Celebrating 16 years of heidi who photos

Sixteen years ago today I received my ABN for 'heidi who photos'. I had a dream to be paid for something I love - photography! Now I'm getting paid to not only photograph but also to travel the world and tell stories that inspire.

The love began at Strathalbyn High School - I still remember one of my first shoots with an SLR, photographing the old buildings around town. We had to load the film into canisters, then load into the camera, take photos, develop the film and finally make prints. Whenever I had a camera in hand or was in the darkroom, I was transported. I forgot everything going on and was in my peaceful place. Any issues, sadness or worries disappeared. I loved creating photos so much that, when I moved schools to Victor Harbor, I created a project in Craft (yes, that was actually a Year 12 subject) that required photos, liaised with the schools so I could drive back and use the darkroom to print photos.

Leaving country SA to live in Brazil when I was 18 was a game-changer—being alone in a foreign country where you don't speak the language forces confidence, pushing fears and living in discovery. I came back more confident and ready to get what I want.

Oh dear… food 16 years ago. I’m sure it tasted better than it looks. And the flash. Now I work with a lot of natural light that gives texture and feel. And makes the food look just as yummy as it is.

While working as a supervisor at Woolworths after returning from Brazil - I saw a PixiFoto photographer set up in-store. I decided that's what I wanted to do - so asked about a job. Seems to be the way I always got my jobs, by asking, not waiting. Perhaps a skill that has helped me with my success in business. After PixiFoto and being sent through Northern Territory I got a new job with a school photos company. We worked all over New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. These jobs fuelled my passion for travel even further, so not too long after, I headed overseas on a grand two-year adventure. I got a job on a cruise ship as a photographer, sailing the Greek Islands, Italy and Croatia. More fuel to the fire but I still didn't know if I could be a photographer "for real".

Now I can light better, get straight horizons, add emotion and story…

Arriving back in Adelaide, I gave up a job as a travel agent and decided to give the photography career a go. Why not?

I worked in a photo lab, an Italian wedding studio, a photo store, News Limited and Melbourne Commonwealth Games before going full time in heidi who photos. In the 16 years of heidi who photos I have worked with Huffington Post, In Daily, News Limited, South Australia Tourism Commission, various magazines, hotel chains and boutique hotels, tour operators, Adelaide Showground, Statewide Super, Beerenberg, Leukaemia Foundation, universities and government agencies. Photos have been on websites, social media, buildings, trams, buses and print. These collaborations have taken me all over South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, as well as Bali, Thailand, Fiji and Cuba.

And now? I'm inspiring more people, telling more stories, and travelling further to get them. I love creating a life I love while helping others live their dreams too. Funny how hard work and persistence pays off. ;) I've never really given myself time to reflect. But I'm going to start. I think it's time. Now to go and work out how to celebrate...

The eyebrows are still telling stories… but now, better light, crop and story.

CLIENT: Fleurieu Living Magazine

I’m heading to the launch of Autumn 2020 tonight… so here are some photos from Summer 2019/20. Oops, a bit behind…

I love working with Fleurieu Living Magazine. Exploring, meeting new people, having laughs, telling stories…

What is Copyright?

Before we start (aka my Disclaimer)... I'm a photographer, not a writer. I tell stories through photos, not words. So I hope I make sense of this very confusing topic. I’ve been asked a few times lately to try and explain…

Need to give the media or another company photographs? Want to use someone else's photo?

Keep yourself out of trouble and always ask... 

Where did it come from? 

Do you have the rights to use this? 

Do I have the rights to give this to a third company/someone outside of my business? 

It all comes down to Copyright and what Licence and Usage Rights you have. 

So what is Copyright? Apart from being a fancy circled C.

Basically, it's the ownership of the photograph or other artistic work. 

Who owns it?

On a commercial shoot, the photographer does. Except photographs taken for State, Federal and Territory governments and agencies (but not local councils).

What am I paying for when I hire a photographer then?

You are paying for usage rights of the photographs created for the purpose stated in the contract.

What sort of usage rights are there?

Many. From periods, web, specific campaign, pamphlet, in-house newsletter, social media.... (I’ve included my standard one at the bottom of this page)

What can I use my photos for?

This varies, and it will be stated in your contract. Some photographers permit usage for specific purposes within the fee; others will give full usage to use photographs for different purposes within the business. 

I said I need them for my website but now want to run a campaign with them. What do I do? Check your terms and conditions. Contact your photographer. If it's not included in the original fee, negotiate an extra use fee. 

Can I edit my photos? Normally, no. A photographer will charge you for their final photographs which are already retouched to their standard. You have paid to use the photograph that they createdChat with your photographer if you need to change anything. 

Can I give them to the models or someone else to use? Check your terms and conditions/contract. This would incur an extra fee. 

