Tourism Hero Shots - what it takes to get them
Thinking out Hero Shots. You need them. How do you get them?
Family stays at an outback station. Kids having fun in the natural space. Nice weather, casual, safe, fun. That's what families would want to see if looking to go outback for some quality time together.
Clients need “Hero Shots” of their destinations (or any business for that matter). It's their defining image - what sets them apart from the rest.
So, what exactly is a Hero Shot – and what does it take to capture them?
A Hero Shot is a 'wow' photograph that makes the viewer think (or say) 'I want to be there now!' It either grabs your attention quickly in a saturation of images. A library of promotional images complements the hero shots. These images are less memorable (or impactful), but just as necessary to tell the story.
These hero images define and differentiate a destination from its competition. A series of Hero Shots can be created to broaden a destination’s appeal and convey your key marketing messages to the specific audience you are looking to attract.
Images like these require considerable forethought and planning. Unless of course, I just get lucky (which does happen). But I, or you, don't want to rely on just luck. Prep is needed.
Your destinations appeal and uniqueness
+
great idea/concept
+
awesome team
=
Hero image
Uniqueness/appeal could be a landmark, a feeling or an experience.
The great idea revolves around a story. What do you want to say? Find your answer and then go about resourcing how to get it. Time of year for the shoot, time of day, appropriate talent (if any), props, team and style all need to be considered. Think about what your ideal audience is wanting to see, put them in the photo. Best weather, atmosphere, activity, talent similar to themselves... Let your audience imagine it could be them there, enjoying your destination.
Then find the production team you need, and trust, to be able to get it.
Awesome team - people you trust and can deliver on what you want. Look at their portfolio, get to know them, find recommendations. You have to be comfortable and confident.
TIPS:
Make sure your talent doesn't look posed. It needs to look believable. Think about every aspect, not just the posing.
Have plans but allow for spontaneity.
Have fun - emotions and smiles connect.
Lighting and weather make the photo - anticipate. Check the direction of light, weather forecast and allow for extra time just in case.
How I got the shot... Bruny Island House of Whiskey
Want to know to get a decent bottle photograph? One simple tip.
Ok, so this shot is not perfect. But hey, for a shot 'on the run', I think it's pretty. It's unretouched and raw.
Bottles, glass and reflections make photography difficult. It's one thing people ask quite often. "How do I get a nice shot of a bottle?"
One easy trick is to diffuse the light that is falling on your subject. In this shot, I did that with a reflector scrim. That is it. A scrim is a translucent material that still allows light to go through, but softens it.
I had someone hold it between the sun and the bottles. It really minimised the reflections and made the image creamier looking.
Check out the other pic that shows the bottles without the scrim in place. You can see the difference on the labels.
What do you think?
South Australian Regional Tours - new dates and new packages!
I'm hitting the road again. Now is the time to update your photos. I have some awesome new packages too.
I'm very excited to announce some new dates for regional South Australian tours. Maybe Tasmania has given me itchy feet? (Who am I kidding, I've always got itchy feet for discovery.)
If you missed out last time, then now is your chance. I loved my last tours and clients found them ultra beneficial and cost effective. Email me now to get going.
Flinders/Outback - Aug/Sept
Barossa/Clare - June/July
Riverland/Murrayland - Oct
Limestone - Oct
Yorkes/Eyre - Nov
Fleurieu - Sept/Oct
A range of packages are on offer for these tours, check them out...
Website overhaul
Ideas and package prices to be discussed. This is the big kahuna. Something that will set you up - website, printed promos, Instagram. It's all sorted with these packages.
Social Media Rock Pack - get three months of social pics. 100 pics! $500 - 3-hour shoot
Tell your story SPECIAL PRICE $1500
Various portraits, details, overviews, variations.
Up to four hours
Business
Pics of you
Social media brand style
Website pics
Hero images for advertising
Up to 50 images
Valued at $1900
Region In Residence SPECIAL PRICE $5000
Five days including 2 ‘hero image’ half day shoots including 50 images
3hr workshop
Social media pics x100 taken throughout the week
BONUS: 50% discount Editorial shoots for members/businesses in area booked through this package
Valued at $6500
Better Pics for Social Workshop $500
Suitable for beginners - no fancy equipment required
Simple tips for photographing people, food, events, architecture
Story and light
3 hours
Limited Contra Deals are also available for accommodations.
