Q: I just purchased a lightning to sd card camera reader and when I connected to my iPad it said it wouldn't work, why?

What is the actual error message that you are getting, what typs of card is it, and how did the photos get onto the SD card ?

The supported cards are, from http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4101 :

• SDSC
• SDHC
• miniSD
• microSD
• MMC
• SDXC

If you copied the photos onto the card yourself then the card needs to have a DCIM directory on the root of the card with the photos underneath it, and the photo filenames need to be exactly 8 characters long (no spaces) plus the file extension i.e. in a similar format as if a camera had created/written them.

Is it the Apple brand?

If yes, take it to an Apple Store for evaluation. You'll get a free replacement if defective.

Make a Genius Bar Reservation

http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

 Cheers, Tom