“Extreme Packing” Mode with Photographer Nour El Refai (Part 1)

Editor’s note: Nour El Refai is an architectural and documentary photographer based in Cairo, Egypt. He has a degree in Architecture from Cairo University, creates commercial and editorial imagery for clients in architecture and interior design, and teaches photography at various cultural and art centers, as well as universities throughout the Middle East.

Lowepro happens to be his camera bag of choice and he was kind enough to share several of his amazing images from recent portraiture assignments and excursions as a street photographer.

He has found very clever ways of packing the perfect kit for each type of set-up. For “extreme packing” and “walking light”. So we’re going to make this a two-part post and share Nour’s “extreme” style today and “light” approach tomorrow. Stay tuned!

You can see Nour’s portfolio on his web site and check out his blog filled with even more rich, vivid and unique perspectives from his lens.

Extreme packing of CompuDay Photo 250. © Nour El Refai

Extreme packing of CompuDay Photo 250. © Nour El Refai

“I almost use every inch in this pack during my portrait assignments. This is basically my portrait kit (excluding a light stand and a Westcott Apollo Orb modifier that I carry on a tripod bag).”

It includes:
Nikon D800
Sigma 35mm f/1.4
Nikon 50mm f/1.4
MacBook Pro 13″ w/ charger & accessories
5m Hi-speed Tethering Cable (I shoot tethered during most portrait assignments.)
Nikon SB-910 w/ gels
2 PocketWizards Plus III
Hoya ND and Polarizer Filters
Umbrella bracket Adapter
iPhone 5
X-Mini Sound speaker
Drinking bottle
Lowepro Voyager C Strap
Universal Travel Power Plug
Extra batteries for everything

“You might be wondering how I carry an extra lens on this pack. Although it has only one fast access pocket for camera plus lens, check out the photos that show how I manage the empty space next to the camera pocket.

Obviously Lowepro didn’t design this pocket to carry lenses, but I found that I can safely carry the 50mm f/1.4 in this pocket so it becomes separated from the SB-910 flash that lies in the space beneath it and they don’t hit each other.”

Packing an extra lens. © Nour El Refai

Packing an extra lens. © Nour El Refai

“In Darb Al Labanah, a close area to Qalaa “The Citadel”, parents bring their young children to play here during Eid, a feast celebrating the end of the fasting month Ramada; many of those families from this area can’t afford to travel, or even spend the day in Azhar Park (the only park in old Cairo) which is not far from them.” (Editor’s note: This refers to the three images below).

Simple Joy, 1. August 9, 2013. © Nour El Refai

Simple Joy, 1. August 9, 2013. © Nour El Refai

Simple Joy, 2. August 9, 2013. © Nour El Refai

Simple Joy, 2. August 9, 2013. © Nour El Refai

Simple Joy, 3. August 9, 2013. © Nour El Refai

Simple Joy, 3. August 9, 2013. © Nour El Refai

“This is the same packing I used for my latest portrait assignment for a German magazine Art – Das Kunstmagazin about the art scene in Cairo featured in July 2013 Issue.” (Editor’s note: This refers to the three images below).

Jasmina Metwaly, Visual Artist & Filmmaker. © Nour El Refai

Jasmina Metwaly, Visual Artist & Filmmaker. © Nour El Refai

Aida El Torie, Art Writer & Curator of 6Cairo Art Gallery. © Nour El Refai

Aida El Torie, Art Writer & Curator of 6Cairo Art Gallery. © Nour El Refai

Dalia El Shimi, Graphic Artist. Amr Alim, Architect & Interior Designer. © Nour El Refai

Dalia El Shimi, Graphic Artist. Amr Alim, Architect & Interior Designer. © Nour El Refai

 

For part two of Nour’s photo story and his set-up for “walking light”, please visit our blog tomorrow.

Katrina Neill

About Katrina Neill

Katrina was the Senior Editor & Communications Manager for Lowepro.

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