A collaborative effort between publisher Little, Brown and Co. and The Ansel Adams Trust, the new app, Ansel Adams for the iPad, brings the iconic American photographer to your fingertips. Ansel Adams for the iPad was my first introduction to an “app-book:” one that is not found within iBooks, but rather in the traditional App Store, and the first “coffeetable-esque” book I had the pleasure of seeing on the iPad. Once I picked my jaw off the floor after seeing the heavy price tag of $13.99, I started the massive download (591 MB, to be clear).
Knowing little more than the basics of Adams’ life and work, I wouldn’t call myself a true Adams fan, but after immersing myself in Ansel Adams for the iPad I can definitely say I know more about the man behind the camera. Beautifully presented in the app are 40 of Adams’ photographs, which are accompanied by extensive written commentary or audio narration, which take to the iPad’s interface without fault. I found myself wanting additional photos, but that’s because I’m greedy and wanted to learn more.
Ansel Adams for iPad’s content doesn’t stop with the photos. Users will find a selection of letters and postcards written between Adams and personalities such as Georgia O’Keeffe and President Jimmy Carter. Other features include video excerpts, a reproduction of Adams’ Playboy interview, a timeline of Adams’ career and an e-card function for sharing your favorites.
Don’t avoid Ansel Adams for iPad because of its price. It’s a more-than-worthy purchase for anyone who’s already an Adams fan, and equally worthy for anyone who simply wants to learn more about the photographer.
