Apple’s revolutionary iPad is changing the way in which people work, play and communicate with each other, leveraging the power of specialized software applications (apps) to perform a wide range of functions that once required larger, more fully featured computers — or were not even possible at all.
A closed ecosystem controlled by Apple, its App Store contains a virtual cornucopia of goodies that will ease, enable and extend the task of creating, editing and publishing adult entertainment content — offering many free and low-priced solutions.
In addition to its usefulness for extending the capabilities of other devices, there are a number of ways to enhance the iPad’s inherent photo and video prowess for the benefit of porn producers.
Shortly after purchasing an AT&T-powered iPad 3, this author received a $50 gift card from Apple, imparting the impetus for an App Store shopping spree, which provided motivation for looking around.
At the outset, there are several different ways in which an iPad can be used for adult productions, including in the pre-production process, where location scouting, scriptwriting and storyboarding come into play; during the production chain, where the iPad’s native photo and video capture capabilities can be leveraged; and during post-production, when editing and publishing tools are used.
The iPad can also be incorporated into existing production chains to enhance your current system; for example, combined with Nikon’s D4 and WT-5A to provide remote camera control and live preview. This application offers tremendous possibilities for professional shooters, as it relies on the camera’s own HTTP capabilities and integrated iOS-compatible App for direct iPad or iPhone browser control — including ad-hoc connections that do not rely on the presence of an external wired or Wi-Fi network.
In addition to its usefulness for extending the capabilities of other devices, there are a number of ways to enhance the iPad’s inherent photo and video prowess for the benefit of porn producers.
While not a professional production tool, Apple’s $4.99 iMovie (www.apple.com/apps/imovie/) allows you to create compelling 1080p HD videos, with simple shooting, storyboarding and editing tools, plus “Hollywood-style” themes and templates, as well as soundtrack sweetening.
Likewise, Apple’s $4.99 iPhoto (www.apple.com/apps/iphoto/) puts a wealth of creative power into the hands of still photographers, allowing them to shoot, edit, view and publish photos, with the latest Multi-Touch technology. Users can organize and compare photos, brush adjustments onto images with their fingers and apply professional-quality effects, such as brightening a smile, with a single tap.
Both products offer many surprising and useful features that are worth a closer look.
Although it is frustrating that these two Apps were not included with the iPad, their combined sub-$10 purchase price makes them a welcome addition to the device’s capabilities and may be all that an amateur production company or solo-performer seeking an edge needs.
Other publishers offer interesting tools, such as Color Splurge, which allows users to add selective color effects to de-saturated images; and SplitCam, allowing users to splice multiple images together. Both tools bring a new level of creative freedom to iPad users, as does Slo-Pro, which simulates speeds of up to 1000fps for amazing slow motion clips.
8mm Vintage Camera, as the name implies, adds an old-time effect to videos, while Filterstorm may prove to be a must-have for all iPad photographers, with its use of curves, layers and masks.
Ranging in price from free to $3.99, even after purchasing all of these third-party Apps, there is plenty of room in our $50 budget for more — but in the meantime, a jaunt up the learning curve may prove that these tools are all a savvy amateur producer may need. Try them for yourself and see.