Inventive brand and dynamic photo agency gather at annual photographers' meeting to launch a design council with a focus on the tasks of modern pro photographers.

(Sebastopol, CA, September 9, 2009) — Lowepro, the leading brand of protective gear for photography equipment and portable electronics, and Aurora Photos, a photo and multimedia agency, meet at Sebago Lake, Maine to kick off the Lowepro-Aurora Photos (LPAP) Design Council.

Lowepro design and product team members Pete Hill and Tim Grimmer will lead ten professional photographers from Aurora Photos in the new LPAP Design Council, among them President Jose Azel and Vice President Corey Rich, whose imagery for National Geographic Adventure, Outside and Patagonia are synonymous with outdoor adventure.

The LPAP Design Council will take part in interactive design sessions, discuss emerging technologies, and share insights on the rigors and challenges faced by commercial, outdoor, adventure and sports photographers, and photojournalists.

Since its inception in 1967, Lowepro continually consults with professional photographers. Purpose-built products like the proprietary Street and Field™ system of modular carrying systems, SlipLock™ attachment loops, and the patented All Weather AW Cover™ were developed with input from pros around the world.

"We are excited to team up with the innovative, talented crew at Aurora Photos," said Pete Hill, Lowepro vice president of product design. "The challenges of their workflow ignites our passion for inventing protective, accessible, comfortable and breakthrough products," he added.

About Aurora Photos

• A photo agency specializing in outdoor adventure, lifestyle and sports, travel, cultures and journalism imagery.
• Offers work of more than 200 member photographers around the globe.
• The Lowepro-Aurora Photos Design Council members include: Rhea Anna, Jose Azel, Michael Eudenbach, Todd Korol, Justin Maxon, David McLain, Peter McBride, Chris Noble, Corey Rich, Woods Wheatcroft and Shoshanna White

For more information visit www.auroraphotos.com.

About Lowepro

It started with inventive spirit in a small Colorado garage over 40 years ago. Since then, Lowepro's camera bags have been traveling the world, earning the loyalty and admiration of the best photographers, and setting the industry standard for inventive, purpose-built products. Our collections include professional-grade designs for cameras, notebooks, imaging accessories and portable consumer electronics. It is our passion and privilege to provide accessible, comfortable and protective designs for our customers. Lowepro products are available around the globe, for every climate, for every condition. Wherever you go, chances are you'll find us there.