Salty Stories is on the move...

Salty Stories will be retired from Red Poles in McLaren Vale soon. We are going to have a closing party to finalise bids and farewell the artwork in style. Come join us SUNDAY 7TH FEB AT 4PM - maybe you could pick up a bargain! And remember, part proceeds go to Sea Shepherd. 

Great Ocean Walk - striding out with four, celebrating the end with two.

The most beautiful view back to Johanna Beach over farmland.

A few years back my dad asked me to walk the Overland Track in Tasmania with him. I'd never hiked much before, let alone a multi-day walk. But I said yes. 

The Overland Track was a great experience. Great because I was 'off the grid' from devices for five days. Great because I had time with my dad. Great because I felt healthy. Great because the scenery and landscape changed every hour. Great because I took so many beautiful photos that ended up 'award winning'. 

The early morning start to try and beat most of the hot weather. Just west of Johanna Beach.

It wasn't all great, though - the hard hike up hills, the sore feet, the aching back, the tree roots to climb over after a long day. Eating dehydrated food, sleeping on a wood platform and using my smelly clothes as a pillow each night didn't add any luxury. 

But when dad said he wanted to go on another hike this year, I jumped at the chance. I even organised it all. For all the negatives of multi-day hikes, the positives make it all worth it. 

One of the cleansing rock pool baths on the hike. This one at Milanesia Beach.

I looked at a few different walks and ended up deciding on the 100km Great Ocean Walk. Who doesn't love that area? I've done it by car, in the rain, and loved the idea of doing it again - at a slower pace. As my niece and nephew were coming with us, it seemed like a good idea to take the car rather than have to fly somewhere. All on our schedule.

Love the ocean lookout - hate these bushes. Especially when hot. Provides just enough cover for no breeze, but not enough for a view or shade from the sun. 

What is originally an eight-day hike turned into a six-day hike for us with the aid of Walk 91 in Apollo Bay. They transport your big packs each day for the first half of the walk, so you only have to carry a daypack. It meant we could combine the first four days of the hike into two. They are long days, around 22km, but an easy grade. 

First glimpse of Aire River. A little sanctuary (full of mosquitos and sand flies) which was covered in sea mist morning and night.

That didn't stop my niece and nephew from bailing on us, though. Perhaps it could have been the reason? At the end of day three, they turned back to Apollo Bay on the shuttle bus. I'm not exactly sure why, but the sound of the following day - medium to hard grade walk in 39 degrees, probably didn't help the mind games. Can't say I blame them, I wasn't looking forward to it at all. 

Johanna Beach campsite. The best views that $31 can buy you.

But, as it turns out, I am glad I went on. Despite the constant worry of fire, we made it to camp the following day and sweltered the afternoon away in the heat. Being away from the coast, no sea water in reach to dip in, I didn't know where would be coolest. The campsite shelter had no breeze, there was dappled midday light everywhere and the shade was swarming with flies and bugs. At one stage I settled in the tent, fell asleep and awoke in a puddle of sweat circling me. Glamour. I wish I could have stayed outside in the slight breeze but the ants, mosquitos and flies love me like devoted friends. Needless to say, my sleeping bag that night was used only as a  footrest - and that was solely used as such because I had nowhere else to put it - and no way was I going to put it on any other part of my body. 

Lots of beach walks. Love 'em. Dad insisted on walking near the waters edge and played chicken many times with the waves. 

Not all days were so hot, the following day it rained in the afternoon while setting up camp. I even got my thermals out. And then my loyal friends came back with a vengeance. Mosquito bites cover my legs, eating through my thermals, trying to match the sand fly bites all around my torso (from my yoga session on the lawn at Aire River two days prior). But the conversations and belly laugh with other hikers - a mid-age couple, three single friends and a newlywed couple on their honeymoon - was worth the itchiness. 

Loo with a view! Don't get a view like this from the dunny too often. 

Walking on the last day, edging towards the 12 Apostles, was foreign. The hum and drone of helicopters above doing their scenic flights and the hordes of tourists passing us as we walk closer and closer to the lookouts of the 12 Apostles was slightly disturbing. I didn't enjoy ending it this way. After five days in quiet and beautiful nature, having to share it with all the daytrippers, sitting on the only concrete block (strategically located just outside the toilet doors) at the Visitor Centre, wasn't the accomplished ending I had in mind. 

Gibson Steps. Quite enjoyed watching the tourists on the beach taking photos.

Kissing and hugging everyone goodbye at the end of the hike, I realise how quickly connected you become to people without the presence of digital devices to draw your attention away. With only a book as entertainment, you look outwards to your environment. You enjoy the conversation of various people, the natural environment and, mindfully, your inner thoughts. 

