Editor’s note: Lots of brides-to-be say ‘I do’ – as in, I do want you to document my wedding – to internationally acclaimed South African photographer Brett Florens. He enjoys a highly successful career in wedding, commercial and fashion photography. And his editorial portrait work includes sessions with famous South African personalities such as Desmond Tutu, FW de Klerk and cricketer Jonty Rhodes.

Brett’s distinctive photographic style has earned him the honors of being selected as a Nikon® Wedding Photographer and a best-in-field exhibitor at the world’s largest, biennial imaging show, photokina.

We caught up with Brett right before his departure for WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International). He’ll be a featured presenter of “Weddings Meet Fashion” (his image made the cover of this year’s show brochure!) and a visitor to our booth to meet and greet attendees. So stay tuned for information on that by checking in on our Facebook page. For now, enjoy his tips on traveling with gear and the art and business of wedding photography.

P.S. If you’re at WPPI, stop by booth #727 and say hello. We’re giving away a some very cool prize packages each day at the show and online – one includes Brett’s “Modern Wedding Photography” DVD. Not at the show? Not a problem. You have a chance to win online. Stay tuned to our blog next week!

What do you like about working with Pro Messenger AW and Pro Roller Lite AW bags?
When shooting destination assignments, I often find that I am working on the beach or in a field or forest. I can then pack the Pro Messenger with one body and one or two essential lenses, without having to carry all my heavy gear around with me. The Pro Roller Lite is the ideal bag for a wedding photographer; the amount of gear you can pack in it, is impressive. The design is upmarket and suits my brand image. The ergonomics of the bag are very smooth and it is very sturdy, which is important in protecting all the expensive camera gear.

Your workshops and assignments take you all over the world. How do you prepare before you set out?
Two days beforehand, final confirmation with models, hair and make-up and venues are done, either by phone or email. If it’s a wedding, I confirm with the bride or the wedding coordinator on times and venues. Airline seats are also confirmed the day before.

I have been traveling to do workshops and destination weddings for a few years now and have the process of packing for shoots down to a fine art. My cabin baggage is comprised of the Pro Roller Lite 250 (containing all my camera gear). I then pack my Pro Messenger, which also goes on with me into the cabin. In this bag I don’t carry any camera gear, only my travel docs, iPad and toiletries. Then, once I arrive, I have the option of working out of either bag.

My Elinchrom Ranger RX gets safely packed into a Pelican case that is checked in. I take a minimum amount of clothing and this is packed last into the Pelican case. My wife Andrea runs through a checklist with me to confirm that I’ve got all the important documents, clothing and equipment with me! (Watch Brett packing his gear below.)

You’re a featured presenter at WPPI. What do you enjoy about teaching your craft?
Wow, this is huge for me. I have wanted to present at WPPI for a while now and I was asked to present my lecture on drawing inspiration from other photographic genres. My lecture is titled “Fashion Meets Weddings”. I love being able to share my ideas with like-minded people and it such a satisfying feeling when I see the delegates becoming more enthusiastic about their photography as a result of my teaching. I find it incredibly rewarding when I receive messages from people who have attended my workshops or presentations, about the positive influence I have had on their careers. I also enjoy listening to other educators, picking up on tips and techniques from them that will help my business.

Wedding photography is a big business these days and the competition is growing. How do you keep your creative approach fresh and relevant?
My style of wedding photography is very fashion/editorial based. I look to fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and successful fashion photographers for inspiration. Fashion is always changing, and by following the lighting and posing trends in the fashion world, I keep my work current and relevant.

A few extra travel tips from Brett:

1. Book an extra day or two on an assignment; it leaves time to explore and shoot for yourself.
2. Fully charge AA batteries the day before; they generally take longer to charge.
3. Pack a pair of cotton pajamas for a long flight; change them in the restroom — they’re much more comfortable to sleep in than jeans.
4. Wear extra layers of clothes to save on baggage weight allowances; layering helps with that — smart wedding trousers on first, then jeans, T-Shirt, smart shirt and then a jacket.

Editor’s note on March 22, 2013: We have an update and a cool video from Josh to share today. Check out the Trout Unlimited blog. Watch Joshua’s video of Jose “Gia” Mondragon and the Rio Grande del Norte to learn more about these conversation efforts and the connection to place.

