 Tokyo Is For Lovers...Whether you are an art lover, neon lover, adventure lover, arcade lover, book lover, cat lover, music lover, fashion lover, or about any other type of lover you can think of, Tokyo has what you are looking for. But, there is one type of lover that I especially relate to: photography lovers. Sure, it is easy to find photo galleries and camera service centers. Within minutes, you can find Nikon and Canon stores and hipster camera stores selling leather straps. But, it is even quicker to find an interesting subject to make a photo of in Tokyo.   In photography chat groups and popular discussion boards, I see a topic tirelessly repeated amongst my colleagues. Many photographers endlessly complain about how they would shoot "better" photographs if they lived in a place that was inspirational to them. Photographers from all over the world seem to grumble about their current home base. Everyday I hear photographers claim that there is "nothing to shoot." Sadly, these shutterbugs want to turn their lens on a world that they don't know, instead of the world they do. While I too love travel photography, I get just as much satisfaction pointing my camera at everything Tokyo.    Even though I have lived in Asia for eight years, I am still constantly inspired by the surroundings of my adoptive home. People watching on the inbound and outbound trains never gets old, nor do the lights and glitz of Ginza, gloved taxi drivers, ginko trees, elderly women sweeping temples, fashionable youth of Koenji, or the neighborhood fruit vendors. I love photographing the back alleys and seeing the seasons change within the confines of the city. I adore the delicate food and the massive power towers. Even a single cigarette butt on the sidewalk is fascinating (seeing that there is hardly ever litter to be found in Tokyo) and worthy of a snapshot. For those photographers with a drive to shoot "something different," I urge you to revisit what you already know. Take a deep look at what, at first glance, appears to be mundane and then get all Matrix with it. "Do not try and bend the spoon. That's impossible. Instead only try to realize the truth... There is no spoon. Then you will see that it is not the spoon that bends but only yourself." See the mundane in a new way and challenge yourself to photograph what you know in ways that you didn't know were possible. 
  Tokyo remains a city for lovers; especially photography lovers. But, Tokyo isn't the only city for image makers, for image lovers. Photographers should be able to find and shoot inspirational frames in any place they call home.  Other Recommended Posts
 Photographers are StorytellersPhotography has the power to give viewers a glimpse into another's life. Just as much, photographers have the opportunity to lead their viewers through complex narratives. Every photographer wants to shoot meaningful work that resonates with viewers and carries narrative weight. But sometimes a photographer can't tell the who story with a single image. By mindfully shooting collections of images, photographers can create a series that explicitly tells a more complex story. But what types of images should a photographer take and use in their collections? Learn more about how I shoot collections for greater storytelling in my full article written exclusively for my friends at Digital Photography School. here. More Content For Photographers
 Good Morning...Last Saturday I woke up, had a shower, greeted the wife, kissed the child, and sat down at Voltron (the name I have affectionately given my desk) to start a day of photography related tasks. I typically procrastinate for a few minutes and this particular morning was no different. I wanted to ease into the day by having a cup of coffee or two. I also wanted to distract myself before any editing in Lightroom, blogging, or planning another fall portrait session here in Tokyo. I looked for the closet distraction. I picked up the ole iPhone and loaded up my Instagram account. Once you open the app, Instagram tells you what is the what. You know... Who has liked your photos, sent you a message, tagged, or mentioned you in a comment. I am always curious to see the tags. Most of the time I get tagged by spammers who really want to help me "grow my Instagram following." If it isn't one of those annoying entrepreneurs, it is another photographer who wants to increase their reach by tagging everyone they ever met. Of course my curiosity got the best of me and I pressed one of the tag notifications that had appeared overnight. To my surprise, I found the following post:  Good Morning Andy... The SituationNow, I don't know @schwarzmarc. I certainly don't live in Salzburg, Austria. Nor do I plan to save the date for a photowalk being held in central Europe (plane tickets are just too expensive and I can't really justify taking several days off of work for an afternoon stroll around the cobblestoned streets of Salzburg). But, I did take the photograph being featured in Mr. Schwarz's post. Naturally, my eyes were drawn to the red and black type printed all over the bottom of my frame. Almost as big as the photograph's intended subject are the the logos of 5oopx (one of the worlds biggest photo sharing websites) and Red Bull (the world's most popular energy drink). Obviously, the two giants are sponsoring world-wide photo walks and needed images to promote the various walks being held. Still, I was perplexed as to why my photograph was being used without my knowledge or permission. Seeing that I hadn't really procrastinated enough, I decided to chase the rabbit down the hole.  