Flinders Ranges - why I love it.
Why go to the Flinders Ranges? Here’s a couple of answers…
Why Flinders?
With interstate border regulations changing daily, I'm looking at different ways to get my adventure and discovery fix locally. I always love the beach, but being in the big wide open spaces also pulls me.
In recent years I have travelled to the Flinders Ranges quite a few times for work. I used to go camping with family and relatives as a child too. I am amazed at how many people haven't been, missing out on such a unique area. It's such a special place, close to Adelaide and very doable as a weekender.
I asked people what stops them from going? The main stop signs were...
I don't have a 4WD
I don't like camping
I don't know what to do out there
Well, here are my answers to those points.
I don't have a 4WD
I have done it in my VW Golf! But taking the Mitsubishi Outlander and Pajero Sport made it easier and a little less 'bumpy'.
There are many sealed roads, and even the unsealed ones (that we went on) are pretty good. An SUV will get you even further. We went to Bendleby Ranges, a station known for it's four-wheel drive tracks. The tracks are varied, so check where you can go before tackling any. Being a novice 4wd'er, we did do a handful in the Mitsubishi with no problems.
Yes, you can't go everywhere, but hey, don't you want to do some hiking anyway? That's where you get the real immersion.
I don't like camping
I do like camping, but I'm also known as a bit of a hotel buff. And Flinders Ranges has the variety. Bush camping right through to luxurious digs. There's also eco tents, fly-in luxury camp stays and shearers quarters on stations for some real life.
Check out www.flindersandoutback.com.au and www.stationstayssa.com.au for some of the options ready for you.
I don't know what to do
Well... there's hiking, biking, flying, 4WDing (and mere driving), eating, drinking... and a vast landscape that is in constant change. The feeling I get when in the Flinders is like a surrender: peace and strength, a reset button. There is a spiritual presence in this ancient place that I always feel.
My fave things (so far)...
Flying over Flinders Ranges - by helicopter or plane (I’ve been up with Wrights Air and Arkaroola)
Strzelecki and Oodnadatta Track drives
Prairie Hotel food and sundowners
Flinders Bush Retreats Eco tent and Homestead stays
Bike riding in Melrose
Tour at Holowiliena Station
Eating at Flinders Food Co
Have you been? What can you add to this?
2020 Reflections...
Looking back on 2020 for me. And my plans for 2021.
2020... a shitty year for humans - but a year that wasn't so bad for me. My heart does go out to all that have been badly affected this year; ill-health, lost loved ones, lost jobs/homes/relationships, mental health issues, or separated from loved ones. Also, to the parents that were locked up at home for months with their children. Oops, did I say that...
We have all experienced so much anxiety, sadness and negativity - I want to focus on some good things. There are always some positives.
I remember seeing those images and footage of our world when Covid locked us down - and how the world started to recover. Animals were wandering the street, pollution lifted, cleaner waters... I remember hoping that we could not forget about our negative impact and retain a little of that after our lockdown, but I'm not sure we have. Or will. Seeing these images was heartwarming, and I saw a positive in those scenes.
Other good stuff this year...
Two multi-day shoots to Flinders Ranges and Outback with awesome people.
I went with a client and friends I love, and we had so many laughs and adventures. I came back very tired but loved every bit of discovering more of our state.
Majestic flights over Flinders Ranges and the outback as part of those Flinders Ranges and Outback shoots.
Early morning flights over Arkaroola and Wilpena Pound. I tell everyone that if possible, they should see the Flinders Ranges by air. The wow never leaves me. We also flew from William Creek to a unique parcel of land at Anna Creek Painted Hills. An area that reminds me of the Painted Desert near Coober Pedy but more special. You can go there exclusively with Wrights Air.
Multiple trips to Kangaroo Island for work.
Since our lockdown and travel restrictions eased I seem to be heading over to Kangaroo Island a lot. Big thanks to people who have recommended me and assisted with the shoots. Everything from shooting the bushfire affected Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail to the super beautiful and comfy Hamilton and Dune holiday homes at Emu Bay.
