Here’s a hand-picked selection of gear that will help you choose the right Lowepro bag for the photographer in your life. Each item is linked to the Lowepro product page for more information and for a ballpark price. But we encourage you to also check with your favorite specialty dealer.

And from all of us here at Lowepro: we wish you a picturesque holiday season!

Gifts Under $50

Apex 110 AW (shoulder bag for Compact System Cameras and all-in-one compacts)
Lightweight, rugged and designed to withstand the elements, Apex AW bags are perfect for even the most discerning adventure photographer.

Exchange Messenger (light messenger bag for all types of cameras)
Combine a classic bike courier profile with Lowepro’s protective and practical design sense and you get the Exchange Messenger — a well-priced DSLR shoulder bag that offers soft-sided protection with modern appeal.

S&F Lens Exchange Case 200 AW (innovative case for DSLR zoom lenses)
Our breakthrough, purpose-built design allows a one-handed lens exchange. This inventive case is ideal for busy photographers who need to switch out lenses as they work.

StreamLine 100 (stylish shoulder bag for Compact System Cameras)
The slim and stylish design of Lowepro’s StreamLine 100 almost conceals the fact that it’s purpose built to fit and carry a compact system camera kit, plus a few extras. Compact, lightweight, yet truly protective, this sleek shoulder bag provides an easy and comfortable way to keep your camera gear within reach.

Gifts Under $75

Passport Sling (versatile sling bag for enthusiast DSLRs and Compact System Cameras)
Lowepro’s Passport Sling is designed for today’s photo enthusiasts who want to carry an equal amount of camera and personal gear as they sightsee, travel, or go out for a walk with their DSLRs. Its unique and comfortable shape is unlike a traditional sling bag — it truly conforms to the body and easily moves with the wearer.

Nova 170 AW (high value shoulder bag for enthusiast DSLRs and Compact System Cameras)
No need to let the weather stop you from shooting –the Nova 170 AW includes a 360 degree All Weather Cover that protects your gear as you work. Size to carry the most popular digital SLR cameras; lenses; memory cards and accessories.

Toploader Zoom 55 AW (case for enthusiast DSLRs with lens attached)
Lowepro’s Toploader Zoom 55 AW offers a weather-protective, streamlined, and easy-access carrying solution for outdoor photography enthusiasts who are passionate about their pursuits. This toploading design is ideal for a day of outdoor activities, travel or sports. With Lowepro’s patented All Weather AW Cover, gear is protected from the elements.

Gifts Under $100

CompuDay Photo 250 (high value backpack for enthusiast DSLRs and Compact System Cameras with laptop storage)
It holds your laptop… and your camera… plus life’s essentials: cell phone, MP3 player, portable hard drive, USB, keys, wallet, snacks, jacket, tickets, pens — any convenient item you want for the day. As you move through the world with your lean and lightweight CompuDay Photo 250 backpack, it’s ready for every inspiration point.

SlingShot 102 AW (sling bag for enthusiast DSLRs and Compact System Cameras)
Designed for the photojournalist. Adopted by the enthusiast. Improved for all! Introducing the next generation of SlingShot AW from Lowepro. Our newest, fast-access SlingShot AW series builds on the inventive design of the original and incorporates what many photographers are looking for: faster access, extra space for personal items, improved organization, and the ability to add a tripod.

Gifts Under $150

DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW (urban backpack for enthusiast and pro DSLRs with laptop or iPad)

The DSLR Video Fastpack AW series builds on the award-winning design of the original Fastpack backpack and incorporates flexible options for today’s multimedia photographer who shoots with a DSLR or HD video-enabled DSLR. Fast access and flexible organization are key elements of this protective, yet lightweight design.

SlingShot 302 AW (sling bag for enthusiast and pro DSLRs)

Innovative sling bag includes: a patented All Weather AW Cover; 3 SlipLock attachment loops; built-in microfiber cleaning cloth; dedicated memory card pockets; and easy-glide zippers; plus a fully padded main camera compartment with an updated divider system to accommodate the most popular DSLR models.

Gifts Under $200

Photo Sport 200 AW (award winning adventure backpack for enthusiast DSLRs and Compact System Cameras)

Adventure sport athletes who like to go fast and light — but equally like to capture the moment — will enjoy the freedom of Lowepro’s Photo Sport 200 AW backpack. It’s an ideal carrying solution for trail running, mountain biking, snowboarding and other active outdoor pursuits. The dual-compartment design offers ample space for personal gear and a camera kit. Contoured adventure-pack construction features ultra-lightweight, resilient and high-performance technical fabrics for improved durability during extreme activity. The Ultra-Cinch Camera Chamber protects camera gear in a padded and secure compartment and helps prevent bouncing while you’re in motion.

