Yorke Peninsula road trippin'

In January I went to the Yorke Peninsula for work. I photographed Point Turton, Marion Bay and Port Vincent Caravan Parks. I made the return trip from Adelaide all in one day. It was massive. I was slapping myself across the face to stay awake on the way home. 

To make sure I stayed as alert as possible (and because I'd just had a very yummy festive season), I packed fruit, carrots, cucumber, drip and rice crackers to nibble on all day as my breakfast, lunch and tea. It helped. I felt great.

Even though I was pushed for time, I still took the time to stop and take photos along the way - that's part of the fun of road trips. It's the journey, not the destination. ;)

I don't love driving, but I do like long distance driving on my own. Why wouldn't I? I get to sing - and not be told to stop hurting ears. I get to listen and bop along to my fave Latin tunes. Podcasts run til my brain can take no more. I can stop whenever, wherever. And, I can talk to myself. 

Do you like driving? What's your fave thing to do to keep entertained? 

Here are a few pics from "Yorkes". Very SA I think. :)

Helicopter rides... and bucket list ticks.

What's on your bucket list?

I was showing a friend my list the other day and stopped in my tracks when I saw what #1 was. 

First on my list was "Helicopter ride". I stopped in my tracks because just a few weeks ago I did exactly that for work. I went on a winery tour via helicopter around McLaren Vale. 

I met Paul from Helivista at Fox Creek Wines, had a chat about photos then prepped for the tour. Paul took the windows off so I could get better photos while I wondered how I would go sitting in a flying bubble with nothing between me and the ground a 'major ouch' distance below. Before long I was strapped in, waiting for the chopper to 'warm up' so we could buzz up into the air. Guess I'd find out soon enough.

Headphones and buttons made it easy to communicate while flying, as opposed to shouting at each other and coming back with no voice. But I could never get the hang of pressing the button before talking. It seems I talked quite a bit to myself while Paul kept gesturing for me to press the button. You'd think I would remember after a few times - but no. Oh well, most of the time it was just 'ooh' and 'ahh'. 

The tours are customised, so we went to Sellicks Hill Wines and Serafino with a fly over the coastline. The water was clear, and we saw pods of dolphins splashing about. Turning around to get a closer look, the helicopter angled on its side so we could look straight down to the ocean. As we passe Maslin Beach and saw people wandering up and down, Paul joked that I should put the camera away. 'Ahh, come on, live on the wild side!' 

Seeing the land from above gave me a new appreciation. I have always loved driving through the area, but seeing it from a new angle is mesmerising. The lines of vineyards meshing with roads and rows of trees with houses dotted like odd grapes. 

Did I get anxious or fear to have the doors off? Not once. I only wish I'd done my jacket up from the start. It gets breezy and cool when you are up high and have the air cutting past you - even on a warm, sunny day. 

Should you do it? Absolutely. Ok, it's double the price (or something like that) to just a helicopter scenic ride, but I think you get a lot more value out of it. And you can make a day of it. www.helivista.com.au

In my pic above you will see a few other bucket list items. I am about to tick off Cuba next year too. Exciting!

Check out the little video I did along with some of my pics...

Fleurieu Living Magazine: Summer issue

The launch of the summer issue of Fleurieu Living Magazine was last night. And it's looking pretty cool. I did a lot of photography this issue, and loved it. Here are some photos I took on the shoots - some made the cut in the mag, some didn't. 

To get the lowdown on the stories - go buy yourself an issue. Or, be cheeky, and grab yourself one from a Qantas Club lounge. :)

Summer dreams at Seawall Apartments Glenelg - check them out!

Summer loving! 

I can not wait until the warmer weather hangs around for day after day...

What better place to spend those summer days than at the beach. I'm lucky; I now live just a few minutes walk to the beach. But I'll still be taking a break at Seawall Apartments in Glenelg this summer. I love the place.

I've photographed Seawall a few times now over the years, as they renovate their rooms. And with each room being different - I will never get bored. 

But what is so great about Seawall?

I love the style, the comfort, and the location. 

My fave apartment?

Any of the beachfront ones... but Olive Court is kinda cool. 

I love a beachfront spa - relaxing as I watch the sunset over the ocean. Ok, so it does take a bit to get used to seeing people while bathing... but I know they can't see me. Cue glass of bubbles and some music and I'm set for a good half hour. I just need to learn not to run the water so hot that I overheat. 

The beach is just a few steps away, or I can walk a few minutes and be sipping a macchiato in a cafe along Jetty Road. Seawall is far enough away from the hustle and noise, but close enough to walk whenever I want the vibe. 

Check them out! And visit www.seawallapartments.com.au for more info (and to see the rest of my pics:))

CLIENT SHOWCASE: Dudley Wines

I've been to Kangaroo Island many times. I love wine. So why have I never been to Dudley Wines? 

Interest peaked when I read about it on yTravels blog, talking about having one of the best views from a cellar door ever - which is quite a statement. So finally I am here. And I'm photographing them. 

It's a whirlwind, arriving straight after hiking the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, late in the day. But it's fun. 

I'm soon laughing away, bossing people around, trying to work as quick as I can. I do feel slightly sorry for everyone, copping my craziness after being alone for almost a week. I know what I'm like after working in front of the computer for a day, I can only imagine how whacko I act today.

Dudley Wines had organised friends to be our talent in photos, and they did such a good job. 

Of course, everyone enjoyed the wine with cheese platters.

Clearly, the boys loved having a hit with the golf clubs.

And the kids loved running around on the grass.

What did I love? Lots of things. But the Shiraz was pretty good! At the end of the shoot, I sat and chatted with family and staff, so welcoming and friendly.

If only all shoots were like this....