Where we walked. Or more correctly, a section of the 100km we walked.

Who else feels this way when out in nature?

Ahh. Bliss.

What kind of holiday do kids like best?

Cino time at Goolwa wharf markets, SA

I was talking to Ben (hubby) the other night about travel plans. 'Where do you want to take the kids next?' And then I list off some places. So diverse, a comparison and decision would be near impossible. 

'Well, if I go to Bali for the girls trip you could bring the kids over, and we can go on to Lombok?'

'What about a trip to Disneyland in the US?'

'What about Singapore to visit friends and then on somewhere?'

'What about Cuba? I'd love to go there before it changes too much more.' 

All of these suggestions were made by myself within a two minute period. See my situation. So many places to go.

Big kids can have fun at Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot SA too.

Disneyland was overlooked quite quickly, seen as a commercial venture. I do feel the same, but love the idea of giving my kids the adventure of imagination and awe 'to the max'. 

Singapore - even though we have friends there, was about as appealing as a wet fish in his bed. I don't know what Singapore has done to him, to make him feel that way.

Cuba spiked his interest but not the trip to get there.

And since he'd previously mentioned Lombok, keen vibes radiated. 

Coorong fishing - the kids were the only ones to catch fish. 

But then after all this talk, I look back on holiday pics of our last long weekend holiday to Port Elliot with friends. The kids loved the freedom of being in a caravan park with friends - we loved the amusement that the jumping pillow gave day after day, giving us quiet time to enjoy. It was easy as well. An hour drive, no jetlag, our food, and nothing to 'discover' before settling. 

Bikes rule the roads at Port Elliot Caravan Park, SA

So why do I keep thinking about overseas trips and how wonderful they are? Even though it's hard work - jet lag, kids suffering from the heat, hygiene and safety issues, culture shock - there are more positives. Culture diversity, adventure, discoveries, learning and new understandings. For the kids and us.

Looks like Lombok may be getting another visit from us soon...

What kind of trip does your family like best?

Water fun at Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot SA

Street portrait photography - my top tips.

A photo I took in Jimbaran Bay, Bali. Strolling the beach, my husband wanted to check out the boats. I had no interest in boats so found people to chat with. This man seemed very proud to have his photograph taken. 

Approaching people on the street is daunting enough. Asking said person, if you can take their photo is a whole new story. But it needn't cause you to break out in a sweat, itch, make your heart feel like it beats out of your chest, get scared and then walk away. And then feel disappointed you didn't get the photo you saw.

My top tips for taking street portraits.

A photograph I took at a school in Bali for Bali Kids. Obviously I had permission to be in there and wander about but would never dream of entering a house or school without prior permission.

1. Should you take the photo?
Of course, there are situations where walking away is the best option. If you feel unsafe, if the person is negative to the idea or if you would feel disrespectful for taking the photograph. Always put yourself in their shoes - how would you feel? We are all human, even though, especially when travelling, the people we meet look so interesting and different. 

A family at McLaren Vale Harvest Festival. I moved them slightly and let them play about. 

2. Mind your manners. Ask before taking.
Even if you don't speak the language, asking to take a photograph is universal. Show your camera and nod your head while holding it up closer to your face and pointing at them. They will answer, nod or wildly shake their hands and cover their face. Whatever they do, you will get your answer. If they decline, put your camera straight down. Smile politely and say thank you. Move on. Don't try to take their photograph without permission - it's just not nice.

Walking along a beach in Fiji I chanced upon this family hanging out on their beach platform. The mum worked where I was staying and after a quick chat I asked if I could photograph them. 

3. Slow it down
If you can, spend some time with them before asking to take their photograph. It will not only make a better photograph and memory, but it will also add something extra to the personal experience for both of you. Give and take. Play with the children, share a drink or snack. Chat (either verbally or with your hands) about something. Care about them and their story. 

Girls at a pre-school in Bali. Shot for Bali Kids. 

4. Look at the light
Don't be afraid to move the person if it's convenient and going to get a much better photograph. If they are sitting right at the back of their shop, you could ask them to move to the front where the window light is gently falling. If they are in the bright midday sun with dark pits as eyes, ask them to move into the shade or turn their back to the sun. 

Ray was a volunteer at the Royal Adelaide Show for many years. He is also my best friends Poppa. When I saw him manning a door to a pavilion I couldn't resist a cheeky photo. 

5. Get in close
Don't be afraid to step in. By filling the frame with your subject, you can see everything about them. The way they hold themselves, their clothing, their skin, their eyes. The stories that can be told through the details. There will be no question as to what you want the viewer to look at in your photograph.

If I had not got the beach and shadow in the frame, this photo wouldn't have the same impact. 