Of course, if you want something special and unique (who doesn't), I can work with you on that also. Call or email me to discuss ideas.
Conditions: Minimum numbers required for tour to be confirmed.
All prices are exclusive of GST.
Take a look at some of the shoots on my last tours. All done on the Editorial Package (with slight variations).
Coffee shopping around Tasmania
How hard is it to get a good coffee? Am I fussy? Maybe.
Four weeks in Tasmania - coffee stops nearly every day. I have a few thoughts.
Four weeks in Tasmania. Four weeks away from my coffee machine. Breathe. It's ok.
Here's my roundup of coffee experiences. Nearly every day I went out for coffee. I looked for interesting and funky places, or busy places full of under 40's. Just my unconscious liking.
Devonport:
I'm sure it wasn't the 'happy to be travelling' buzz you get when you first go on holidays. I'm pretty damn sure the coffee was great. And I loved the little laneway digs at Laneway.
Boat Harbour Beach:
The location couldn't get any better. Right on the beach at Boat Harbour. It wouldn't matter how bad the coffee is; I'd enjoy it. The stickiest bliss balls I've ever had.
Burnie:
A great location overlooking the town and the coast at the Visitor Centre. Prepare to spend money. We went in for coffee and ended up with coffee, bliss balls, cake and cheese. Oops. At least we enjoyed it.
Strahan:
Coffee Shack is a retro little shed opposite the cruise and travel centres at the harbour. Unfortunately, we lucked out (according to a local) and went on a day when the owner wasn't working. She makes awesome coffee.
Cradle Mountain:
Last coffee for five or more days for some. Not for me, thank goodness. Great to chat with my dad before he set off on the Overland Track.
Sheffield: This shop rocks. Scary taking the kids in - 'look with your eyes, not your fingers' kind of place. And you can write on the toilet wall - so I did. Check out Blacksmith Gallery Cafe.
Deloraine:
They have a bike stuck to the wall outside The Empire Hotel. I think the cyclists like it. I know the owner loves cycling. Good coffee, even in takeaways.
Lake St Clair:
Sitting around people that have been hiking for five plus days with no shower may not be fun for the nose. Dad thinks the hot chocolates are the best he has ever drunk.
Cygnet:
Sitting in the sun with hippy locals at The Lotus Eaters Cafe. Trampoline for kids to jump on. Chocolate shards and little choco beans for the hot chocolates. Shame some of the staff couldn't be happier.
Kettering:
Steamhouse. One of the only places in Tasmania to offer coconut milk - and they had run out! Great coffee, friendly staff, and quirky. It's an ex-petrol station. Love it.
Bruny Island:
Tourist central at Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co. But great to sit and have coffee with a cheese board. Wooden outdoor seating amongst the trees.
Hobart:
Coffee as it should be. Villino - yes. Island Coffee - yes. Cute little attic to lounge around in while the kids pretend to make coffee with the toy coffee machine.
Richmond:
Czegs. I think it's the place to be in Richmond. So busy. The breakfast looks SO yummy. Loads of teapots covering the walls. Squeaky wooden floorboards and different rooms to relax in.
Bicheno:
Pasinis was recommended, but our experience was a one in a million. Felt like I got growled at when at the counter trying to order, our order got lost, and then they couldn't complete it because they had run out of almond milk... and didn't tell us til later. Fixed it with a macchiato and a couple of pieces of honeycomb.
Coles Bay:
Tombolo Freycinet - heard it was great. Unfortunately not for me. The first day the coffee was so weak I had three shots! The second day it was strong but burnt almond milk.
Evandale:
This building and town overall is so very... yesteryear. The sign read 'best-preserved town in Tasmania' - or something like that. Grand two-story mansions and cosy stone cottages. Coffee and gluten free cheesecake by the fire at Ingleside is something I don't regret.
Launceston:
In the mall. So many choices! Spent the time waiting for my coffee looking around the tight hole in the wall. Trinkets everywhere - very interesting.
Coconut milk has not hit Tasmania as of April 2017. It's a rarity.
I order my coffees (mostly) as double shot lattes with coconut milk or macchiatos. Your 'average' latte or cappuccino may well be awesome at the places that failed my test. Or, as it happens sometimes, I could have just lucked out with the day of the week and barista.
