Location photographer. Getting behind the scenes. Showing off the secret, and not so secret, treasures of the world.
Hands Across the Water for HomeHug children - tax deductible photo shoot offer.
Want a feel-good photo shoot?
In 2019, I rode around Kanchanaburi for five days, getting heat exhaustion, suffering knee pain and generally just pushing myself along in 45-degree heat.
It wasn't these memories I remembered when I signed up to do it again this year. It was the faces that lit up when we rode into the orphanage on the last day, the friendships I made while riding, the difference I could see I was making in these little lives that made me sign up again.
I'm also a sucker for punishment. I mean, 500km of riding a bike through Thailand's humid heat - who would want to do that? Don't we go to Thailand for the beach holiday?
In September this year, I am riding again. This time through the Isaan Region in northeast Thailand.
"Starting in the city of Bueng Karn, our riders will spend two days following the incredibly bio-diverse Mekong River before heading west through villages and rural communities not often visited by foreigners. Following a well-deserved rest day, the team will ride into one of our homes, Home Hug in Yasothon, to be greeted excitedly by the children they have worked so hard to support." - Hands Across the Water.
100% of the money I raise will go to the children. Hands Across the Water do not take any admin fees out. I have committed to raising at least $5000, and I'm doing this by offering 100% tax-deductible mini photoshoots.
The money raised will go to Baan Home Hug, a home to 130 children today, many of whom have HIV and do not know or have no connection with their parents.
Do you want any new photos? Of course you do! We always want new pics; it's just a matter of budget control.
Need more content? Let's face it, we all do. Always.
Renovated and need an updated pic? Brag about it.
New menu? How about you show off the new dishes to your customers.
Portrait? Let's celebrate you!
Family photo? When was your last one?
This fully tax-deductible photoshoot is a perfect way of getting more photographs to showcase YOU. Get in touch with me to organise.
Rejuvenation after the fires: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
The beauty, magic and experience of hiking the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail after bushfire.
SHOOT: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Kangaroo Island
CLIENT: National Parks and Wildlife, Department for Environment and Water
BRIEF: Post-fire experience. Capture the different vegetation, views and feels of the trail: the experience, the landscape, the feeling. Day hikers experience only.
Two day shoot with two talent in December 2020. Images to show different seasons.
Talent organised through 'heidi who street casting' Facebook page.
Images used by the client, and a variety of media, to promote the trail. Images used in editorials of different publications, magazines and web.
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.
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.
The end of a decade... adventure and excitement is waiting
Looking back on 2019 and getting ready for 2020.
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?
Strzelecki Track, the outback and Innamincka
A trip out of the city to the Outback…
I am an ocean girl. It's where I feel happiest, most alive, relaxed and 'at home'. So to take me to the Outback is a little adventure. I love my adventures, where I discover, learn and have fun. Then re-align myself with the ocean when I get back home.
I had a photoshoot for The Outback Loop, Innamincka Hotel and Flinders Ranges and Outback this year. It took me on a long weekend trip into the Outback via the Strzelecki Track. Lots of red dust and billions of flies. I didn't mind the dust (although the camera probably hated me for it) but the flies - argh, I can never get used to them. We would arrive anywhere, in the middle of nowhere, and within seconds, have flies swarming us. My hands were working a constant windscreen wiper motion across my face.
But it was worth it. The beauty of being surrounded by vast nothingness. The quietness. The colours. The people. The history of Burke and Wills. And let's not forget the dancing in the front bar - true country style, after a few beers (or wine for me).
Country life depends on community, weather and the natural environment. Visiting this area is a real world classroom. At least once, everyone should get themselves into the Outback.
Street life in detail.
Looking closer at street life.
Looking through some street photos I took while on my recent travels I noticed a theme emerging. I like photographing details, windows, reflections and snippets of life. More texture and pattern than an overview.
I can still see the personality of the place but don't get lost with what to look at.
The other side of fear...
Thought for today…
Many things in my life at the moment… so exciting yet scary. I’m concentrating on the excitement. :)
How do you cope with fear?
Riding 500km in 5 days - am I crazy?
Riding 500km through Thailand in 5 days. Raising $5000 for the kids. Let me tell you about my idea…
Have you ever done a charity challenge? Where you fundraise for the charity and then go off on a challenging trip that tests yourself? Sometimes getting to see first hand where and how your fundraising efforts are being used.
I've always wanted to, but never created the opportunity until now. heidi who photos has joined forces with The Family Law Project and together we are riding with another 70 odd riders through Thailand in April.
About what I'm doing...
I'm going to ride 500km in 5 days through Thailand to raise money for the New Life project in Kanchanaburi, located near the Thai-Burma border in western Thailand. More than 50 children call Kanchanaburi home.
Children at Kanchanaburi have come from difficult situations: sexual abuse, substance addictions, or they have no family to care for them. Others have been used as exploited labour.
I need to fundraise $5,000: 100% of donations go directly to the children in Thailand. It's a lot but I believe I can get more!
How you can help:
I am creating an online auction... but need some prizes! Anything would be helpful. If you could donate something, please reply and let me know what you can commit to by Wednesday 23rd January 2019. The auction will go live towards the end of January, when everyone is recovered from the summer holidays. :)
And in return (apart from the feel-good factor of helping me raise this money for the kids) I will smother your logo/tag name all over everything in the promo for it. I'll also mention on social media and in a blog post that goes out to an email list of nearly 1000.
I can also give you a hug. Who doesn't love a hug?
So you know who I'm riding with - here's a bit about Hands Group...
"Hands Group is an Australian, New Zealand and Thai social enterprise that gives at-risk Thai children and their communities a helping hand through our charity Hands Across The Water. Our charity Hands Across The Water is currently the biggest Australian and New Zealand charity operating in Thailand. Our projects are tailored to meet local communities’ needs – for the long term. As part of our fundraising, we provide shared experiences for our supporters to engage in our work."
Of course, if this is something you can't do... then any donation would be greatly appreciated. Here is my profile page for the bike ride where you can donate. Click on the image below.
THANK YOU!
Home... what do you love about it?
Home. What do you love about living here?
My new personal project exploring different places, cultures and people. Uniting us in one common thing.
I recently started a new personal project while in Bali. I love meeting people and this gives me an excuse to chat with them.
I also hope that it brings some connection to people from around the world. By getting to know others, realising how different (or in fact, how similar) we are generating better understanding, respect and friendship. Just imagine what that could do?!?!
I keep the question simple - but open. To allow my new friend to answer in a way they feel right. I record their answer by video then scribe (with a little editing) to caption the photo.
As I travel for work and fun, whether it's in my hometown or the other side of the world, I will meet people and ask 'what do you love about living here?'
A project of positivity. Exploration. Love. Humanity.
