Our crazy travel ritual at Port Elliot, South Australia

We are creating a travel ritual. Never thought I would - but here we are. We are going to Port Elliot Caravan Park every October long weekend. Well, we have done for the past three years. 

Port Elliot! My family live in Victor Harbor. I used to live in Port Elliot. I can stay for free with my family. So why are we creating a habit of paying $70 a night for a patch of lawn in a caravan park? Sharing a toilet and shower with loads of strangers?

The kids clambering of the rocks at Middleton Point. 

Well...

1. We are camping out with my best friend and her family. The kids play together all day long on the playground and jumping pillow while we can relax just two sites away. Stand up from our deck chair, and we can check on them. Happy Mummies, happy families.

The playground which entertains the kids for most of the day at BIG 4 Port Elliot.

2. It feels like we could be holidaying anywhere. I relax like we are on holidays. Heck, we are on holidays. Some days complete with wine in hand by mid-afternoon. And the 'in transit' time to get here is under an hour from home. We don't hear 'are we there yet?' at all in the one hour. 

We borrowed a caravan this year - so much more relaxing. 

3. The beach is a two-minute walk away from our bed. In fact, there are two beaches within a few minutes walking distance. And about five minutes drive away is the surf at Middleton Point. I'm in heaven - or at least I would be if it was 20 degrees warmer this year.

Some crazy nuts got in this water with short wetsuits! Brr. I need my winter wetsuit, booties and gloves before I step in. 

4. The vibe and community feel of chatting to campsite neighbours, sharing stories with other parents at the playground, and manually washing dishes in the open air is somewhat relaxing. It gets my 'tribe' feeling happening.

Road rules? Be careful. Most drivers are always on the look out for objects of any kind on the road when in the caravan park.

5. I spend a lot of time outdoors. Typically, when I'm not on shoots, I'm inside editing at the computer. We cook, entertain, play and chat outside when holidaying in a caravan park. Sure, it's not quite 'in nature', but it does make me feel better.
 

Part of the Encounter Bikeway that runs Victor Harbor to Goolwa. 

6. We venture down different paths. Whether it's a walking track, road or new cafe. We ride our bikes down the back streets of Port Elliot to Retro Vibe Cafe on The Strand one morning - goggling at some of the new holiday homes lining the streets. While I'm sipping my double shot soy latte at the cafe, the kids play with the toys in one corner of the room. 

Retro Vibe, Port Elliot

So, will we continue our tradition? The question this year 'should we go somewhere else?' is quickly answered by a 'heck no, it's just starting to get easy. The kids know the place. We have awesome sites. There's surf. There's good coffee close. No.'

What weird or wonderful travel traditions do you have?

Let me know in the comments below. 

Regional photoshoot tours

Need photos?
Don't have $$$$ to spend on a full photo shoot?
Not happy with your own pics for social media?
Want awesome pics easy?

I've listened, and now I'm giving it to you. I know you realise how important photography is, but when it comes down to budget, there is always something more pressing. 

Good photography builds a solid foundation for your marketing. Without it, you can spend thousands and not get the return on invest you hope to see. With just seconds to make an impression (online), you need to give it your best.

To help you get that impact and return on investment, I am doing Regional South Australian tours over the next few months. Not only will you be able to book an awesome package that offers lots of photos, but you won't have to pay any travel/accom fees either. Sounds great, yes?

On these tours, I am offering my Editorial Package which gets you...

Pre-shoot plan
- We will discuss your ideas, what you need, and how to plan to get the most out of your hour of photography. With a little planning and organisation, you will be amazed at what can be done.

1-hour photo shoot
- I can photograph quickly! Have it all ready to go, and we can move around like a 'production line'. With over five years News Limited experience, I know how to get in, get the shots, and get out.

Up to 20 images delivered via Dropbox
- I'll supply your images via Dropbox in both print and web sizes. You can use these images for whatever you want within your business. 

Ten pack Social media photos
- While I'm in the area, I'll also get some stock photos. You have access to 10 of these for free use on any social media channel for your business.

