500km, 5 days, $5000 - and your chance to WIN!

Why the raffle?

Because it’s a fun way of raising money! Read below to find out why I’m fundraising…

About what I'm doing...

I'm going to ride 500km in 5 days through Thailand to raise money for the New Life project in Kanchanaburi, located near the Thai-Burma border in western Thailand. More than 50 children call Kanchanaburi home.

Children at Kanchanaburi have come from difficult situations: sexual abuse, substance addictions, or they have no family to care for them. Others have been used as exploited labour.

I need to fundraise $5,000: 100% of donations go directly to the children in Thailand. Yes, that’s right - no admin, marketing or whatever is taken out of your donation.

Hands Group is an Australian social enterprise that gives at-risk Thai children and their communities a helping hand through our charity Hands Across The Water.

You can purchase your raffle tix by donating via my fundraising page (click on image above). I’ll then send you your raffle tix. OR you can buy them at La Bomba dance studio in Adelaide OR from me direct.

Every dollar counts. Every dollar helps these beautiful children - so please consider buying a ticket (or more ;))

THANK YOU!

2019 - big things!

Happy 2019!

I'm so excited about projects waiting for me this year. One of them is a crazy ride through Thailand. I’ve been told my new best friends will be those fancy bike shorts and butt cream!

About what I'm doing...

I'm going to ride 500km in 5 days through Thailand to raise money for the New Life project in Kanchanaburi, located near the Thai-Burma border in western Thailand. More than 50 children call Kanchanaburi home.

Children at Kanchanaburi have come from difficult situations: sexual abuse, substance addictions, or they have no family to care for them. Others have been used as exploited labour.

I need to fundraise $5,000: 100% of donations go directly to the children in Thailand. It's a lot but I believe we can get more!

How am I going to do it?

Raising money by… Special photo sessions, artwork sale, asking for donations and… an auction or raffle. I already have some amazing donations which I’m very grateful for but need a few more. If you would like to help, here is how.

Training… getting by bum saddle ready is already slightly painful. Also getting used to hills. If anyone wants to come riding with me, let me know! I’ve already started and did my first 50km ride the other day.

How you can help:

Anything would be helpful. If you could donate something, please get in touch. I hope to do the auction in late January/February when everyone is recovered from the summer holidays. :)

And in return (apart from the feel-good factor of helping me raise this money for the kids) I will smother your logo/tag name all over everything in the promo for it. I'll also mention on social media and in a blog post that goes out to an email list of nearly 1000.

I can also give you a hug. Who doesn't love a hug?

So where will the money be going? Here's a bit about Hands Group...

“Hands Group is an Australian, New Zealand and Thai social enterprise that gives at-risk Thai children and their communities a helping hand through our charity Hands Across The Water.

Hands Across The Water was originally formed after countless Thai children were left alone and homeless by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.

This charity was unlike many others, it was nimble, entrepreneurial and strived for goals that many thought were unattainable. Just over 12 years later, Hands has raised more than $20 million for the children and communities in Thailand and now cares for more than 350 children throughout the country.

The reason for the charity’s success is two-fold. Firstly, we don’t rely purely on donations. Instead, we create meaningful shared experiences for everyone involved with hands – experiences that truly provide food for the soul. Secondly, we believe in charity in the true sense of the word. This means:

Our care comes without conditions

We don’t seek to impose a religion or belief system upon those we support

We give children the chance to grow according to their own beliefs and traditions

Plus, 100% of donations go to the kids and their communities. No donors’ money goes to administration in Australia. Or staff costs. Or marketing. Or fundraising. “

Here’s a link to the project so you can check it out, and donate if you want to... all donations are tax deductible.

"the world isn’t perfect but it’s beautiful in its imperfection”

I was looking through my Evernote notes (a complete shamble) today and found this quote from Christina Force said to me during one of our discussions.

I love it. It is the way I photograph. And it is the way life is. I am not perfect. You are not perfect. Nothing is perfect. As soon as we learn to accept that, things become a bit easier.

TigerAir, Airbnb, Uber... where is Qantas, Hilton and the taxis?

The communal pool in the first Airbnb property in Southbank, Brisbane. A great area with BBQs, pool, spa, sauna and gym

Today I saw a post on Facebook, it went along the lines of... 20 years ago we were saying 'don't talk to strangers', 10 years ago we were saying 'don't meet someone from online alone' and now we are saying 'go find some random online and pay them to take you somewhere in their private car'.

It made me think about my recent trip.

I took my Mum and kids away. We went to Brisbane and Moreton Island. And I completely blew my Mum away with the use of Uber and Air BnB. Even TigerAir. Being more of a road trip and caravan traveller, she'd never heard of them.

