As I look at Lowepro’s latest outdoor backpacks, I notice there are some distinctive features among them. The Flipside Sport emphasizes camera gear. If you need the most capacity for photography, it’s a great choice. The Photo Hatchback is a fun travel bag for those who are going to end up on the trail. Plus it has a dedicated iPad sleeve. And for the pure day hike experience, I like the Photo Sport 200 AW.

It accommodates both a water bottle and a hydration bladder. The rucksack design allows me to pack my personal gear in a variety of configurations. The bottom buckle straps are perfect for transporting my roll-up ground pad, and the expandable front pocket is where I keep an extra jacket for when the weather turns (not to mention the All Weather cover in the bottom that protects the entire pack). There are four zippered pockets: one inside the backpack, another on top, and two on the waist band. So small items don’t get lost.

And then there’s the cinch-up camera box. I typically carry my DSLR with a standard lens there, then stash a long zoom inside the bag. On the trail, I’ll sometimes move the long zoom to the side mesh pocket for quick access. That way I can switch lenses easily.

So, when I’m off for a day-long hike, the Photo Sport 200 AW is my first choice. It accommodates all of my hiking gear, plus protects my DSLR in any weather condition.

Editor’s note: Our colleague and design director Rick is looking forward to attending his next adventure with the Summit Series of Photography Workshops. He’ll head to Jackson, Wyoming September 22 to join other wilderness shooters for an active week of photographing climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and more. He’ll share highlights of his trip this fall.
A couple months ago I wrote about my terrific experience at the Summit Series Aurora Multimedia Workshop in Boulder, Colorado. I wanted to let you know about the Adventure Photography Workshop on the Summit Series schedule this September in Jackson, Wyoming. I’ll be attending along with Kendra our outdoor designer. We’re both looking forward to it.

They have an awesome group of instructors scheduled, including editors from The North Face and National Geographic Adventure, as well as photographers Corey Rich, Lucas Gilman and Sadie Quarrier – to name just a few.

Jackson will be a spectacular photography location at the end of September. The schedule includes plenty of time for shooting with guidance and techniques from the pros, as well as learning from the editors about the keys to success. Other topics such as career development, workflow and general insights into the business will round out the week.

If you’re looking to expand your photography in the world of outdoor adventure, this promises to be a full week of experience. Check out their site for more details and to sign up. The workshop takes place September 22 through 27.

Kendra and I will share insights we learned from the workshop and include imagery from this amazing part of the West when we get back. Stay tuned!

- Rick

We’d like to thank Cristina Mittermeier for her generosity and insights, as well as Sony for co-hosting the Shooting Your Vision webinar with us. If you missed it, please check back to view the full webinar by going to our Ask the Pro page.

Here are a few highlights from Cristina’s presentation. She uses Lowepro’s Pro Roller Lite AW and SlingShot 302 AW as her go-to bags. And she is a big believer in being prepared and organized – in everything from packing redundant gear (“accidents can happen”) to cleaning supplies to a camera manual.

Cristina shared her ten ideas on unleashing creativity and telling stories with images. One fundamental idea is: research. Cristina is an advocate of spending the time and effort to know where you’re going and how you’ll get by once you get there. She spends hours on Google Earth looking at sunrise and sunset times, learning about ecosystems, memorizing a few sentences in a foreign language – all in order to be prepared and enjoy the shooting experience.

Shoot more than you need is idea #6. Even though it may seem like you’re shooting the same scene, you’re looking for something to change (the light, the perfect subject to move into the frame, an animal action). “Just keep shooting it. And when you think you’re done; shoot some more.”

One of Cristina’s most passionate photographic stories is to convey how people depend on marine ecosystems. She is always amazed “how much effort it takes people to pull out of the ocean just a handful of fish.”

Cristina Mittermeier is the founder of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP), a consortium of some of the world’s best photographers who are actively working for conservation. Her work is represented by National Geographic Stock. See more imagery on her web site and learn about the work of the ILCP.

Editor’s note: Lowepro friend and sports photographer Kohjiro Kinno is shooting in London now with colleague Robert Beck for Sports Illustrated. We caught up with him (just for a nano-moment; his schedule is busy as you might imagine) to get a few impressions.