Of course, you can book more than one package, or get a tailored package to suit your requirements. 

Dates are...

Flinders/Outback Sat 29th Oct - Weds 2nd Nov
Eyre/Yorke - Sat 12th Nov - Weds 16th Nov
Clare/Barossa/Riverland - Mon 21 Nov - Weds 23 Nov
Limestone - Tues 29 Nov - Sun 4 Dec
*some flexibility can be arranged surrounding these dates. Email me for any requests.

If you are not in one of these areas, still email me, I can still help you!

Email me now to chat or secure a shoot.

Food photography tips

So here are the snaps I took over the course of the Fleurieu Food and Shimmer Festival workshops to demonstrate light, storytelling and composition.

Take a look through them and see if you can 'see' what I am banging on about. :)

If you want to learn more, check out my Better Pics for Business eCourse - group intake starting soon!

Movement

In this series of apple slicing you can see the importance of taking lots of shots. A second or two can make or break an interesting photo.

Composition

The plate of food doesn't always have to be 'all alone'. Frame the plate with ingredients, drinks, other plates, cutlery...

Action

Don't be afraid to ask Chef to 'go slow' or 'do it again' if you can. Obviously you don't have this luxury during a busy service.

Move around - get the action from different angles. 

Careful of hands. If they are in front of the food they will block the view and appear very large.

Giving a sense of speed

Lower your shutter speed (use Manual on iPhone) to 1/30 and ask someone to move fast across the frame. 

Brace yourself (to minimise camera shake), or better yet, put the camera on a tripod, and focus on something that isn't moving. 

Take lots of photos to get a natural look with the person movement.

Reflector usage

Using a reflector opens up the shadows. Check out the front of the cake and see the difference (lightness) that it makes in this series.

Wine bottles

Photograph wine bottles straight on or from a distinct angle. Slightly off doesn't make the bottle look great - more like, weird.

Blur

Adding depth of field by making things out of focus in the background (and foreground) brings out where you want the viewers attention to land.

You can... 

use f2.8 or f4, perhaps even f5.6

get the lens in close to the subject

use a long lens ie. 70-200mm

zoom in on your iPhone

Conference, socials, awards and photography thoughts

Forgetting to bring a jacket to Melbourne nearly tops my travel packing blunders. Only forgetting my camera rates higher. Oops. 

Arriving in Melbourne, my plans to head straight to the AirBnB house and crack out some work, went out the window. I traipsed around the CBD with my suitcase in tow trying to find a suitable jacket - one that would work for casual and as an overcoat for a Gala Dinner. One that went with red boots, and one that was different to any I had at home. Hmm. Two hours later - mission accomplished.

Walking to the AirBnB house on Punt Road was another (perhaps) mistake. I didn't realise there are two sets of numbers on the same road - you need to type in the suburb to find the exact address. This is something I didn't do. Oops. I end up twenty minutes walk away from where I should have been. My 40-minute walk turned into just over an hour. Oh well, at least I get some exercise. And I do see Olympic Park - a place I'd worked at when covering the Commonwealth Games for News Limited in 2006. 

Eventually, I arrive and meet my room mate. Our other house mates are still one their way. The week that unfolds is one of laughs, crying, disappointment, inspiration and socialising. I thought I was coming to this photography event for professional learning but come away with a different 'learning outcome'. One of inspiration, new friendships, life thoughts and a re-instated idea of living with passion.

Part one of the event is APPA (Australian Professional Print Awards), the Australian Institue of Professional Photography's annual national print awards. It's a competition where photographers compete for points that accrue to give statuses like Master Photographer and Grand Master Photographer. Photographers also compete for titles like Travel Photographer of the Year, Commercial Photographer of the Year and Photographer of the Year. The whole process is a long one to explain, so head on over to www.aipp.com.au if you want to know more. 

I have entered the awards with four images in the Travel category. I was hopeful but unsure. Again, like previous years, I had left it to the last minute for selection, retouch and actually sending them in. Not the best idea. 

