Fleurieu Living Magazine

The cover of Fleurieu Living Magazine - about to celebrate their first birthday! Celebrating Fleurieu life and unique features, it's now in Qantas lounges throughout Australia (along with newsagents and other venues). I am so proud to be contributing in this fabulous publication. GO check it out!

Dull and boring... not Canberra's Diamant Hotel.

OMG! There is black and white swirled wallpaper - not on my walls - but on the ceiling. I have a green apple on my bed with the hotels business card. There is a stump of wood as the side table.

I like this place.

And I haven't even ventured into the cosy bar yet, filled with books, cushions, retro chairs and glimpses of the garden taps acting as light fittings in the nearby dining room.

I tried hard to stay here, and must have got the last room. Most sites were 'sold out'. I came cross fingered that my booking wasn't a mistake. It wasn't.

Rewarded, I am. It is just across the road from where I am working at ANU. Every room is unique. It has a good 'warehouse store' coffee shop, and the funky fitted out restaurant and bar. I don't want to work, I want to stay here.

This hotel beats the drab, run of the mill hotels that you can find anywhere. Grab some character, and head for the Diamant Hotel!

http://www.8hotels.com/canberra-hotel/diamant-hotel/

Getting paid to experience...

When you want to get paid for experiencing - eating, staying, playing... it's sometimes a good idea to get the 'before' pic. Oops. Thanks to The Tin Shed Cafe in McLaren Vale SA for this yummy lunch! Also a fab place for breakky. Tin Shed Cafe

Atmosphere @ Eat at Whalers

On the waterfront at Encounter Bay, backed by the bluff, this is a perfect spot to end the day. Indoors or outdoors, the views are only interrupted by the palm trees swaying out front in the carpark.

I've been twice recently, both thanks to Fleruieu Living Magazine. As a guest at a launch, and then to photograph two chefs and their delicious creations. Both days were packed. Day or night, the atmosphere is beachside calm and trendy. Nice.

www.whalersinnresort.com.au

www.fleurieuliving.com.au

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.