Location photographer. Getting behind the scenes. Showing off the secret, and not so secret, treasures of the world.
Regional South Australia photo tours - mid 2017 update
South Australian Regional Photo Shoot 2017 TOUR 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.
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.
Tourism Hero Shots - what it takes to get them
Thinking out Hero Shots. You need them. How do you 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.