Men's Field Hockey, © Kohjiro Kinno

Your schedule must be pretty exhausting. What’s it like to cover the world of amazing athletes in this fascinating city?
The first few days were the most challenging. Opening ceremonies ended around 12:30am and after everything, I got back to my hotel around 3:30am. On the shuttle to our first venue by 6am. Some people didn’t even sleep. Probably got back to the hotel that night around 1am. Then back on the shuttle around the same time. This went on for 3 days. Everybody looked like zombies. After awhile you get used to not sleeping. Tempers are shorter; patience is put to the test. Little things start to irritate you. People are a little… edgy. You fall asleep on the shuttle bus and miss your spot. But after a week or so, things calm down, you start making good photos, all is good, you love everybody. You see world-class athletes with tears of joy, tears of defeat, the music of your national anthem plays…. Great Britain’s national anthem plays with EVERY Brit singing along. It’s the best.

What’s the most challenging venue so far? Why?
So far I’ve been to the Olympic Stadium (Track), Aquatic Center (Swimming, Diving and Synchronized Swimming), Field Hockey Stadium, Basketball Arena, and the Marathon Area. It’s been all easy to get to and easy to get in and out quickly. The photo staff the London Olympic Committee put together has been very helpful to make nice pictures. The most challenging part, no matter what the venue, is just finishing the day with a set of nice photos.

Swimmers Underwater, © Kihjiro Kinno

Favorite Brit-food snack to keep you on-the-go?
Wine Gums (kinda like gummy bears) and McDonald’s. Yup, we’re living large.

Most surprising moment you captured?
Being able to photograph from underwater during the Aquatics Competition. Especially the Synchronized Swimmers from underwater; it’s very surreal and yet very beautiful.

As summer draws to a close and photography students return to campus, they can balance their artistic pursuits with the demands of daily life with a comfortable, stylish, everyday bag. Lowepro offers a variety of carrying solutions, starting with our overall recommendation for 2012: the Photo Hatchback 16L AW.

The Top Choice

How does the photographer/student protect their camera gear while transporting those personal items needed for a busy day on the go?

For many, the Photo Hatchback AW ($99 to $119 US) may be the perfect answer. It comes in two sizes and features a padded camera box with storm-flap closure and grab handles that offer customizable storage for a complete camera kit. And when not shooting, remove the camera box to convert the bag into a fully functional daypack with plenty of storage space. So as your day changes, so can your backpack. Protect you photo gear when heading out for a shoot, or use the entire capacity for personal items.

Backside camera access allows the photographer to quickly retrieve the camera without having to remove the backpack. The dedicated iPad pocket protects a tablet computer, plus leaves room for periodicals and papers. Dual mesh side pockets are designed for water bottles and other personal items.

The Photo Hatchback comes in two sizes: 16L and 22L. Both include an All Weather AW Cover™ that protects bag and gear for times when the climate is less than perfect.

Street-smart styling, versatility, and excellent value all come together in our top pick for the fall season.

Specialty Bags Tailored to Your Individual Photography Style

No two photographers pack the exact same gear. That’s why we design specialty bags designed to your individual approach.

Camera and Laptop

The DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW ($149)combines dedicated camera storage, secure laptop compartment, and lots of room for personal items.

Pack your gear in the dedicated camera compartment. When it’s time to shoot, grab your gear from the fast-access, side-entry pocket. A separate laptop pocket keeps your workstation within reach. And a Hideaway Tripod Mount™ secures a tripod or DSLR video rig to the side of the pack. Additional features include: a built-in All Weather AW Cover™ to protect gear from moisture; hidden ID pocket; stretch-mesh side pocket; grab handle; and stow-away waistbelt to minimize extra bulk when traveling.

Classic Photo Bag

The Pro Messenger 180 AW’s ($209) 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.

