Most of us have dozens and dozens of apps on our mobile devices. Some are opened every day; others may be specialized and used less frequently. Of course, there’s always a handful that lay dormant until we decide to clean up our screens. 

But, let’s face it, technology changes rapidly and as do our needs, so there’s always room for more apps. We’ve put together a brief list of apps that are new or we think could be a useful addition to your workflow. 

Image Editing 

Affinity Photo 2 for iPad 

There are any number of reasons to check out Affinity Photo 2 for iPad—the perfect companion to its excellent desktop sibling: extensive editing tools/features, undemanding hardware specifications, affordability, and a perpetual license. While the app is compatible with Apple’s M1/M2 iPad Pro models (recommended), you can also use the software on all iPad Pro models running iPad OS 15 or later, as well as select non-Pro models (even some iPad minis). 

But don’t let its lightweight hardware specs fool you—Affinity Photo 2 is packed with features including live adjustments, live masks, layers, blend modes, non-destructive RAW development, and much, much more. The iPad version of Affinity Photo 2 surprisingly doesn’t scrimp when it comes to image editing tools. Performance is surprisingly good as well given its (relatively) minimal hardware requirements; naturally, performance may vary depending on your hardware and workflow. The app is mostly intuitive, but Affinity does some things differently than we’re used to, so you may want to refer to a couple of Affinity’s video tutorials before jumping in. Also, check out the desktop version while you’re there. 

iPad 

$18.49 (perpetual license) 

www.affinity.serif.com 

Capture One for iPad 

Capture One for iPad was announced last year providing a useful companion to Capture One Pro desktop. Designed for the iPad but not limited to M1/M2 versions, this app offers features for making quick adjustments including exposure, white balance, dynamic range, sharpening, and noise reduction, among others. Be sure to import your presets and styles so you can have them on hand for an even speedier workflow. 

While you’re on the road or want computer-free flexibility in the studio, wireless tethering is a must. It’s available for certain Canon, Nikon, Sony, and now Fujifilm cameras (check the website to see if your camera is supported). Shooting without the constraints of a tethering cable is incredibly freeing. 

Paired with Capture One Live, you have the freedom to make some quick edits and then share images as they’re captured with on-site or remote clients. The ability for clients to star rate their pics provides immediate feedback to help guide you as you’re shooting.  

Capture One just announced an iPhone Beta. We don’t have any details, but it looks like users of Capture One’s apps might soon be able to be even more mobile. 

For news about the latest version of Capture One Pro (and a chance to get 12 months of free Capture One’s All-in-One bundle) head over here.

iPad 

$4.99/month 

www.captureone.com 

[Read: Capture One Pro Updates]

Video Editing 

Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve for iPad 

Late last year, Blackmagic Design launched DaVinci Resolve for iPad. Built from the ground up, the app is optimized for use with iPad Pros with M1 and M2 chips. Like its desktop version, this app is powerful and free! (The iPad Studio version requires an in-app purchase of about $95.) 

One of DaVinci Resolve’s main strengths is its color grading capabilities, and the iPad version offers a wealth of options on its color page. Better yet, basics like contrast, temperature, and saturation adjustments are intuitive with their easily recognizable imaging tools. The cut page is designed to help speed up your workflow and AI-based features like magic mask, smart reframe, and voice isolation add to the app’s efficiency and convenience.  

More advanced users who are familiar with DaVinci Resolve’s features will find a (mostly) smooth transition to the mobile version. It’s compatible with external hard drives and excellent collaboration tools are available via Blackmagic Cloud, adding to this app’s appeal. Just be sure to check the site to make sure your iPad Pro and OS are compatible. 

iPad 

Free 

www.blackmagicdesign.com 

[Read: 5 Light Painting Tools to Make Your Images Stand Out]

Final Cut Pro for iPad 

Apple recently announced an iPad version of Final Cut Pro (and Logic Pro for iPad), compatible with newer iPad Pro’s with M1 and M2 chips. From what we’ve seen, the software’s feature set is excellent for putting together a behind-the-scenes clip as well as editing longer projects. It doesn’t have all the options of the desktop version but there are a few new additions here that are useful like the virtual jog wheel, the ability to quickly remove and replace an object/person from the background. You can also shoot ProRes with your iPad directly into FCP. 

But we were disappointed to learn that while you can send your files to the desktop you can’t send them back to the iPad. And we didn’t see anything about external hard drive compatibility like we have with DaVinci Resolve and Capture One. A tiny footnote also hints that a new version of FCP desktop is in the works and will be required for at least one or more features on the iPad to work. 

The app sounds exciting, but we’ll have to wait until its release on May 23 to dig into the details (Logic Pro for the iPad will be released at the same time). Apple has gone to a subscription for both new iPad apps: $4.99/month or $49/year. And you get one month free. 

iPad 

$4.99/month, $49/year 

www.apple.com 

[Read: Adobe Updates Final Cut Pro]

Finding the Light

The Photographer’s Ephemeris (TPE)  

The Photographer’s Ephemeris is one of the best and most sophisticated apps for planning an outdoor shoot. Whether you’re headed to the mountains or looking for the ideal light among the tall buildings of a city—or anywhere in between—TPE is the perfect companion.  

All the natural light information you need is at your fingertips. Along with the standard sunrise/sunset, moon cycles and night sky, TPE provides tools to determine the timing and angle of the sun that suits your needs. It’s great for anywhere-in-the-world location weddings, just pick a site to determine the best time for your shoot. If you’re scouting in person, a line of site feature allows you to select your best option. A search will also give you the best dates and times for your shoot so you’ll know in advance when the sun (or moon) will be in alignment with your subject. Head to night mode if you want to schedule a Milky Way shoot at a beach wedding. Info can be saved and shared, too. 

There’s a slight learning curve to the more advanced features but TPE offers a free Web version so you might want to check it out online first. But the basics are fairly easy to master. 

iOS 

$9.99 

www.photoephemeris.com