![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/6749155C-7186-45A3-8D22-ACDB6745A7D1-800x1071.jpeg?resize=800%2C1071)
I was taking a nap the other day and I had this random idea:
What would it be like to make photos on an iPad?
My hypothesis:
It might be like shooting with an old school 8×10 film camera, as the “ground plate” (viewfinder) is about the same size as an iPad.
I didn’t want to be theoretical, so I just tried it out on an old iPad Air. My thoughts:
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/6AB65D3C-9955-46A3-B8EF-ABDEC235B138-800x1071.jpeg?resize=800%2C1071)
- It was pretty fun. I am never used to having a viewfinder or LCD screen so big. It is an all-encompassing experience. The screen takes up your entire face, so you’re actually really integrated into the shooting process. You forget there is a “real world” outside of you while you are making pictures. So it is a zen-like experience shooting with an iPad, especially with non-moving objects like urban landscapes and details of textures.
- Fun to process your photos. I used VSCO and the A6 preset, and it was fun to see the picture SO BIG instantly on the iPad, instead of processing it on a tiny phone screen. Also, it was more convenient than dealing with a standard digital camera with importing the picture via memory card, into Lightroom. Therefore the benefit was the process was much more streamlined, easier workflow.
- In terms of the shooting “experience” it was more fun than shooting with a phone. Because you can’t move quickly. You gotta slow down, and take your time.
- I read a lot of books on my iPad in bed or around the house. So I’ve been able to shoot pictures that I couldn’t have otherwise. For example I’m reading a book, then taking a break, then drop my iPad for a second to rest my eyes, and I see a good photo opportunity of Cindy working on the desk with her laptop. I frame her with the sheets in the foreground. A pretty unique perspective (shot while lying in bed).
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17CBFFF8-C5C8-4F10-BA24-E0A73CCF10AC-800x1071.jpeg?resize=800%2C1071)
Downsides of shooting with iPad
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/3D62A40C-A31F-4D3E-9EC5-66E68D0336F7-800x1071.jpeg?resize=800%2C1071)
- Because the iPad is so big and the camera is on the top right corner, it is a bit confusing when you lift the iPad to take a picture (because you assume the lens is in the middle of the iPad). It is almost like having “parallax error” when shooting with a rangefinder. Therefore there is a disconnect when you lift your iPad before taking a picture and actually taking a picture, which is jarring and unpleasant.
- Less mobile. If you wanna shoot quickly on the go, shooting with a phone is better.
- Hidden benefit: You look like a dumb tourist shooting with an iPad, so nobody will hassle you. Benefit in disguise. Idea: if you’re self-conscious shooting street photography, try it with an iPad.
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/513C0644-10E1-4D9F-9F37-513D8BEF704A-800x1071.jpeg?resize=800%2C1071)
Conclusion
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/C7CEB327-74DA-4658-AC3D-8548F5B9AC15-800x598.jpeg?resize=800%2C598)
As technology advances, we will have very good cameras on all our stuff and devices.
Imagine, you got a phone camera. Tablet camera. Front facing laptop camera.
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/99440FAC-B47A-454C-9314-D2CEA429628A-800x598.jpeg?resize=800%2C598)
Soon, camera on your refrigerator. Camera on your car (front facing inside the car) and also outside cameras (in front, side, and back of the car). A camera on your backpack, or your wallet, or your key chain, your glasses, sunglasses, or purse.
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/98E44ABE-0AC5-4750-A6AE-93F09F500478-800x1071.jpeg?resize=800%2C1071)
What are we gonna do in a world where we have cameras on EVERYTHING we own and use?
Fun idea to ponder.
Have fun, play, and be CREATIVE EVERYDAY!
ERIC
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/45EBFB91-73D4-4DF7-9D55-6C30F30F7DF8-800x598.jpeg?resize=800%2C598)
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/4AE83D37-EAFA-4A6A-B15C-7C4CA58EC666-800x598.jpeg?resize=800%2C598)
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/5115A751-5679-48A6-B794-550EFDC2BFAA-800x1071.jpeg?resize=800%2C1071)
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/53AFADA1-4232-4945-A2D9-3206D4EACDB5-800x598.jpeg?resize=800%2C598)
Stay updated with HAPTICLABS KYOTO OFFICE >
PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY
![Garden Grove, 2015. Shot on a LG G4](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/eric-kim-street-photography-lg-g4-smartphone.jpg?resize=1200%2C675)
The best camera is a phone:
- The Zen of Phone Photography
- How to Take Better Pictures on Your Phone
- Universal Basic Photography
- Portfolio: Phone Photography by ERIC KIM
- Why You Should Subscribe to VSCO X Paid Service
- Phone Street Photography Tips
- How to take Better Photos on Your Phone
- Is iPhone a real camera?
- The Holy Grail of Photography
- 10 Reasons Why Your Smartphone is the Best Camera
- The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to iPhone/Smartphone Photography
- 7 Benefits of Shooting Street Photography With a Smartphone
- What if Smartphones Had The Same Image Quality as DSLR’s?
- My Experience Shooting Street Photography With A Smartphone vs Medium-Format
- Why the 4’’ iPhone SE Will Revolutionize Photography
- In Street Photography, The Smaller the Camera, the Better
- 10 New Tips How to Master Shooting Street Photography With the iPhone
- 3 Reasons Why You Should Use the iPhone 5 For Street Photography by Mike Avina