A weekend in Darwin with friends.
Going here was like going overseas. Nearly. Such a different climate, different landscape, and a city I haven't visited since I was 18. An afternoon at Litchfield swimming, dancing at night and munching on yummy indigenous food under frangipani trees. Just a little different to life in Adelaide for me.
A work trip to Brisbane and Gold Coast just as Covid was getting ugly - but I made some fantastic contacts.
I met some amazing clients from this trip and met with the tourism industry council (who unfortunately was already struggling with mass closures due to Chinese tourists not coming) and caught up with friends. I was also recommended to join Australian Travel Writers Society as a photographer. I have now made some fantastic friends, presented a workshop for the society members, and got to know the best travel writers. I also had a brilliant night out Latin dancing at Cloudland - I'm getting used to going out alone.
All the love I received from the La Bomba latin dance community on my 40th - a YouTube video and lots of presents delivered on the day.
I had a massive weekend of birthday celebrations planned - a dance party, dining at The Salopian Inn, a stay at The Mayfair, an afternoon celebration at Never Never Distilling Co. But of course, we were in lockdown. So I was home alone - well, with the kids. And then I got a knock at the door. There were two beautiful friends with a porch full of gifts. We drank wine, chatted and laughed for a few hours - all very socially distanced (one each side of the driveway, me at the porch).
Developing friendships and learning to be more open (it's a big learning curve!)
I have loved getting to know new friends this year and opening myself up. I've always had a diverse group of friends, but my inner circle is small. Learning to be open, express myself and take chances...
Created my stock photo site - and have sold images.
Something I have always dreamed of doing. But the time commitment (which is massive) and the knowledge that it's likely an investment that may not have much of an ROI stopped me. Well, no shoots, stuck at home... it gave me an excellent excuse to start it. I have already sold some images and am now looking at how to promote it further. I have created it in a way that will be very valuable to clients and tourism operators who need a library of images for social media - but without the hefty cost of doing shoots all the time.
First campervan holiday.
Wanderlust. I do indeed. I love the idea of owning a VW Combi so I can travel the roads, surf, rest, and explore with freedom. I have camped, caravanned and glamped but never before done it in a van. And it was fun! I came back, wanting to buy one for myself. That is yet to come, I may not. But I will be booking another road trip adventure in a van soon.
I bought a cat.
When the kids told me that RSPCA needed to home their cats because of Covid, they probably didn't think I'd act on it. And neither did I. But I bought a cat. My $40 little cat cost me a lot in the first couple of weeks, with multiple vet visits for an infection. He has kept me happy during the lonely weeks, made me laugh and get angry, and kept the neighbourhood entertained with his adventures. His name is Randall. I've now learnt not to stand at the front door calling him home by his nickname 'Randy'.
When Covid hit us in Adelaide, I sat and wondered what I could do if I couldn't be a photographer. I'd been in business for 16 years and only thought about this a few times in all those years. I was concerned that if we couldn't travel, then I'd have no work. I had no idea how long we would be in lockdown for, so even location photography (I'm not a studio photographer of any means) locally was off the cards. I did worry and spent time thinking about what skills I could draw upon in a new job. Thankfully, our government helped us with Jobkeeper, and I could continue the work I love.
Work started again quite quickly when state travel restrictions eased but in the meantime, the time at home gave me...
Reflection. On who I am and what I need to do and learn to be a better me.
More time on the beach. A place I love. I took 10km walks each day and simultaneously admired and got annoyed with all the people who were now on the beach.
Rest. I keep myself very busy, and being stuck at home allowed my body to regenerate. I have to remember how I felt back then and apply it sometimes still now.
Time with my children. I am fortunate not to have to work a 9-5 pm job; I can take the kids to and from school and take time off in their holidays. Usually, I have lots of time with them. But not having anywhere to go and schedules to keep meant we could relax. I didn't enjoy all of it - homeschooling was very hard. And being alone with two children 24/7 is not glamorous, but it was nice not to have to tell them to get out of their pyjamas.
