Why I Love My iPad Pro for Street Photography

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Why I Love My iPad Pro for Street Photography

What’s poppin, people? It’s Dante this morning. I want to share with you why I love my iPad Pro for street photography. When it comes to archiving, selecting photos, and everyday use, I think the iPad Pro is the perfect tool for any street photographer out there.

The iPad Pro: A Magical Tablet for Artists

As an artist, the iPad feels like this magical tablet where anything feels possible. You have a blank canvas to work with and carry everywhere, with practically unlimited storage by backing up photos to the cloud. Plus, there are so many different applications to make art.

Honestly, it’s just a fun experience that brings me more joy than sitting in front of a computer. Even with a standing desk and a good setup, I still prefer my iPad Pro. This is actually my first iPad Pro, and I’m excited to share my thoughts.

Why I Chose the iPad Pro M2 (12.9″)

I have the iPad Pro M2 chip, 12.9 inches. I initially thought, bigger screen, bigger resolution, better photo viewing. But after daily use, I actually recommend the smaller 11-inch version.

  • The 12.9-inch is still portable, but it can get cumbersome over extended periods.
  • The 11-inch is more convenient and lighter to carry around.

So, if you’re considering an iPad Pro, go for the smaller version.

A More Natural Way to Work

Even though I have a vertical mouse, mechanical keyboard, and an ergonomic setup, using a mouse and keyboard feels unnatural to me. The iPad Pro makes it so much easier to swipe through a contact sheet. It feels more like looking at physical prints—but digital.

“I can carry this device with me everywhere and engage with my work in a more intimate way.”

With Photos app integration, I can simply rotate my device horizontally or vertically to view my images in the best format.

Faster Street Photography Workflow

When I finish a photo walk, I can immediately:

  • Cull through photos while still outside
  • Import my photos directly to the iPad
  • Make final selections on my walk home

Since I shoot small JPEG files, the Photos app simplifies everything. But I also use Lightroom CC Cloud to access and edit RAW files seamlessly across all my devices.

If you’re shooting RAW, I highly suggest the Lightroom Cloud application. It keeps edits synced across your iPhone, iPad, and iMac.

Unlocking Infinite Creativity with Procreate

One of the coolest things I do with my iPad Pro is use Procreate to remix my photos.

  • I drag and drop elements from my photos into a new canvas.
  • The built-in AI tools help create fun collages.
  • I use gradients, liquify tools, and layers to transform my images.

“The iPad Pro isn’t just a tool—it’s an endless creative playground.”

I don’t do this for any reason other than it’s fun. And sometimes, that’s enough.

Blogging Seamlessly with IA Writer

Another thing I love about my iPad Pro is blogging. With IA Writer, I can:

  • Write in a minimalist environment.
  • Use the voice-to-text feature to create posts while walking outside.
  • Keep my writing authentic and natural.

“If I’m sitting at a desk under fluorescent lights, no thoughts come to me. But when I’m walking in sunlight, the words just flow.”

When I finish a post, I use ChatGPT to correct my grammar while keeping my voice intact. Then, I copy and paste the Markdown code directly into my blog.

Slideshow Videos & YouTube Workflow

With the Keynote app, I can easily:

  • Create slideshow presentations of my photos
  • Export them as videos for YouTube
  • Publish them directly to my WordPress blog

I even use picture-in-picture recording to screen record my iPad while narrating with my DJI microphone.

“I can create high-quality video content—all directly from my iPad Pro.”

The iPad Pro as an All-in-One Photography Tool

The real magic of the iPad Pro is that I can do everything in one place:

  • Import & archive photos with a USB-C SD reader
  • Cull and select images on the go
  • Edit in Lightroom CC Cloud
  • Remix photos in Procreate
  • Write blog posts in IA Writer
  • Create slideshows and videos in Keynote
  • Publish directly to my website

“I no longer need to slave away at a computer.”

And when I travel? I only carry:

  • My iPad Pro
  • A Ricoh GR III/X or Fujifilm X100V
  • An SD card reader

That’s my ultimate setup.

A Radical Thought: The Future of Photography

Here’s something that might sound sacrilegious to photographers:

“Physical prints no longer interest me.”

With an iPad Pro’s backlit screen, I can experience my black-and-white, high-contrast images in a way that feels better than a print. Prints are old-school to me. Instead, I prefer:

  1. Digital slideshows over gallery exhibits
  2. Photo books over prints on walls
  3. A personal WordPress blog over Instagram

And that’s another reason I say: delete your Instagram.

Own Your Work—Ditch Instagram

When I publish to Instagram, it lives on a closed platform. But when I publish to my own website, it’s mine forever.

“You don’t need a gallery. You are the publisher. You own your domain.”

I encourage every photographer to:

  • Create a WordPress.org blog
  • Host it on Bluehost
  • Use the Astra theme for a simple, beautiful layout

And just start publishing your work.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get an iPad Pro?

If you’re looking to simplify your workflow, the iPad Pro is a game-changer. Just remember:

  • Get the 11-inch version (it’s more portable).
  • Use Lightroom CC if you shoot RAW.
  • Try Procreate to experiment with images.
  • Write blogs with IA Writer while walking.
  • Use Keynote for photo slideshows and YouTube videos.

For me, the iPad Pro has replaced my computer. It’s my primary photography tool, and I wouldn’t want to work any other way.

So, if you’re a photographer, you should seriously consider picking one up.

Thanks for reading. Now go delete your Instagram.

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