The original image ready for purchase on 500px. The InvestigationMy first stop was 500px, a site that hosts thousands upon thousands of individual photographer's work. In all honesty, 500px is a wonderful platform to puruse the work of other photographers as well as a place to showcase some of my own work. I had "discovered" many photographers and have found a lot of inspiration on the platform. Another great thing about 500px is that photographers can license images for commercial and/or editorial use. While photographs are not often purchased from this service (at least mine aren't), 500px still gives photographers the chance of having their work sold for a modest price. Navigating to my 500px profile, I quickly found my shot called "Gentle Flow," the image in question. As I suspected, I did not have any notifications that the image had been purchased. In fact, there were no messages at all in my account cache from 500px let alone Red Bull. There, plain as day on the right hand side of the page were the purchase and licensing options: 49.00 dollars for a web-ready version, 149.00 for the retina display, and 249.00 for the print ready version. Hmmm... My mind wandered to that Rihanna song. Before getting too flustered, I decided to see if the image appeared anywhere else online. I headed over to our trusty friend Google and, within seconds, found several search results. The sunrise photograph I had taken in Salzburg, Austria on a Christmas morning was the banner for a Facebook event group, being used on 500px's Global Photo Walk homesite, and had been featured on several Instagram accounts (some with many, many more followers than @schwarzmarc's account). I was surprised at the visual variety my photo had across the different platforms. I also pondered the text and/or blank space that did or did not accompany my work. Some users credited me with a tag (thank you to those folks) and some were simply spreading the "500px version" which includes a generic 500px watermark placed vertically on the upper left of the frame. A theory popped into my mind about my image of that beautiful Austrian morning and why it was being used without my knowledge. To confirm my theory, I returned to 500px and searched for the service's terms and conditions.  Salzburg Photowalk Event Page on Facebook The Fine PrintEvery social platform that hosts creative content has terms and conditions that clearly define the rights of the service and the rights of the user. If not, the company would be begging for a lawsuit. 500px is no exception. Just like most respectable platforms for photo sharing, 500px has clearly defined terms for content submitted to their site. With little effort, I navigated to the page I had failed to read prior to creating my 500px account. Many image hosting websites have similar terms of service. Even if there isn't an "I agree" button to quickly click and dismiss, users are agreeing to the posted terms when they submit content for hosting. Depending on the host, a photographer is acknowledging and/or agreeing to a slew of terms.  500px's fine print Reading 500px's terms for the first time, I was primarily drawn to the third bullet. "The license granted to 500px includes the right to use Visual Content fully or partially for promotional reasons and to distribute and redistribute Visual content to other parties, websites, authorized agents, applications, and other entities, provided such Visual Content is attributed in accordance with the credits (i.e. username or collection name, profile picture, photo title, descriptions, tags, and other accompanying information) is any and as appropriate, as submitted to 500px." And there it was in black and white. Case closed. I had unknowingly given my permission for 500px and "other parties" to use my photograph. Why should photographers read the fine print?As photographers, we are eager to share our work, our vision with the world. We upload ourselves daily to an army of platforms in the hopes of being discovered, acknowledged, and praised. We just want to be seen. But in our zealous self-promotion, we are often too eager. By reading terms of service statements, we are choking up on the reigns of ambition. By slowing down and acknowledging the fine print, we can begin to be more discerning about the avenues in which we share our art. 500px's use of my photograph is such a minor example of how photographers can be blindsided by their own ambition. In fact, I commend 500px and similar sites for posting their terms of service. They are, at the very least, being transparent in their terms. At the end of the day, my photo wasn't stolen by Richard Prince and Calvin Klein didn't knick my photographic vision. The reality is much different. I was given some form of credit by 500px. But more, my photograph was being used to promote the act of photography, one of my greatest passions in life. It doesn't matter if five or five million people saw the mediocre photo I took. What matters is that we, as photographers, become more present in our zest to share our work with the world. One of the first steps to a more refined approach to social sharing is to read the fine print. Has the fine print ever got you? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments section.