Good stuff for 2021...
Interstate trips to meet with new clients - starting with Queensland in early February.
Shoots interstate.
A holiday in WA and Cocos Keeling Islands.
My 41st birthday which I am going to celebrate like my 40th.
Developing closer friendships (and someone to love and share my life with).
Helping SA tourism continue to tell their story.
Inspire people to discover and adventure - live life.
Continue my learning about ME.
Surf, dance and adventure as much as I can.
Stay in some more SUPER BEAUTIFUL and LUXE accoms...
Keep focused.
We don't know what our future holds; however we can, and do, create it. Without plans, we wander. Sometimes that can work, like when I'm travelling, but I want to make the most of my life. Not saying I stick to the plans, but at least I know the direction I want to go. I'd hate to be stuck on that roundabout and not know what road to take.
Stock photos - Regional Shoots NOW SCHEDULING!
Photos to keep you telling your story - authentically.
I need your help please.
heidi who photos now has a tourism stock photo site! Something I have wanted to do for a long time. Something I have seen a need for, for even longer. And now it's here. And I’d like your help in making it bigger and better.
Check it out at heidiwho.com/buy!!!
Why is this site great for you?
These photos are from my travels and shoots around Australia.
They don't look like 'stock photos' and are real.
If you are a business, you may even find I have pics of you ready to go.
You can search via keyword (location, subject, etc.) to save you time looking through loads of photos.
Pricing is super affordable - from $5 an image!
Licencing is for social media use, as many times as you want. You can contact me if you want to use it elsewhere too.
Of course, this is very much a work in progress. I have thousands of images to go through - so if you there is something that you are looking for, email me, and I'll upload it asap (if I have it).
Even more exciting news... at the moment, you can help me build my galleries on the stock photo site!
I have organised shoots through some regions (and more to come). So I want suggestions!!!
Kangaroo Island - TBC late August or mid Sept 2020
Eyre/Yorke Peninsulas - Oct 2020
Limestone Coast - Nov 2020
Fleurieu/Adelaide Hills/Adelaide - general day trips over next month
What do you need?
What is missing?
What do you wish you had a photo of?
What photo has been 'done to death' and could use a refresh?
Whether it's of your business, local town, another biz, or the area and region in general. Let me know. I want a good list to be able to help you even more.
There will be a limited number of collaborative shoots available too
- where you get a super discounted personalised photo shoot. Now it seems you may be able to have your cake and eat it too. ;)
Please email me your interest so I can let you know when I have more details!
And don't forget to have a look at the stock photos already up...
A world away... at Seawall Apartments for a weekend stay as restrictions ease.
A staycation in Glenelg. Blissful.
Snaps from a little stay at a favourite place in Adelaide. On the beachfront in Glenelg. Seawall Apartments.
I’m feeling the need to get away but can’t. This is a great way to get my fix.
Have you had a staycation during Covid? Where did you go?
The beach - my calm during Covid-19
Told to stay at home, not see friends, work cancelled... being the people person I am, I'd understand if I struggled a little. Or a lot. But one thing kept me aligned during Covid-19. And that is my daily visit to the beach. The place I call my soul home. Where I get fixed.
I always feel refreshed and clear after being at the beach. Surfing, walking, sitting, swimming - it doesn't matter. Saltwater, sea air, sand between the toes, the sound of waves crashing. Preferably with a dose of sunshine.
During Covid-19 'stay at home' time, I went to the beach every day. Mainly walking, some surfing and no swimming. It's cold in April!
I walked a lot and started to look at things closer. The colours, the atmosphere, the patterns, the way things changed each day. The way the sand and rocks change as the tide comes in and out. The objects that are left stranded on the beach. And the evidence of other people reaching for their respite.
I'd return home with a clear mind - ready to tackle my day. Not sitting on the sofa getting bored but working on my business, myself and being the best I can be.
