Once again, we pulled out all the stops at Europe’s biggest annual imaging show: Focus-On-Imaging. As Tim Sadler, our category manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, put it, “The pressure was on to rejuvenate the halls and make this year’s show one of the best”.

Lowepro products spotlighted at the show included the Rover Pro AW, Passport Sling II and brand new Flipside Sport 20L AW – the biggest model in our Flipside Sport AW series. For more on this high-performance adventure pack, check out the Camera Diner interview with Lowepro’s Tim Sadler at the 28 minute mark.

We were pleased to have a stellar array of speakers – and as we like to think, members of the extended Lowepro family – take part in the show and engage the crowd with their recent and upcoming projects. The inspirational list of photographers: Colin Prior, David Noton, and Catherine Connor and David Southard from Wild Arena – plus dynamic newcomers to our speaking area including: Percy Dean, Tom Bunning, Luke Massey and Rebecca Litchfield.

To quote Tim again: “Some of the crowds were wild, some of the crowds were mild, but everyone left wanting to get out with their camera and take some great shots!”

Thanks to the UK and European teams, photographers and attendees who made a few days in Birmingham, England incredibly memorable.

Editor’s note: Lowepro product developer Ryan Hetzel recently returned from a trip to Myanmar. We asked him to share what it was like getting ready for this type of ‘adventure of a lifetime’ and if the experience met his expectations. Here’s his trip report.

“As I planned a break for this winter, I decided I had a need for adventure. The chance to see a distinct and relatively fresh culture led me to Myanmar, a country recently opening up after years of rigid government control. I was curious about the effects of slowed development on this country – a little like traveling back in time to how more mainstream destinations (such as Thailand) were 10 to 20 years ago. The people of the countries I visit fascinate me, and with this trip. I looked forward to observing relatively intact traditional lifestyles.

For the trip, I took a Nikon D700 digital camera with 20-35mm lens for documentary-style photography. The wide-angle zoom allowed me to capture the landscape and people as I saw them in everyday life. The 20mm is ultra wide so I was able to include a fairly large scene easily. And the 35mm is close to what the human eye sees (closer to 50mm), so it captures a more ‘normal’ view.

I also took a Hasselblad film camera with 400 speed black and white film. I used it to create more refined images where I paid more close attention to the finer details, especially when shooting portraits with 80mm lens. This lens (around a 50mm equivalent focal length compared to my Nikon) works really well for tight portraits as well as landscape compositions.

Finding a bag that offered great protection, a perfect fit for the equipment, and also was subtle about being a camera bag was tricky. Looking around and after trying different bags, I ultimately chose the Stealth Reporter D200 AW as it fit all the gear and has a bunch of handy organization. The bag worked fantastically well; in fact it exceeded my expectations as it proved to be versatile, flexible and durable over and over during the trip. All my gear fit well with enough separate pockets to allow for great organization.

As I prepared for the trip, I considered only shooting film – no digital. Part of me wishes I did. The style of shooting that film creates for me is very rewarding. I’m drawn in to pay very close attention to every detail, and then I still don’t know if I got the shot until I develop the film. Also I spend a lot of time in the darkroom, so having more negatives to print from would have been equally rewarding. Digital is great, but black and white film images are always a closer match to how I originally saw the scene.

Looking back, I learned a lot about the quality of light and how big a part this plays in a successful image. While exploring ancient temples (just like Indian Jones!), I noted the nuances of light, and in my later review of images, saw dramatic differences in the outcome of these subtle changes. I gained a fair amount of confidence and efficiency in composing on the fly.  As the Hasselblad is a slow camera and people don’t necessarily have all day to wait for you to take a picture, there is need for efficiency in exposure, focus and composition. The biggest thing I forgot was the complexity of everyday life back in the US. Life on the road – especially in Myanmar – was simple, full and rich.

Now that I’ve returned to my everyday life, I’m still developing film. It’s exciting to pull the developed negatives out of the can and view them for the first time. I recount the moments and adventures I had in Myanmar and smile every time.”

Are you inspired by Ryan’s adventure? Leave us a comment and tell us about a recent photo adventure you’ve had or where you’d like to go next.

Late last year, we launched the Rover Pro AW series and since then we’ve seen photographers take these bags all over the world. We recently spent time with Photographer and Filmmaker, Corey Rich to talk about what it’s like to carry the Rover Pro 45L AW on an assignment. Below are a few of his impressions of his full day with our mountain-stye, technical photo pack.

A Day in the Life: Corey Rich, Photographer/Filmmaker

This is the first overnight backpack that allows me to go into the woods or into the backcountry. It allows me to carry all of the necessary equipment I need to be comfortable outside. And to carry all of the equipment I need to be a photographer and filmmaker in those environments.

A Pack for All Gear

I like working with a camera bag that has the functionality of an outdoor pack. It really carries like an outdoor industry backpack. And it packs like one, too.