6. Or step back (with caution)
First - always look where you are going. Don't do what I do and step back into holes or trip over things. By safely stepping back you can get the location into the photograph. If the location is part of the story you are telling it adds dimension and life to the photograph. Take the fisherman photograph - if I zoomed in to show his face only, I would see a weathered and handsome man but have no idea who he is. By showing the boats, we can see he is a fisherman. A very proud fisherman with his boat. 

At Uluwatu temple the monkeys run wild. This lady had fun feeding them, and obviously they knew her. I did ask for a photo but didn't want her looking at the camera - I wanted the interaction.

Go out and have fun. Breathe. And don't be afraid. If you treat people with kindness and respect, the worst thing that can happen is you get a 'no'. If that is the case, take a mental picture and move on. 

Slow shutter

Using a slow shutter for effect can dramatically change your photo.
A moving car with blurred wheels gives the feeling of movement.
A person moving through a room shows life and feeling. Coffee beans roasting, showing them turning - I can nearly smell the beans by just looking at the image. 

With the coffee bean image above I used a slow shutter, probably something like 1/30 or 1/15. How slow you go depends on the subject you are photographing. Playing around is the best way of learning. Experiment with the effects. 

1/125 = one twenty-fifth of a second
1/30 = one thirtieth of a second
1/5 = one fifth of a second
you get the idea...

If you are shooting with an iPhone, there is an App called Slow Shutter (and various others) or Manual which allows you complete freedom and control over settings when taking a pic. 

The faster the object you are photographing, the faster the shutter speed you can have. All depending on the effect you want. 
I have done photos in the studio with the shutter open for seconds and moved people around. 
I have photographed cars and movement on the street at 1/60. 
I have photographed details of dancers on stage at 1/30. 

There is no right or wrong shutter speed - it all depends on what you want. Experiment!

Exhibitions....

I had a dream the other night... 
I was taking photos over a high dam wall. It was a beautiful scene with blue water, rolling hills. Photogenic. I was with someone else, and we decided to go back and get another shot. I had my camera on the tripod, trying to get it up high enough to see over the wall. When I looked through the viewfinder, all I could see was water. I wondered for a bit, and then realised it was a great wall of water coming towards us. 

We ran, we ran back across the bridge we came from and looked for higher ground. I said 'as long as I don't get my camera drenched'. Strange that I thought about my camera over my life. We found higher ground, slightly, on steps and waited.

The water came, but only as a trickle. What was most upsetting was the people running with it. Running from the wave and it's destruction it had left across the other side of the bridge. Wailing mums and grandmas scrambled in front of me. They were sobbing out words, trying to tell me what and who they left behind. I wondered 'would it be ok to take a photo and document this?' I went into photojournalist mode but held back because I was there for a different purpose. I didn't want to upset the people that had invited me in to take pretty pictures by taking photos of their torment and agony. But I am a photographer - and I had the urge. In some ways, I felt responsible to document the event.

The dream ended, so I'm not sure what I decided. But I still remember this dream days on. Is it a little prod - telling me to do something? Perhaps it's a next exhibition idea - emotions and life. I'd like to help tell people's stories. 
Let me know if you have any ideas...

In the meantime, I am in another exhibition called Skrambled Eggs. A fab group of pro photographers taking photos with their iPhone and electronic devices. If you want to be wowed with what can be done with such a device, head to De La Liff over the Christmas break. You never know, you may even nab yourself a Christmas present while there. :)

Don't forget about day tripping it down to McLaren Vale to visit Salty Stories at Red Poles either... no excuse needed. Kids love running around in the pit, parents love the wine and beer, and everyone loves the food. 

A staycation on the Fleurieu Peninsula, SA. A mini treat.

I put on my tourist hat for a weekend of exploring close to home. I discover how lucky we are. Not that I didn't already know that. Welcome to my backyard - the McLaren Vale area on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Magpie Springs and Southern Boulder, Hope Forest www.magpiesprings.com.au
Vineyard, cellar door, gallery and bouldering wall. These guys have it covered. Kids are welcome, but keep an eye on them, with lots of art scattered across the property - nobody wants it broken. 

We signed the paperwork then set out across the lawn to the bouldering wall. I could get up a couple of the walls, and stood amazed at how people could climb over the rest. The strength these guys and girls would have in their fingers, hands, arms and body. At some points, they would be hanging upside down, holding on to small knobs with just their fingers. It would be an interesting event to watch. 

Artist Avril Thomas lives and works here. I photographed her for an editorial while I was working at News Limited and enjoyed seeing where she has come with the property from 'run down' to an incorporated natural art gallery. Using what is on the land, and in nature, there are surprises everywhere I look. We are lucky enough to have Avril show us around, pointing out things as we go. I especially love the three woven vine rings that hang from towering trees near the dam. 

