2016 - want to learn?

And welcome to 2016! I hope this year is a year full of fun, excitement, adventure and love for you. In all areas of your life - personal, career and family. 

I read something from a good friend of mine today, about setting your intentions on progress rather than goals. I love it. So often we are disappointed when we don't reach our lofty goals. Setting the bar high can be good, so long as you don't beat yourself up if you don't achieve exactly what you set out to do. What is that saying about reaching the stars? I forget. I guess that is also why many business plans are set out with many smaller tasks and activities scheduled to achieve the one big goal. Like a ladder - step by step. 

This year, that is what I am doing. Taking things one step at a time. To have my intentions but not dwell on achieving them. I'm going to look more at my little steps. From small things big things grow. For me, it's new beginnings. I'm continuing with my location photography but also introducing a stock photography library, developing my blog and an app, and something else rather special...

So, with that. I'd like to announce the first round of my eCourse 'Better Pics for Business' (check out promo link at end of this). It's all about learning how to get better photos for your social media, newsletters and general business stuff. Of course, there is always going to be a place for a pro photographer (can I suggest myself :) ) but sometimes you just need to get some pics. We all know how important visuals are, especially with so much competing for attention in the online world. We need to stand out and be personal and unique - and grab attention to get more attention.

Instead of talking all tech and geeking out on you, we are going to go through the storytelling aspect of the photo, talk about things to think about when aiming up your camera. AND, it's not just for fancy DSLR users, you can learn with any camera or device that takes a photo. It will be fun.

Members will get homework and feedback - to make sure you learn what is taught rather than finishing up with fuzzies still going around in your head. I guess it's a bit like a mentoring group. 

I realise that you can do any number of online courses, in-person worksops or learn for free via YouTube - but the thing that is missing is the feedback on your photos, unique learnings and techniques that you need. With the Better Pics for Business course, you have the opportunity to tailor what you need and get the answers. 

Check it out at www.heidiwho.com/betterpicsforbusiness. Starts Tuesday 1st March. AND... as a reader of heidiwhotravels you will receive the course at nearly 50% off! To get your discounted rate make sure you use the link below - this is the only place you will find the discounted rate.DON'T FOLLOW THE LINKS IN THE SHOP PAGE - UNLESS YOU WANT TO PAY FULL PRICE. :)

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Feel free to email or phone me if you have any q's - I'd love to chat.

When to hire a photographer.

'I'll just take the photo on my iPhone. I don't need to waste that sort of money to get someone to come and get the photo for me.'
'I can't afford a photographer. Plus, my son has a big camera with lens thingy, so I'll just use that.'
'I'll just grab some images off the net. They will do.'

A photograph I took recently for Adelaide Shores of their new pool area. On shoot, I interacted with 'mum and dad' plus the two children to get the look we were after. Three different families, none had ever met each other before. None with modeling experience. I think they did well. In retouching, I had to add blue sky, lighten bodies, remove distractions etc along with all the usual adjustments ensuring colour, contrast and horizon line are all correct.

I've heard all of these statements, plus more, in my life. These can be modified for different circumstances (i.e., weddings or portraits), but essentially, mean the same. It's a lack of knowledge and power on the consumer. Perhaps they are time poor and don't do the research. Or, if they do know how important photography is, it's a lack of commitment - of leaning into the 'fear' of spending money on a photographer. After all, you can't see the product you are buying before it's taken. It's risky - or at least, you think it is. You have to commit, and then wait to see the results.

So, are these statements incorrect? Some would scream and rant 'absolutely!' But I believe there is some truth in them. 

Yes, photographers can be expensive. And with anything worthwhile, you get what you pay for. 
Yes, it takes an effort to hire a photographer. The right photographer.
Yes, sometimes you can stuff up and hire the wrong photographer or get the wrong results.
Yes, you can take the photos for yourself - but do you know what you are doing? 
Yes, microstock is a damn lot cheaper than hiring a photographer. You could get 100 photos for the price you would pay a photographer to take a couple of you. 

BUT...

Photographers have studied the craft of design, light, composition and working with people in uncomfortable (not many of us actually like sitting in front of a lens) situations. This takes years of study, application and dedication. Photography for the photographer can be a lifestyle - all consuming. 