 Everyone Knows Who Pete DeMarco Is...I first met Pete DeMarco outside of Korea's World Trade Center. We both happened to have a photograph hanging in a group exhibition at the annual Seoul Photo trade show. Before viewing the exhibition, a large group of photographers decided to meet outside the event hall and go into the massive show together. Even though I had just met a lot of new people for the first time, it was easy to remember Pete. DeMarco stood several inches above anyone else in the group. He was a bit older than I was at the time and he was starting to gray a bit on the sides. I remember being immediately jealous of his dashing, Clooney-ish looks and impressive stature (so odd to be jealous of someone's DNA). But, even if I was blind I would have still been able to find Pete in the group. I quickly learned that he hosts an infectious laugh. After our collective meeting, the massive group of photographers decided to have a drink before heading into Seoul's Coex exhibition hall. We found a pub nearby and, just like any event with too many people (more than 4 people in any given room is too much for me), little pods broke off, ordered their beers, and started right in on the usual photography "meet-up" chatter. Most photographers were quick to assemble themselves at the circular tables, But there were a handful of us that hugged the bar saloon style. I was happy that Pete was one who rode the bar. Like every other photographer in that overpriced watering hole, I knew the name Pete DeMarco. I was familiar with his work and, while I don't remember the particulars of our conversation, I do remember that I greatly enjoyed his company. I was intrigued to learn more about Pete and what makes him tick.  Pete DeMarco bringing sexy back since... well, for a long damn time. Fast ForwardA few years later I knew Pete relatively well. We often used each other as sounding boards and supported each other in various ways. We even took the twelve-week Artist's Way class together. After spending those hours with Pete in a "creative cluster," I still wanted to know more about the expat photographer who is just as comfortable hanging off of a roof to get a shot as he is in a mosque taking someone's portrait. I wanted to learn more about him as a person who, like me, has the need to create. So, I cornered the full time professional photographer and asked him a few questions. Pete DeMarco |
 Portrait Photographer's Guide To Moving |  A Conversation with John Steele |  Face-Off | An Interview with Justin Mott |
How do you make portraits that have impact?
Impact
noun
1) the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another.
2) a marked effect or influence.
For many photographers, making portraits that have impact is a skill developed after years of practice. Sadly, some photographers never figure out how, exactly, to add punch to their portraits. Learning some of the elements that define powerful imagery is a great place to start. Don't spend hundreds of hours analyzing your photographs trying to figure out what they are lacking. Instead, you can use some simple tips to help your photography reach the next level.
Want to know how I create portraits that carry a lot of power? Read my full article here.
noun
1) the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another.
2) a marked effect or influence.
For many photographers, making portraits that have impact is a skill developed after years of practice. Sadly, some photographers never figure out how, exactly, to add punch to their portraits. Learning some of the elements that define powerful imagery is a great place to start. Don't spend hundreds of hours analyzing your photographs trying to figure out what they are lacking. Instead, you can use some simple tips to help your photography reach the next level.
Want to know how I create portraits that carry a lot of power? Read my full article here.
More Tips For Photographers
 Portrait Photographer's Guide To Moving |  Travel Photography Tips | Hanoi, Vietnam |  How To Create In-Camera Multiple Exposures |
Happily assisting fellow photographer Jerry Sam (photo by Dylan Goldby)
No man is an island. Cliché but true. Historically, photographers have acted as lone wolves. Now, more than ever, photographers can collaborate with one another to acquire new skills, boost their business practices and participate within a world-wide photographic community.
But why would photographers share their secrets or open their accounting logbooks for one another? Why would competitors go out of their way to ensure that another photographer succeeds?
To learn more, read my full article Collaboration - 8 Ways To Work With Other Photographers here.
If you are a fellow photographer looking to collaborate, please do contact me. Let's catch a coffee and find out how we can support one another.
But why would photographers share their secrets or open their accounting logbooks for one another? Why would competitors go out of their way to ensure that another photographer succeeds?
To learn more, read my full article Collaboration - 8 Ways To Work With Other Photographers here.
If you are a fellow photographer looking to collaborate, please do contact me. Let's catch a coffee and find out how we can support one another.