I don't have to wait long to get my results. Travel is judged on the first day, and soon enough I know that I only have one silver. The others receive 'professional standard', ranking in the 70s, but that is not why you (me) enter the awards. Surely we should know if they are professional standard or not. Oh wow. So continues my love-hate relationship with these awards and questioning of entering or not. I now have another year to think about entering or not.

My clouds aren't sexy enough. And the surfboards poking their tips into the air don't read 'travel' and 'human' enough. Score: 73

"To the author. Great eye. Keep up with this style and you will crack it." Nice feedback. Score: 76

Too weird. 'Don't understand it.' Score: 78

Silver!!! Score: 80

My biggest question to ponder...

I have four years to gain nine merit points. Considering I average 1-2 points a year, is it worth the $4000 (or more) to gain my title of Master Photographer? I only want it for marketing purposes but wonder if it makes that much of a difference. This scenario eats up a lot of years, money and emotion. Help me!

The second part of this event is Incite, the AIPP Nikon Event - an annual conference for photographers and videographers. Two days of workshops and presentations plus additional workshop selections on the APPA judging days. Two official social events and casual social events on the other evenings fill the week. Wow - no wonder I am tired. Sleep is something I require, and I think I am still catching up a week later. 

I came to Melbourne hoping I would walk away with lots to implement. I am disappointed with my learning outcomes but have come away with a couple of little gold nuggets.

#1 Success or Significance? 

Photographers with a focus on success strive to be the best they can. Photography is their life passion, and they can easily let it run their lives - to the detriment of other areas. Personal relationships, hobbies, home life and personal time out can feel the strain. All in the strive for being on one of the top rungs of the photography leader ladder. One of 'the best'. But with a focus on significance, photographers can help others. They can do good with their work. They think about others and have balance. They strive to leave a legacy - whatever that may be - that is more than a title. 

I want to (and hope I already am) live my life with significance. I care to make a difference and realise I can. Whether it's making beautiful family photographic memories for my children, helping businesses be more successful or encouraging people to travel and discover not only the world but themselves too.

#2 Don't let photography control your life. Instead, photograph your life. 

On my tombstone I don't care if it says '# 1 photographer' but I do care for people to remember me as a kind person, good mum and beautiful friend that respects and cares for others. 

Now, back to work I go. 

BTW, not only do I help businesses succeed through commissioned photography, but I also teach people how to get their social media pics looking great. Check it out at www.heidiwho.com/betterpicsforbusiness. I'll soon be launching a new LIVE round!

Want two FREE Business Chicks event tickets?

Who wants two free tix to an awesome Business Chicks event? Check out the link for details. 

Kirstine Stewart, technology leader and former VP of Media at Twitter North America, says it’s time for us to lose the ‘superwoman’ expectations that we have for ourselves.

Kirstine will be looking at the expectations we put on ourselves and the expectations others put on working women. 

If you do, it's easy. Tell me! And just for fun, finish this sentence... (either leave your answer on Facebook post or in comments here)

Success or significance - it's a matter of....

You have until 5pm Friday 9th September. Can't wait to hear from you and read some answers.

Shimmer Festival photo fun

Check out the fun we are getting up to for Shimmer Festival! Head on over to have a look at everything. You can book workshops through the link also.

There is so much cool stuff to see and do - but don't forget to check mine out... here is some more info. :)

Things (other than cost) to consider when choosing your photographer

You need a professional photographer, but there are so many to choose in your local area. Just how do you make your choice? You know budget will come into it, but what about all those other niggling factors? Here are three things to consider, other than cost, to help you choose a photographer.

 

Image courtesy of Nadia Marlow while working at Majestic Hotels Adelaide

Find Someone You Connect With

Personalities need to match, which is why it’s so important to meet with photographers and discuss your needs. Find someone you can bond and joke with, someone who will understand your style and personality. This is the best way to make it an experience to remember.
Someone who matches your personality won’t get you doing shots you’re not comfortable with.