Photographers know how to get the best results. They know how to shoot into the sun and still get detail. They know how to compose for interest. They know how to look at the light. They know how to pose subjects. They know how to tell a story in a single frame. They know their camera settings and how to work their camera to its limits. 'P' on a camera doesn't stand for 'Professional'. 

If you hire through a recommendation or search an organisation like AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography) to find a photographer, the risk is monumentally minimised. If you get organised with ideas, what you need out of the shoot, sample images, shot list - and communicate it all with the photographer - you will (I would expect) be on the same page and get the results you want and need.

Stock photography has its place. But in the world we live in, everything is becoming more personalised. Even (or especially) online. Your customer wants to know about you. When a picture tells a thousand words, and attention span is limited, a photograph is a perfect answer. 

Stock photography can't help with the 'About Us' page, events, specific items you sell or create, or tell a story of 'behind the scenes'. 

Commissioning a photographer will get you these things. Yes, you invest more money but it will make your marketing dollar go further. Photography is the investment in your marketing. It is the foundation. We all know what happens when a house is built on a sloppy foundation. You don't need an earthquake to see it quickly crumble, crack and fall. The same is true with your advertisements and promotion. 

Again, a bunch of people that had to act like friends for this shot for YHA Port Lincoln. I needed to know my camera limits for this shot so I could expose for outside, inside and movement. Retouching also included selective lightening and darkening of areas plus spot colour correction. 

So, when to hire a photographer...

ALWAYS!!! We love our job and want to help. I want to help show off the world to the world in as many ways as possible. So feel free to contact me whenever you need. 

But seriously. 

For social media updates or smaller in-house projects where there is no budget or time for a photographer, perhaps you could study a short course. That way, you know the basics to get yourself out of trouble and get the best possible photograph. There is no point in putting up a photograph on social media that doesn't tell a story, is blurry, or looks ugly - nobody will pay attention. 

My eCourse and mentoring program Better Pics for Business is starting in March. It's a great way of learning the basics of photography in a hands-on, personal way. Join us.

For website and print imagery, advertisements and campaigns - always speak with a photographer. They will get you the results you need to gain attention in the marketplace.

If in doubt, contact a photographer - you will soon work out what you can do. We are here to help you. 

Living Well. A new shop in Glenelg town... Naturally.

I went for a wander down Glenelg the other day, taking some stock pics (which I didn't have much luck with - having to find couples and happy families), and stumbled across a friends shop that has just opened. 

I love the way it feels so raw and organic, from the pallets to the chalkboard signage. And I like her products as well. There is a good variety; I could spend a fortune. Fortunate for me I didn't have the time to look through them all. Everything from lentils, grains, flour to dried fruit and cheeky treats. The kids will love it too!

Check it out. It's on the right side of Jetty Road when walking towards the beach. Take your wallet full - you will want to purchase so much.

57 Jetty Road, Glenelg. 

Harvest Festival McLaren Vale sponsorship

Last week I photographed the Harvest Festival in McLaren Vale. For the last three years, I have sponsored the event and have loved watching the community rally together and raise funds for The McLaren Vale and Districts War Memorial Hospital. 

An art exhibition at the McLaren Vale Visitor Centre kicks the event off. The 2016 theme is "Feast of the Fleurieu". Artists explored and expressed this concept.  We have some very talented artists in the area.

A scrumptious dinner on Friday night where people get to kick up their heels and enjoy conversation over yummy Chef Steele food and various local wines. Blues Royale providing the tunes. 

A day in the sun - music, food, Masterclasses, chef demos, stalls and kids entertainment. All of this for a gold coin donation going to a good cause. 

Salty Stories is on the move...

Salty Stories will be retired from Red Poles in McLaren Vale soon. We are going to have a closing party to finalise bids and farewell the artwork in style. Come join us SUNDAY 7TH FEB AT 4PM - maybe you could pick up a bargain! And remember, part proceeds go to Sea Shepherd. 

Great Ocean Walk - striding out with four, celebrating the end with two.

The most beautiful view back to Johanna Beach over farmland.

A few years back my dad asked me to walk the Overland Track in Tasmania with him. I'd never hiked much before, let alone a multi-day walk. But I said yes. 

