Stock photos - Regional Shoots NOW SCHEDULING!

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...

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.

1. 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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

4. 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. 

5. 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. 

6. 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. 

7. 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. 

8. 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. 

9. 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. 

10. 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).

How Important are Photos in Your Marketing Strategy?

Your photo library is the visual foundation on which any marketing strategy is built. 

Research says you have eight seconds to catch the eye of a Gen Z.

And for print - the decision to read or reject pamphlets and direct mail pieces is made by readers in

just 2.5 seconds. 

Travellers want to visualise potential new experiences. How will it make them feel? To stand out in the tourism industry and inspire travellers to book you over competitors, place compelling visuals centre-stage throughout your marketing. There are two types - hero images and

stock/complementary images.

'Hero Shots' are your defining images - what sets you apart. 

They are "wow" photographs that make the viewer think "I want to be there now"; They grab attention quickly in a saturation of images. A library of promotional images complements the hero shots. These images are less memorable but just as necessary to tell the story.  Just like a magazine with their hero image on the cover, and the additional photos within the article.

Your appeal and uniqueness

+

great idea/concept

+

awesome team

=

Hero image

Uniqueness/appeal could be a landmark, a feeling or an experience.

The great idea revolves around a story. What does your ideal audience want to see? Weather, atmosphere, activity, talent similar to themselves? Let your audience imagine it could be them

there, enjoying your destination.

Find the production team you need and trust. Look at their portfolio, get to know them, find recommendations. You have to be comfortable and confident.

Finally, make sure your images (hero and stock) sit firmly within your marketing brand. They should be images that define you and make you unique.

Thousands of dollars are being spent taking those images into the marketplace - websites, promotional collateral, travel shows, social media - it makes sense to do it properly from the start.

Strzelecki Track, the outback and Innamincka

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.

Keeping inspired and creative...

work in progress...

I know how important personal projects are to keep creatives inspired, learning and creative. It's just that while raising two small children, running a commercial photography business and keeping the house - it's one of the last things on my list. This year, that changed. 

In September I started what was to become the biggest personal project I have done to date. I decided to partner with La Bomba, the dance school where I take lessons and tell her story through her people. 

Part documentary, part art, I asked for dancers - teachers and students - to tell me about themselves and think about how they would like to be photographed. I wanted to create a photograph that showed them, and their life outside of dance. 

Some people have chosen to show their profession or other hobbies, but many are creating photographs that inspire and connect with them. I compiled a Pinterest board of inspiration, and they are 'running' with it to co-direct their photo shoot. 

Nature and the beach are popular locations, Mother Nature playing a big part in calming and inspiring dancers of all sorts. I've photographed people in costume, in everyday clothes and sports uniforms. We've done shoots with horses, children, smoke bombs, motorbikes and flying powder. 

But one of the most interesting parts of this project has been to read and hear what draws people to dance. I've always said it is like a moving meditation for me, and this is the case for many people. Recurring themes of forgetting about their worries, being someone else, going somewhere outside of the thoughts and feeling free. 

This project also shows how diverse dancers are. We have doctors, physios, photographers and marketing managers. Students, retirees, couples, and singles. Young and old. And everyone in between. 

The exhibition will be displayed early next year; I will keep you updated about it. I'll also be captioning the images with snippets of quotes to show each dancers story. Inspiring people that have thought about dancing, but never tried. 

Summer dreams at Seawall Apartments Glenelg - check them out!

Summer loving! 

I can not wait until the warmer weather hangs around for day after day...

What better place to spend those summer days than at the beach. I'm lucky; I now live just a few minutes walk to the beach. But I'll still be taking a break at Seawall Apartments in Glenelg this summer. I love the place.

I've photographed Seawall a few times now over the years, as they renovate their rooms. And with each room being different - I will never get bored. 

But what is so great about Seawall?

I love the style, the comfort, and the location. 

My fave apartment?

Any of the beachfront ones... but Olive Court is kinda cool. 

I love a beachfront spa - relaxing as I watch the sunset over the ocean. Ok, so it does take a bit to get used to seeing people while bathing... but I know they can't see me. Cue glass of bubbles and some music and I'm set for a good half hour. I just need to learn not to run the water so hot that I overheat. 

The beach is just a few steps away, or I can walk a few minutes and be sipping a macchiato in a cafe along Jetty Road. Seawall is far enough away from the hustle and noise, but close enough to walk whenever I want the vibe. 

Check them out! And visit www.seawallapartments.com.au for more info (and to see the rest of my pics:))

CLIENT SHOWCASE: Dudley Wines

I've been to Kangaroo Island many times. I love wine. So why have I never been to Dudley Wines? 

Interest peaked when I read about it on yTravels blog, talking about having one of the best views from a cellar door ever - which is quite a statement. So finally I am here. And I'm photographing them. 

It's a whirlwind, arriving straight after hiking the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, late in the day. But it's fun. 

I'm soon laughing away, bossing people around, trying to work as quick as I can. I do feel slightly sorry for everyone, copping my craziness after being alone for almost a week. I know what I'm like after working in front of the computer for a day, I can only imagine how whacko I act today.