What kind of bag does a photographer/videographer and conservation communication specialist choose for a backcountry shoot? The Flipside Sport 15L AW.

On a recent assignment for a Trout Unlimited/Sportsmen’s Conservation project, Joshua Duplechian traveled to the Rio Grande del Norte area of northern New Mexico to document a native land user’s connection to this unique place. To tell this story, Joshua often hiked long distances on the Taos Plateau – a vast, volcanic field with grass and sagebrush mesas, forested slopes and the Rio Grande River cutting through it.

“Keeping things light and simple was, and will always be, the primary goal,” Joshua said. “With the Flipside Sport 15L AW, I was able to comfortably carry a Nikon D800, my 70-200mm 2.8, an 85mm 1.8, a 60mm macro and my 24-70mm 2.8 lenses.

I also carried neutral density filters and compact flash cards which fit well alongside of lenses. Along with that I strapped a tripod and a magic arm to the outside of the bag as well.”

Along with a full camera kit, Joshua relied on the pack to help keep him hydrated. The design includes an easy-access side pocket with space for a 1-liter reservoir and sip-tube port.

“One of the most crucial aspects of the bag was the simple ability to carry water. A lot of times I’ll sacrifice the amount of water I carry or lean on someone else to carry my water for an extra lens.

The Flipside 15L AW allowed me to carry the same hydration bladder I typically carry while mountain biking in the Colorado mountains at home”.

Shooting both stills and video was crucial for the success of this project. Joshua often fields questions from staff, chapter members and outdoor sportsmen and sportswomen about the right gear to use in the backcountry. He finds that fly fishing, hunting and photography often go hand in hand.

“In the past I’ve often cobbled together different pieces and bags in order to get my tools into the backcountry. Now, it’s all there and finally all I have to think about is getting the set of images or video to tell the story of our public lands.”

Are you passionate about a place? Have you shot images of public lands or natural places that mean a lot to you? Please share your experiences and comment here or on our Facebook page.

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.

The new Nikon D7100 DSLR is an exciting camera that features a 24MP CMOS sensor, sans an optical low-pass filter. Along with a 51-point autofocus system (15 of them cross sensors) and 6 fps burst mode, the D7100 with a Nikkor 18-105mm VR lens will sell for around $1,600.

If you plan on adding a D7100 to your kit, then Lowepro has five bags to consider for protecting your investment.

• Pro Messenger 180 AW – D7100 DSLR and attached 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens, plus two extra lenses and a flash in main compartment OR pro DSLR with grip (body only) in front pocket, plus three lenses and a flash in main compartment.
• Photo Sport 200 AW – D7100 DSLR with a kit lens attached, flash, hydration reservoir (not included); toploading compartment with up to 13.9 liters of volume fits personal items such as a hat, light jacket, snack, cell phone, keys, etc.
• DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW – D7100 with attached zoom; 2 extra lenses; 1 pro flash or LED light; headphones; microphone; audio transmitter/receiver set; voice recorder; sound mixer; cables and cords; up to a 15″ laptop; tripod or DSLR video rig; extra accessories.
• Urban Photo Sling 250 – Nikon D7100 with attached 70-200mm lens, 2 extra lenses or a flash OR a flash and 1 lens, tablet, side pocket fits small tripod or water bottle, accessories and personal items.
• Photo Hatchback 22L AW – D7100 with attached lens (up to 18-105mm zoom), 2-3 extra lenses, flash or other accessories, tablet or MacBook Air® 11″, water bottle, extra gear and personal items.

If you’re a fan of YouTube sensation That Nikon Guy –  the photographer and educator Matt Granger — you’ll want to check out our web profile.

Affable, engaged and always sharing good stuff on photography and the latest gear, Matt took time from his crazy schedule to answer a few questions about his work, his social channels and his inspiring mantra for seasoned and new photographers: Get Your Gear Out!

Visit That Nikon Guy and find out about his international workshop series and easy sign-up for the newsletter.

Our full profile is here. Hope you like it.

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.

Editor’s note:  Self-taught and incessantly driven pro photographer Adam Swords doesn’t stand still very often. When he’s not shooting for clients like Honda, Sony, Canon, Dirt Magazine and Mountain Biking UK, you might find him training in Tang Soo Do (he’s attained a fourth-degree black belt in this form of Korean Karate) or documenting the creative, small business owners in his home county of Warwickshire in the West Midlands region of England. And he writes a very entertaining blog as well.