Pro Messenger 160 AW (stylish deluxe shoulder bag for pro and enthusiast DSLRs)
When your gear feels right, your work more smoothly. This idea inspired the design of our Pro Messenger AW. Its durable, yet soft exterior is reminiscent of classic canvas, but it’s actually a modern performance fabric. It’s built to fit pro-sized camera gear in configurations you’ve told us work best. And it has an innovative flap that effortlessly folds in half to quiet your moves and quicken your pace.

Pro Runner 300 AW (efficient backpack for enthusiast and advanced DSLRs)
The Pro Runner 300 AW DSLR backpack delivers a compact, streamlined and urban-inspired solution for photographers who carry their gear through crowded airports and busy city streets. This feature-filled design fits a camera, tripod and accessories, plus a few personal items, in a highly organized pack.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

“Cool Gear.” Yep, that’s what celebrity portrait photographer (and Loweprofessional) Brian Smith has to say about our new classic, yet truly modern Pro Messenger AW series.

You can read his impressions on his blog–freshly updated today with some nice shots of how he customizes his gear.

Thanks for the nice review, Brian.

And for those of you who want to know more about this discreet and aesthetically hip messenger solution, take a look at our Pro Messenger AW series page with videos.

Naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough called his photographs “a superb evocation of some of the most breathtaking spectacles in the world”. Eminent photographer and conservationist Art Wolfe documents the world’s fast-disappearing wildlife, landscapes and native cultures on every continent. His award-winning public television series Art Wolfe’s Travels to the Edge brings viewers to far-off places like Mongolia, Mali and the Sahara.

We are delighted that he carries Lowepro bags on photographic adventures and inspired by the new images he brings back. Read our profile and discover how his fine arts background and passion for preservation influence the stunning images the world has come to know and appreciate.

Celebrating 30 Years at the AHA Dinner

Editor’s note: Our Lowepro colleague Rick from the Outdoor/Adventure team documented the American Himalayan Foundation’s “Infamous Annual Dinner” last month. This San Francisco event marked 30 years of making positive changes, and celebrated those achievements with its theme of “Do good, be kind, have fun!” Rick shares some highlights and images here.

“I had the opportunity to photograph the Annual American Himalayan Foundation Dinner on October 26. This was their 30th anniversary. If you’re not familiar with this organization, check out their web site. The foundation does great work in the Himalaya region of Nepal preserving the local culture, supporting and building hospitals and keeping young girls from being trafficked. AHF was founded 30 years ago by few folks who spent time climbing in the Himalaya.

Ed Viesturs, Jimmy Chin, and Conrad Anker

This 30th anniversary dinner was a celebration of those that have been to the summit of Everest. There were more than 20 people there who have made it to the top. The evening’s events included a panel discussion led by author Jon Krakauer who asked questions of Jim Whittaker, Tom Hornbein, Pete Athans, Conrad Anker, Ed Viestures, Jimmy Chin and Apa Sherpa. Apa has made the most visits to the summit—he’s been there 21 times!”

(Rick)

In honor of the recent 2011 Pop Award for “Best for Hiker,” we’re going to give away one Photo Sport 200 AW as part of this week’s Free Bag Friday contest. Pop Photo commented about the bag, “We call this a solid hiking pack because it’s almost literally true: A rigid plastic back panel acts something like a hiking frame.”

If you want to a chance to win this stylish backpack, simply add a comment to this post stating why it appeals to you. The contest is open until 12:01 am PST on Monday, Nov. 14, 2011. Later that day, we’ll post the winner on our Lowepro Facebook Fan Page.

Help us celebrate this wonderful honor from Popular Photography. And by doing so, you just might win yourself a new backpack.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro. Photo compliments of Popular Photography.

The United Nations International Photographic Council bestowed Steve McCurry with a Special Recognition Award for “ceaseless devotion and outstanding achievement”. And that’s just one honorable note on this celebrated photographer’s list of professional and humanitarian accolades. He’s shot so many memorable moments in the past three decades. Perhaps most recognized is the image of a young Afghan girl that appeared in National Geographic magazine in 1985.

See a few of his stunning images and read our profile of Steve McCurry’s work in the Middle East and his philosophy on being present for all the everyday moments that may become legendary.

She’s the originator of Makirama, a wildly unique form of self-portraiture that delights viewers with its vivid color and daring themes. Conceptual photographer Maki Kawakita blends influences from both Eastern and Western cultures in her distinctive style. She’s photographed modern-day celebrities like Beyoncé and Fergie. And her clients include Time Magazine, Marie Claire, Levi Strauss, Sony and Virgin Records, among others.

Kawakita was named one of the best 100 photographers of Japan by Commercial Photography. Read our profile of her and see more images from this artist that we are proud to call one of our Loweprofessionals.