Dearest Flytographer,
I just wanted to write to say congratulations! Serving 175 destinations worldwide, you are the WalMart of photography. You have got it all covered; New York, Tokyo, Paris, Rome, Hawaii. You are even able to offer “intimate” portrait experiences at Disneyland. We have to admit, we are truly impressed.
Please forgive us for not realizing exactly who you were when you reached out to see if we wanted to join your team. Even though we incorporated our businesses before you, you now have a network of over 350 photographers working on your roster. We are so flattered you would think of us! You must really know what you are doing to have so many associates. At this point, we can only keep track of ourselves.
It is so spectacular that from your home office you can provide "one-of-a-kind experiences and beautiful photographs to help remember them." But as you say, the best part isn't the photographs you provide, it is that your network also serves as an "informal tour guide, sharing insider tips for the most photographic spots around the world, plus hidden gems and the places to avoid," It is amazing that you have a corporation built on such keen local knowledge and that your customers can count on you to be both their image and concierge service.
You must work very closely with your local photographer-guides. So much so that you have already pre-determined “routes” so that your clients get to enjoy those off-the-beaten-track locations. I was stunned by the available shoot routes you offer; New York City's Times Square, Athens' Acropolis, and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. We can see why people would want to fork over their hard earned cash to get the insider scoop on those hidden gems!
We are also enamoured with your solid business model. You have realized that most humans don't really want to interact with each other and you have seamlessly incorporated this truth into your business plan. Why would a client want to directly contact an artist, build a relationship, and have a wonderful time with someone who seems to be more like a friend than a stranger with a camera? We agree that all photographers should have a corporate middle man so that they don't have to really get to know any of their clients.
Another reason why we love you, Flytographer, is because you’re so damn reasonable in price. No matter what the market rate is for quality portrait services in any given place, you give tiddy flat rates for all of your packages. Awesome! Why shouldn't there be a world-wide photographic union that decides collectively what a portrait package rate should be in every major city on earth? But better, you beat everyone one of those "portrait specialists" in price. Way to roll em’ on back! Hopefully all of those silly photographers who want to work for themselves will be out of business soon and you can control the market at your whim.
Thank you for all that you do for the business of photography. Keep up the great work.
With Love,
Every Self-Respecting Portrait Photographer In The World
I just wanted to write to say congratulations! Serving 175 destinations worldwide, you are the WalMart of photography. You have got it all covered; New York, Tokyo, Paris, Rome, Hawaii. You are even able to offer “intimate” portrait experiences at Disneyland. We have to admit, we are truly impressed.
Please forgive us for not realizing exactly who you were when you reached out to see if we wanted to join your team. Even though we incorporated our businesses before you, you now have a network of over 350 photographers working on your roster. We are so flattered you would think of us! You must really know what you are doing to have so many associates. At this point, we can only keep track of ourselves.
It is so spectacular that from your home office you can provide "one-of-a-kind experiences and beautiful photographs to help remember them." But as you say, the best part isn't the photographs you provide, it is that your network also serves as an "informal tour guide, sharing insider tips for the most photographic spots around the world, plus hidden gems and the places to avoid," It is amazing that you have a corporation built on such keen local knowledge and that your customers can count on you to be both their image and concierge service.
You must work very closely with your local photographer-guides. So much so that you have already pre-determined “routes” so that your clients get to enjoy those off-the-beaten-track locations. I was stunned by the available shoot routes you offer; New York City's Times Square, Athens' Acropolis, and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. We can see why people would want to fork over their hard earned cash to get the insider scoop on those hidden gems!
We are also enamoured with your solid business model. You have realized that most humans don't really want to interact with each other and you have seamlessly incorporated this truth into your business plan. Why would a client want to directly contact an artist, build a relationship, and have a wonderful time with someone who seems to be more like a friend than a stranger with a camera? We agree that all photographers should have a corporate middle man so that they don't have to really get to know any of their clients.
Another reason why we love you, Flytographer, is because you’re so damn reasonable in price. No matter what the market rate is for quality portrait services in any given place, you give tiddy flat rates for all of your packages. Awesome! Why shouldn't there be a world-wide photographic union that decides collectively what a portrait package rate should be in every major city on earth? But better, you beat everyone one of those "portrait specialists" in price. Way to roll em’ on back! Hopefully all of those silly photographers who want to work for themselves will be out of business soon and you can control the market at your whim.