Adam used the Lowepro Street & Field System for a mountain bike shoot in the Forest of Dean – or as he would say, in his kind of environment ”out in the woods shooting sports”. Advanced Photographer covered the shoot and profiled Adam in a recent article.

We asked him how this modular system worked in a non-urban environment and a bunch of other questions about the day-to-day life and aspirations of a successful, active lifestyle photographer/videographer.

Tell us how your Street & Field System set-up helps with your workflow and shooting style.
I’ve always liked to keep things simple with my photography equipment and when I find a solution that works for me, I stick with it. I’m not one for keeping bang up to date with the latest gizmo and gadget and nerding out over the minutia. In my line of work, I need to be sure that my gear will allow me to focus on one thing, getting “that” shot.

The Street & Field System is perfect for me; it’s a no nonsense set up that allows me to carry the essential bits of kit with me when a backpack or roller case won’t cut it. I use mine in environments and situations that don’t lend themselves to laying a bag on the ground in order get in to them – muddy trails and busy pits at motorsport events for example.

By having the essentials on me and within easy reach it means that I can spend more time shooting and less time worrying about changing lenses or rummaging around for a fresh memory card. It’s not often I’m without James my assistant, but when it’s not possible for him to be prepping the next lens change, or handing me fresh batteries, the Street & Field System almost acts like a second pair of hands.

You often combine video with a still shoot. How do you capture content in both mediums and convey the same theme for commercial clients?
This is a request I’m getting more and more from my commercial clients and I’d say it’s heavily attributed to the state of the economy right now and everyone is trying to penny pinch where they can. Luckily for me, I shoot my stills on a Canon 5D MKII, a camera which just so happens to shoot beautiful high definition video. This means that when I switch from shooting stills to video, I’m often still using the same lenses and camera, so the moving images inherently have the same look as the stills. Plus with me directing, I can ensure that my ideas and direction remains consistent across both media, ensuring the aesthetic qualities of both remain congruent. That said, I don’t always shoot video on DSLRs and when we’re using higher end camera equipment on a shoot, I ensure that our lens choice, colour profiles and final grading keep our shots looking similar. Ultimately though, I’d say that my direction is the greatest contributing factor in ensuring the same theme is conveyed in both the stills and video.

What’s the best advice you ever received from a fellow photographer?
I was lucky enough to intern for Chase Jarvis at very beginning of my career and I learned so much from him and the team it’s hard to choose just one thing.

I heard Chase say “A rising tide floats all the boats” a number of times and it’s an ideology that resonated the most with me. I think sharing what we know and helping each other out is a powerful thing and can only serve to boost the quality of not only our own work and the work of others, but tighten relationships within the industry.

It’s an idea not embraced by all and people are often scared of revealing their secrets to other photographers in case they become competition. But the way I look at it is that if I find myself competing with a new photographer because of what I’ve taught them, I’d better be improving and pushing my skills to the next level – It’s healthy.

What inspired you to create your “We are Warwickshire” project?
I shot a lot of automotive work in 2012 and wanted to work on something completely different. I’m an advocate of supporting local independent businesses and thought that a film series showcasing the amazing businesses and interesting people we have right on our doorstep would be a great way to give back to the community. It also allowed me to give the films a slightly more artistic feel and dial down that “sell, sell, sell” knob that is often ramped up to eleven in the commercial sector. I’ve had a great response to the films so far and will be wrapping up the project in a few months’ time with a screening and networking event to connect more people locally. (Editor’s note: You can see the series here.)

Name a geographical place that you’d love to return to or go to for an assignment.
Easy. California. I was lucky enough to travel out there for a week in 2011 for a shoot and I fell in love with the place. Without sounding too hippy, I think it’s my spiritual home.

Favorite new accessory that thrills you each time you use it?
Do I have to choose something photographic? Because in all honesty my favourite new ‘accessory’ is my mini remote control helicopter that I’m learning to fly like a boss around my living room and land on coasters. If I have to make this answer more photo-nerdy, then as a result of flying that I’m actually really interested in trying out some filming using a quad copter for aerial shots.

Most unusual item you keep in your camera bag?
A moustache drawn in sharpie on a piece of clear plastic! We use it on shoots to lighten the mood by asking all of the people on set to hold it up and have their photo taken.

Watch Adam’s Street & Field System shoot.