing off images from a year ago, with none of my new images in the portfolio.  This is very bad when you are progressing rapidly and have great new images.  The books that I use are bound and printed by Shutterfly.  The image quality is spectacular, but it does end up being expensive to swap out images.

With the IPad, I could easily and quickly place and change images in my portfolio (change being the key word there).   Its simple to use, with a wave of the finger to change images on screen, and a quick double tap on the screen to zoom in on a photo and show the quality to a client.

The important part here is:  It's a one-time investment, and can be updated incredibly fast and for free!  No more printing new portfolio photos!  Though I say it's a one time investment, technology rapidly changes.  Within probably 2 years, Apple will release the new version that has features that would make your portfolio better.  This is not certain, and you may get more than it's worth back in those two years.

A problem with the IPad?  It's such a flashy device that your clients may be more infatuated with the IPad and it's glorious screen than they are with your portfolio.  Also, it won't display any flash video.  Most photography sites are built with flash, and if yours is, you will not be able to show it off to clients.

So is it worth getting one, or not?   I feel that if you are any type of tech-geek, want to watch movies on planes, or read magazines/newspapers, then you probably already have one.  If your out there showing off your portfolio, in person, to many new prospective clients, this may well be the easiest and most convenient way to show off your work.  If this is the case, try one out and see if you need it now!

I personally think they could easily revolutionize the way work is done.  You can keep all your important files (rates, images, slideshows, biography, e-mails) on the device to be able to reference to, any time a client has a question.  No more carrying in a binder with photo rates (if your selling artwork or stock) along with your portfolio book.  To me it would be worth having just to never have to print photos for my portfolio again.  Plus, with the internet built in, it will be even easier to send/receive important e-mails while you are on the go.  It's definitely NOT a replacement for your laptop, but may still be worth the money.

Head on over to your local Apple store and give one a test drive.  Don't be drawn in and think of it as a must-have.  Instead, consider it for it's actual business value and determine if you will be just as well off without it.  Necessity is what matters in business, not just want!


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