 

See Their Portfolio

Always ask to see a portfolio of work. While references can help to determine skill, the portfolio physically shows you a photographer’s abilities. You’ll be able to see if there are certain types of shots they prefer, or if they can capture those “in-the-moment” images.
This is very important to make sure they can capture the type of shots needed for your business. Hiring someone who is well versed in wedding photography may not be the best when you need landscape shots. They have slightly different skill sets and experience needed.

 

Image courtesy of Nadia Marlow while working at Majestic Hotels Adelaide

Discuss Your Needs

You want to make sure a photographer understands the needs of your project. This will help to make sure you get the shots that will boost your business or brand, for example. While checking personalities suit, talk about what you hope to gain from these images. You can even ask for samples that are linked directly to these gains to make further sure they understand.
Distance and cost aren’t just the factors you need to consider when choosing a photographer. Make sure you gel and don’t forget to discuss samples and experience to make sure you get the right one.

How to prepare for your accommodation photo shoot

When showcasing your accommodation, you need to take photos to show off the rooms and scenery. Getting these photos just right will mean the difference in getting guests and people looking elsewhere. 

Here are three steps to take to prepare your accommodation for the perfect photos.

Clean Everything in Sight

Whether it’s the carpets, the bathrooms, and even the windows, make sure everything is completely clean. Photos will bring up the smallest of marks and stains. 

 

Pay Attention to Details

Whether it’s clutter near the minibar cupboard or creases in the bed sheets, pay attention to the slightest of details. Think about how you could view photos of accommodation to check it is suitable. 

People do look for these small details of imperfection. They are looking for why one place is better than the other. They want to feel spoilt. 

 

Ensure Interior Layout Works

Placing items of furniture in the wrong place will just make your rooms look smaller. Make sure the interior layout looks fresh, tidy, and comfortable. 

Size does matter. Use interior design to make your property look bigger, even if that means moving a few things around or out of the way.

Watch out for cluttering on desks and nightstands. Just have the basics.

You can make your accommodation stand out in pictures. It just needs to be prepared beforehand.

Use the above tips to get every room spotless, so people never have a reason to say “no.”

Rapture Surfcamp Padang Padang, Bali

The steps to Thomas Beach. Fine to come down - harder to get back up after surfing for hours. 

Wannabe surfer? Doesn't matter, this place is awesome for anyone wanting to run away to Bali and stay 'in the jungle' as taxis from Seminyak tell us. No hawkers, a handful of shops and restaurants and Roosters crowing in the morning. And guess what, not a Bintang singlet in sight!

Surfer? You are sorted. Guiding is included in the rate, and can be for a full day. I'm used to going out morning or late arvo, so this came as a surprise. No that I'm complaining. With surf breaks all around the Bukit Peninsula, Rapture made sure we went somewhere suitable. Beginners and advanced in different groups so no one gets the raw end of the deal. Padang Padang is just down the road - but as fate would have it, we never made it there to surf. Whenever I go to Bali, I seem to take big swell with me - and as a beginner, a lot of breaks were out. Big swell may have kept me out of some breaks, but looking out over Balangan I couldn't help but dream 'one day'.

One day....

The Rapture pool at night

Back at camp, non-surfers have a quiet haven to hang out at during the day. Pool to themselves, massage in the gazebo above the pool anytime, and food and drink ready to order at the bar. Well, that is until the surf groups get back. Then it's a hype of activity. People practice their duck dives in the pool, try out their balance on the Indo board and crack the Bintangs. I even give a show - losing my bikini bottoms on diving into the pool. Crimson? Not sure what colour that is.

Harder than it looks - the IndoBoard

Quietness sweeps across the resort again when the afternoon session of yoga starts. Great to stretch after your surf workout or turn it into a workout on one of your days 'off' surfing. Above the restaurant, it's serene and Abby, our instructor, is perfect. Attentive, gentle but ensuring you get the most out of the practice. I would have been in my zen if I hadn't had looked at my armpit while doing one of the stretches and seen a bush peeking back at me. Argh.