Going to sleep with this view from FV by Peppers in Fortitude Valley

It used to be travel agents, hotel bookings, Qantas and taxi services. How things have changed. Now we can stay in peoples homes - whether it is a full-time holiday rental or a room in their home, use our phone to book a ride with someone who is using their own car to make money and book flights without the frills of yummy aeroplane food (haha) to cut costs.

It was the first trip where I have relied on mostly Airbnb and Uber. How did it go?

Well...

Uber works great. All the drivers I rode with were helpful, drove safely and got us where we needed to go on time. I like seeing where they are (even though that in itself can prove frustrating when they show up just around the corner but still take 5 minutes or longer to get to me), I can see a photo and find out about the driver before they arrive and at the end of the trip I can say thank you, goodbye and get out. No need to wait around for credit card payments.

Airbnb. It's hit and miss. I've had some great experiences with them - staying in some very cool Melbourne pads on previous trips. On this trip, I booked two apartments. The first was great - very good communication prior, during and after the stay, neat and clean and a nice vibe. The second wasn't so good - a lovely apartment but too dirty to stay in. I contacted the owner but her response was not to come clean (it seriously looked like it hadn't been cleaned for a few weeks with dust, mould, food bits, sticky stuff on the floor, soap on the shower floor) but to say that with what we paid she could not present the home 'impeccably clean'.

FV by Peppers, Fortitude Valley

Air BnB was very helpful. They communicated between myself and her and ended up giving me a refund. So, although I ended up having to book another apartment for that night at a higher cost - we had clean beds to sleep in and felt comfortable.

Would I use Air BnB again? Yes, I would. But I'd check reviews and communicate my standards a bit better before arrival. Booking through a hotel gives me more assuredness of some sort of cleanliness standards.

TigerAir performed well for us too. On time, friendly and, unlike previous trips, I was prepped for the bag weight checks at the gate (no more frantically layering of clothes). If only I had realised before standing in the boarding lineup in Brisbane that I had to go get my bags weighed and stickered first. After waiting for about 5 minutes another passenger told me. Oh well, we are all going to arrive in Adelaide at the same time, it doesn't matter what order we board.

Do I like the new way of travel? Yes, I like the options it gives. More choice. More convenience. And with more cost options, it opens up travel for more people. Or for people to travel more.

And I do believe that travel is the worlds best classroom. For all ages.

A little note from the world that never goes astray

Saying goodbye to 2017... and hello to 2018.

December is a month of parties, holidays, family, friends and lot of eating and drinking. 

I also like to take time to reflect on my year, see where I have come from and what I have achieved, along with looking forward. Planning on what I'm going to do next year, what I'm going to accomplish and experience. 

It's been a massive year for me personally and professionally. When I look back at my calendar and see everything I have done - it really does show I like to 'do', and 'rest' is something I put on the 'do later' list. 

My fave memories of 2017...

One month in Tasmania
I've always dreamt of travelling around Australia in a van. This trip was a taster. And let me tell you, it's a great way of life. One month in Tasmania is not long enough, but I got to see a lot - for fun and work. I had about six commissioned shoots while there, which was a perfect amount when travelling and acting 'tourist'. 

Helicopter flight
A bucket list item of mine was to go for a ride in a helicopter. So when I was asked if I'd like to photograph an article about a winery tour via helicopter, of course, I said yes. I felt very much the VIP arriving at each cellar door by private helicopter while tourists clicked away at us with their cameras. The views over the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu area were impressive too - I especially loved cruising along the coast spotting dolphins. 

Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail hike
The negatives? I did it in winter, froze and got wet. The positives? Wow, an amazing walk. One of the best I have done. The landscape changes enough to keep me entertained, and there is lots of clifftop walking with amazing views of the ocean to keep me in a trance of zen. 

'Dream' work
It's always been a dream of mine to be a Tourism Photographer. I can now own that title comfortably. I've worked with many tourism operators this past year and loved how I can help their business grow. One of my dream weeks consisted of being flown out to two locations for shoots on different days. Being paid to travel. I love to go behind the scenes, and these two jobs were very much that. 

Presenting a photography workshop for tourism operators
SATIC asked me to give a workshop with MadPants Media on photography and videography for tourism operators. I had a ball explaining, and showing, our attendees how to get better pics with any camera. I love to help, and the satisfaction of seeing something 'click' for people is immense. 

Catching unbroken waves
I've been surfing for a few years, but this year I tried to get out nearly every week. It's made me a (slightly) better surfer, and now I can get out the back and catch the unbroken waves. I've been dumped, but that is becoming less frequent as I learn what and when to catch waves. 

Learning bachata and continuing my salsa
Another activity to feed my soul. And something that I've wanted to do for many years, since experiencing dance in Brazil in 1998. And of course, I was always the Dirty Dancing tragic. I describe dance as my moving meditation. But I'm yet to let myself be totally free when dancing - I'll make that a goal for 2018. 