DISCLOSURE: I'm no coffee snob - I just write on what I like.
Tasmania. Natural, wild, hypnotic, peaceful...
Tasmania. It really is a photographers paradise. I have taken 1000's of photos in under two weeks. And video. Argh. How am I going to get through editing all of them?
I've been in Tasmania for nearly two weeks now. Time has flown. We have done so much. I kinda feel rushed. Four weeks is nowhere near long enough to discover the surface of Tassie. But hey, we are having fun.
Here are some piccies so far... story behind them to come when I get some good internet (and time).
:)
Tasmania - here I come!
It's D Day! Tasmania, here I come. It's going to be full, it's going to be fun, it's going to be adventurous. New clients, new sights, new experiences. Yay.
Part of the Overland Track, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
I'm heading south. Today I'm setting off for Tasmania. A three-day road-trip to Spirit of Tasmania. It's very exciting. I wonder how long that excitement will last? I mean, really, man and wife, two children aged five and seven, and a caravan? For nearly five weeks. I chuckle, and then try and get my breath again.
We haven't planned much. But do think we will go via Mount Gambier and Warnambool. We've booked the overnight sail on the Spirit of Tasmania, then... rambles. Rambles until Ben starts the Overland Track hike with my Dad. I think I'm okay with that. I have done it. But gee, I love hiking and being surrounded by just nature. And hey, I'll get to spend the week with the kids. Eek. There are wineries around, yes?
You know, when we planned to be in Tasmania for a month, I thought that would be plenty of time. Appears not. I'm already upset that we are only going to have two days around Bruny Island and Huon Valley. I feel like I'm missing towns I want to stay in. I want more. I'm already thinking we have to go back for Tamar Valley and Huon Valley - two places with not much scheduled time. Argh.
Anyway, stay tuned. I'll be writing and posting pics to Instagram as we go. Tasmania - you are gorgeous. Can't wait!
CLIENT SHOWCASE: CU@Wallaroo
CU@Wallaroo. Two properties in Wallaroo, South Australia catering to large groups.
Check out the fun photo shoot we did recently...
I love my job! I have so much fun, and there is always something new on the horizon.
This job, for CU@Wallaroo was such fun - thank you so much to everyone for coming and playing 'talent' for us. You did a great job!
CLIENT: CU@Wallaroo
BRIEF: Two large group properties in Wallaroo. Range of lifestyle images showing property features and food package option.
SHOOT: 1 day over a weekend.
TALENT: Friends, social media call out, family.
CLIENT SHOWCASE: Segway Sensation SA
Such a fun morning of work. And a fun way of seeing Adelaide. Segway Sensations.
In January I had one very fun morning riding a Segway around the riverbank precinct in Adelaide. OMG, I wish you (and me for that matter) could have seen my face the first time I hopped on one and moved forward. I'm pretty sure it would have looked like a kid on Christmas morning seeing Santa had been.
After, hmm, 10 minutes, it felt like I'd been on one for years. They are easy to ride and very stable. I loved zooming around.
We followed the tour trail, stopping when I saw some great photo opps. Everyone was super cooperative and fun to work with. And Mother Nature played nice for us.
If you follow me on social media, you may have seen a little Facebook Live video I did - here is the link. The excitement in my voice says it all.
Definitely check out www.segwaysensationsa.com if you want to have a fun couple of hours seeing our city in a new light. It's fun!
Here are the pics from the morning shoot...
Tasmania - want photos?
Tasmania - I'm on my way.
Lots of photo packages available with great options. Do you want in?
'We're all going on a summer holiday,
summer holiday.'
Well, not really. But I am going with the fam to Tasmania in March/April. And I'm pumped. One whole month!
I've got a few gigs lined up, and I'd love to extend the offer to everyone. If you are in Tasmania or know someone in Tasmania, that is in need of pics (and let's face it, who doesn't NEED pics in this era of social media and online advertising), here's the deal...
My schedule -
21-27th March 2017 West Coast
28-30th March 2017 Cradle Mountain area
31st-3rd April 2017 North West, Launceston area
4-10th April 2017 Hobart, Huon Valley, Bruny Island area
11th-15th April 2017 East Coast, Launceston
16th April 2017 Devonport
Some images from my last trip...
What's in it for you?
