an easy way to transfer certain photos from mac laptop to iPad?

I think syncing them would be the easiest. Here is a link on how to do that. Sync photos from your computer to your iOS device using iTunes - Apple Support

-AJ

I have gotten so tired of always having to connect my iPad up to my computer to do things through iTunes that a couple of years ago, I found WiFi wireless transfer apps to transfer photos and videos back and forth from my iPad to my Mac and from my Mac to my iPad.

There are a few of these style apps, now.

I use one simply called Photo Transfer App.

Look through the iOS App store for the one that works best for you.

Good Luck!