Reopening Photo Shoot Package – capture the first moments as your business opens up with natural shots
Reopening energy photo packages for you….
Reopening Photo Shoot Package – capture the first moments as your business opens up with natural shots
Do you want everyone to know that you are back, open and trading again?
Over the past few months, you may have experienced the loss of income, customers, staff issues, and it may have got you and your team down. To not be able to do what you love is really disheartening, and working with restrictions can be frustrating and tough.
With recent announcements, you may be planning to be up and running again, hopefully with renewed energy and working towards a more optimistic picture, albeit in different circumstances.
Opening up cautiously, still with concerns about how things are going to go, the next few weeks is a golden opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. A unique time to capture, the first moments as your business opens up with natural shots.
Showing that you are providing that safe and comfortable environment, reconnecting with customers and staff, and marketing a little bit differently, while still doing what you do best, is the focus now.
A Reopening Photo Shoot Package can be booked from 30 minutes, for locations in the Adelaide CBD and broader metropolitan areas, from 22 May 2020. The package includes ten edited images, taken with social distancing in mind, for $220.00 incl GST.
Photoshoots can be for businesses and organisations, councils and regions, local business and Mainstreet associations, shopping centres and strips.
Spots are limited, so please reach out to Heidi at Heidi Who Photos, via heidi@heidiwho.com or 0402716406.
* sample photos taken pre Covid-19
Helping you get better photos...
Since we can't get together and create amazing photos together, I am going to continue to help you with other options.
If you have been taking your own photos, but want a little help, I'm here for you!
Retouching - colour, straightening horizons, editing out elements making them look a little something extra than straight out of camera. Still keeping it real though. From $70 per hour
Resizing - resizing your photos to make them fit the different places they need to go. Bulk photo re-sizing from $35
Stock photos - check out www.heidiwho.com/buy for tourism style stock photos. More being uploaded weekly so if you are looking for something in particular, get in touch and I'll prioritise. From $5 an image
Mentoring and courses - $195 for 2 hours ‘one on one’ or other online options at www.heidiwho.com
Hoping these services can help you until we can get out and have fun on a shoot together!
Tourism Stock for you!
heidi who photos now has a tourism stock photo site! Something I have wanted to do for a long time. Something I have seen a need for, for even longer. And now it's here.
Check it out at heidiwho.com/buy!!!
The last month or so has seen me sitting at my computer, searching my archives for images and uploading them to this fabulous new site. The process is tedious - search, retouch, keyword, upload, add pricing, add to galleries. But it's a chore that is making me happy. I know how much benefit you are going to get from it. Especially at this time when it's crucial to keep telling your story. Travellers will be very ready to get out and explore as soon as they can, so keep yourself in their mind when they are making plans.
Why is this site great for you?
These photos are from my travels and shoots around Australia.
They don't look like 'stock photos' and are real.
If you are a business, you may even find I have pics of you ready to go.
You can search via keyword (location, subject, etc.) to save you time looking through loads of photos.
Pricing is super affordable - from $5 an image!
Licencing is for social media use, as many times as you want. You can contact me if you want to use it elsewhere too.
Of course, this is very much a work in progress. I have thousands of images to go through - so if you there is something that you are looking for, email me, and I'll upload it asap (if I have it).
Even more exciting news... at the moment, you can help me build my galleries on the stock photo site!
When I can travel again, I'll be hitting the road and coming to you and the regions. So I want suggestions!!!
What do you need?
What is missing?
What do you wish you had a photo of?
What photo has been 'done to death' and could use a refresh?
Whether it's of your business, local town, another biz, or the area and region in general. Let me know. I want a good list to be able to help you even more.
There will be a limited number of collaborative shoots available too - where you get a super discounted personalised photo shoot. Now it seems you may be able to have your cake and eat it too. ;)
Please email me your interest so I can let you know when I have more details!
And don't forget to have a look at the stock photos already up...
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...