CLIENT SHOWCASE: Clare Valley Wine Food and Tourism Centre

In July 2017 I worked with Clare Valley Wine Food and Tourism Centre... here are the pics. These are all taken within a half day shoot. A 'basic' to 'medium' retouch has been done on these keeping the images real but removing distracting objects like 'Exit' signs. 

Many more images were taken, proofs given to the client for selection, the client selects finals for delivery.

Let me tell you... there's choice. :)

If you want some ideas of what could work for you - email me. 

CLIENT SHOWCASE: Flinders Bush Retreats

Billy tea and scones by the campfire in the Gorge

How old are the Flinders Ranges? I don't know, but apparently, some of the worlds oldest fossils have been found here.

View from the property

I used to camp up at the Flinders Ranges with my grandparents and family as a child. We’d set up camp by a creek, sit around campfires at night, hike during the day and construct gravestones for the baby rabbits accidentally caught in my Grandpa’s traps that day. We’d name them, bury them, have a ceremony and put a headstone on top. 

Mt Scott Homestead kitchen

Twenty years later, and a few visits in between, I’m back. But this time I’m not camping, I'm staying in a three bedroom home complete with indoor fire, fire pit outside and bath overlooking the gorge hills. There is even a coffee machine. Luxurious. There is a water trough out the back which emus come and drink. Each day I take a bath mid-afternoon, so I can laze back and watch the sun play hide and seek with the stormy clouds while the emus slurp away. I laugh as sheep come running to the trough and scatter the emus one afternoon. I wonder who rules the roost?

Mt Scott Homestead

The Quarters

Eco tent

Eco tent

Flinders Bush Retreats is a working station about 10 minutes out of Hawker. There is a range of accommodation. Bush campsites, Eco tent, The Quarters (which are quite luxe shearers quarters) and where I’m staying, Mount Scott Homestead. Something for everyone, I’d like to think. 

Getting hands on and learning in the shearing shed

I love the isolation of Mount Scott Homestead. Five minutes drive from the nearest house through paddocks. I hear nothing but the wind, birds and occasional creak from the trees. I sit at the breakfast bar and see the outback farm for as far as my short sighted eyes can see. Adventuring up into the hills of the Willow Waters Gorge, I am comfortable knowing if I get lost I only need to head west, and I’ll see ‘home’. 

Walking through the Gorge

I am alone, but I can imagine having a few nights away with friends or family. Willow Waters Gorge, the gorge on the property is old. Very old. Boringly old apparently. So the scientific folk said when they came to survey the area. But it is perfect for wandering. It’s small enough not to get lost but big enough to walk for a few hours each day. I climb up to a peak one chilly morning and get a 360-degree view of the gorge. It’s a little utopia amongst the barren farmland over the other side of the hills. 

One of the campsites

Another day I climb up the hills, losing the track I'm meant to walk up, but find my way around on the goat and kangaroo tracks. I get over to the gorge side of the hills, but rain and wind lash in. I retreat, slipping down the hill on the scree. Just as I get back to Mount Scott Homestead, the sky opens and a storm rolls in. The wind makes a song as it hurtles across the farmland and through the gum trees lining the front of the house. I’m glad I turned back when I did. The hills were steep, and I can imagine the wind picking me up and throwing me somewhere further down if I’d been up on top still. 

Meet and greet with the farm animals

Sharon and Allen McInnes are working farmers. They live nearby with their children and have a farm of animals for guests to meet. Mini ponies, geese, chooks, sheep, pigs, cat, dogs… City kids (big and small) will be amazed. Unfortunately, due to weather, I missed out on shearing, but at the right time of year, guests can get involved with farm chores too. 

The Eco tent view

5 tips for building your photo library

Special family times...

Your photo library is the visual foundation on which any marketing strategy is built. Photographs show the appeal – and the competitiveness – of a company or destination.

Research says you have 8 seconds to catch the eye of a Gen Z. And for print... the decision to read or reject pamphlets and direct mail pieces is made by readers in just 2.5 seconds. 

Considering thousands of dollars are being spent taking those images into the marketplace - think websites, promotional collateral, travel shows, social media... it makes sense to do it properly from the start. Good photographs are the foundations of your marketing. 

Here are a couple of suggestions to make sure your foundations are sturdy. 

1. Don't rush it. Plan to build your library over several assignments. You are unlikely to get all the images you need in a single assignment. Consider different light, times of year, emotions, feelings, events... Develop a shot list with your photographer, taking into consideration seasons, major events, travel time and accessibility. Then prioritise. Work out what you can do straight away and what you have to wait for. 

2. Recognise the difference between “Stock Shots” (the necessary pictures that show the range of attractions you have to offer) and “Hero Shots” (the flagship photographs that are likely to lead your promotional effort). Like a magazine with their hero cover shot and then the additional feature shots inside the article. Plan to it.

Stock shot of accommodation...

Hero shot showing emotion and experience...

3. Build your library on professional standards from the start. For example... ensure all images are licensed to you and your stakeholders to use for promotional purposes, you have Talent Releases for all people in the photographs, and the images are of a professional standard (i.e., size, colour space, etc.).

4. Work out the most effective way of keeping and distributing your library of images. This will save you hours searching for images in your next campaign. And save you from losing any. Your photographer can also offer advice on how they do it/what they recommend.

5. Make sure your images (hero and stock) sit firmly within your marketing brand. Images that define you and make you unique. 

Getting back to nature...

Quirky...

Big open spaces...

If you want to start showing off to the world - the best way you can... contact me. We can chat, I can give you ideas, and of course, I can make beautiful photos for you.

All pics taken at www.almertastation.com.au - a place where ‘Kids can be kids and adults can reconnect.’

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. 

A day in the Tarkine, North-West Tasmania.

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.