Having fun...

Damn. What do I say behind the camera to make them laugh?

At least we have fun!

Trails in the City of Onkaparinga

While it's raining outside, cold and dark... I've been editing photos from the summer of 2011/2012. I can't wait for the warm weather to come back.

For over a week I photographed trails around City of Onkaparinga, and found some beautiful areas. So unknown. On many, I only saw a handful of people as I wandered, or cycled, along. And yes, I tell myself on a few occassions, how lucky I was to have a job that got me out there.

It's a great idea from City of Onkaparinga to promote these trails more through their website and brochures. So many tranquil and beautiful places to explore in our own backyard.

www.onkaparingacity.com

Melbourne - the city of laneways and a shot of coffee.

Laneways. The back end of town.

Not normally the most elegant or tourist worthy part of town. But there are exceptions. Take Melbourne for example. Cafe lanes, bar lanes and artworked lanes litter the city. Litter that is shutterworthy for the International tourist. A photographer looks at it different though. Although we love to sit and have coffee we also see character, life and intrigue in the empty or littered lanes that everyone scurries past.

While most people are looking that way, we look this way. Look up and look down.

TIP * When going for a walk with your camera, don't forget to take a look behind you. Things can look different from another angle. Light, shape, form. Even people continuing with their lives, thinking you have passed. Click. Moment captured.

Dare to Dash with The Sunflower Club

 

"Every 46 minutes, an Australian is diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma - that's 31 people every day. Finding a 'sunny side' to life can be hard, especially for those living in regional areas." Leukaemia Foundation Sunflower Club.

A few months ago, when it was supposed to be still summer, I photographed a campaign for the Leukaemia Foundation. It has just been launched. The Sunflower Club is wanting people to 'dare to dash', dress up - or undress to speedos or bikini - and run in an aim to raise more awareness and much-needed funds. And if running in next to nick isn't your thing, there are other ways too. Buy a bunch of sunflowers, a gift, skydive, or anything that will raise a smile. What a campaign for mid winter when we all need a splash of colour and fun!

www.sunflowerclub.org.au

Loving my work... getting paid to experience the world.

I've been busy in the last few months... and so happy to be working more for businesses in the SA tourism industry. It's a focus of mine, to work more within the tourism industry and define heidi who? photos as the 'go to' photographer for not only amazing photography but a fun experience too. It's something that clients are always commenting on - how much fun they have. The 'models' also have a laugh, and soon enough, are looking really comfortable in front of the camera. Maybe because they are!

I believe 'why not?' Why not have fun? Why not get fantastic images? Why not work hard and have fun at the same time? Why not make sure everyone is happy?

Photography, travel and people (including my little family!) are my passions. I'm so lucky to be able to combine them all in my life, earning money and travelling. And hopefully helping and affecting people through my images too.

How do you travel more often? I'd love to hear how you do it!

Lake Bonney at Easter time...

Easter is a great time to get away with the family for some fun. And working from home, to get away from work. The laptop and phone did come with me, but didn't get much of a work out.  My niece loves taking photos... and I decided to give her my D800 and 70-200mm lens to have a play with. While my sister held her breath with anxiety, I let my niece go. She got some great shots. A penchant for angles - or maybe just a heavy camera weighing her down. Love the fact that I am inspiring a new generation of photographers. Whether it be for capturing family moments, or creating a living from it.

Lake Bonney is about three hours from Adelaide. The lake is a wonderful place for skiing, fishing and sailing. The waterfront in Barmera is grassy, long and scattered with fun things for the kids. A monster playground with 'dinosaur bones' in the sand, a skate park, a sandy volleyball patch and in front of the caravan park, two giant trampolines sitting on the water.

With Berri and Renmark just up the road, it is a quieter spot to base yourself for a few days. And down the other way, towards Adelaide, is Banrock Station. Perfect. For big boys and their toys, they are not forgotten. Loveday is on the doorstep - fun for four wheel driving action.

If you are after a good coffee though... don't stay over a public holiday. With one coffee shop in town that is closed most of Easter, I am in withdrawal mode. The Tourist Infomation Centre has coffee too, but I never made it in to try. An excuse to go to Berri was made.

Hope you all had a great Easter!

Hutt Street Centre walk

I've been volunteering at Hutt Street Centre in Adelaide. Teaching photography to some of their willing clients. And I'm loving it. It's the first time I have taught photography to a group, and found it more comfortable than scary.

Arriving early one day, I went for a wander. Down one of the streets in the south eastern part of the city I come across these sofas. Nothing else around them, just the two sofas against a garden wall. Interesting. Click.

Walking back, I meet a client heading in to show me what he has done. He also saw the sofas - a number of days ago. He laughed when I said I took a photo of them. I am really appreciating teaching these people at Hutt Street about photography, and getting to see their view of our world. There are a few that could be great photographers, with 'an eye' for composition, interest and angle. One thing that does run popular is the subject of nature. Everyone loves to photograph plants, animals, sky or some other natural form. Things that I quite often take for granted. Dogs running. Ants scattering. Bark fallen. Trees in the night darkness. Flowers. The simple things in life. Did they before?

Cash Store Cafe, Gilles Street ADL

This cute cafe at 269 Gilles Street in Adelaide is a tiny treasure. The Lemonade sign is enough to get me in. And the old wooden doors that lead in. Then there are the salads. I order a chicken salad, and get all the trimmings. Yummo. $11 for a salad and drink,  yes please.

I am introduced to this character by a friend who works nearby. And it seems all who work nearby know about this place. Lunch trade is rockin'. As I bite into my fork full of sundried tomato, avocado, and chicken - I realise why.

Same time next week?

Lucky Lupitas... lucky us.

 

What do you do when you can't escape overseas? Go eat out, on international food. I haven't been to Mexico, so can't comment on the authenticity - but damn, this is fine food.  Lucky Lupitas.

In an unfortunate location perhaps, just outside of Flinders Medical Centre, with not much parking. This little cantina packs a punch. So many rave reviews. Frequent waits for tables.

Why? No bookings. Fresh, basic, tasty food. Casual and friendly service.

Cute mismatched cutlery and glassware to match the granny tables. Green walls. Funky lightbulb feature lights. Rustic. Music. Music that my three year old daughter bops to. A vibe to comfort and relax.

Yuca Fritas - taking me back to Brazil.

Hamburguesa Hogao - converting me to the meat in bun meal

Elote - the tastiest corn and condiments I have ever eaten.

And I think we all loved the crsip, salty, every so just right, papas fritas.

We went for our eight year wedding anniversary. At home, we watched our wedding video. We saw us speaking of our travels, watching a belly dancer perform, and us dancing salsa and merengue to Turkish music. How cultural.

Next?

The Leukaemia Foundation shoot

I am so lucky to be able to help some fabulous charities and organisations within my work as a photographer.  Last week I was fortunate enough to work with The Leukaemia Foundation on a new campaign.  Here is a sneak peak of some unedited pics from the shoot... Keep your eyes open in the coming months for the campaign. And maybe you too could dare to bare!