Interior dividers are padded and adjustable to fit a variety of pro-sized gear in a number of configurations. A Dual-Purpose Pocket transforms from handy storage space to travel-friendly trolley sleeve with a fast unzipping.
Additional street-friendly features include: a built-in All Weather AW Cover™ to protect gear from moisture and dust; an expandable, zippered front pocket; a detachable, grab handle for an extra carrying option; plus a thickly padded shoulder strap for long-wearing comfort.

Camera and Personal Items

The award winning Passport Sling ($74) is designed for today’s photo enthusiasts who want to carry an equal amount of camera and personal gear as they explore the world 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.

On the exterior, two slash pockets and a water bottle pocket provide quick access to books and other goodies. Inside, the sling is equipped to protect your DSLR and a few accessories as well as offer plenty of space for personal items. Unzip the front of the Passport Sling to reveal an expansion compartment that adds approximately 30% more space—enough to accommodate items like a light jacket or lunch. A fully padded camera box (with built-in memory card pocket) protects a DSLR. Remove it and collapse the box when you want to pack the sling in a larger bag for travel.

Compact System Camera and iPad

The Urban Photo Sling 150 ($84) provides 3 wearing options: front, back and side for versatility, comfort and added security. This stylish bag features 2 loading options: top and full panel for maximum organization of camera gear and a tablet.

The modern, streamlined design makes it easy to grab gear and capture images. You can load and unload from the top for easy access or with the front panel fully open for maximum organization. A variety of carrying options allow you to customize the bag to your working style.

For Your Compact System Camera

The Event Messenger 100 ($59) features a Dual-Mode Flap design and Grab-and-Go access. It’s streamlined, lightweight and easy to carry. Get full access to your gear via the wide main compartment. It includes a padded and adjustable divider system to organize your kit in multiple ways. Use the Dual-Mode Flap to go from maximum security mode to quiet working mode by unfolding or folding the hook/loop fasteners.

This modern messenger bag looks stylishly discreet, and is perfect home for your Compact System Camera with an extra lens or two and a handful of accessories.

The Dashpoint 30 ($24) is a multi-functional, outdoor-inspired pouch offers a lightweight, yet rugged carrying solution for a wide variety of electronic devices. It features removable/adjustable shoulder strap with rotating snaphooks and offers comfortable fit with increased mobility.

Its durable EVA padding provides protective, impact-resistant construction and the built-in memory card pocket supplies a convenient place to stash spare memory—right inside top lid.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

We’re extremely excited to present an exclusive (and free!) webinar with renowned conservation photographer Cristina Mittermeier. She’ll present Shooting Your Vision on Thursday, August 9 at 11am PDT and 2pm EDT.

Cristina will share some of her techniques and insights, including how to sketch your shot, relying on research, the 30-60-10 rule, how to articulate your story and learning to appreciate and learn from failure. Passion and vision—as she so clearly demonstrates in her own work—will be key themes to inspire your photographic pursuits.

Cristina is the founder of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP), a consortium of some of the world’s best photographers who are actively working for conservation. Her work is represented by National Geographic Stock.

Please join us for this very special webinar co-sp0nsored by Sony and Lowepro. Sign up here.

Our thanks go out to Jesse Kalisher for presenting The Photographers’ View: Composition & Design. We’ll give you a short recap here, but we invite you to watch the entire webinar at your convenience.  This video along with previous webinars may be viewed when you visit our Ask the Pro page.

Jesse covered a lot of territory – from reading the light to seeing your shots in black & white to looking behind you, and the power of details to tell a story. His black & white images demonstrate the power and beauty of this genre. Like this image Jesse shot in Egypt with its focus on scale and perspective.

Jesse often works with the Pro Trekker 300 AW backpack (it’s a real hardworking, outdoor-inspired design) and fills it with this gear:

Nikon D3x
17-24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens
24-70mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens
70 – 200 2.8 Nikkor lens
105mm macro Nikkor lens
SB-900 Nikon flash
Spare batteries
Lexar pro compact flash cards

Jesse Kalisher was a successful advertising executive who had an epiphany, walked away from his career and began traveling and taking pictures. Today his imagery may be found in places as diverse as the world’s luxury hotels and in the permanent collections of museums like the Louvre and the Smithsonian. Visit his web site to see more of his work.