Dudley Wines had organised friends to be our talent in photos, and they did such a good job. 

Of course, everyone enjoyed the wine with cheese platters.

Clearly, the boys loved having a hit with the golf clubs.

And the kids loved running around on the grass.

What did I love? Lots of things. But the Shiraz was pretty good! At the end of the shoot, I sat and chatted with family and staff, so welcoming and friendly.

If only all shoots were like this....

Regional photoshoot tours

Need photos?
Don't have $$$$ to spend on a full photo shoot?
Not happy with your own pics for social media?
Want awesome pics easy?

I've listened, and now I'm giving it to you. I know you realise how important photography is, but when it comes down to budget, there is always something more pressing. 

Good photography builds a solid foundation for your marketing. Without it, you can spend thousands and not get the return on invest you hope to see. With just seconds to make an impression (online), you need to give it your best.

To help you get that impact and return on investment, I am doing Regional South Australian tours over the next few months. Not only will you be able to book an awesome package that offers lots of photos, but you won't have to pay any travel/accom fees either. Sounds great, yes?

On these tours, I am offering my Editorial Package which gets you...

Pre-shoot plan
- We will discuss your ideas, what you need, and how to plan to get the most out of your hour of photography. With a little planning and organisation, you will be amazed at what can be done.

1-hour photo shoot
- I can photograph quickly! Have it all ready to go, and we can move around like a 'production line'. With over five years News Limited experience, I know how to get in, get the shots, and get out.

Up to 20 images delivered via Dropbox
- I'll supply your images via Dropbox in both print and web sizes. You can use these images for whatever you want within your business. 

Ten pack Social media photos
- While I'm in the area, I'll also get some stock photos. You have access to 10 of these for free use on any social media channel for your business.

Of course, you can book more than one package, or get a tailored package to suit your requirements. 

Dates are...

Flinders/Outback Sat 29th Oct - Weds 2nd Nov
Eyre/Yorke - Sat 12th Nov - Weds 16th Nov
Clare/Barossa/Riverland - Mon 21 Nov - Weds 23 Nov
Limestone - Tues 29 Nov - Sun 4 Dec
*some flexibility can be arranged surrounding these dates. Email me for any requests.

If you are not in one of these areas, still email me, I can still help you!

Email me now to chat or secure a shoot.

Behind the Scenes at Majestic Hotels shoot

This week I have been busy photographing some updated rooms at the Majestic Hotels group in Adelaide. Nadia came along to help - and take a few cheeky snaps with the iPhone on silent. The spots I get myself into...

Minima Hotel.

Apart from making me look like I have nice long legs, I'm glad Nadia snuck this pic. This pink room was a surprise. All the other rooms I had photographed were colourful, creative, tonal - and I liked them. I wanted to stay in one. This room is different. Each to their own. At least you can request particular rooms while booking. I can only imagine a guy going out on a boys trip, or to the footy, and being put in this room. Laughter.

Majestic Roof Garden

Squeeze in. Taking a shot of 'movie time' from the bath - complete with movie snacks on the bed.

Culshaws at the Roof Garden Hotel

Looks like I'm either taking a rest or in between doing a leg workout. In reality I'm waiting for guests to move away from the foyer area so I can take one frame. When I was framing up the shot I obviously didn't realise how long I would be there for. Ten minutes later...

Was a great shoot - I'll show the resulting images later.

SATIC 2015 conference at Crowne Plaza Adelaide

On Wednesday this week, a few hundred of SA's tourism industry crowded into the conference rooms at Crowne Plaza Adelaide for the annual conference. A day of facts, figures, inspiration, tips and networking. It's the third year I have photographed it, and love it. I guess it's a perk of my job - having to go to events, meet people, learn new things and get paid for it.

I love the Crowne Plaza. I have stayed with them, I have been a conference attendee, and of course - I have photographed their lovely spaces. One bonus attendees get out of attending a conference here is the views. Morning and afternoon tea, lunch, and networking drinks with a 15th floor outlook over Adelaide CBD. Perhaps not so good for the faint hearted dealing with heights, but for everyone else - wow. Floor to ceiling glass windows and an outdoor balcony look over Hindmarsh Square to the south of the city. 

No shortage of hotels in the area...

Dean Evans from Leading Minds Australia had some interesting info to share about leadership, getting out of your comfort zone and fantastic customer service. I want to continue to lean into my fear more, and one of his slides I NEED to pin up on my wall, behind my computer screens. Where my magic life sits is just beyond my comfort zone...

Social media is part of our lives, and a big part of our marketing now. I've got on to Instagram (and love it) finally, and love some treasures that Rebecca White from Tourism eSchool shared. 1888 Hotel in Sydney really encourage all of their guests to get on social media, and even have a neighbourhood map showing different points of interest, with #hashtag and Instagram points. Get your clients raving about you!

Conferences are a great way to learn up to date information, network with peers and be inspired. My next AIPP The Event is going to be in Perth - can't wait. I'll hashtag and Instagram my way through it. :)

Not every hotel in the area has balconies...

www.satic.com.au

www.crowneplazaadelaide.com.au