Location photographer. Getting behind the scenes. Showing off the secret, and not so secret, treasures of the world.
A day in the Tarkine, North-West Tasmania.
The Tarkine in North-West Tasmania is a place l fell in love with. It ruined Eastern Tasmania for me.
Belle discovering the Tarkine.
Wow, this is an amazing part of the world. And to see the damage the 2016 bushfires made is sad, but it also gives hope with all the new growth colouring the charred trunks.
I attempted this in a day, although, if you are doing lots of walks, I'd recommend two days. I knew I wouldn't be doing too many hikes with the kids so chose carefully and drove a lot. It is a long day of driving, but so entrancing.
Thin winding roads lead the way to the Tarkine.
The drive there is fun too - thin bitumen roads winding their way through farmland. Bales of hay, cows and random chickens dot the rolling hills. Only the chickens notice the car as they flap away from the sides of the road as I pass. The highway is not much different to the country roads. It is a fraction wider, has a white line painted in the middle, and I can pass another vehicle without pulling off the road. Not that there are many cars on the road.
The Tarkine Dive itself has just over twenty attractions - lookouts, bridges, walks and sink holes. Walks range from easy 15 minute strolls to 5-6 hour coastal hikes.
Trowutta Arch beauty.
Trowutta Arch is an easy 15-minute stroll on a path through the rainforest. The floor is carpeted with moss, fallen trees and tree roots. At the end of the path is Trowutta Arch, the entrance to a water-filled sinkhole - a collapsed cave. One of the mossy rocks makes the perfect canvas to sketch your name. It entertained my artistic Belle while Ashton threw rocks into the water, measuring the 'plops' as they hit - as boys do.
Carpark area at Trowutta Arch entrance.
And the wildlife? Loud talk of leeches, the excitement of finding Cicada shells and 'testing' if the forest carries a coo-ee make sure we don't see any wildlife. Thankfully, we are the only tourists here, so we aren't ruining the quiet serenity for others.
Belle and Ashton finding little bugs and leaves.
Next is a drive through the burnt out area. An area that clashes with the general lush Tarkine elsewhere, where forest kisses each side of the road. These trees are now separated by the sky, little puffs of new green growth smothering the trunks. Burnt, spindly dead sticks stick up in between. Will it ever be the same?
Beautiful Tarkine forest floor.
After a late lunch stop at Julia's River, where we walked another 30 minute round forest track (which probably only took us 20 with after lunch energy) I headed towards the coast. Another contrast.
Pristine waterways.
Driving the road up to the coast, all I could see was barren farmland with nothing able to be grown. It's not windy today, but I can imagine the wind blasting in off the wild ocean. I mean, there is nothing between here and 15,000km of ocean to Patagonia on the south coast of America. Roaring 40's winds of up to 200km have been recorded here!
The path to discovery.
I'd love to stop and do some of the hike out to the ocean, but it's raining, and the kids are tired. So I don't.
Where did all these logs come from?
But I do stop at Edge of the World in Arthur River. And it looks jut like its name, if not a very pretty version. Waves pound in as far as I can see, huge logs have been tossed on every rocky outcrop of the coastline, and the tumbleweed sits sideways.
The other side of this rock is a five metre drop.
It's here that Ashton decides to sprint up to a rocky ledge to see what he and see. I see him running, and my heart stops, I go to scream, then he stops. And sits down. And calmly watches. Heart pounding I go over to him and see what he's looking at. And below him is a drop of over 5 metres. Argh. At least he knew what he was doing.
I'm calling it a day... back to Stanley for fish and chips. Now I'm tired.
NOTE:
I saw (somewhere) it's about 135km drive, but when you are twisting and turning, of course, it takes a lot longer. In some sections allow 15 minutes for 15km.
CLIENT SHOWCASE: King River Rafting
Kayaking on the Franklin River with King River Rafting - and the promo pics.
I hadn't thought of taking the kids kayaking before. I love adventures but presumed they would get bored after, hmm, 10 minutes.
They proved me wrong. This time I was happy to be wrong. And that doesn't happen often. :)
We were in Queenstown with King River Rafting. Paul normally takes people out white water rafting, but for kids aged five and seven, as you know, rafting is not really that appropriate. So he suggested a kayak up the Franklin River. He also liked the idea of getting some kids pics to promote that area of his biz.
