In between testing some product for 2011 and launching the new Street and Field range at Photokina we managed to catch up with UK Loweprofessional Percy Dean to talk about his recent work trip to China.

Kowloon – Hong Kong – Image by Percy Dean

So Percy tell me about this trip to China?

China was un-believable… Probably one of the best trips I have ever been on, from the people that we met to the people we travelled with. It was just one of those dream come true scenarios. Vans Footwear had commissioned me to shoot a photographic document of their European team as they journeyed around the world collating their ‘1966’ skateboard DVD; the project developed into a book that will accompany the films release.

How was it taking pictures on the streets?

It was good for me because the people we encountered were so amazed by the skateboarding that they didn’t really pay much attention to me or the camera, but for the skaters it was hard having crowds in their hundreds amass every time they skated a spot.

When you’re setting up for a skate shot do you have a clear idea of what result you are looking for?

I have shot skateboarding for 18 years and so I have the visual wreckage of thousands of skateboarding pictures already in my head. The battle is to not be repetitive in my set-up, to make things not look the same. It’s also difficult to make the images about more than ‘just a skateboard trick’. Skateboarding to me is about where the culture of skateboarding and the real world collide; trying to represent that, and make a good ‘skateboard picture’ is a difficult procedure.

What kit have you been using out in the field?

I got a Classified 250 AW in my Lowepro package and have used it to death. It was weird to switch from my usual backpack to a shoulder mount, but now I couldn’t be without it. The Nikon D700, with a grip for sequences is my workhorse, the low light capabilities are invaluable to me when trying to shoot high speed in difficult circumstances. That speed problem is also solved by a bunch of Pocket Wizards and small Nikon Speedlights. I just need to make my kit tight and light… Skating around cities with a full load is no joke. When you’ve hit a few curbs at full blast and had a surplus of gear hit you in the back of the head enough times you soon learn how to downsize.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I currently have an exhibit called ‘Clouds Of Glory’ running at the Brighton Photo Fringe that the Arts Council kindly supported I also have a couple of interesting documentary projects on the boil and have been shooting a lot of HD, I feel like a kid again when I use video, its so exiting.

Classified 250 on Location in Quing Xi China - Image by Percy Dean

Cheers Percy!

To find our more about Percy Dean and his photography check out his site here

To find out details of his current ‘Clouds of Glory’ Exhibition click here.

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!

Hi my name is Pete Hill and I am the VP of Design here at Lowepro.

Earlier this summer I attended the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City. While the show is not focused on photography it is a great place to look at new materials and trends in rugged good-looking bags. It also represents my professional roots, with more than 25 years spent designing products in that industry. With such a long history in outdoor, the show is a great place for me to catch up with old friends and now their children.

At this summer’s show I was introduced to the niece of and old friend, Todd Skinner. Todd, a professional rock climber, was killed in a climbing accident a few years back and his passing left a void for me as it did all of his friends and family. So it was a real pleasure to meet his niece Becca.   A college student and a hard working photographer, Becca was in Salt Lake to meet up with Lowepro photographer Chris Noble  to work as his photo assistant on a shoot in West Water Canyon. 

After meeting her I took a look at her blog  and her site . It’s the work of a young photographer, but one that is putting the time in to create sincere work. As family of an old friend I wanted to make sure she had the right bag to support her work. The one she chose was the ProRunner 450 AW. She needed the size for all her gear and her computer.  I am looking forward to getting her feedback.

Sponsored by Lowepro, David Noton’s highly acclaimed ‘Chasing the Light’ Road Show arrived in Edinburgh last week with great success.

The award-winning landscape and travel photographer entertained his audience of over 200 people at the prestigious Royal College of Physicians with a full audio visual experience including high-definition projection, music and video clips.

Attendees enjoyed the stunning images from David’s photo shoots around the world, heard the stories relating to them and found out about some of the equipment David uses on his travels including a range of Lowepro bags including the award-winning Pro Trekker AW Series.

David’s travels have taken him to almost every part of globe during his 24 years as a photographer, and he engaged the audience with tales of the trials, challenges and rewards he has encountered during this time. He also talked about new directions including his experimentation with infrared photography and an increasing interest in wildlife photography.

Members of the UK Lowepro team were in attendence to enjoy the show and be on hand for any product questions.

To find out more details about David Noton and his upcoming shows check here.

Yesterday saw the annual Gear of the Year awards hosted by Bauer Media take place in London. Drums rolled and Fireworks went off as the winner of the Best Camera Bag 2010 was announced. Needless to say we were absolutely blown away that the Pro Trekker Series won this mighty accolade!

Since launching the Pro Trekker series earlier this year, the 5 star reviews and awards have rolled in from all corners of the globe. It has simply been called ‘The Ultimate Expedition Camera bag‘.

Here in the UK it has become the industry standard and staple choice for the leading Landscape and Outdoors Photographers including Colin Prior, David Ward and David Noton.

Please note: Whilst this image shows the Pro Trekker 600 AW carrying an expensive bottle of Champagne, we do not recommend you carrying it into the field as it may effect your focus!

Here at Lowepro we love our pro photographers. A few moths ago, we struck up a new partnership with an extremely talented pro photographer. His name is Andrew Jorgensen and he has shot his fair share of  rockstars. He’s also a big fan of Lowepro gear.  He likes the size and ruggedness of the Vertex 200 for trekking around to different festivals, and capturing that perfect moment. He sent me this shot turning the Vertex 200 into a glorified rockstar.

Which Lowepro product is a Rockstar for you?

Please share in the comments!

-Frank

If you think Red Bull is just an energy drink, think again. There are a couple of Red Bull projects we’ve participated in that are really interesting. The first is Red Bull Illume, a photo contest for action and adventure sports photographers. The second is the Red Bull Photofiles, an elite international group of Red Bull action adventure sports photographers who cover extreme sports events.

Red Bull Illume combines a photo contest with a traveling outdoor gallery. Photographers compete in 10 different catagories. A winner is selected in each category, as well as one photographer chosen as the overall grand prize winner. Lowepro is once again providing gear for the grand prize and each of the category winners and we’re really excited about this year’s contest. The countdown is on — the winners will be announced tomorrow in Dublin, Ireland with the unveiling of the exhibition and the awarding of the prizes. So, if you happen to be in or near Dublin, get on over to Front Square at Trinity College where the gallery will be on display every night through the 11th of September between 8pm and 10pm. Admission is free — and we promise, you’ll be really impressed with the images!

Another project we are involved with is the Red Bull Photofiles. The Red Bull folks sponsor some of the most exciting, most hair-raising, extreme sports competitions in the world. Everything from cliff diving and surfing to moto racing and grand prix with air racing and ski descents thrown in for good measure. They have a hand-selected team of photographers who capture all the excitement — which is where we come in. We have been supplying gear for their sponsored photogrphers, and they really put our bags to the test. Even if you aren’t into extreme sports, you’ll be in awe when you check out some of their images and stories.

Oh, and if you make it to the opening of the Red Bull Illume, look for David Flynn who manages our interestes in Ireland. If you see him, make sure you tell him Sam sends her regards!