When I’m considering what bag to bring out on a shoot there are many factors that come into play. The most important, of course, is what I am shooting and what gear I need to bring. Beyond that, I need a bag that performs. When shooting portrait photography, fumbling for gear or wasting time looking for something in front of a client is not an option. I also need a solution that is discreet and doesn’t scream camera bag.  I was recently hired for a senior portrait session in Sonoma County, CA. For portraits, I lean heavily on the 70-200 2.8 lens as the compression really makes for compelling photos. I also like to have a wide angle lens to capture my subjects surrounding as well as a 50mm 1.4 which seems to be the best of both worlds. All of this gear fits nicely into my Pro Messenger 200 AW and the padded shoulder strap takes the weight and distributes it nicely, allowing me to work all day comfortably.

This particular shoot was late in the afternoon, but not as late in the day as I would have liked. In situations like this, I also like to bring my Pocket Wizard remote triggers and use my 580 EX II off camera. I position my subject in the shade and use the flash to really make him/her pop.

Here is a list of gear that I carried in my Pro Messenger 200 AW for this shoot.

• Canon 5D Mark III
• 24-105mm L
• 70-200 f 2.8
• 580 EX II Flash
• 50mm 1.4
• Pocket Wizard Mini TT1 & Flex TT5
• Polarizing Filter
• Wescott 42″ White Shoot Through Umbrella

The Results:

200mm
ISO 100
F 2.8
1/400 sec

50mm
ISO 100
F 2.8
1/250 sec

Last week I had the fortunate opportunity to attend the 2012 U.S. Open and meet up with renowned Sports Illustrated photographers Robert Beck, Fred Vuich and Kohjiro Kinno. Lowepro was on hand to help support our pros out in the field during this prestigious event. The insight and working knowledge these pros provide helps us make sure we are delivering the products that professional photographers need to do their job. Kohjiro is shown here shooting a golfer on hole 17 using his Lowepro S&F Lens Exchange 200 AW.

Here at Lowepro, we not only work with professional photographers, we are photographers. Being able to shoot at such a high profile event was exciting on a personal level as well.  Shooting golf has its own set of unique challenges and rules. Silence is king as well as making sure you have the right glass. Having at least a 70-200mm lens is a must. Getting inside knowledge from seasoned pros on the best locations to get “the shot” was priceless.

These photos were taken with a Canon 5D Mark III, 70-200mm  f/2.8 and the 16-35mm f/2.8.

-F2

Frank Filice is the Sr. Brand Manager for Lowepro and is an avid photographer.

Every photographer understands the importance of light as it relates to their photography, but how many have actually mastered using it? For myself, it’s a constant learning process, and I find myself thinking if only I had a proper lighting set up, I could get that specific look I’m going for. If you’ve ever found yourself needing more lighting equipment, than I’ve got some exciting news for you.

We have teamed up with Photoflex to give away a great lighting rig, the Extra Small LiteDome Location kit. Some of the SWEET features include the new Photoflex® StarFire Wireless Flash and FlashFire Wireless Trigger/Receiver and the hugely popular Photoflex® LiteReach. The full Lowepro giveaway kit includes:

• Extra Small LiteDome
• Basic Connector
• FlashFire Wireless Trigger/Receiver
• StarFire ShoeMount Digital Flash
• LiteReach Kit (which includes Adjustable ShoeMount Hardware and ShoeMount Multiclamp)
• Small LiteStand

Value- $405.00

This is a great setup that will give you some awesome versatility while on the go with your Lowepro bag.

To enter, simply reply to our blog post with a comment on what you would do with this equipment.

Winners will be announced on our Facebook page, so if you are not yet a fan, make sure to “Like” us.  Also, our friends at Photoflex are giving away a Lowepro Pro Roller x100 on their site, so make sure you check them out on Facebook as well. Contest is void where prohibited, and valid for those within the Continental U.S.

Best of luck to you!  – Frank

The 2011 WPPI tradeshow is right around the corner, and we are feverishly getting ready for all the festivities. We’ve got some exciting things we will be unveiling, so if your not able to attend in person, you’ll definitely want to stay tuned to our blog and our Facebook page.

We are partnering with SanDisk and Pictage (they provide a platform for marketing, selling and fulfilling professional photo products online) to give away some cool prizes at the show, so be sure to stop by our booth and ask about the details.

And then there of course is the awesome product. We will have a ton of our hottest gear on hand for you to play with. If you haven’t had a chance to see our new Street and Field product yet, it will be there for you to put through the paces.  This modular system features the Lens Exchange 200 which has been getting amazing feedback from professionals around the world.

We will also be showing off the new Pro Roller Attache x50 which was just awarded Professional Photographer’s “Hot One” award for 2010. This is a killer product that gives professionals the versatility they need to be able to travel easily and comfortably.

We can wait to see you at the show!

Frank Filice is the Marketing Manager for Lowepro USA

Here at Lowepro in addition to loving photography, we are also big fans of technology. I’m a gear head myself and really looking forward to seeing what future products are headed our way.

You may have heard the rumors about everything from Sony’s camera lineup to all the iPad competitors. To say the least it’s going to be a super exciting show.

What will I be bringing with me? I’ll be taking my Lowepro Pro Roller Attache x50 loaded with my Canon T2i, 24-105 F4 and 50mm 1.4 lenses as well as my Speedlight 580 ex II. The Attache x50 will allow me to carry all my gear onto the flight as well as give me ample room for all my clothes.

We will be sure to follow up with what we find out and give you a first hand glimpse of what went down.

-Frank

Frank Filice is the Marketing Manager for Lowepro USA

Lowepro has teamed up with Nik software to give away a South African Photo Safari Experience of a lifetime.

Led by famed photographer John Paul Caponigro beginning in September 2011, this private photo safari will take you on a wide-ranging exploration of South Africa. The safari will focus on photographing wildlife in the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the many landscapes of the Cape Town region.

Sponsored by Artsy Coutre, Blurb, Datacolor, Graphic Authority, Lowepro, Nik Software, and Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and organized by renowned tour operator Eyes on Africa, you’ll experience some of Africa’s finest wildlife photography opportunities, great accommodations, and expert guiding. These two locations have been selected to create a private safari geared specifically toward serious wildlife, landscape and scenic photography.

Enter the sweepstakes, and read more about the partners and the photo safari at www.safarisweepstakes.com

With video becoming more and more mainstream with today’s DSLRs have you found yourself wanting to learn more? I know I have. Lowepro sponsored videographer and photographer Michael Coleman will be featured at B&H’s Event Space on October 26th from 1:00-3:00pm. He will be letting you in on his shooting secrets, telling you how he got to where is is today as well as  how the new S&F series works for videographers.

Make sure to register here as space is very limited!

Michael Coleman started Colemanfilm Media Group shortly after graduating from Northern Californiaʼs arts college, Exʼpression College for Digital Arts, in March 2003. Michael continued his studies after graduation with legendary Producer/Composer Jack Douglas.

We are super excited to be a sponsor of Michael and be sure to stop by our booth at PPE where he will also be giving a few talks!