Photographer of the High Seas

One of my first photography gigs...

The staff and crew bar... not quite as glamorous as the ones above water level. From memory, we were only meant to have a maximum of two beers per person per day... made sure we cleared the table often. 

What else to do when surrounded by hundreds of un-sold photographs? Be models of course! This is the gallery where we would print every image with the aim of selling. 

As long as we weren't in a guests place, we were able to have a drink in any of the bars. Perks of being a Photographer. 

Santorini. When you go every week, you don't even bother getting off the ship. Tender process, stairs... all seemed too much sometimes. But, when we did get off, we had  fun!

Guests would head left, we'd go right. Far, far away. Frappes, Greek salad, beer, no guests. Ahh.

I have read a lot of interviews with photographers, and the question is always asked. How did you get into photography? Many times, the answer is ‘my parents were artists’, ‘I knew from the minute I picked up the camera age five’… and so on. Childhood encounters. But mine is a bit different. 

Sure, I took pics as a child. I loved Photography in high school - even commuted 45 minutes from a different school so I could hang out in the darkroom. I worked at photo labs, camera stores and got an assisting job in a Greek/Italian/Croatian wedding studio by walking in the door with a handful of prints. Literally. 

But then I went overseas...

Working in a bar in Richmond, London, I made friends with a guy who was Photographer for H&M or Mango or something like that. The more I chatted with him, the more I wanted to do what he did. I asked how he got into it. One thing led to another, and next thing I know, I’m working on an Italian cruise liner as a photographer. 

The glamorous part of the job was that we visited Venice, Bari, Dubrovnik, Rhodes, Santorini, Corfu and Piraeus (Athens) weekly - and, unlike other staff, we could get off and explore every port. The less glam side of it was that three of us lived cramped in a two bed cabin for a few months, we pestered the guests for photos every waking minute, then had to stand in the gallery and try to sell them in between functions. 

A mild ‘up’ was the fact we were staff and not the crew. The crew weren’t allowed above sea level; staff could be in passenger areas so long as they were not getting in a passengers way. We could have a drink or two in one of the lounges, as long as we sat at tables towards the back and not near the bar. We weren’t to ride in the elevators. And for goodness sake, we had to be below water by midnight. I tell you what, our past midnight feast runs up the elevators to the only open restaurant on the pool deck were an adrenalin rush. Never would you want to get caught by the Captain. Thankfully, we had a few security guards on our side. 

To be honest, I should have known what it was going to be like. The first week, I felt ‘off’ from all the metal surrounding me. The Captain put us through training for fires. He locked us in a room, let off smoke bombs and told us to find our way out. The choking! OMG.

I was also a minority. It was an Italian cruise liner. Most passengers were Italian, Greek, French or Dutch. The staff and crew were European or Phillipino. I didn’t speak any language spoken on board - the nearest I could get was Brazilian Portuguese. It got me by. I could understand them (sometimes) but rarely could they understand me. It made not understanding ‘no, I don’t want a photo’ very easy. It made selling and the questions that come with it, just slightly difficult. The hardest part though was making friends. English as a second language can be difficult and be tiring to speak for a lot of people. I know - having lived in Brazil and learning Portuguese, I got tired and restless quickly for having to constantly concentrate and think while ‘chatting’. It’s easy for people to hang with their own. I made just a few friends. But we had fun. 

Cabin parties. Drinking sessions in the crew bar. Sneaky food runs up to Pool deck. Dancing in the nightclub. And running ashore away from the hordes to have a sneaky local lunch. 

Seven day work weeks. Morning and night shifts. Lots of hours. Leftover guest food. Grumpy Captains that complain the music is too loud in the gym during the day. Inside cabins. Bunk beds. One locker for all your personal belongings. 

Worth it? I think so. If I had a ship that was English speaking, I could have lasted longer. It’s a great way of discovering parts of the world - especially if you get the opportunity to relocate with the change of seasons. Unfortunately, we’d had enough by the time relocation to the Caribbean came, so quit just a month or so shy of discovering a new side of the world. Oh well. Perhaps I’ll do that as a guest. Haven’t done that yet. 