The Overland Track was a great experience. Great because I was 'off the grid' from devices for five days. Great because I had time with my dad. Great because I felt healthy. Great because the scenery and landscape changed every hour. Great because I took so many beautiful photos that ended up 'award winning'. 

The early morning start to try and beat most of the hot weather. Just west of Johanna Beach.

It wasn't all great, though - the hard hike up hills, the sore feet, the aching back, the tree roots to climb over after a long day. Eating dehydrated food, sleeping on a wood platform and using my smelly clothes as a pillow each night didn't add any luxury. 

But when dad said he wanted to go on another hike this year, I jumped at the chance. I even organised it all. For all the negatives of multi-day hikes, the positives make it all worth it. 

One of the cleansing rock pool baths on the hike. This one at Milanesia Beach.

I looked at a few different walks and ended up deciding on the 100km Great Ocean Walk. Who doesn't love that area? I've done it by car, in the rain, and loved the idea of doing it again - at a slower pace. As my niece and nephew were coming with us, it seemed like a good idea to take the car rather than have to fly somewhere. All on our schedule.

Love the ocean lookout - hate these bushes. Especially when hot. Provides just enough cover for no breeze, but not enough for a view or shade from the sun. 

What is originally an eight-day hike turned into a six-day hike for us with the aid of Walk 91 in Apollo Bay. They transport your big packs each day for the first half of the walk, so you only have to carry a daypack. It meant we could combine the first four days of the hike into two. They are long days, around 22km, but an easy grade. 

First glimpse of Aire River. A little sanctuary (full of mosquitos and sand flies) which was covered in sea mist morning and night.

That didn't stop my niece and nephew from bailing on us, though. Perhaps it could have been the reason? At the end of day three, they turned back to Apollo Bay on the shuttle bus. I'm not exactly sure why, but the sound of the following day - medium to hard grade walk in 39 degrees, probably didn't help the mind games. Can't say I blame them, I wasn't looking forward to it at all. 

Johanna Beach campsite. The best views that $31 can buy you.

But, as it turns out, I am glad I went on. Despite the constant worry of fire, we made it to camp the following day and sweltered the afternoon away in the heat. Being away from the coast, no sea water in reach to dip in, I didn't know where would be coolest. The campsite shelter had no breeze, there was dappled midday light everywhere and the shade was swarming with flies and bugs. At one stage I settled in the tent, fell asleep and awoke in a puddle of sweat circling me. Glamour. I wish I could have stayed outside in the slight breeze but the ants, mosquitos and flies love me like devoted friends. Needless to say, my sleeping bag that night was used only as a  footrest - and that was solely used as such because I had nowhere else to put it - and no way was I going to put it on any other part of my body. 

Lots of beach walks. Love 'em. Dad insisted on walking near the waters edge and played chicken many times with the waves. 

Not all days were so hot, the following day it rained in the afternoon while setting up camp. I even got my thermals out. And then my loyal friends came back with a vengeance. Mosquito bites cover my legs, eating through my thermals, trying to match the sand fly bites all around my torso (from my yoga session on the lawn at Aire River two days prior). But the conversations and belly laugh with other hikers - a mid-age couple, three single friends and a newlywed couple on their honeymoon - was worth the itchiness. 

Loo with a view! Don't get a view like this from the dunny too often. 

Walking on the last day, edging towards the 12 Apostles, was foreign. The hum and drone of helicopters above doing their scenic flights and the hordes of tourists passing us as we walk closer and closer to the lookouts of the 12 Apostles was slightly disturbing. I didn't enjoy ending it this way. After five days in quiet and beautiful nature, having to share it with all the daytrippers, sitting on the only concrete block (strategically located just outside the toilet doors) at the Visitor Centre, wasn't the accomplished ending I had in mind. 

Gibson Steps. Quite enjoyed watching the tourists on the beach taking photos.

Kissing and hugging everyone goodbye at the end of the hike, I realise how quickly connected you become to people without the presence of digital devices to draw your attention away. With only a book as entertainment, you look outwards to your environment. You enjoy the conversation of various people, the natural environment and, mindfully, your inner thoughts. 