Thank you for all that you do for the business of photography. Keep up the great work.
With Love,
Every Self-Respecting Portrait Photographer In The World
Why do I need Lowepro's RL x450 AW II?
On the days that I shoot personal work in Tokyo, I don't need more than a small bag to hold my Fujifilm X-T1 and a couple of lenses. But, when I am shooting an assignment for a client who wants all of the bells and whistles, I tote around a lot of gear that won't fit inside of my man purse. For those bigger productions, I must have a bag that isn't a burden.
I realize that it is largely unnecessary to take a lot of gear to any shoot. Despite this, I usually show up for assignments bogged down with a ton of gear. As a photographer who also happens to have a bad back, it is essential for me to have a bag that carries a decent amount of photographic equipment without causing me a lot of physical strain. Considering this, Lowepro's Pro Runner RL x450 AW II is the bag I choose when I need a lot of gear without the hassle.
I realize that it is largely unnecessary to take a lot of gear to any shoot. Despite this, I usually show up for assignments bogged down with a ton of gear. As a photographer who also happens to have a bad back, it is essential for me to have a bag that carries a decent amount of photographic equipment without causing me a lot of physical strain. Considering this, Lowepro's Pro Runner RL x450 AW II is the bag I choose when I need a lot of gear without the hassle.
Design
Lowepro's RL x450 AW II Runner is the perfect size for me; not too big, not too small. I can easily carry a couple of flashes, a camera with a 70-200mm strapped as well as an extra body and four or five prime lenses. This gear, matched with my laptop, external hard drive and phone, fits nicely into the bag with room to spare. But I don't worry about my gear even when I do have to cram it into the bag. The RL x450 AW II has built-in suspended impact protection which safeguards my devices from making love to each other within the bag.
The RL x450 was designed with us all (not just the photographically inclined) in mind. The design incorporates many pockets and compartments to fit all of your necessary gear. But more, the bag has removable storage built into the main compartment. If you are the kind of photographer who likes to leave their bag to the side, having the ability to pull a small bag of accessories out from its snug velcro home is an added design feature you will love.
The RL x450 was designed with us all (not just the photographically inclined) in mind. The design incorporates many pockets and compartments to fit all of your necessary gear. But more, the bag has removable storage built into the main compartment. If you are the kind of photographer who likes to leave their bag to the side, having the ability to pull a small bag of accessories out from its snug velcro home is an added design feature you will love.
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The RL x450 AW II is ready for the elements. While the bag isn't sea worthy or built to withstand torrential downpours, the reserve weather protection system is quite handy when transitioning from A to B. The all weather cover is easily accessible and eliminates my worries about rain while I am in transit. While other bags often come with weather protection, it is hard to find larger gear bags that have built in weather resistant coverings.
Yet, the main feature of the AW II Runner's design relates directly to it's namesake. The Rl x450 is a runner bag for the photographer on the go. Whether you are a portrait, travel, editorial or commercial photographer, this bag is crafted for the working professional who needs to move a significant amount of gear easily.
The wheels make the Lowepro Runner feel more like a suitcase than a gear bag. However, you are not locked into rolling the bag if that isn't your thing. Within the bag are cleverly concealed straps that will convert the AW II Runner into a backpack. Within seconds, you can transfer from a roller on smooth surfaces to a rather comfortable pack when you encounter terrain that is a little more bumpy (or in my case, an incredibly packed street in Tokyo).
Yet, the main feature of the AW II Runner's design relates directly to it's namesake. The Rl x450 is a runner bag for the photographer on the go. Whether you are a portrait, travel, editorial or commercial photographer, this bag is crafted for the working professional who needs to move a significant amount of gear easily.
The wheels make the Lowepro Runner feel more like a suitcase than a gear bag. However, you are not locked into rolling the bag if that isn't your thing. Within the bag are cleverly concealed straps that will convert the AW II Runner into a backpack. Within seconds, you can transfer from a roller on smooth surfaces to a rather comfortable pack when you encounter terrain that is a little more bumpy (or in my case, an incredibly packed street in Tokyo).