Regional South Australia photo tours - mid 2017 update

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 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? Plus, if you are a member with SATIC, you get an ultra special package. Check your membership area. :)
 
Dates are...
Barossa/Clare  - June/July
Flinders/Outback - Aug/Sept
Fleurieu - Sept/Oct
Riverland/Murrayland - Oct
Limestone - Oct
Yorke/Eyre Peninsula - Nov

There are some new packages available on these tours, as well as my popular $400 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. 

AND THE OTHER AWESOME PACKAGES...

Website overhaul
Ideas and package prices to be discussed. This is the big kahuna. Something that will set you up - website, printed promos, Instagram. It's all sorted with these packages. 

Social Media Rock Pack - get three months of social pics. 100 pics! $500 - 3-hour shoot

Tell your story SPECIAL PRICE $1500
Various portraits, details, overviews, variations.
Up to four hours
Business
Pics of you
Social media brand style
Website pics
Hero images for advertising
Up to 50 images

Valued at $1900

Region In Residence SPECIAL PRICE $5000
Five days including 2 ‘hero image’ half day shoots including 50 images
3hr workshop
Social media pics x100 taken throughout the week
BONUS: 50% discount Editorial shoots for members/businesses in area booked through this package
Valued at $6500

Better Pics for Social Workshop $500
Suitable for beginners - no fancy equipment required
Simple tips for photographing people, food, events, architecture
Story and light
3 hours
 

Limited Contra Deals are also available for accommodations.

Email me or call me on 0402 716 406 now to book or discuss what you need. 

Regional South Australia photo tours - mid 2017 update

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 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? Plus, if you are a member with SATIC, you get an ultra special package. Check your membership area. :)
 
Dates are...
Barossa/Clare  - June/July
Flinders/Outback - Aug/Sept
Fleurieu - Sept/Oct
Riverland/Murrayland - Oct
Limestone - Oct
Yorke/Eyre Peninsula - Nov

There are some new packages available on these tours, as well as my popular $400 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. 

AND THE OTHER AWESOME PACKAGES...

Website overhaul
Ideas and package prices to be discussed. This is the big kahuna. Something that will set you up - website, printed promos, Instagram. It's all sorted with these packages. 

Social Media Rock Pack - get three months of social pics. 100 pics! $500 - 3-hour shoot

Tell your story SPECIAL PRICE $1500
Various portraits, details, overviews, variations.
Up to four hours
Business
Pics of you
Social media brand style
Website pics
Hero images for advertising
Up to 50 images

Valued at $1900

Region In Residence SPECIAL PRICE $5000
Five days including 2 ‘hero image’ half day shoots including 50 images
3hr workshop
Social media pics x100 taken throughout the week
BONUS: 50% discount Editorial shoots for members/businesses in area booked through this package
Valued at $6500

Better Pics for Social Workshop $500
Suitable for beginners - no fancy equipment required
Simple tips for photographing people, food, events, architecture
Story and light
3 hours
 

Limited Contra Deals are also available for accommodations.

Email me or call me on 0402 716 406 now to book or discuss what you need. 

Getting arty farty...

Occasionally I have the time to think about creating, getting arty. I've done a few exhibitions now, and love the learning curve I get from it. 

With my commercial photography, I shoot to a brief. When you sell a destination or company, you can't get too artistic and creative with what you show. It needs to tell the story. 

Sometimes I struggle coming out of this mode and into creating mode. It takes a while. And I feel like a complete newbie. 

Recently, while resourcing a new personal project, I found some drafts from one of my recent exhibitions. Salty Stories.

I enjoy looking back at my process from first concepts to final pieces... from 'let's put everything in one photo' to simple and soft.

The final 3 images are the exhibition pieces (in order from what I least to most liked). 
 

Tourism Hero Shots - what it takes to get them

Family stays at an outback station. Kids having fun in the natural space. Nice weather, casual, safe, fun. That's what families would want to see if looking to go outback for some quality time together.