As the sun drops, everyone gets ready to head out of 'the jungle' and watch the sunset at Uluwatu. Thongs and shorts are dress-code - love the simplicity. Some girls put make-up on but most just chuck their sunnies on their head and pile in the van. Hey, did you know you can fit nine people in a squishy six seater? You get to know each other quick - and all the lumps and bumps of the car body. Don't even mention the road bumps that make you bounce - ouch.

Big swell at Uluwatu

Uluwatu cliff bars

Nights are spent around the communal table. If there is one negative of the resort, it would be the fact that you don't get a choice for dinner. It's a set menu. But hey, it fills my tummy, and it is yummy. Chatting with the other guests over Bintangs, my mind is not on the food. I love getting to know everyone from the four corners of the world. And being a surf resort, I think we all kinda gelled through our love of simple, surf, sun, party and chill. 

Rapture food

Rapture food

For night bunnies - Uluwatu is just down the road. If you don't have a bike, Rapture can organise the van to take you down, or you can walk out to the main road and flag a Bluebird taxi. Cheap cheap. After a few sneaky vodkas poolside, we decide to head out. The famous Single Fin, along with a swag of other cliff-hugging bars cling to the cliff about the sometimes huge break. There's no air-con, but with the sea breeze, who needs it. We dance the night away - well, till it closes at 1 am - then haggle for a taxi back to Rapture. I'm quite proud I get a low price which one of the guys from 'camp' said we wouldn't be able to get. It's not that I even try, I just tell the guy what we paid to get down here, and he agrees. Win win. 

Rapture outdoor bathroom

Loft room

Downstairs in the loft room

Now, to lay your head down and rest. The resort isn't a huge party place. Most people are in bed or out to a bar after dinner and casual drinks. The rooms are a nice place to retire to if you decide. Because there are three of us we book the two-story private room, which can accommodate four, but many of the other guests are in dorms. They are pretty beautiful dorms too. One day I poke my head in one and am left uttering 'wow' under my breath. Bean bags, comfy beds, space...

What more does a girl need? I'm a happy chappy here - surf, relaxed vibe, friendly people, stylish rooms, yoga and massages. Oh, and some Bintangs. When can I go back?

Waiting, over lunch, for surf at Thomas Beach

How to pose to 'flatter'

A photograph never lies. That’s a common phrase that isn’t quite true anymore. In fact, it never has been true. There are ways to stand to make you look good; to flatter your strong points and lessen the weaker sections of your body. Here are three ways that professional photography work to hide your flaws that you can follow too.

Not that she needs it, but notice how the head appears slimmer when looking up at the camera. 

And the difference when the head is level with the camera.

Look Up at the Camera

Double chins are one of the most unflattering elements of photography. When it comes to getting a portrait, make sure you look up at the camera. You’ll need to pull your head back and stretch out the neck. Your double chin will disappear instantly. The neck will also be hidden from the shot completely if the photo is taken from above.

 

Remove Objects from the Photo

If you’re short and conscious of this fact, you can easily hide that in a photo. The trick is to remove anything that could give away just how short you are. 
Another option is for everyone to sit down. This is extremely beneficial when it comes to a family portrait. Everyone laying on their fronts or backs will also help to avoid the problem of showing how short you are, and you can ask your professional photographer to do these types of shots.

Big smiles normally give scrunched eyes, more laughter lines and harsher frames. In this photo, it is telling a story, but for a portrait - not the most flattering.

Soft smiles ensures eyes are left wide open, laughter lines are soft and a smooth outline. 

 

Avoid Big Smiles

If you have yellow teeth or chubby cheeks, you can avoid showing these in photography by avoiding big smiles. It is possible to smile and make it reach the eyes without opening the mouth and showing off the teeth. You can also share emotion from the eyes without the need to smile on camera. Some of these sultry looks can look amazing while making your face look thinner.
Think about your flaws and how you can hide them in photography. The above three tips will help you with your next professional portrait.