One of the most valuable apps for photo editing available on the App Store is Snapseed. Created by Nik Software, the simple app utilizes the iPad’s expansive screen and its touch capabilities. The app offers 11 different editing categories, ranging from selective adjust to organic frames. Within each category, a set of options is available to allow for an extensive editing suite being available to both professionals and amateurs.

Color Splash is one of the simplest and most fun apps currently available for the iPad. The app automatically imports all photos as black and white, and simply allows users to paint colors back onto part of the picture using your finger as a brush. A host of brushes, along with undo buttons, are available within the app. Exporting the photo to Facebook, a wireless printer, or into MMS or email is a breeze.

100 Cameras in 1, a recent addition to the iPad app store, offers a unique take upon the iPhone camera. A picture taken from an iPad camera or imported onto the iPad is subjected to one of many “camera” options. After choosing a filter, a set of overlays is available. The contrast of the image can be adjusted, as can the brightness. Several more advanced effects, such as adding a vignette, can be done easily with the app. The app further supports exporting pictures to social media websites with the touch of a button. This app accommodates photographers  in the same way   http://www.directstartv.com/ accommodates satellite TV viewers.

Photosync offers the most comprehensive and extensive set of editing tools available on the App store. Wireless options to transfer pictures are an absolute breeze, and the app allows for direct transfer from an iPhone to an iPad, further increasing its convenience. A host of editing features makes this app extremely well-rounded, and one of the best apps for those serious about entering the iPad photo-editing market with a comprehensive app with a slew of handy features.

Last summer I had my first real vacation in years and I decided with my wife and son to go to Hawaii. After the initial excitement of the decision, I began to worry. Maui is no less than 10,500 miles away from where I live so we’d had to make two stops and travel for 22 hours – definitely the kind of stuff you only do once in your life.

Considering that the whole vacation was going to cost a fortune anyway, I thought I should make the best of it by taking lots of photos. When I started to pack all my camera gear (2 bodies, 8 lenses, vertical grip, spare batteries, 2 flashes, tripod and more), I realized that a. –  I’d need a very big bag for all of it, b. –  the last thing I want to do is to carry that damn thing with me along with the other luggage and c. – there’s a high chance for the equipment to get damaged in transit.

And then, thinking of Mr. Fogg who went around the world in 80 days with no luggage, just loads of cash, it hit me – when I go in a vacation, I don’t take my car with me – I rent one while I’m there. So why should I get all my expensive gear with me when I could find what I need there?

One minute later I had my answer: Maui Camera Rental is a photo rental company located in Maui (they have another office in Honolulu too). Browsing their inventory, I realized that not only I could find there all my beloved lenses, I could even try lenses I simply could not afford to buy. For example, a Canon EF 70-200 F2.8 L IS II USM that retails for $2,500 can be rented for just $100 for a whole week. So rather than dragging a whole bunch of lenses half the globe, it simply made more sense to take just my main camera body and the cards and rent everything else, depending on my needs.

Also, while I was preparing my gear, I realized I’d need some sort of underwater housing (Hawaii sans scuba diving? No way!) but to be honest I didn’t even know what to look for. Fortunately they have not only underwater housings for cameras and various lenses, but housings for flashes too! (I didn’t even know they exist).

Overall I was amazed by their offering. I could have made a whole photo session or a wedding with their equipment, as they have everything from Profoto lights and stands to CF cards and even Macs, including software.

So if you’re travelling to Hawaii, I think it’s worth checking them out. And even if you’re not and are going somewhere else, it’s still worth checking with the local businesses and see if you can save  time & money by renting the equipment.