Built for Comfort

A comfortable fit is really important to me as I work. This pack is ultra lightweight with durable fabrics. And the design features really allow me to adapt the pack to my body. I appreciate the hydration pocket that lets me move quickly, but maintain hydration.

Flexibility in the Backcountry

A multifunctional camera pack like this works well in the backcountry. I actually can add and subtract compartments for cameras depending on how much equipment I need.

Technical, Mountain-Style Pack

These are the types of things I expect from any outdoor pack: high-performance technical fabrics, a comfortable suspension system, easy access to hydration, and multi-functional storage space.  Now we have this in the photography world with the Rover Pro AW.  This makes my job easier so I can focus on the task at hand.

I take a lot of photos of my kids. I’m a mom to two boys. It’s what I do. My two-year-old has started to get a bit frustrated with being one of the two things I focus my camera on most. A few weeks before the holidays he said, “No pictures, Mommy!” I nearly fell down laughing. Clearly, I’ve become the paparazzi mom, but since documenting my little guys is so important, I need to figure something out.

At that point, Christmas was coming and if he wasn’t going to let me take pictures or video of him and his brother, what was I going to do? I had to think of something and fast. I’ve got it! GoPro! I could wear a camera and the little ones wouldn’t notice!

On Christmas Eve, I get the GoPro camera ready. I had done a few test shots and video of the dog, who equally has an aversion to getting his picture taken prior to Christmas Eve, but I didn’t realize the sound quality isn’t that great inside the waterproof housing, so my first thought of capturing my son’s reaction to Santa visiting our house overnight is quickly squashed. It’s too late to buy yet another accessory (The Frame) to solve my problem.

Santa is on his way. We saw his sleigh tracker and boy, that guy moves fast! There was no way we were going to clearly hear his commentary of the morning, which would clearly be cute as can be. He’s two; it’s bound to be adorable.

So, how to figure this out? Well, I roped my husband into helping. He took video with the iPhone to document the morning and I strapped the GoPro onto my chest harness for a different perspective. I also used the GoPro to do a time lapse of the gift opening, which was epic. Of course the two-year-old opened his younger brother’s presents because at 10-months old, he’s far too young to understand Santa. With the excitement of Santa, my little guys didn’t even notice the cameras.

The boys were lucky enough to receive a Zoo membership for Christmas and we used the GoPro to document the visit. I love being able to mount the GoPro to various things, including my own body to free myself up to either grab a toddler or shoot with my Canon 60D.

The Set Up

• Canon 60D with 18-200
• GoPro Hero 3 with an obscene amount of accessories
• iPhone
• Photo Hatchback 22L AW
• JOBY Ultrafit Sling Strap for women
• JOBY Tripods (2)

Are you heading to Photo Plus this week? If you are, make sure you come by the Lowepro booth (#736) to see our wonderful photographer friends and enjoy product demonstrations. It’s a great time to get a firsthand look at the new products like Rover Pro AW, Passport Sling II and Photo Hatchback AW.

We’re giving away some great gear throughout the week, so if you don’t already follow us on Twitter or Facebook, make sure you do – you’ll wan to get every update.

Thursday

10:30 Stephen Johnson: A Photographers Pack. Being prepared means having what you need. Steve will spend a few minutes detailing what is in his pack, why, and the things he always has to carry when the camera pack cannot come along.

11:00 Tony Gale: Night Photography. Tony will be discussing Night photography and some unusual lights that Tony keeps in his Lowepro bag

Noon Aaron Nace of Phlearn: Photoshop Demonstration. Aaron will conduct a Photoshop tutorial including step-by-step creations of some of his more popular images.

12:30 Todd Williams: Performance, protection and style.  Find out how Lowepro bags allow Todd to carry multiple camera systems into the back country and handle the weather – if it’s 100 degrees or 20.

1:15 Blair Bunting: The Deadliest Catch Almost Didn’t Happen. Blair will discuss how Lowepro saved “The Deadliest Catch” shoot in Alaska

1:45 Tim Grey: Photography on the Go. In this session Tim Grey will share some of his favorite tips for making the most of your photography on-the-go. Whether you’re traveling halfway around the world or just across town, these tips will help you work more efficiently.

2:30 Brian Smith: Secrets of Great Portrait Photography. Celebrity portrait photographer Brian Smith is a Pulitzer Prize winner known for his bold, iconic portraits of celebrities and athletes. His new book ‘Secrets of Great Portrait Photography: Photographs of the Famous and Infamous‘ blends the lavish celebrity portraits of a coffee table book with technical how-to insights – plus offers up a side of behind-the-scenes celebrity stories. In this sexy, bold, beautiful book, Brian tells the stories behind the photos and lessons learned in 30 years of photographing celebrities and people in all walks of life.

