A night in Burleigh Heads...
I fell in love with Burleigh Heads within hours. That was about five years ago, and now I'm back. And super excited.
Only here for the night, I booked an Airbnb close so that I could walk to everything. However, of course, I didn't know there would be torrential rain the majority of the time I was there which didn't help with walking everywhere.
Having used AirBnB only a few times, with very mixed experience, I was not sure what to expect. Would it be clean? Would it be nice? Would I feel comfortable in a room of someones home, rather than hiring the whole place as I have done previously?
Arriving, I was shocked in a very positive way. Clare greeted me, showed me the room, then left me to settle. Naw, there is a little welcome sign with my name on it.
The room was not only clean but stylish and homely. There was a bar fridge stocked with wine, milk and yoghurt: a coffee machine, breakfast and snack supplies. In the bathroom, there were fluffy white towels, makeup face towels, and toiletries.
The location - quiet neighbourhood, yet only a 10-minute walk to the beach or cafes. Even in the rain.
Verdict? Absolutely would recommend!
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/40657659?source_impression_id=p3_1584496411_j9RkXMD98y5rNDkP
Meeting people: Melanie, Our Planet Marketing
I'm really trying to bring my online connections into my real life - with coffees, lunches, wines and chats. I love people and being with people. Online relationships are great, but I think to make a real connection, we need to get to know people in real life.
So that brings me to Brisbane, walking a sweaty 30 minutes or so to meet Melanie. We had connected online and while I am in Brisbane, organised to meet over lunch and coffee. I'm excited. And it is such a pleasure. We talk industry, how we can help tourism, our love of photography, and how we can share our travel stories (our own and for our clients) to more people.
Melanie has 30 years of tourism marketing experience, so she knows her stuff! Queensland Institute of Professional Photography photographers have been lucky to have her teach them how to market their businesses better too.
A few hours went by very quickly, and soon enough, I had to leave for a photo shoot. My mind was buzzing with ideas and inspiration - see that is what people connection does!
Check out a bit more about Melanie below...
What to ask your photographer before the shoot...
Are you hiring a photographer? Want to make the most of your shoot? There's a bit of prep involved to get the most out of it. Here are 10 tips.
On shoot with Adelaide Sightseeing - fun and relaxed.
Know why you need your photos. What size? Any layout requirements? Ie. Website header images, specific crops, print size, billboard size, only web size. Think about all the places you might like to use them. If it's for a specific purpose, you need to know the image dimensions required - this can alter the way a photographer shoots and crops their images. They may need to leave space around the image, so when it's cropped, it won't cut out vital aspects.
Develop a shot list and mood board. List all the images you would love. Then prioritise the images. Have a look at Pinterest for examples of style, colour, light, feel that you like.
Think about other uses for your images. It's much easier to get similar scenarios while shooting than to re-shoot. Different angles, different angles, or adding/subtracting elements can be quick and give you easy options for different uses. Remember how much content you should be sharing? Shooting like this is a good way of getting it, so you don't have to re-use the same image all the time.
Use talent that fit your client demographic. You need people in your images that can relate to your clients - so they can see themselves there, using your product etc. Don't settle for anyone you can get.
Prepare all the props in advance. If you buy props and don't use them, you can always take them back. If you already have what you need, collect them and make sure they are in good condition. Think about all options, even ask your photographer what you may need.
Clean and tidy everything. A photo can show everything. And it's quicker and more economical to get it right before photographing rather than relying on retouching. Fresh food, ironed sheets/bed covers, clutter etc. Look at what you are going to shoot with a critical and detailed eye.
Research your photographer. Do you like their images? Do they have the experience you need? Who do they work with? Find them on social media to get to know their personality, the way they work etc. Sometimes it's worth paying that little extra to get that extra.
Like your Photographer! You are going to be spending some time with them - why can't you make it fun? Yes, you need exceptional images, but if you don't enjoy the process, it's going to be hard. Plus, you need to trust them. They are creating something that you have paid for, which obviously, can't be seen. The more they know about your vision and desires, the closer they are going to get to it.
Ask your photographer about usage rights - what do you need to use your images for? Photographers charge different amounts for different purposes. Photographers retain ownership of the photos they create so essentially they can re-sell and use the images however they want. Do you need exclusive use? Are they only for online use? Can you send them to media for use? Can you give images to another company to use? Ask.
Share as much information with your photographer as you can. Let them get inside your head. Your idea of 'funky and casual' can be different from theirs.
On shoot with Adelaide Sightseeing. Quiet and observing (sometimes).
Two hotels: a few nights in Brisbane...
Ok, so many travels are being put on hold, but we can start planning. I always am. Let's talk hotels...
I'm a sucker for a nice hotel room - but never splurge too much on them. I like bang for buck. ;)
And these two Brisbane hotels didn't disappoint.
Pros - funky, great restaurant downstairs, rooftop pool area, huge room and bathroom, basic kitchen in the room, big windows for natural light.
Not that I got to use the pool - it was raining and not enticing enough the entire time I was there. And as for the kitchen - no, I don't cook while away on my own. But if I had the kids, it would have been handy.
Cons - old, fridge made noises
It also would have been handy to have a minibar price list in the room - just in case I wanted a glass of wine or paint an art piece.
Pros - great location in CBD, beautiful old-world style hotel including lobby, halls, bathroom and bedroom, an excellent coffee shop in the lobby
Cons - weird smell in lobby, dark room facing onto pool courtyard
Again, I didn't use the pool. The water was cold, and it was raining - it has to be hot, hot, hot for me to get wet without a wetsuit.
I loved the grandness from another era of the lobby.
Check out the pics to see what I’m talking about…
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
#vanlife - I love it.
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!
...a trip to Eleanor Downs, Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island… so much to offer.
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.
