PCA 2023: What’s In My Bag — Brooks Whittington

This year marks at least 11 years since I have been covering the IPCPR/PCA Convention & Trade Show—I honestly have lost count. As has been the custom for the past half-decade, this post explains what I carry around while covering all of the booths. The floor is a bit smaller this year compared to last year, but I still made an extra effort to cut as much weight and bulk as possible, since the 15,000 or so steps we walk per day are not exactly getting easier as I am getting older.

Here’s what is in my bag:

• Think Tank Sling 20 — Instead of the large, heavy, and bulky Pelican 1510 rolling bag I have used in the past, I decided to go with a (much) smaller sling bag. It holds everything I need, is easy to carry and, most importantly, is extremely lightweight.
• Sony A7rIV Camera with 16-35mm f/2.8 lens — I use this combination every year because it works.
• Apple Watch Series 8 — A much newer version than the Series 3 I used last year, but even more indispensable due to its included cellular functionality, which allows me to do anything I need to without my cell phone if that becomes necessary.
• Monopod — Light enough to carry around, but heavy enough to be more than slightly annoying when I am carrying it around.
• Sennheiser AVX Microphone (With halfwheel Flag) — Sure, it looks more than a little dorky, but these provide amazing sound, assuming I don’t let the batteries run out.
• Hand Sanitizer — So many handshakes and fist bumps, so many possibilities when it comes to germs.
• Credentials — The PCA upgraded the credential holders in a huge way last year, a much-needed change that has resulted in fewer rips and tears. Yes, those are indeed halfwheel branded lanyards.
• Apple iPhone — I honestly have no idea which version this is.
• Cell Phone Charger — I don’t think I have ever used this, but it is nice to know that the (built-in) lightning cord can fully charge my cell phone in about 45 minutes.
• Reporter’s Notebook — I used a Moleskin Notebook last year, but my trusty Reporter’s Notebook returns for 2023, an option that I have loved since I was a newspaper photojournalist way back in the 90’s.
• Snack Bars — I get hungry at random times and these help.
• XIKAR XO Cutter — Sure, it is a bit heavier than the Craftman’s Bench I carried around last year, but the XO is a great cutter that has never let me down.
• Palio Single Flame Lighter — Small, light, works like a charm and will probably not need a refill at any point during the entire time I am at the show.