Often, things are created for a specific purpose and usage rights are sold to you for that purpose only. Creative products like videos and photos are not sold like a physical product; they are sold for a purpose. The value is on the purpose.

So, as you can see, it's very important to give as much detail to your photographer BEFORE the quoting process, as there are a lot of variables. It's also good to be aware of if you are comparing quotes - see what is included. 

This Australian Institute of Professional Photography link shares more techy info...

http://procommercialphotography.aipp.com.au/Articles/copyright-moral-rights-and-usage

The number one takeaway is read the contract and terms and conditions. Understand what you can do with the photograph. Ask your photographer to clarify. Every photographer works differently, so it's important to check. 

What do I normally include in my commercial shoots?

A licence for my client to use the image for all purposes, for as long as the wish, to promote their business only. They are not permitted to allow third parties to use the image for third party advertising.

An example. My client is a winery. I photograph a group of people having a gorgeous picnic at the winery. We source a platter from the local caterer for people to 'nibble' on in the photo. My client is the winery. The local caterer is not. If the caterer would like to use the photo, they must contact me. 

Collaborative Photo Shoots

Some new options for 2020!!!

I am a tourism photographer based in South Australia but work nationally. I have been working with TICSA, SATC and members for many years now, and love it.

In 2019 I offered a 'collaborative package' approach to suppliers where a region/organisation/multiple businesses could combine efforts and resources. The result is a more comprehensive library of images, simpler project management, and keeping costs down.

For example, Birdsville Hotel, The Outback Loop, Birdsville Adventure Tours and Arid Air all combined resources, talent and organisation to produce a beautiful weekend shoot which culminated in 100s of images (with a dozen or so 'hero' shots).

Other collaborative shoots:

Dept of Environment and Water and Sealink - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail Flinders Ranges and Outback, SATC, Coober Pedy Retail and Tourism Association - Region photos from Southern Flinders to Coober Pedy over three tours

Out of these shoots, I am also developing a stock photo library where businesses and media can purchase images. Either additional photos from the shoot just for social media purposes, media requiring them for editorial or for other companies to use to promote the area.

Why are these packages so good?

Your own commissioned shoot

Extras available at affordable pricing for social media

Collaborative marketing in the region through sharing of resources, funding and images

Stock photos from in region available for ongoing content

Photo requests will be available through stock photo site

Call or email me for more info and details.

Road tripping Yorke Peninsula in Van Halen

How could I not fall in love with a name like Van Halen? Of course, I had to hire the van for a little dream trip I had been thinking about. 

I've had this idea in my head that I'd love a van so I can do the #vanlife. But never having made a trip in a campervan, is it right to buy one. Probably not. So I then found Camptoo. A site that people can hire out their vans, caravans and motorhomes - a bit like AirBnB but for homes on wheels. 

I'm not going to lie; I was nervous picking Van Halen up. I hadn't driven a manual for a few years, let alone a campervan. But I needn't have been - smooth driving (most of the time). 

I picked up my friend, and off we headed to Yorke Peninsula. But where? We decided to make that decision when we got there. The freedom of not knowing where you were sleeping was something that attracted me to the #vanlife in the first place. 

We got down to Marion Bay the first day - stopping at a few towns to explore the beach, dance and be silly. Basically. We also had a cider in Port Vincent pub, The Ventnor. 

Driving up to the coast, getting lost, not worrying, and knowing I can stay anywhere with my house on wheels is liberating. We spent the night at a lookout - waking up to the cliffs and deserted beach next morning. Pushing open the back doors so we can goggle while staying in bed is the best part.

We repeated this for the next two nights - staying at very different parts of the coast each time from open, swell beach to very tidal rock pool coast at Gleesons Landing. Our last night at Barkers Rocks is where we met people, danced some more and went for a sunset dip with beer. Exactly how I had imagined #vanlife to be. 

Pros:

You can stay anywhere, being self sufficient with solar and water.

The best views.

Freedom.

The great outdoors, with a bed. 

Cons:

You can't drive everywhere in a big van.

My friend had to get used to 'going bush'.

You cruise everywhere - don't even contemplate trying to overtake. (But really, we didn't even want to.)

Would I do it again? Heck, yes! I want my own! 

https://www.instagram.com/vanhalenproject/

...a trip to Eleanor Downs, Kangaroo Island

I can imagine the view is quite different now - at least the KI pics. I hesitated to show these photos but decided to - Kangaroo Island it too beautiful. It may be different now, but they fight back. There is still so much to love about her, so much for everyone to enjoy.

Being driven around Eleanor Downs by Olivia and Nathan , hearing all their plans, was exciting. Their enthusiasm, energy and creativity were contagious. And I can only presume they still have grand plans. Their bush festival on 21st March is now being advertised.... check it out on Facebook via Eleanor Downs page. A comedy, arts and music festival set under the gum trees. Sounds blissful.

