He’s kind of like the Indiana Jones of the outdoor-adventure photography world. Our friend and professional photographer Dan Bailey created this incredibly entertaining (and informative) video post on his recent day trips with the Photo Sport 200 AW.

Watch his in-action review while skiing at the Alyeska Resort in Alaska. Enjoy the view and the ride. Read his full review of the pack on his blog. Thank you so much, Dan!

Jacquie Nelsen's Lowepro backpack after its ordeal with a black bear

Editor’s note: It’s not backed by a scientific study, but we occasionally hear from our customers that bears like Lowepro bags. Perhaps they’re just fond of backpacks in general! Our newest story comes from Jacquie Nelsen. She attended a recent Vancouver Photo Workshop along the West Coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia and has this tale to tell. We are so glad that you and your gear are okay, Jacquie.

“While attending a Vancouver Photo Workshop in Tofino, BC, my Primus AW backpack (filled with more than $15K worth of camera gear) was ‘attacked’ (as in dragged, jumped on, bitten, rolled on, sat on, and the foam plucked out of it) by a black bear. I was taking long exposure shots on Long Beach with my bag (no food inside) right next to me. The bear came out of nowhere, grabbed my bag and proceeded to use it as a play toy.

I ran (I’m sorry to say—I had no time to back up or walk in a calm or cool fashion). I watched for 45 minutes with the hope that he/she wouldn’t drag my gear from the beach into the adjacent forest, never to be seen again. In the end, I recovered my beaten bag with all my gear inside. The bag is still useable, despite many scars, and a lost strap or two; however, the gear was untouched, thus protected by my Lowepro bag.”

We’re pleased to share the news that Bernard Brault (our friend and a long-time Loweprofessional) has won three Best Press Photo Awards from the coveted Antoine Desilets Prize. The award is named in honor of Quebec’s distinguished “father” of photojournalism, Antoine Desilets.

This prize is administered by the Professional Federation of Quebec Journalists and is awarded to photographers in five categories.

Bernard Brault took the honors in three of these: news, essay and sports. And he was kind enough to share the winning entries with us.

Best News Photo: Half-submerged trailer at Lacolle floods

Best Photo Essay: The forces of nature during the flood

Best Sports Photo: Michael Phelps at the Canada Cup

We love to read about what our friend Dan Bailey is up to. He’s a professional shooter based in Anchorage, Alaska who specializes in outdoor, adventure and travel photography for lots of clients who rely on his no-fear spirit to get the shots they need.

His recent blog post is timely—a top-ten list of cool, inspirational and practical gift ideas for the photographer in your life—just in time for holiday giving. Read his post and you’ll see a fast and lightweight idea for an adventure sports shooter (it’s number 9 on Dan’s list).

He received a Pulitzer Prize for his photographs of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. And his image of Pope John Paul II graced the cover of Newsweek in 2005. But celebrity portrait photographer Brian Smith’s newest project, ART & SOUL: Stars Unite to Celebrate and Support the Arts, is his most passionate and personal to date.

Check out his blog; it’s filled with fresh images from recent projects—like his work photographing contestants from the X Factor—and news about appearances and exhibitions. And read more about the man who had cupcakes with Anne Hathaway. We showcase more images from his recent publication in our profile.

Reserve an hour of your time on Monday, December 12 from 11am to 12pm PST (2 to 3pm EST) for our exclusive webinar with Sports Illustrated photographer Robert Beck. His topic: Secrets to Better Sports Photography.

Join us as Robert shares his insights and experience on the art and craft of preparing for and shooting dynamic and intimate sports imagery.

This event is sure to fill up quickly, so please sign up now to reserve your spot.

He’s an artist with his camera and his POV. He’s a fabulous teacher who takes enthusiast shooters to many exotic and exciting locations. He’s a true digital innovator and co-founder of D-65, a workshop, training and consulting company. Seth Resnick was chosen as one of the 30 most influential photographers of the decade by Photo District News magazine. We are honored to call him a partner and Loweprofessional.

Check out his profile. You’ll learn a lot in a quick read; Seth is happy to share his tips. And view some of his amazing images on our site and more on his own. Enjoy reading more about professional photographer Seth Resnick.