Leaving Strahan early, I'd forgotten to pack spare clothes so was hoping we wouldn't get too wet. Oh well, I thought to myself, it's just kayaking (and worse case scenario, we can blast the heaters in the car when we get back). When Paul brought out wetsuits, booties and thermal layers for all of us I realised I had completely underestimated the experience and how cold we could get. Oops.
The kids looked ridiculously cute in the smallest adult gear we could find. Wetsuit legs rolled up like big cream puffs. Booties that flopped about like flippers. They stomped about with giggles.
The next clue to our adventure not being as leisurely as I thought hit me when we arrived at the river. I hauled a kayak over my head and plodded for ten minutes down the forest path to the river. Of course Paul asked if I was ok, but of course I answered, 'yep, no problems'. The kids had to carry a paddle each while I stepped one foot in front of the other, blinded by the kayak, hoping I wouldn't fall in the leech-infested ferns.
While Paul climbed in his and slid down the rock face to the water, I was a little more cautious. I shouldn't have worried, the blow-up kayaks are very stable and can handle just about anything, as I was soon to discover. Ashton jumped in and was paddling before I could push off the rocks.
We paddled for about five minutes. I'm sure I looked ridiculous... learning how to paddle straight using the paddle out one side only (not switching sides). The kayak nosing left then right up river, Paul had to come back and check in on me a few times. It was definitely a slow start.
Then we hit a rapid - with no water. Slimy rocks and branches lay strewn across the river. Hmm. Paul was all over it. He hopped out, hitched his canoe above his head and ran over the rocks to the next section of the river. Then he returned and did the same with our kayaks.
Meanwhile, I was desperate to find a non-slippery rock or branch to step on, and make sure the kids do the same (I don't think I found one). They loved it. I worried about them falling. Nothing unusual. But after doing this about five times up river, I was getting used to it. Then we had to do it all again on the way back. Workout? You bet. Fun? Definitely. Scenic? Given. It's truly stunning.
And... did the kids enjoy it? Absolutely. We took a risk, but because it was just us and Paul, and knew we could turn back at any time. But the kids just kept on going. They loved to 'help' paddle, lay down and watch the water float by, and grab hold of Paul's canoe to get a pull.
Their favourite bit? Clambering all over the wet rocks. Ashton also loved skimming rocks over the river surface - well, trying to.
My favourite part? Getting the hang of keeping the kayak straight while moving forward, using only one paddle. Winning!
Here are the pics I took...
NOTE: Definitely make sure you have a wet bag or housing for your camera - it will get wet.
Coffee shopping around Tasmania
How hard is it to get a good coffee? Am I fussy? Maybe.
Four weeks in Tasmania - coffee stops nearly every day. I have a few thoughts.
Four weeks in Tasmania. Four weeks away from my coffee machine. Breathe. It's ok.
Here's my roundup of coffee experiences. Nearly every day I went out for coffee. I looked for interesting and funky places, or busy places full of under 40's. Just my unconscious liking.
Devonport:
I'm sure it wasn't the 'happy to be travelling' buzz you get when you first go on holidays. I'm pretty damn sure the coffee was great. And I loved the little laneway digs at Laneway.
Boat Harbour Beach:
The location couldn't get any better. Right on the beach at Boat Harbour. It wouldn't matter how bad the coffee is; I'd enjoy it. The stickiest bliss balls I've ever had.
Burnie:
A great location overlooking the town and the coast at the Visitor Centre. Prepare to spend money. We went in for coffee and ended up with coffee, bliss balls, cake and cheese. Oops. At least we enjoyed it.
Strahan:
Coffee Shack is a retro little shed opposite the cruise and travel centres at the harbour. Unfortunately, we lucked out (according to a local) and went on a day when the owner wasn't working. She makes awesome coffee.
Cradle Mountain:
Last coffee for five or more days for some. Not for me, thank goodness. Great to chat with my dad before he set off on the Overland Track.
Sheffield: This shop rocks. Scary taking the kids in - 'look with your eyes, not your fingers' kind of place. And you can write on the toilet wall - so I did. Check out Blacksmith Gallery Cafe.
Deloraine:
They have a bike stuck to the wall outside The Empire Hotel. I think the cyclists like it. I know the owner loves cycling. Good coffee, even in takeaways.
Lake St Clair:
Sitting around people that have been hiking for five plus days with no shower may not be fun for the nose. Dad thinks the hot chocolates are the best he has ever drunk.
Cygnet:
Sitting in the sun with hippy locals at The Lotus Eaters Cafe. Trampoline for kids to jump on. Chocolate shards and little choco beans for the hot chocolates. Shame some of the staff couldn't be happier.