Clients need “Hero Shots” of their destinations (or any business for that matter). It's their defining image - what sets them apart from the rest. 

So, what exactly is a Hero Shot – and what does it take to capture them?

A Hero Shot is a 'wow' photograph that makes the viewer think (or say) 'I want to be there now!' It either grabs your attention quickly in a saturation of images. A library of promotional images complements the hero shots. These images are less memorable (or impactful), but just as necessary to tell the story. 

These hero images define and differentiate a destination from its competition. A series of Hero Shots can be created to broaden a destination’s appeal and convey your key marketing messages to the specific audience you are looking to attract.

Images like these require considerable forethought and planning. Unless of course, I just get lucky (which does happen). But I, or you, don't want to rely on just luck. Prep is needed. 

Your destinations 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 do you want to say? Find your answer and then go about resourcing how to get it. Time of year for the shoot, time of day, appropriate talent (if any), props, team and style all need to be considered. Think about what your ideal audience is wanting to see, put them in the photo. Best weather, atmosphere, activity, talent similar to themselves... Let your audience imagine it could be them there, enjoying your destination.
Then find the production team you need, and trust, to be able to get it. 

Awesome team - people you trust and can deliver on what you want. Look at their portfolio, get to know them, find recommendations. You have to be comfortable and confident. 

TIPS:

Make sure your talent doesn't look posed. It needs to look believable. Think about every aspect, not just the posing.
Have plans but allow for spontaneity. 
Have fun - emotions and smiles connect.
Lighting and weather make the photo - anticipate. Check the direction of light, weather forecast and allow for extra time just in case. 

How I got the shot... Bruny Island House of Whiskey

Ok, so this shot is not perfect. But hey, for a shot 'on the run', I think it's pretty. It's unretouched and raw. 

Bottles, glass and reflections make photography difficult. It's one thing people ask quite often. "How do I get a nice shot of a bottle?"

One easy trick is to diffuse the light that is falling on your subject. In this shot, I did that with a reflector scrim. That is it. A scrim is a translucent material that still allows light to go through, but softens it. 

I had someone hold it between the sun and the bottles. It really minimised the reflections and made the image creamier looking.  

Check out the other pic that shows the bottles without the scrim in place. You can see the difference on the labels.

What do you think?
 

Tasmania. Natural, wild, hypnotic, peaceful...

I've been in Tasmania for nearly two weeks now. Time has flown. We have done so much. I kinda feel rushed. Four weeks is nowhere near long enough to discover the surface of Tassie. But hey, we are having fun.

Here are some piccies so far... story behind them to come when I get some good internet (and time).

:)

Tasmania - want photos?

'We're all going on a summer holiday,

summer holiday.'

Well, not really. But I am going with the fam to Tasmania in March/April. And I'm pumped. One whole month!

I've got a few gigs lined up, and I'd love to extend the offer to everyone. If you are in Tasmania or know someone in Tasmania, that is in need of pics (and let's face it, who doesn't NEED pics in this era of social media and online advertising), here's the deal...

My schedule - 
21-27th March 2017           West Coast
28-30th March 2017           Cradle Mountain area
31st-3rd April 2017             North West, Launceston area
4-10th April 2017                Hobart, Huon Valley, Bruny Island area
11th-15th April 2017           East Coast, Launceston
16th April 2017                   Devonport

Some images from my last trip...

What's in it for you?

 

Contra Agreements (minimal $ or free)

I am also looking for a limited number of contra agreements where available and possible. If you are a tour operator, cafe, shop or accommodation business - this is perfect for you!
 

Stock photography on spec

NO COMMITMENT BY YOU - I WANT STOCK PHOTOS

If you would like general images, please email me with any requests. Of course, there is no guarantee that I will be able to achieve these images, but at least I can try. :) These images will then be uploaded to my stock photography where you can purchase at really reasonable prices. Check out the 'stock photography' page at www.heidiwho.com for examples of what I've already done for people. 
 
