Sip and Snap

I’m doing a thing. Come find out how to get better photos while sipping Samson Tall grenache (or a cocktail made from it) and nibbling on yummy delights from Red Poles. It’s next weekend, and there are a couple of spots still available.

I’ll be teaching you the three most important considerations when taking photos - light, composition and story. It doesn’t matter what camera, or phone, you use!

More info and BOOK here.

The Thing About Photos... We Always Need Them

So, here’s the thing about photos—they’re always worth it, even when we’re not quite ready. Whether it’s timing, finishing a project, or just feeling like now isn’t the right moment, we all have reasons to hesitate. But honestly, sometimes you just have to say yes and let the details work out later.

I’ve put together some special packages for my upcoming trips through South Australia, and I’d love for you to take advantage of them. They’re only available while I’m on the road, so if you’ve been thinking about getting some photos done, now’s a great time to go for it!

You can check the packages out here.

Here’s where I’ll be over the next few months:

• 6th - 10th September: Yorke Peninsula

• 20th - 26th September: Flinders and Outback

• 1st - 8th November: Limestone Coast

• 15th - 22nd November: Eyre Peninsula

• 1st - 6th December: Yorke Peninsula

• 13th - 20th December: Kangaroo Island

Let’s make some time to meet up and capture those moments. If you’re interested or just want to chat about what you’re thinking, reach out! I’d love to hear from you.

Statewide (Love Your) Super campaign with Mono Design

Going through old hard drives of photos can have it’s benefits. Finding lil’ pearlers from great shoots is one of those.

This series of images was taken for a Statewide Super campaign. The images were used on a lot of different promotional products including the sides of trams, backs of buses and big poster promos.

Khao Lak... a quiet alternative to Phuket.

For the longest time (since I was there in 2012), I thought I didn’t like the Phuket area of Thailand. The crowded beaches and tourist-heavy areas never appealed to me. However, my recent trip to Khao Lak proved me wrong. Nestled on the Andaman Sea, just over an hour’s drive north of Phuket International Airport, Khao Lak is a peaceful haven that offered me the perfect blend of reflection and adventure. Two places that changed my mind: the Tsunami Memorial on the beach (and the massages right next to it) and staying at Pakarang Surf Beach.

A Tribute to Resilience: The Tsunami Memorial

Khao Lak's beautiful coastline holds a sobering history. On December 26, 2004, the region was one of the hardest hit by the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami. The natural disaster left an indelible mark on the area and its people. Today, visitors can pay their respects at the Tsunami Memorial on the beach, a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives.

The memorial features a police boat, Boat 813, that was washed over a kilometre inland by the force of the tsunami waves. This boat has been preserved as a stark reminder of nature's power and the resilience of the human spirit. Walking around the memorial, I felt a profound respect for the community’s strength and their ability to rebuild from such tragedy. There’s something very sobering about hearing the sound of waves crashing just metres away as I look at all the names on the wall of people who lost their lives.

Side Note: The massage huts right next to the memorial are perfect for a pre-visit. I had one of the best massages this visit here.

Riding the Waves: Pakarang Surf Beach

Pakarang Surf Beach provided the salty Vitamin Sea adventure I had been craving. This beach is a favourite among local surfers. Another reason I love it - the local feel. Windy sand paths between the trees that border the beach, a river you have to wade (as tide comes in) to get to the beach, local fishermen that leave their nets and baskets on the beach, local surfers having beers at Memories each night… it all makes me feel like I’m in the right spot.

The surf season in Khao Lak typically runs from April to November, so I was unsure I’d get waves. I did - they were small. But I got my daily salty surf fix. I hired a board each day at the laid back Memories Beach Bar, and only on the last day I was bitten by a jellyfish. The signs had been up for days at the resort, and nobody seemed to care. And to be honest, I hadn’t paid any attention either. I was bitten when I first got in, but didn’t know what the sting was about, so kept surfing, splashing water and holding it to stop the sting. It was only when I got out of the water that the sting intensified. It stayed with me until I was on the plane, half way home to Adelaide, that evening. Ouch.