3:45 Seth Resnick: Shooting In Extreme Conditions. Seth Resnick’s work is about color but his muse is ice. Seth will show recent work from both the Arctic and the Antarctic. The worlds that people assume are white are anything but white. Come enjoy pictures that truly look like they came from a different planet.

Friday

10:00 Vincent Versace: Burma. Vincent will discuss his most recent photography adventure in Burma.

11:15 Corey Rich:It Starts with Passion. Corey will share how his path to making powerful and compelling photographs starts with finding your passion. Like anything in life, the willingness to put the effort and sacrifice into those things which mean the most is essential. Recognizing individual passions and talents is fundamental to leading a fulfilling life. While it might seem counter-intuitive, it’s import to step away from photography from time to time in search of your personal expertise. What is it that you truly know and love? In what areas are you an expert? The next step is to apply your photographic skills and passion to share this expertise through images.

11:30 Nevada Wier: Going Light! Sometimes one just needs to carry a camera with one or two lenses. Nevada will demonstrate using the new Passport Sling II, S&F Series, Outback and Inverse. She will talk about when she uses these bags and why.

12:15 John Paul Caponigro: The Art of Traveling. John Paul will discuss how he prepares for making the most of a photography adventure, both physically and mentally.

12:30 John Isaac: The Art of Seeing. John will discuss photographing the wild tigers in his native India.

1:15 Robert Beck: Sport Photography. Robert will discuss his years shooting for sports publications like Sports Illustrated.

1:45 Tim Grey: Photos on the Map. In this session Tim Grey will demonstrate a wide variety of possibilities for adding location information to your photos automatically or manually, so you’ll always know where your favorite photos were captured.

2:00 Ed Heaton: The Lowepro Advantage. Ed will discuss the advantages of his Lowepro bag as a landscape photographer.

3:00 Dan Bailey Which outdoor pack is right for you? How and why he uses 4 different packs.

Saturday

10:15 Lou Jones: Designing Your Life. Lou shares his thoughts on the sustainability of commercial photography and how to survive in the perplexing new age of photography.

11:30 Mark Alberhasky: Packing to Travel. There’s a popular expression, “less is more”, used in many situations to illustrate the value of simplicity. But as you’ll discover from hearing professional photographer/traveler Mark Alberhasky speak, the best answer to keeping things simple may not be exactly what you think.

12:45 Andy Katz: Travel Photography. Andy will be discussing his recent photography adventure in India

1:00 Ian Spanier: Five Different Shoots, Five different bags. From the studio to the field, learn how Ian uses 5 different Lowepro bags to make sure he has everything he needs.

2:00 Chris Rainier: Cultures on the Edge. Chris Rainier will share his insights on his new photography monograph, Cultures on the Edge.  The book is a visual exploration, documenting the rituals, daily lives and spiritual landscape of ancient cultures struggling to maintain their traditions in a modern world.

Here’s your intro to the Photo Hatchback, and it’s our selection for this week’s Free Bag Friday.

Maximize your carrying options for all-day adventures with this versatile backpack. Available in two sizes, it offers a body-side opening, a removable camera box, plus multi-functional compartments.

Here’s how to enter to win!

Rules:

• Tweet @Lowepro
• Mention why you’d love to get this bag in the same tweet
• Use hashtag #PhotoHatchback

Not on Twitter? No problem.

• Share a photo of your current camera bag and why you need the Photo Hatchback on Instagram.
• Use hashtags #Lowepro and #PhotoHatchback.

Not on Twitter or Instagram? Just add a comment to this blog about how you’d use the bag if you won. We’ll randomly select a winner on Tuesday, October 16. The winning comment will be posted here and on our Facebook Fan Page.

Open internationally, but void where prohibited. One winner will be chosen randomly.

It’s technically Thursday, but this week’s selection for Free Bag (Almost) Friday is the Rover Pro 45L AW.

When you need to carry your camera and basic camping gear to the back country, carry it all in the first technical, mountain-style photo pack of its kind: Rover Pro AW. It’s designed for active outdoor photographers who need a comfortable way to hike with heavy loads over long, varied terrain.

Have you seen the new Rover Pro 45L AW and said to yourself, “that bag was built for me?” Well, we want to give one to some lucky photographer! Here’s how you can enter to win.

Rules:

• Tweet @Lowepro
• Mention why you’d love to get this bag in the same tweet
• Use hashtag #RoverPro

Not on Twitter? No problem.

• Share a photo of your current camera bag and why you need the Rover Pro 45L AW on Instagram.
• Use hashtags #Lowepro and #RoverPro.

Not on Twitter or Instagram? Just add a comment to this blog about how you’d use the bag if you won. We’ll randomly select a winner on Tuesday, September 25. The winning comment will be posted here and on our Facebook Fan Page.

Open internationally, but void where prohibited. One winner will be chosen randomly.