Contra Agreements (minimal $ or free)
I am also looking for a limited number of contra agreements where available and possible. If you are a tour operator, cafe, shop or accommodation business - this is perfect for you!
Stock photography on spec
NO COMMITMENT BY YOU - I WANT STOCK PHOTOS
If you would like general images, please email me with any requests. Of course, there is no guarantee that I will be able to achieve these images, but at least I can try. :) These images will then be uploaded to my stock photography where you can purchase at really reasonable prices. Check out the 'stock photography' page at www.heidiwho.com for examples of what I've already done for people.
An example:
Goyder Council, SA
- developed a shot list and organised talent
- I organised photo shoot time
- photographed area solo and with client/talent
- the client chose images to purchase after viewing proofs
Editorial Photography Package valued at $400 (plus GST)
With this package, you receive a one-hour photo shoot and up to 20 images in print and web size via Dropbox.
The images will be retouched to an editorial standard, which means I will colour correct, ensure they are tonally beautiful and look amazing, but I won't alter the reality of the image in any way. Ie. By removing objects, blending exposures (which helps with maintaining exposure through interiors to exteriors through windows, etc.).
Check out some examples at www.heidiwhotravels.com - particularly Port Lincoln Hotel and Whyalla Caravan Park.
Assignment Photography
If you have a particular photo shoot you are after, get in touch, and we can discuss. Clients include Crowne Plaza, YHA, Seawall Apartments, University of SA, SA government departments, SA Tourism Council, SA Tourism Industry Council, Majestic Group, Yorke Peninsula/City of Marion/City of Onkaparinga councils.
Please check out my website www.heidiwho.com for my photography work and my blog www.heidiwhotravels that showcase clients, my travels, photography tips and more.
Of course, email or phone me to discuss any ideas.
Bali - my fave places
So you have never been to Bali, but think it will be crap? There is more to Bali than Kuta and it's bogans, beer parties, and 'junket' stalls.
‘Bali?! I would never want to go there. Yuck.’
Sunset Bintangs - love them anywhere in Bali.
I hear this so often, and must admit, that I once said it too. But you know what? Once you get out of the bogan filled concrete city gridlock of Tuban, Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, it can be a holiday of your dreams.
Yes, you can get some bargain deals when you stay in these areas - but I’ve learned it’s not worth it for me. If I have to walk out of my hotel, be surrounded by concrete, drunk tourists before midday, touts pestering me every second - then I’m not going to enjoy myself that much.
Love the rural side of Bali.
If I can walk out of my accommodation and be surrounded by chilled people, relaxing rice paddies or jungle and relaxed beaches, I am content - even if that does mean being awoken by the roosters at dawn. I’m happy to pay the extra.
A pool for the kids. At least they are sorted.
I love Bali because it’s close, it’s easy, has good surf, the people are beautiful, and the countryside is dreamy. My kids love it because it has pools. Wish I was that easy to please.
My first visit to Bali was in 1992. We had to walk along a road lined with rice paddies to get to Kuta from Legian, where we were staying. Since then, I have returned four times and stayed in Tuban, Legian, Sanur, Seminyak, Canggu, Menjangan and Padang Padang.
My top three are...
A deserted beach in Bali? Yes, it exists.
Canggu
You can ride a bicycle around the streets here
Echo Beach sunset chill sessions
Surfing at Old Mans
Walking deserted beaches at Berawa
Expat chilled vibe scene with funky cafes/bars/restaurants like Old Mans
Clean sand on the Bukit.
Uluwatu area
As one taxi driver commented, ‘you are staying in the jungle!’
Uluwatu cliff top bars
Surf beaches everywhere - with squeaky on the feet white sand!
It feels safe enough to ride a scooter around here
Kuta bogans don’t normally hang out around here. It’s more surfer/chilled vibe
Exploring Menjangan mangroves.
Menjangan Park
Breakfast on a deck that hangs over the tree canopies while watching monkeys trying to steal food
You get transported through the resort in open-sided double decker vans
Kayak through the mangroves
The cocktails at sunset after crashing it on the free bicycles make all pain disappear
It’s quiet, there are no shops, and there is not much to do except relax in the forest
I know this list doesn’t suit everyone, but it’s mine. It’s chilled, surfy, good for families that like a bit of adventure (and not five-star luxury). You also get half a chance to get to know some locals, make friends, rather than just highbrow it to the touts in the tourist areas.