If you love the local, surfy vibe, then I’d recommend you go to Pakarang, but slightly later - for bigger and more waves. Staying at Apsara Beachfront Resort was the perfect spot, being able to check for waves from my window or from the beachfront pool lounger.

I went to Khao Lak thinking I didn’t like the Phuket area, but I left with a new appreciation for this part of Thailand. The poignant and reflective atmosphere of the Tsunami Memorial and the adventurous yet relaxed vibe of Pakarang Surf Beach completely changed my perspective. If, like me, you’ve been hesitant about visiting Phuket, consider taking a trip to Khao Lak. It’s a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature and humanity, and it promises an enriching and unforgettable experience.

Hands Across the Water charity bike ride 2024 with a crappy camera...

I did it! I’m ‘adventurous’ enough to brave Thailand’s hot, humid 40-degree days for five consecutive days. On a bicycle.

But do you know why? It’s for the incredible kids we support. Kids who need our help for shelter, school, and food – a life of choice, not chance.

And you know what keeps me going? The amazing people I ride with. This year, it was a lively group of nearly 70 (described by one rider as "bat-shit crazy") business owners from Business Blueprint.

The hardest part? The training. I don’t like riding bikes. It’s boring, especially on my own.

The best part? Riding through Thailand with a bunch of fantastic people. And especially the last day, riding in to meet the kids at the home. Those are happy tears.

Every year, I take my GoPro and a snap camera. They’re easy to hold in one hand and tuck away in my handlebar bag. Am I thrilled with the quality? Not really. But do I have fun with it? Absolutely.

Here are the pics…

Feel like being adventurous while doing a damn good thing? Check out a future ride here - https://www.handsacrossthewater.org.au/

stock photos from $5!

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Photo from Hawaii gallery.

Blinman Mines

Mining and the history and development of South Australia are closely connected; this is more so the case in relation to the development of townships in the Flinders Ranges; Blinman being one of these towns.

Blinman Mine or Wheal Blinman as it was called in 1862 was a working copper mine between the years of 1862 and 1907. At the peak of its operation Blinman township had a population of approximately 1500 residents. Today Blinman has a permanent population of just 27, plus the residents of the surrounding pastoral properties.

The Blinman Heritage Tourist Mine opened in April 2011. The Blinman underground experience offers a unique journey into the heart of an historic copper mine. With the installation of an innovative sound and light system; which includes storytelling, light boxes, music, a mix of theatre and mining history and experienced tour guides, it transports people back in time, to the lives of the miners and their families during the second half of the 19th century. - from Blinman Heritage Mine website

Client: Blinman Heritage Mine

Unwinding in Style: The Vineyard Retreat, McLaren Vale

Last year, I had the chance to snap some pics at The Vineyard Retreat again and let me tell you, it's a slice of heaven perched on top of a hill in McLaren Vale. I mean, talk about luxury and charm rolled into one!

Every nook and cranny of this place is decked out with such taste and detail that it's like stepping into a cozy Pinterest board. From snug cottages to swanky villas, each accommodation is like a warm hug waiting to welcome you.

But let's talk about the views, folks. Picture this: rolling vineyards as far as the eye can see, with the occasional kangaroo hopping by to add to the charm. It's like nature's Instagram backdrop, begging you to snap away.

And don't even get me started on the outdoor spaces. You've got lush gardens begging for a stroll, a sparkling spa just waiting for you to slide into, and balconies perfect for sipping wine and watching the sunset. It's the stuff that relaxation dreams are made of, trust me.

As I wandered around with my camera, I couldn't help but notice the little touches that make The Vineyard Retreat so unique. They've thought of everything, from the chic decor to the thoughtful amenities. They've got pampering down to an art form.

But here's the best part: despite feeling like you're a world away from it all, you're actually just a hop, skip, and jump from McLaren Vale's buzzing town centre. So whether you're keen to explore the nearby wineries or just fancy a lazy day in, you have the best of both worlds at your doorstep.

In my photos, I aimed to capture the beauty of The Vineyard Retreat and the laid-back vibe that makes it such a special spot. Each snap is like a little invitation to kick back, relax, and soak up the good vibes.