CLIENT: Birdsville Adventure Tours

Birdsville Adventure Tours runs private tours or group bookings - getting you about to see the best of Birdsville and the Outback. Think Harley Davidson motorbike rids, Big Red 4WDing and sunset tour, swagging under the stars, pub crawls, sunrise expeditions...

www.birdsvilleadventuretours.com.au

www.birdsvillehotel.com.au

CLIENT: Birdsville Hotel

Built in 1884, the Birdsville Hotel is iconic. I've heard about it for years. It's a destination in its own right. And last year I got there! I flew up with Arid Air for a weekend photoshoot - I guess the 'cushy' way, but one day I'll do the track. I've heard it's an experience not to be missed. Perhaps for the Big Red Bash?

www.birdsvillehotel.com.au

www.aridair.com.au

www.theoutbackloop.com.au

2020 Tours

I'm thinking 2020 and tours...

I'm ready to get my tunes (or Podcasts) plugged in and hit the road (and air). I'm always so excited to do these trips. I love meeting new people, helping businesses with great photographs and spending time in our beautiful country.

CONFIRMED TOURS (dates to be set):

Queensland

South Australia

Western Australia

*Let me know if you want me to come to you - even if it’s outside of these areas.

Of course, I'll be offering a full range of photography, including my popular $450 Editorial Package. You can check them out here. For a tailored photography package call or email me. We can work out something that suits you perfectly.

A big difference in 2020, though.... I also want to collaborate with regions - and even more powerful way of creating images that can be used to inspire people to travel, learn and discover while having fun. When I collaborate with regions, everyone works together and gets access to the photos - it creates more cohesive visuals, a lot more access and images being shown in multiple places in many ways. And you know what happens when a person keeps seeing the same place and amazing things they can do there? It gets on their radar!

We had great fun and success in 2019 doing precisely this in Flinders Ranges and Outback, Coober Pedy, Innamincka and Birdsville.

Here is a little of the fun we had…

https://www.heidiwho.com/travels/2019/8/15/southern-flinders-ranges

https://www.heidiwho.com/travels/2019/8/15/flinders-ranges

https://www.heidiwho.com/travels/2019/8/16/strzelecki-track-the-outback-and-innamincka

And a couple of pics from Birdsville…

"ONE PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS."

"PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD."

Sayings that have been around for years and are still critical to your success.

Part of the foundation of a great marketing plan is incredible, professional photographs. Without them, your online (well, any marketing) presence fails. And let's face it, the world is going online. Customers and guests first impression of you is very likely to be online. Make it a good one. Create a connection. Show them how great you are.

Get in touch if you are interested in having fun while creating a collection of photographs that tell your story in a real and beautiful way. Tell me 'where to go'.

The end of a decade... adventure and excitement is waiting

I have spent a fair bit of time over the new year reflecting and planning on what is to come. I've never spent enough time reflecting and celebrating my achievements, so I thought now would be a good time to start. Better late than never, right?

Overall, 2019 was all about growth, new experiences and learning.

I bought a house right by the beach — a long-time dream.

I raised $5000 and rode 500km through humid 43-degree heat in Thailand for Hands Across the Water (riding with Business Blueprint).

I went on my first ever solo surf camp.

I worked with Flinders Ranges and Outback tourism, photographing, well, everything.

I worked at Innamincka (and journeyed up the Strzelecki). I flew up in a small plane and worked at Birdsville. I flew to Kangaroo Island for a few hours of work in a four-seater.

I flew over the Flinders Ranges from Parachilna in a helicopter.

I bought a Mal.

My photos printed on trams and buses for a major campaign.

I worked with South Australia Tourism Commission.

I presented many workshops, teaching people how to take better photos.

I built myself a garden in my backyard.

I was asked to be on a photographic festival panel, helping create the event through participant selection.

I was asked to exhibit my Cuba prints in Southern Flinders Ranges Photo Festival.

I photographed the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail with talent for a few days.

My kids came out surfing with me. Most of my work came from tourism - another long-time dream.

I'm so honoured clients ask me to tell their story through my eyes.

And a big realisation - my life is now very much how I have dreamt it to be. Yes, there are some areas that I want to improve on, but I am one happy chappy to be living my dream life.

2020 is going to be all about growing into being me even more.

I am learning to say 'no' more and speak my truth.

I am expanding my business further interstate - first trip to Brisbane in a couple of weeks!

My word will be 'focus'. I am being clear on what I want, maintaining focus and achieving — also celebrating my successes and failures.

I am also getting help within my business in more ways - outsourcing tasks that I don't like or someone can do better than me. I can then focus on what I'm great at and what is most beneficial.

I am travelling more - interstate, overseas and within South Australia.

I am surrounding myself with friends, family and loved ones. Making sure we share love, laughs and moments.

What is your word for 2020?