What's In My Bag? | Imaging USA 2017 Bound

Sirena White-Singleton
Dec 31, 2016
3 min read

Whoa! I can't believe that it's New Years Eve! 2016 flew by so swiftly and let me tell you, it was an AMAZING year for me! I got to capture so many magical moments, collaborate with some pretty cool brands, and I even made the leap into holy matrimony! Yeah, I got MARRIED! As I reflect on all of the awesomeness that 2016 brought, I'm even more excited about all the blessings and experiences waiting to unfold in 2017! As a matter of fact, just one week from today I will be in route to San Antonio, TX for Imaging USA 2017!

Look, Ma! I made the front of the Imaging USA website (see snap shot above)! I was actually very shocked when I was told that my face (from a group picture taken at last year's Imaging USA 2016 in Atlanta, GA) had made the slideshow on the homepage of the Imaging USA website. Last year was my first time attending an Imaging USA conference so I was ecstatic to get the opportunity to network with a plethora of photographers and videographers in addition to reconnecting with some photographers I had meet a couple of years prior at WPPI in Las Vegas! Since my bag is already partially packed I thought this would be the perfect time to share with you a few essentials I believe you need to have with you at Imaging USA or any conference! Besides money, of course! These items will make for smoothing sailing so that you can fully enjoy your time and be in the moment!

1. A Sturdy and Comfortable Bag: I've been shopping for a new camera bag for a while (my last bag literally fell apart, no lie). I finally decided on a Johansen Camera Bag (Jo Totes) in Missy Mint! I love the sturdiness and of course the color! I love anything in the teal family!

2. Imaging Registration Packet: Once you register you will receive a bright orange envelope with your registration material. You'll receive full-convention registration pass, giving you access to ALL convention classes, tradeshow, events and parties throughout Imaging USA.

3. Business Cards: Weather you have a full time job, just graduated or are a blogger, my best advice is to always carry a couple business cards with you. Especially when you're at a photography conference. You never know who you will meet on the trade floor, in a class, or just in passing. I love my Moo cards! 4. External Battery PowerPack: So, you're at a conference (normally the reception is horrible) and you see a "celebrity photographer" who you admire. So, you go to take and selfie and your phone dies! Noooooooo! I always travel with at least 2 external battery packs so that I stay connected and ready to go for all of those special moments!

5. Notebook: You are there to learn, so make sure you have something to write down all the beneficial information you will be getting.

6. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera + Film: I just love the old school vibe and instant gratification of my Instax camera and I think it will be a fun way to document all of my 2017 travels! So, Imaging USA is my inaugural trip with my Instax in 2017! 7. Class Schedules: We are hear to learn, so we need to see the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, and WHERE of the conference! I normally highlight times and locations and map classes out in advice. Trust me! It will save you lots of time!

There are also a few more smalls items that I normally carry in my bag, that are not pictured. I always have snacks (fruit snacks of some Justin's Vanilla Almond Butter) in bag in addition to hand sanitizer, Kleenex, chewing gum, and of course some moolah for spending!

Wanna join in on the fun next year? Well, if you become a member of the PPA you'll get a FREE full registration to Imaging USA 2018! You can join PPA and be part of the world's largest, non-profit trade association for professional photographers! With PPA, you'll have access to a wealth of resources to live that photographic dream more profitably. From education to discount programs, helpful articles, inspirational stories and tips, and more ways to connect with the largest community of professional photographers...you can find it all here! Just make sure you add my name (Sirena White-Singleton) as a "Referring Member" on the top of your referral application form and my City and State (North Charleston, SC) too.

Make sure you're following along on my Imaging USA 2017 journey over on Instagram next weekend!

LOVE>PEACE+LIGHT,