An example:
Goyder Council, SA
- developed a shot list and organised talent
- I organised photo shoot time
- photographed area solo and with client/talent
- the client chose images to purchase after viewing proofs
 

Editorial Photography Package valued at $400 (plus GST)

With this package, you receive a one-hour photo shoot and up to 20 images in print and web size via Dropbox. 
 
The images will be retouched to an editorial standard, which means I will colour correct, ensure they are tonally beautiful and look amazing, but I won't alter the reality of the image in any way. Ie. By removing objects, blending exposures (which helps with maintaining exposure through interiors to exteriors through windows, etc.). 
 
Check out some examples at www.heidiwhotravels.com - particularly Port Lincoln Hotel and Whyalla Caravan Park. 
 

 

 
Assignment Photography

If you have a particular photo shoot you are after, get in touch, and we can discuss. Clients include Crowne Plaza, YHA, Seawall Apartments, University of SA, SA government departments, SA Tourism Council, SA Tourism Industry Council, Majestic Group, Yorke Peninsula/City of Marion/City of Onkaparinga councils.
 
 
Please check out my website www.heidiwho.com for my photography work and my blog www.heidiwhotravels that showcase clients, my travels, photography tips and more. 
 
Of course, email or phone me to discuss any ideas. 

The difference in retouching...

So, what does a basic retouch mean?

What about an editorial retouch?

And what do I mean when I say 'extensive' retouch?

I've had many Clients ask this, and I the answer is always hard. So, I have decided to show it visually. That's the best way with photography anyway. So I think.

Above is a food photo, let me explain the differences you can see.

No retouch

This image is straight out of the camera.

I shoot in RAW. This allows for maximum information caught, and kept, in the capture. You will find most professionals photograph in this setting. 

Why throw away information without even considering it? The more information I have, the better the image can be.

It does also mean that there is always going to be a need for some amount of retouch. This can range from a click of 'auto' in software which has varied, and sometimes unexpected, results or manipulated by the photographer individually. I typically start with an Auto Correct then adjust each file individually from there. 

RAW = better quality

After all, that is why you are paying a photographer. To get the best images possible.

Editorial Retouch

This image has had a basic Auto Correct, then individually retouched via Lightroom. 
I will lighten shadows, adjust contrast/colour/tone/crop, remove any large blemishes/distractions and adjust local areas within the image. I also sharpen/noise reduce and perhaps add some saturation/clarity/vibrancy. 

Generally, an editorial image is not taken into Photoshop for more intensive retouching.

Extensive Retouch

This image is looked at in detail. It gets the Editorial Retouch then it's taken into Photoshop for individual and precise alterations. 

I have fixed perspective, removed some of the reflections from the glasses, removed blemishes on the surface, lightened darker areas of the food and cropped slightly. 

So, what retouch do you choose?

What retouch you choose depends on the final use of your image. We can chat about it when you book your next shoot. Or, if you have any questions, leave them here for me to answer. 

Client showcase: Whyalla Caravan Park

Whyalla Caravan Park - who's been? It's a quiet place, on the outskirts of town. I'd never heard of it until they called asking for one of my Editorial Packages. 

As the sun was going down one day, I discovered the park. There are areas for workers, families, grey nomads and solo travellers in all sorts of accommodation. From grassy sites to villas to workers single rooms down the back. 

There is a relaxed, and ultra green grassed, area right next to the bbq, perfect for lounging the afternoon away. A fire pit keeps you warm as the sun goes down. 

Anyway, I worked myself silly for one hour, and here are the results... this is an Editorial Package which is a basic photo shoot and edit. Nothing weird and wonderful being enhanced here. :)

These are not advertising images where I work over them in retouch - removing all distractions, fixing light, and in fact, ensuring light is 'just right' for the shoot in the first place. We do what we can do with our one hour.

I'm pretty happy with the results - and most importantly, so is my client. 

I'm heading Tasmania way in March for nearly a month - if you are down there and keen, get in touch! Or, please pass the word on. I can't wait to discover more of Tassie...