So if you're in need of a break from the daily grind, do yourself a favor and book a stay at The Vineyard Retreat. Trust me, it's the kind of place that'll have you feeling like a VIP from the moment you arrive.

Client: The Vineyard Retreat, McLaren Vale

Hay Valley Chapel and Cemetery BnB

I photographed this unique accommodation last year, and also stayed for a weekend. I am a little thankful, as it has now been sold. Check it out though…

Reflecting on 2023 and Welcoming 2024 with Open Arms

As I sit down to pen down my thoughts on the last year, I can't help but marvel at the whirlwind of moments that made up 2023. Adventure and boundary-pushing would definitely be the words that sum up my 2023.

A Year of Unforgettable Moments:

Travel Tales: It was a year of travel and discovering new places.

New Orleans was my first time on the US mainland, and what an introduction! This crazy city is very me. And going to Jazz Fest with my cousin is a highlight of my year. And to, unexpectedly, be able to share my first few days there with a friend made it even better.

I then headed to New York for a week—yes, a week! I helped make a YouTube video, had a Skal lunch, attended a travel trade show, and made fabulous connections.

The kids weren’t forgotten. We went to the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Yorke Peninsula and a few trips in Frankie (www.frankiewho.com.au). I love giving them the experience of travel—even if they do leave me wondering with frustration, why sometimes.

I also took many trips to Melbourne and Sydney, mainly for work. However, on one trip, I had a very special few days on a friend’s boat, sailing around Sydney Harbour. If you get the chance to do this, do it. Sydney is incredibly amazing from the water.

Each place left its imprint on my soul, and I can't wait to add more pins to my map in 2024.

Career Growth: The most significant and most exciting part. I hired Jeash; he is helping me with my retouching, video editing, social media, and stock keywording. He’s freeing my time so I can concentrate on the things I love - photographing and meeting with you!

I’ve continued to work with Tourism Australia, various accommodations, councils, government departments, and food businesses. Two successful tours through the Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island were completed. I’ve loved working every quarter with Foodland, photographing their recipes for the Mighty magazine.

I’ve connected with people in Australia to New York. Watch this space.

2023 was full of networking opportunities and exploring different avenues. 2024 will continue but with more focus. I want to continue to inspire people to travel - with clients all around the world.

More Faces of La Bomba is another mammoth project that raised much-needed funds for my Hands Across the Water bike ride in April 2024. This project saw me photographing dancers in a place they feel ‘at home’, a place they love. I had a beautiful launch party and exhibited at Cue Bar in Norwood, followed by a hanging at La Bomba Studio in Findon.

Personal Growth: I finally started seeing myself as others see me (current-day Heidi) rather than as little Heidi. This process started when I attended Tony Robbins's event, Unleash the Power Within, where I walked on glowing, hot coal, and continued at our final Business Blueprint conference, where I broke wood with my hand.

Plans for 2024:

More Adventures Await: Thailand, the Philippines, and a surf trip in Sri Lanka are all on the cards. Add in a Frankie road trip or two and a sailing holiday. Life is for living.

Professional Prowess: Career-wise, I've set my sights on expanding into new markets outside of SA and Australia. It's time to inspire more people through discovery, travel, and living their best lives. I’ll be growing my stock photo site and offering social photos to help businesses showcase their unique destinations also.

More tours will be scheduled through all SA regions in 2024, working with the RTO and operators.

Wellness Wonderland: Health and wellness are big in 2024. More meditation, journaling, and slow days. Maybe even a health retreat, and definitely more time for surfing and dancing—my moving meditations.

Bucket List items to tick: I’m going to learn some Spanish! I speak Brazilian Portuguese (or, at least, I used to), so Spanish is a great following language. Maybe I’ll finally be able to understand more of the lyrics to what I’m dancing to. Also on the agenda are skydiving, playing golf, and relaxing on a sailing holiday.

As the clock ticks over to 2024, I'm grateful for the lessons learned, the cherished moments, and the people who made it all worthwhile. Here's to bidding adieu to the old and welcoming the new with open arms. 2024, I'm ready for you; let's make it a year to remember!