What’s in store for 2017?

Welcome to 2017!

I took this photo while on a walk to The Balconies in the Grampians over our New Years travel. I love the symbolisation of endless possibility. Looking forward. Being open to new opportunities. Moving forward together. And hey, step into the unknown - leap with faith and you will find your feet. Rocky roads lead to green pastures (or in this case, trees).

I hope you had a great, and relaxing, festive break. 

I had a blissful time with family and friends, camping, surfing and doing not much. Perfect. I love summer; I wish I lived somewhere that had longer summers - or maybe not so cold winters. Don’t get me wrong; I love Adelaide, but the cold weather gets to me.

What is in store for you in 2017?

I’m so excited to be here. I have lots planned for this year. 

In March, I’m off to Tasmania for four weeks. I’ll be photographing for stock, shooting a few assignments, hanging out with my little ones while my hubby hikes Cradle Mountain with my dad (he’s wanted to do it since I did it a few years back), and of course, discovering and exploring as much as I can. If you want to catch up while I’m there, or want to get photos done, let me know. And of course, if you know anyone that needs pics, I’m offering the amazingly insane $400 Editorial Package. Check out some previous blog posts here for sample pics. Who wouldn't want that?!

The Philippines towards the end of April is a possibility for a business conference - although I may need to add on a few more days for some exploring!

Better Pics for Business will have another two live intakes. It’s a great way of learning, as you get the advice and support of others doing the course also. I’m keeping it open for enrolments all year, but only doing two live intakes, the first being in March. I’m enjoying helping people get their photographs looking better. The feedback from participants has been great - and I already have some extra content being added. 

In 2016 I also ran a few photography workshops. I’m going to be doing more in 2017 - on food and general photography. I’ll keep you updated as I finalise details. Of course, if you have an idea for in your area, let me know.

On a personal note too...

Ashton will be starting school. It’s a very exciting time, with both kids at school now. He is so ready and loves the teacher he has been placed with. Belle will be in year two. She's not happy she has been separated from her bestie - but I know they will both be fine. 

We are going to the snow! A group of friends (and families) want to go together - I think it will be a great intro for the kids, who have never seen snow. I’ve only been twice in my life - once to Mt Hotham as a child and once to Andorra as a backpacker (yep, worlds apart), so I’m just a teensy bit excited too.

My bestie also mentioned a cruise holiday. More to come here. It’s only an idea at this stage, but an awesome idea I’d love to do. If not this year, but next. 

I’m going to practice surfing, salsa dancing and yoga more. My fave hobbies. Hopefully, I'll get much better! I had to laugh at myself when I saw photos from a recent Bali surf trip. I had a poo stance while holding my nose (wiping water away I'd presume). I was going to buy one, but...

Where am I going?

Assignment? Stock photos? Article? Coffee? Wine? 

Find out where I am, and we can do business :)

Suggestions, ideas or commissions welcome.

August 2016 - Melbourne, Victoria

October 2016 - Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, Sydney

October/November 2016 - Eyre Peninsula, Flinders Ranges, Clare Valley, Barossa, Limestone Coast, Yorke Peninsula. Road trips.  *Enquire about my new $400 Editorial Package I am offering on these trips.

Early 2017 - Tasmania, Victoria

If you are interested to know more about dates, email me at heidi@heidiwho.com.

*this list will be updated in Blog when required. Please subscribe to keep up to date.

Tourism crime and scams - the opening of first Crime Crisis Centre in Phuket

This week, the first Crime Crisis Centre, at Phuket International Airport opened its doors.

Another will be opened in downtown Phuket, both operating around the clock, in an aim to crack down on tourism crooks.

Crooks that range from ripping off tourists in jet-ski scams, accusing tourists of damaging the rental jet-skis and demanding huge sums for repairs to threat of physical violence.

I went to Phuket last year, and can certainly see how many scams there could be, and how the unassuming tourist is an easy target. Thai newspapers report that Russians, Koreans and Chinese have been active in both Phuket and Pattaya, some using Thais as nominees in setting up businesses to con foreigners. So it's big business.

It's just another reminder of how we need to be careful when travelling. Travel not only securing your personal belongings, but thinking with your head screwed on. Don't trust people on the street. Don't buy drugs. Don't say you will buy something, then change your mind. Don't go down into the slums. Don't take too many chances.

Do have fun. Do take notice of things. Do secure yourself. Do let your family and friends know your plans. Do get things in writing. Do use reputable companies.

I have been conned, probably more often than I know it. The one that comes to mind, is arriving at Peru airport at midnight, hotel booking in hand, being led astray by a tour company saying the hotel had closed, and they will find us a better hotel. They found us a hotel, but also at an extra cost. They also had us come in for a meeting the next morning, where they sold a 'cheap' package for travelling through Peru and Bolivia, including a tour of the Inca Trail. We weren't in any harm, the tour was brilliant, but we did pay much more than we should have.

That, I guess, is where planning and common sense comes in. Research what things cost, know what you want to do, and have options.

Travel is a wonderful thing, and can be so fulfilling and exciting. But with all excitement comes its dangers - stay safe.