Dare to Dash with The Sunflower Club
"Every 46 minutes, an Australian is diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma - that's 31 people every day. Finding a 'sunny side' to life can be hard, especially for those living in regional areas." Leukaemia Foundation Sunflower Club.
A few months ago, when it was supposed to be still summer, I photographed a campaign for the Leukaemia Foundation. It has just been launched. The Sunflower Club is wanting people to 'dare to dash', dress up - or undress to speedos or bikini - and run in an aim to raise more awareness and much-needed funds. And if running in next to nick isn't your thing, there are other ways too. Buy a bunch of sunflowers, a gift, skydive, or anything that will raise a smile. What a campaign for mid winter when we all need a splash of colour and fun!
www.sunflowerclub.org.au
Loving my work... getting paid to experience the world.
I've been busy in the last few months... and so happy to be working more for businesses in the SA tourism industry. It's a focus of mine, to work more within the tourism industry and define heidi who? photos as the 'go to' photographer for not only amazing photography but a fun experience too. It's something that clients are always commenting on - how much fun they have. The 'models' also have a laugh, and soon enough, are looking really comfortable in front of the camera. Maybe because they are!
I believe 'why not?' Why not have fun? Why not get fantastic images? Why not work hard and have fun at the same time? Why not make sure everyone is happy?
Photography, travel and people (including my little family!) are my passions. I'm so lucky to be able to combine them all in my life, earning money and travelling. And hopefully helping and affecting people through my images too.
How do you travel more often? I'd love to hear how you do it!
Where in the world?
Wondered where I have been? Check it out. If I were to colour in the countries where I want to go... I think most of the world would be covered. Except India. But that's a whole new story of family superstition. Message me if you want to know.
Waiting in airports...
Recently I saw that Abu Dhabi Airport have GoSleep pods that are hired out by the hour. For about $12 an hour, you get a chair that converts to a lay flat bed, complete with shade that helps keep out light, noise and of course, get you away from the crowds. It would mean no more curling up on the row of chairs, tucking your bag underneath you for safe keeping, and slightly dozing while attempting to get comfortable. In my opinion, so worth it. One can only imagine what could happen in a double version. But a family series could be very helpful.
Lush Pastures
A few weeks back I photographed Lush Pastures at Yankalilla... these are some of the fun shots from the shoot. 
If anyone wants a relaxing, romantic, rejuvenating weekend away, LP is only an hour away from Adelaide. Sitting on top of hills, looking over the ocean, just out of Yankalilla you can see kangaroos, foxes and all sorts of wild life.
"Dream Big. Wha...
"Dream Big. What you think becomes your reality. Have big, inspiring goals and dreams so problems seem like small hiccups. My inner wealth is my outer wealth. Screw it, do it anyway."
Today I attended the National Achievers Congress... and met (well, more accurately, watched) Sir Richard Branson. A tick off my bucket list. Sort of. My bucket list actually says 'meet' but perhaps seeing in person counts?
If today was anything to go by, then I should be screaming out loud 'I AM GOING TO MEET SIR RICHARD BRANSON!' One of the things I got out of today, apart from all the hard sells, is the necessity to believe in what you can achieve. This is the most common thing that holds people back from achieving their dreams.
TRAVEL IS THE ONLY THING YOU BUY THAT MAKES YOU RICHER.
Don't feel guilty. It is a cost worth it's dime, or penny, or dollar, or cent. Learn and experience through life, not just at a desk. Don't plod your way forward, throw yourself in and see how far you can swim. Life is full, and the world is your pool.
Herdenkings Day (Remembrance Day) in the Netherlands is... today.
Remembering the Netherlands.
the coffee shops
the red light district
the windmills
the sex museum...
but also,
Texel island
the bike rides
being able to drive to another country in a few hours
daggy looking exterior apartments with gorgeous fit outs inside
and the pop up male toilets in the city square at night time.
Also...
Compare the Netherlands to my home suburb and it's like comparing a pancake with a piece of home made rockyroad.
A holiday to visit friends in the Netherlands about 10 years ago saw us getting to know the way the locals live, have fun and see their own country. We did the touristy must-do's also, but some of the most fun came from getting out of town.
One day we hopped on a ferry, hired a few bikes, and rode around Texel island. Over 50km's on a hire bike doesn't make your bum very happy. But the scenery and local tourist feel did make me very happy. Picnicing on a deserted beach, riding through fields of yellow tulips, popping in to the locals shops. Not seeing another international tourist the whole day. I felt like we had insiders knowledge, and an experience that was truly special.
Doing this sort of thing, visiting where the locals holiday, is becoming a done thing on our holidays. Spain too, saw us down the bottom of the country, at Matalascanas in off season. To the point where, after a few nights, we got kicked out of our hotel due to it's closing to be cleaned and de-bugged. And more recently, even with kids, we travel the backstreets of our destination. More fun, more knowledge, more locals, more experience.
Simple portrait
Sometimes people just don't have the budget to hire a photographer. Be it for personal use or for business use. There are some simple ways of getting a better photo that you can employ - point and shoot, iPhone or with a DSLR.
Though I don't normally photograph babies, I love it when I do. My friend and I do a contra of services. This photograph above was shot just inside a wall of windows. And that's it. We lay a white sheet or rug down as the background, put the aperture down to f2 or something similar, and shoot away.
How to do it yourself?
Get your set ready in front of an area that has a lot of light coming in from a door or window.
Put a heater on if it's cold. Baby will be happier.
Lay baby as far away from background as possible. This will minimise what is in focus in the background. A good way of disguising creases and dirty marks while drawing attention to baby.
Get in close to baby, as close as the camera can focus.
Focus on the eyes.
Get someone to help with getting babys attention. Baby likes noises, clicking, colour, talking, and a book swished in their face, the breeze making them smile. Go with whatever a newborn wants - not much you can do here.
Baby doesn't always have to smile. Some of my favourite images are those where baby is screaming or looking disgruntled.
Use an editing program - there are a host of free and paid ones around - to crop, edit colour or make the image black and white. Have fun with it.
This technique can be applied for business portraits, or simple product shots that don't have a reflective surface. Perhaps exchange the clicking and baby talk for recounting funny stories and jokes, or asking the person to think of their favourite things. Think holidays, yachts, winning the lotto, relaxing...
For more interest, turn the subject side on to the window. It creates beautiful three dimensional light.
And remember, light bounces in all directions. If the side facing the inside of the building is too dark, get a white/gold/silver board, sheet or similar object and put beside them, facing towards the window. This will bounce light back in on their face.
Sony World Photography Awards
I'm frequently looking at photos. I love looking at photos. I just bought a photo. Gee, I take photos. Every day. I have an excuse. I am a photographer.
This is a stunning collection of images that really speak. Take a peak, it's good Sunday night viewing.