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Capacity
A Bag With Cargo Space
I am an advocate of carrying a light gear kit while traveling. But sometimes, a photographer needs to take the kitchen sink along with them. I found myself in that very situation this summer. Away from Tokyo for six weeks, I had several diverse portrait sessions planned in America. With engagement, fashion and lifestyle shoots on my calendar, I needed to take pieces of gear that would allow me a bit of artistic flexibility as well as the ability to work on personal projects.
The Runner AW II was the perfect size for such a long trip. The bag allowed me to carry as much gear as a photographer could possibly handle without packing hard cases. As my carry-on, the bag also had enough room for those personal items I wanted to keep close by.
The Runner AW II was the perfect size for such a long trip. The bag allowed me to carry as much gear as a photographer could possibly handle without packing hard cases. As my carry-on, the bag also had enough room for those personal items I wanted to keep close by.
Inside My Bag
If you don't yet believe in the actual cargo capacity of the Pro Runner AW II, perhaps a list of what I filled the bag with will settle the issue. For a diverse line-up of portrait assignments, I managed to pack the following:
Photography Gear
- Fujifilm X-T1 Mirrorless body (not pictured)
- Fujinon 14mm f/1.4
- Fujinon 35mm f/1.2
- Fujinon 56mm f/1.2
- Canon 5d Mark III
- Canon EOS 24-105 f/4
- Manfrotto MT293C4 with mounted 494 Ball Head
- (3) Canon 430ex ii Speedlites
- Manfrotto boom head
- Sigma 35mm Art f/1.4
- Rogue CTO gel pack
- Tiffen Filter Case with 8 filters
- (3) SMDV flash receivers
- SMDV flash trigger
- Memory card holder stocked with cards
- Insignia remote release
- Fuji battery charger
- Canon battery charger
- Extra Fuiji and Canon body batteries
- Canon EOS 3000 film camera body
- (13) rolls of film (Ilford Delta 100, Ilfrod Panf Plus, Porta 400, Rollei RPX 25)
- Extra AA batteries
- 6 inch triangular prism
- Lens wipes
- A slew of hardware
- Blackrapid DSLR strap
- Fujinon 14mm f/1.4
- Fujinon 35mm f/1.2
- Fujinon 56mm f/1.2
- Canon 5d Mark III
- Canon EOS 24-105 f/4
- Manfrotto MT293C4 with mounted 494 Ball Head
- (3) Canon 430ex ii Speedlites
- Manfrotto boom head
- Sigma 35mm Art f/1.4
- Rogue CTO gel pack
- Tiffen Filter Case with 8 filters
- (3) SMDV flash receivers
- SMDV flash trigger
- Memory card holder stocked with cards
- Insignia remote release
- Fuji battery charger
- Canon battery charger
- Extra Fuiji and Canon body batteries
- Canon EOS 3000 film camera body
- (13) rolls of film (Ilford Delta 100, Ilfrod Panf Plus, Porta 400, Rollei RPX 25)
- Extra AA batteries
- 6 inch triangular prism
- Lens wipes
- A slew of hardware
- Blackrapid DSLR strap
Personal Items
- The Ugly Americans by William J. Lederer
- 3 Industry trade magazines (Digital Photo Pro and Rangefinder)
- Wallet
- Iphone and charger
- Writing Journal
- Uniball pens
- Keys
- Medication
- Fisherman's Friend cough drops
- Business cards
- Passport and money case
- Macbook Air
- Transcend 1TB external harddrive
- 3 Industry trade magazines (Digital Photo Pro and Rangefinder)
- Wallet
- Iphone and charger
- Writing Journal
- Uniball pens
- Keys
- Medication
- Fisherman's Friend cough drops
- Business cards
- Passport and money case
- Macbook Air
- Transcend 1TB external harddrive
Travel
The RL x45o does surprisingly well around the town. I have used the bag to haul gear to a variety of shoots and it has saved my back from a lot of wear and tear. In fact, for the assignments that do require a lot of equipment, Lowepro's Runner is my bag of choice because of its ease. Navigating public transportation with equipment has never been smoother as the bag is versatile and can fit nicely on the upper racks of Tokyo's railcars, in my lap or on my back.