Kettering:
Steamhouse. One of the only places in Tasmania to offer coconut milk - and they had run out! Great coffee, friendly staff, and quirky. It's an ex-petrol station. Love it.
Bruny Island:
Tourist central at Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co. But great to sit and have coffee with a cheese board. Wooden outdoor seating amongst the trees.
Hobart:
Coffee as it should be. Villino - yes. Island Coffee - yes. Cute little attic to lounge around in while the kids pretend to make coffee with the toy coffee machine.
Richmond:
Czegs. I think it's the place to be in Richmond. So busy. The breakfast looks SO yummy. Loads of teapots covering the walls. Squeaky wooden floorboards and different rooms to relax in.
Bicheno:
Pasinis was recommended, but our experience was a one in a million. Felt like I got growled at when at the counter trying to order, our order got lost, and then they couldn't complete it because they had run out of almond milk... and didn't tell us til later. Fixed it with a macchiato and a couple of pieces of honeycomb.
Coles Bay:
Tombolo Freycinet - heard it was great. Unfortunately not for me. The first day the coffee was so weak I had three shots! The second day it was strong but burnt almond milk.
Evandale:
This building and town overall is so very... yesteryear. The sign read 'best-preserved town in Tasmania' - or something like that. Grand two-story mansions and cosy stone cottages. Coffee and gluten free cheesecake by the fire at Ingleside is something I don't regret.
Launceston:
In the mall. So many choices! Spent the time waiting for my coffee looking around the tight hole in the wall. Trinkets everywhere - very interesting.
Coconut milk has not hit Tasmania as of April 2017. It's a rarity.
I order my coffees (mostly) as double shot lattes with coconut milk or macchiatos. Your 'average' latte or cappuccino may well be awesome at the places that failed my test. Or, as it happens sometimes, I could have just lucked out with the day of the week and barista.
DISCLOSURE: I'm no coffee snob - I just write on what I like.
CLIENT SHOWCASE: CU@Wallaroo
CU@Wallaroo. Two properties in Wallaroo, South Australia catering to large groups.
Check out the fun photo shoot we did recently...
I love my job! I have so much fun, and there is always something new on the horizon.
This job, for CU@Wallaroo was such fun - thank you so much to everyone for coming and playing 'talent' for us. You did a great job!
CLIENT: CU@Wallaroo
BRIEF: Two large group properties in Wallaroo. Range of lifestyle images showing property features and food package option.
SHOOT: 1 day over a weekend.
TALENT: Friends, social media call out, family.
Tasmania - want photos?
Tasmania - I'm on my way.
Lots of photo packages available with great options. Do you want in?
'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.
Bali - my fave places
So you have never been to Bali, but think it will be crap? There is more to Bali than Kuta and it's bogans, beer parties, and 'junket' stalls.
‘Bali?! I would never want to go there. Yuck.’
Sunset Bintangs - love them anywhere in Bali.
I hear this so often, and must admit, that I once said it too. But you know what? Once you get out of the bogan filled concrete city gridlock of Tuban, Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, it can be a holiday of your dreams.
Yes, you can get some bargain deals when you stay in these areas - but I’ve learned it’s not worth it for me. If I have to walk out of my hotel, be surrounded by concrete, drunk tourists before midday, touts pestering me every second - then I’m not going to enjoy myself that much.
Love the rural side of Bali.
If I can walk out of my accommodation and be surrounded by chilled people, relaxing rice paddies or jungle and relaxed beaches, I am content - even if that does mean being awoken by the roosters at dawn. I’m happy to pay the extra.
A pool for the kids. At least they are sorted.
I love Bali because it’s close, it’s easy, has good surf, the people are beautiful, and the countryside is dreamy. My kids love it because it has pools. Wish I was that easy to please.
My first visit to Bali was in 1992. We had to walk along a road lined with rice paddies to get to Kuta from Legian, where we were staying. Since then, I have returned four times and stayed in Tuban, Legian, Sanur, Seminyak, Canggu, Menjangan and Padang Padang.
My top three are...
A deserted beach in Bali? Yes, it exists.
Canggu
You can ride a bicycle around the streets here
Echo Beach sunset chill sessions
Surfing at Old Mans
Walking deserted beaches at Berawa
Expat chilled vibe scene with funky cafes/bars/restaurants like Old Mans
Clean sand on the Bukit.