The Victory Hotel, Sellicks Beach www.victoryhotel.com.au
Established in 1858, it's a local icon. But it's the first time I have eaten here. I have photographed here before - chef, owner, renovations - but never 'enjoyed' it. I have been missing out. We sit under the pergola watching the Willunga plains and ocean change colour and tone as the sun sets. The party hanging around from lunch are particularly entertaining as we speculate who is holding themselves the best, as they chat and laugh in front of us. Kids play gymnastics and ball on the lawn beside them as bowls of chips are handed out.

The food is good - very good. And don't forget to check out the wine cellar like I did. Hubby went down to find a bottle of wine and came back confused - too much choice. He was probably even more confused by the selection process of going into the cellar. :)

Sea and Vines Cottage, Willunga area www.seavinescottage.com
This two bedroomed little cutie feels like it's in the middle of nowhere, but in reality, is under five minutes to Sellicks Beach, five minutes to Willunga and less than ten minutes to McLaren Vale. Surrounded by gum trees and vineyards, I heard three cars drive past the entire time we were there (an afternoon and morning). Sitting in the claw foot bath, a glass of port on the caddy, while reading a magazine (in between looking out to the paddock from the big bathroom window) was a definite relax. As was sitting on the front porch having a child-free chat - until the mozzies came out. The next morning we enjoyed a bbq eggs and bacon breakfast under the pergola while dreaming of living in such an area. 

Port Noarlunga jetty and beach
One of my favourite beaches in Adelaide. I'd love to build my dream house here - on The Esplanade south of the little main hub of town. The beach is plump with squeaky sand (and no seaweed!) while the water is so clear you can see the bottom, even when standing at the end of the jetty. The reef that lays at the end of the jetty is popular with scuba divers and the morning we are there, a team are practicing first aid and retrieval skills. All while teens are jumping off the end of the jetty, pulling bikinis into place as they surface and fisherman are catching (and then releasing) Port Jackson sharks. 

I still have so much to discover - but I can't help but wander further afield. I'll just discover what I need when I need. It's a good way to see the world, I think.

Petaluma's women winemakers for Latte magazine

I recently had a shoot for Business Chicks' Latte magazine. I was to photograph women winemakers in the Adelaide Hills.

Petaluma has three women winemakers on their team. The morning I arrived, they had been there since 5 am and joked about sleeping there. 'Who needs a mother?' They laughed. Luckily, the extra long work hours happen only a few times a year for a few weeks at a time.

After a quick look around the grounds, I decided to do the whole shoot in their new cellar door. The decor was interesting, quirky and had different areas for each profile pic of the girls. 

I particularly loved the wooden wine bottle holder walls and the glasses hanging from the ceiling. I recounted a story of a glass shelf, filled with pint glasses, breaking over my face in London. A quick trip to the hospital to check for glass in my eyes followed. I then remembered how clumsy I could be - and warned them 'I hope every single glass is bolted on securely.' If anyone were to knock them, it would be me. And yes, I knocked them with my softbox. And yes, they were secure. Phew.

Here are some of the pics from the shoot. I hope you can see how much fun and laughs we had.

Salty Stories - a Fleurieu exhibition

Come join us for the opening THIS SATURDAY - we can have a glass of bubbles ready for you.

I don't do many exhibitions - owning my own business and being mum to two small children doesn't leave me much time. Ros kept asking though. And so here we are. I'd love it if you could come for a look. Red Poles is a beautiful location with yummy food, good beer and wine, and trees and vineyards all around. Worth it.

Behind the Scenes at Majestic Hotels shoot

This week I have been busy photographing some updated rooms at the Majestic Hotels group in Adelaide. Nadia came along to help - and take a few cheeky snaps with the iPhone on silent. The spots I get myself into...

Minima Hotel.

Apart from making me look like I have nice long legs, I'm glad Nadia snuck this pic. This pink room was a surprise. All the other rooms I had photographed were colourful, creative, tonal - and I liked them. I wanted to stay in one. This room is different. Each to their own. At least you can request particular rooms while booking. I can only imagine a guy going out on a boys trip, or to the footy, and being put in this room. Laughter.

Majestic Roof Garden

Squeeze in. Taking a shot of 'movie time' from the bath - complete with movie snacks on the bed.

Culshaws at the Roof Garden Hotel

Looks like I'm either taking a rest or in between doing a leg workout. In reality I'm waiting for guests to move away from the foyer area so I can take one frame. When I was framing up the shot I obviously didn't realise how long I would be there for. Ten minutes later...

Was a great shoot - I'll show the resulting images later.