In the airport, the bag really proves its worth. The roller functioning proves to be a tremendous asset as the Lowepro's Runner system allows for an easy glide to the gate. Getting on the plane is just as easy. I can roll the bag straight to my seat and, with a heave, am able to place my gear in the overhead compartment without any smashing or gnashing.
In the airport, the bag really proves its worth. The roller functioning proves to be a tremendous asset as the Lowepro's Runner system allows for an easy glide to the gate. Getting on the plane is just as easy. I can roll the bag straight to my seat and, with a heave, am able to place my gear in the overhead compartment without any smashing or gnashing.
The Cons
While Lowepro's RL x450 AW II Runner is the bag for me, it would be silly to say that the bag is absolutely perfect. There are a few minor issues with the bag that keep me from giving the bag a five star rating.
A slight design flaw for the Pro Runner is the fastened pulls on the zippers. With any more than a gentle tug, the guide strings will come loose as will the zipper itself. This is a problem with many bags across the market and is not specific to Lowepro's AW II Runner. If you care to keep your zippers and tracts in tact, do not yank on the zippers. While this is not a huge inconvenience in an overall sense, it is a small frustration immediately felt.
There is room from improvement in the design of the wheel housing.. My primary complaint is that the wheels are fixed and do not swivel. This means that the bag is prone to tip on its edges. With any trot to your step, you will find your bag on its side forcing you to stop and get rolling again. While the bag is called a Runner, it would be more appropriately called a "fast walker."
Another drawback is the weight of the Runner. Coming in a 4.6 Kgs (over ten pounds) the bag itself is quite hefty. While the bag's weight is not too cumbersome on assignment, it does need to be considered when traveling. Any extra weight in the air could mean that you have to leave some gear behind. More worrisome is the likelihood that the bag will be weighed when boarding an aircraft. Packed full, the bag will certainly exceed any airline's carry-on weight. This fact should not be necessarily held against Lowepro but should be considered before purchase.
Like weight, the size of the bag can also be problematic. It is quite obvious that the Pro Runner AW II won't fit under the seat in front of you on any airplane. Even If you could manage to cram it partially under a coach seat, you would be riding with your knees in your throat. For those who are flying shorter routes routed with small planes, go ahead and mentally prepare to be separated from your gear as the bag will most certainly need to be gate checked.
.
A slight design flaw for the Pro Runner is the fastened pulls on the zippers. With any more than a gentle tug, the guide strings will come loose as will the zipper itself. This is a problem with many bags across the market and is not specific to Lowepro's AW II Runner. If you care to keep your zippers and tracts in tact, do not yank on the zippers. While this is not a huge inconvenience in an overall sense, it is a small frustration immediately felt.
There is room from improvement in the design of the wheel housing.. My primary complaint is that the wheels are fixed and do not swivel. This means that the bag is prone to tip on its edges. With any trot to your step, you will find your bag on its side forcing you to stop and get rolling again. While the bag is called a Runner, it would be more appropriately called a "fast walker."
Another drawback is the weight of the Runner. Coming in a 4.6 Kgs (over ten pounds) the bag itself is quite hefty. While the bag's weight is not too cumbersome on assignment, it does need to be considered when traveling. Any extra weight in the air could mean that you have to leave some gear behind. More worrisome is the likelihood that the bag will be weighed when boarding an aircraft. Packed full, the bag will certainly exceed any airline's carry-on weight. This fact should not be necessarily held against Lowepro but should be considered before purchase.
Like weight, the size of the bag can also be problematic. It is quite obvious that the Pro Runner AW II won't fit under the seat in front of you on any airplane. Even If you could manage to cram it partially under a coach seat, you would be riding with your knees in your throat. For those who are flying shorter routes routed with small planes, go ahead and mentally prepare to be separated from your gear as the bag will most certainly need to be gate checked.
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4.5 Out of 5 Stars
All things considered, Lowepro's RL x450 AW II Runner is a helluva bag. Whether on assignment in Tokyo, in the air or traveling for an editorial, the bag carries all the necessary gear I could possibly need to make most shoots happen. The versatility of the bag and the smart design make this Runner my go-to bag for larger photographic productions. Professional photographers and serious hobbyists with both will appreciate the bag's potential as the "big daddy" in their bag collection.
Do you have experience with Lowepro's Runner Series? I would love to hear your thoughts about the bag in the comments section.
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