Location photographer. Getting behind the scenes. Showing off the secret, and not so secret, treasures of the world.
Beachcomber, Honolulu HAWAII
Staying in Waikiki…
After five nights on the North Shore, I thought we had better find out what Waikiki was about. This hotel is located in a great location on Kalākaua Avenue, surrounded by luxury stores, a street market, hotels, and the beach just a building away.
My favourite way to get to the beach? Through Surfboard Alley! It is just across the road, and seeing all the surfboards locked up along the wall is always intriguing.
Surfs up!
From the Hawaiian art and photographs decking the walls to the artisan eats and locally made beer, Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel will immerse you in the spirit of Waikiki. Inspired by local influencers and artists, the Beachcomber Originals, this craft hotel was created with an island vibe and is the perfect place to sip a Mai Tai and soak in the energy of aloha. - Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel
Casa Feliz Tiny Home
A beautiful shoot I did recently for Casa Feliz Tiny Home at Maslin Beach.
Wow! I think I need to book to stay here myself (even though it’s only a few minutes from my house).
West Beach Parks
I have been working with West Beach Parks (formerly Adelaide Shores) for over five years. We have done multiple shoots for the rebrand, when renovations are completed, new accommodation is built, or for a new campaign.
Images: Lifestyle, interiors, exteriors, activities, staff profiles.
Love: The fun involved in photographing kids and adults enjoying the park facilities, especially the pool area where I can get the kids to jump in a number of times.
Not so much love: Making some of the budget, tiny (super skinny and long) bathrooms look inviting. But hey, we did it!
Images are used for a variety of purposes, including website, marketing material, social and corporate.
Some of my fave images from my shoots with West Beach Parks…
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...
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...
How Important are Photos in Your Marketing Strategy?
Photos. The foundation of your marketing. Get it right to build strong.
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.
CLIENT: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Dept for Environment and Water
Taking four strangers over to Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail for a 3 day shoot. Interesting times. It worked - we all loved it!
This is the second time I've done the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail in July - the middle of frosty winter! But instead of camping out on the trail, this time we stayed in the nearby Cape du Couedic Lighthouse Keepers Cottages, giving us the chance to warm up each night.
When my client asked if I would like to do this shoot - I jumped at the chance. I love KIWT and love working outdoors in a natural environment. A perfect shoot. Except that it was in the middle of winter in one of the most southerly and exposed parts of South Australia. Hmm.
We got very lucky. The first day was overcast with grey clouds and a sprinkle of rain but the following two days were sunny and blue skies. Considering part of the brief was to get multi-season hiking vibes, it worked perfectly.
This year I started a group for street casting - and I was very fortunate to take a group of four amazing people with me (and met some more crazy people over there to join our troupe). Two Clients, someone I had photographed for another client, and his friend met me early Monday morning and caught the Sealink ferry over. Nobody knew each other, which is a gamble when going away for two nights and three days of shooting. But I needn't worry - the group made 'best friends' with each other near instantly.
We photographed everyone in different styles and situations - solo, combos of couples, friends and mother and daughter.
We all had a great time. Many laughs, jokes and new friendships. Plus got lots of great photos.
Here are some of my fave pics.
SA Regional Tours... 2019 dates.
I’m heading to regional South Australia to get photos for businesses. No travel fees. Want in?
Image for Regional Council of Goyder on previous tour.
The time has come again... I'm going to get my tunes (or Podcasts) plugged in and hit the road. I'm always so excited to do these trips, I love meeting new people, helping businesses with great photographs and spending time in our beautiful state.
Outback/Flinders - May 2019 *BOOKINGS REQUIRED ASAP
Of course, I'll be offering a full range of photography including my popular $450 Editorial Package. You can check them out here. For a tailored photography package just call or email me. We can work out something that suits you perfectly.
https://www.heidiwho.com/popular-packages/
If you have any suggestions for pics 'on spec' or for me to take as 'stock', please let me know. I'm always keen to help where I can and get the photographs that are missing. On spec means no obligation - you don't pay for me to photograph them, I get them if I can in my time frame.
"One picture is worth a thousand words."
"Put your best foot forward."
Sayings that have been around for years and are still critical to your success.
Part of the foundation of a great marketing plan is awesome, professional photographs. Without them, your online (well, any marketing) presence fails. And let's face it, the world is going online. Customers and guests first impression of you is very likely to be online. Make it a good one. Create the connection. Show them how great you are.
Get in touch ASAP to take advantage of these tours. All shoots on tour have the added benefit of no travel fees.
Image for Flinders Bush Retreats on previous tour.