Regional Tours
A way of helping regional tourism, discovering new places and creating. I've travelled to the Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Flinders Ranges and Clare Valley for these tours. Local businesses can take advantage of no travel fees, a range of packages to suit budgets and free social media pics. I've loved exploring our beautiful country and helping businesses along the way. 

La Bomba latin dance project
Last year I did a solo exhibition called Salty Girls - telling the story of women in the SurferGirls group. This year I wanted to continue with another big interest in my life, and tell its story. I decided to focus on dance. The idea of telling the story of La Bomba through her students came to me - and I didn't turn back. It's the biggest personal project I've ever done. The first shoot was on 1st September. So far I've worked more than 60 hours and photographed 28 people. This is my last week and I have four more people planned to photograph. Then the retouching and exhibition prep begins.

So, always believing that I need to 'one up', here it is...

I hope in 2018...
to make mistakes. This means I'm learning, trying new things, making new things, pushing myself and changing my world. It's growth; it's life. 
My family and friends are healthy, succeeding and living their purpose too.

I know in 2018...
I am going to succeed. In everything I do. Movement and progress is the success. 
I'm going to live life my way. At the end of the day if I'm not making myself happy, then I'm not doing it. 
Cuba is waiting for me! Another bucket list item. And I am grateful to be doing it with my dance school. 
I will continue to show the world off to the world - inspiring people to get out, explore and learn. Learn about life, respect, culture and people.
 

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). 
 

Social media - It's not the full story.

I’m trying to be more open and honest on social media. I think it sucks that people see only the bright and positive side of people. But you know what, it’s hard. I love my job, and I have some pretty cool photoshoots. I also get to go to awesome places. And I love to ‘show the world off to the world’. I get excited - easily. I want others to get excited. 

But you know what - it’s not all ‘happy days’. 

When do I want to tell people that, some days, I sit at my computer in ugg boots and tracksuit pants for the whole day? Editing hundreds of pics or invoicing or resourcing. Yes, I had one of those days yesterday. I even went out to the supermarket in tracksuit pants - felt daggy, but you know…

What about when you have a shitty day - want to put those puffy red eyes up for all to see? I’ve had those this week too. 

But I don’t. Sometimes I want to show the truth, but I don’t want all the soppy, ‘chin up’ comments. I’m not asking for love and ‘feel goods’. I just want to share that life isn’t always fabulous. 

See all those inspiring office pics all over Pinterest? Yep, that’s not my office. Mine is shambolic. I have inspirational quotes stuck on the walls with BluTak, paperwork in piles, a to-do planner (x2) on the wall, bits of equipment scattered, an old laptop in the corner and my eCourse outline still stuck up on another wall. Do I want to show this scene? Hell no. But here you go… It’s not always this bad, but you get the idea. 

I post pics from surfing and dancing… but I forget to tell you that I work late some nights. And weekends are not sacred to downtime. Having flexibility in my work does come with its consequences. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

So, my point… when you are scrolling social media, don’t take everything for face value. People normally only post the good stuff, the stuff they want to show off, the stuff they want to talk about. Remember, we are all human, and there is always more to the story than meets the eye. Don’t be harsh and judge yourself on these perceptions. 

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...

New Years Resolutions and all that stuff...

So, it’s that time of year. The time of year where all the staff Xmas parties are happening, people are going on summer holidays, crazy family do’s are happening, and everyone is resetting themselves for the new year. The new year is always going to be bigger and better.
‘And this year, my new year's resolution is to...’

And how many times does it work out? Hmm. I’ve given up on new years resolutions, and instead, try and commit to an action plan that leads to goals. Goals that may not even be for realising in the coming year. Like being paid to travel - not just one or two work trips a year but holiday with the family type travel. That is a long term goal that requires lots of rungs in the ladder to reach. It’s a long ladder, but it’s one I’m prepared to climb.

Anyway, with these goals and resolutions comes all the recommendations on how to set yourself up, ready and refreshed to achieve. 

Take time out.
Reflect.
Be grateful.
Spend time alone to be with your thoughts.
Work out what you want, not what others want from you.
Set goals. 
Stop working and spend quality time with family and loved ones. 

Oooh, that last one is a hard one for me. Sure, I stop working on Xmas day and while we are on actual holidays. But to stop working, and just relax around the home. I don’t know how. I know how to waste time procrastinating. But I want to know how to take time out properly. I mean, that is why I am here working in Victor Harbor Library while my kids are playing with their cousin at my mum's five days before Xmas. 

I love my work, but I can’t let it saturate my life. I need a switch that I can turn, either down or off. Or to up the ante when I’m in procrastination mode. I’m sure that many people can agree with me - especially if you are working for yourself. That is why we are working for ourselves - we are passionate. But we have to learn to work smart - well I do. Smart, efficient and effective.