Uluwatu area
As one taxi driver commented, ‘you are staying in the jungle!’
Uluwatu cliff top bars
Surf beaches everywhere - with squeaky on the feet white sand!
It feels safe enough to ride a scooter around here
Kuta bogans don’t normally hang out around here. It’s more surfer/chilled vibe
Exploring Menjangan mangroves.
Menjangan Park
Breakfast on a deck that hangs over the tree canopies while watching monkeys trying to steal food
You get transported through the resort in open-sided double decker vans
Kayak through the mangroves
The cocktails at sunset after crashing it on the free bicycles make all pain disappear
It’s quiet, there are no shops, and there is not much to do except relax in the forest
I know this list doesn’t suit everyone, but it’s mine. It’s chilled, surfy, good for families that like a bit of adventure (and not five-star luxury). You also get half a chance to get to know some locals, make friends, rather than just highbrow it to the touts in the tourist areas.
What’s in store for 2017?
Have you got a busy 2017 planned? Looking at mine - it's exciting!
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...
Client showcase: Whyalla Caravan Park
A little sanctuary in Whyalla - an hour with 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...
Taking a look inside my One Hour Editorial Photo Package...
Ever wondered what you get for your one hour Editorial photo shoot? Here is a sample from a recent shoot in Port Lincoln.
Over the last month, I have been doing some Regional Photo Tours.
I photographed towns, landscapes, sheep station, caravan parks, hotels, food and driven many kilometres (stopping every time I saw great light and a nice scene). I've had a lot of fun and got some really beautiful photos for my Clients.
Here is a sneak peek of what sort of photos you get from the one-hour editorial photo shoot. These are taken for Port Lincoln Hotel on my recent Eyre Peninsula tour.
Think this would work for you? Email me for some more details.
Our crazy travel ritual at Port Elliot, South Australia
Reasons why I'm unexpectedly enjoying a simple travel ritual.
We are creating a travel ritual. Never thought I would - but here we are. We are going to Port Elliot Caravan Park every October long weekend. Well, we have done for the past three years.
Port Elliot! My family live in Victor Harbor. I used to live in Port Elliot. I can stay for free with my family. So why are we creating a habit of paying $70 a night for a patch of lawn in a caravan park? Sharing a toilet and shower with loads of strangers?
The kids clambering of the rocks at Middleton Point.
Well...
1. We are camping out with my best friend and her family. The kids play together all day long on the playground and jumping pillow while we can relax just two sites away. Stand up from our deck chair, and we can check on them. Happy Mummies, happy families.
The playground which entertains the kids for most of the day at BIG 4 Port Elliot.
2. It feels like we could be holidaying anywhere. I relax like we are on holidays. Heck, we are on holidays. Some days complete with wine in hand by mid-afternoon. And the 'in transit' time to get here is under an hour from home. We don't hear 'are we there yet?' at all in the one hour.
We borrowed a caravan this year - so much more relaxing.
3. The beach is a two-minute walk away from our bed. In fact, there are two beaches within a few minutes walking distance. And about five minutes drive away is the surf at Middleton Point. I'm in heaven - or at least I would be if it was 20 degrees warmer this year.
Some crazy nuts got in this water with short wetsuits! Brr. I need my winter wetsuit, booties and gloves before I step in.
4. The vibe and community feel of chatting to campsite neighbours, sharing stories with other parents at the playground, and manually washing dishes in the open air is somewhat relaxing. It gets my 'tribe' feeling happening.
Road rules? Be careful. Most drivers are always on the look out for objects of any kind on the road when in the caravan park.
5. I spend a lot of time outdoors. Typically, when I'm not on shoots, I'm inside editing at the computer. We cook, entertain, play and chat outside when holidaying in a caravan park. Sure, it's not quite 'in nature', but it does make me feel better.
Part of the Encounter Bikeway that runs Victor Harbor to Goolwa.
6. We venture down different paths. Whether it's a walking track, road or new cafe. We ride our bikes down the back streets of Port Elliot to Retro Vibe Cafe on The Strand one morning - goggling at some of the new holiday homes lining the streets. While I'm sipping my double shot soy latte at the cafe, the kids play with the toys in one corner of the room.
Retro Vibe, Port Elliot
So, will we continue our tradition? The question this year 'should we go somewhere else?' is quickly answered by a 'heck no, it's just starting to get easy. The kids know the place. We have awesome sites. There's surf. There's good coffee close. No.'