So, having said all that here is my ‘to do’ list for the end of year reflections... 

Take time to reflect on my wins and write them down.
 

Work out what I want for the coming year then schedule them out. I have created a monthly calendar on a photo frame for 2017, on which I will write my timeline. This will live on my desk so I can see it consistently.

Relax and take days off to just be. Have fun with family, be with my thoughts, do stuff for myself. 

What are you going to be doing to get ready for 2017?

Conference, socials, awards and photography thoughts

Forgetting to bring a jacket to Melbourne nearly tops my travel packing blunders. Only forgetting my camera rates higher. Oops. 

Arriving in Melbourne, my plans to head straight to the AirBnB house and crack out some work, went out the window. I traipsed around the CBD with my suitcase in tow trying to find a suitable jacket - one that would work for casual and as an overcoat for a Gala Dinner. One that went with red boots, and one that was different to any I had at home. Hmm. Two hours later - mission accomplished.

Walking to the AirBnB house on Punt Road was another (perhaps) mistake. I didn't realise there are two sets of numbers on the same road - you need to type in the suburb to find the exact address. This is something I didn't do. Oops. I end up twenty minutes walk away from where I should have been. My 40-minute walk turned into just over an hour. Oh well, at least I get some exercise. And I do see Olympic Park - a place I'd worked at when covering the Commonwealth Games for News Limited in 2006. 

Eventually, I arrive and meet my room mate. Our other house mates are still one their way. The week that unfolds is one of laughs, crying, disappointment, inspiration and socialising. I thought I was coming to this photography event for professional learning but come away with a different 'learning outcome'. One of inspiration, new friendships, life thoughts and a re-instated idea of living with passion.

Part one of the event is APPA (Australian Professional Print Awards), the Australian Institue of Professional Photography's annual national print awards. It's a competition where photographers compete for points that accrue to give statuses like Master Photographer and Grand Master Photographer. Photographers also compete for titles like Travel Photographer of the Year, Commercial Photographer of the Year and Photographer of the Year. The whole process is a long one to explain, so head on over to www.aipp.com.au if you want to know more. 

I have entered the awards with four images in the Travel category. I was hopeful but unsure. Again, like previous years, I had left it to the last minute for selection, retouch and actually sending them in. Not the best idea. 

I don't have to wait long to get my results. Travel is judged on the first day, and soon enough I know that I only have one silver. The others receive 'professional standard', ranking in the 70s, but that is not why you (me) enter the awards. Surely we should know if they are professional standard or not. Oh wow. So continues my love-hate relationship with these awards and questioning of entering or not. I now have another year to think about entering or not.

My clouds aren't sexy enough. And the surfboards poking their tips into the air don't read 'travel' and 'human' enough. Score: 73

"To the author. Great eye. Keep up with this style and you will crack it." Nice feedback. Score: 76

Too weird. 'Don't understand it.' Score: 78

Silver!!! Score: 80

My biggest question to ponder...

I have four years to gain nine merit points. Considering I average 1-2 points a year, is it worth the $4000 (or more) to gain my title of Master Photographer? I only want it for marketing purposes but wonder if it makes that much of a difference. This scenario eats up a lot of years, money and emotion. Help me!

The second part of this event is Incite, the AIPP Nikon Event - an annual conference for photographers and videographers. Two days of workshops and presentations plus additional workshop selections on the APPA judging days. Two official social events and casual social events on the other evenings fill the week. Wow - no wonder I am tired. Sleep is something I require, and I think I am still catching up a week later. 

I came to Melbourne hoping I would walk away with lots to implement. I am disappointed with my learning outcomes but have come away with a couple of little gold nuggets.

#1 Success or Significance? 

Photographers with a focus on success strive to be the best they can. Photography is their life passion, and they can easily let it run their lives - to the detriment of other areas. Personal relationships, hobbies, home life and personal time out can feel the strain. All in the strive for being on one of the top rungs of the photography leader ladder. One of 'the best'. But with a focus on significance, photographers can help others. They can do good with their work. They think about others and have balance. They strive to leave a legacy - whatever that may be - that is more than a title. 

I want to (and hope I already am) live my life with significance. I care to make a difference and realise I can. Whether it's making beautiful family photographic memories for my children, helping businesses be more successful or encouraging people to travel and discover not only the world but themselves too.

#2 Don't let photography control your life. Instead, photograph your life. 

On my tombstone I don't care if it says '# 1 photographer' but I do care for people to remember me as a kind person, good mum and beautiful friend that respects and cares for others. 

Now, back to work I go. 

BTW, not only do I help businesses succeed through commissioned photography, but I also teach people how to get their social media pics looking great. Check it out at www.heidiwho.com/betterpicsforbusiness. I'll soon be launching a new LIVE round!