Where we walked. Or more correctly, a section of the 100km we walked.

Who else feels this way when out in nature?

Ahh. Bliss.

What kind of holiday do kids like best?

Cino time at Goolwa wharf markets, SA

I was talking to Ben (hubby) the other night about travel plans. 'Where do you want to take the kids next?' And then I list off some places. So diverse, a comparison and decision would be near impossible. 

'Well, if I go to Bali for the girls trip you could bring the kids over, and we can go on to Lombok?'

'What about a trip to Disneyland in the US?'

'What about Singapore to visit friends and then on somewhere?'

'What about Cuba? I'd love to go there before it changes too much more.' 

All of these suggestions were made by myself within a two minute period. See my situation. So many places to go.

Big kids can have fun at Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot SA too.

Disneyland was overlooked quite quickly, seen as a commercial venture. I do feel the same, but love the idea of giving my kids the adventure of imagination and awe 'to the max'. 

Singapore - even though we have friends there, was about as appealing as a wet fish in his bed. I don't know what Singapore has done to him, to make him feel that way.

Cuba spiked his interest but not the trip to get there.

And since he'd previously mentioned Lombok, keen vibes radiated. 

Coorong fishing - the kids were the only ones to catch fish. 

But then after all this talk, I look back on holiday pics of our last long weekend holiday to Port Elliot with friends. The kids loved the freedom of being in a caravan park with friends - we loved the amusement that the jumping pillow gave day after day, giving us quiet time to enjoy. It was easy as well. An hour drive, no jetlag, our food, and nothing to 'discover' before settling. 

Bikes rule the roads at Port Elliot Caravan Park, SA

So why do I keep thinking about overseas trips and how wonderful they are? Even though it's hard work - jet lag, kids suffering from the heat, hygiene and safety issues, culture shock - there are more positives. Culture diversity, adventure, discoveries, learning and new understandings. For the kids and us.

Looks like Lombok may be getting another visit from us soon...

What kind of trip does your family like best?

Water fun at Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot SA

Street portrait photography - my top tips.

A photo I took in Jimbaran Bay, Bali. Strolling the beach, my husband wanted to check out the boats. I had no interest in boats so found people to chat with. This man seemed very proud to have his photograph taken. 

Approaching people on the street is daunting enough. Asking said person, if you can take their photo is a whole new story. But it needn't cause you to break out in a sweat, itch, make your heart feel like it beats out of your chest, get scared and then walk away. And then feel disappointed you didn't get the photo you saw.

My top tips for taking street portraits.

A photograph I took at a school in Bali for Bali Kids. Obviously I had permission to be in there and wander about but would never dream of entering a house or school without prior permission.

1. Should you take the photo?
Of course, there are situations where walking away is the best option. If you feel unsafe, if the person is negative to the idea or if you would feel disrespectful for taking the photograph. Always put yourself in their shoes - how would you feel? We are all human, even though, especially when travelling, the people we meet look so interesting and different. 

A family at McLaren Vale Harvest Festival. I moved them slightly and let them play about. 

2. Mind your manners. Ask before taking.
Even if you don't speak the language, asking to take a photograph is universal. Show your camera and nod your head while holding it up closer to your face and pointing at them. They will answer, nod or wildly shake their hands and cover their face. Whatever they do, you will get your answer. If they decline, put your camera straight down. Smile politely and say thank you. Move on. Don't try to take their photograph without permission - it's just not nice.

Walking along a beach in Fiji I chanced upon this family hanging out on their beach platform. The mum worked where I was staying and after a quick chat I asked if I could photograph them. 

3. Slow it down
If you can, spend some time with them before asking to take their photograph. It will not only make a better photograph and memory, but it will also add something extra to the personal experience for both of you. Give and take. Play with the children, share a drink or snack. Chat (either verbally or with your hands) about something. Care about them and their story. 

Girls at a pre-school in Bali. Shot for Bali Kids. 

4. Look at the light
Don't be afraid to move the person if it's convenient and going to get a much better photograph. If they are sitting right at the back of their shop, you could ask them to move to the front where the window light is gently falling. If they are in the bright midday sun with dark pits as eyes, ask them to move into the shade or turn their back to the sun. 

Ray was a volunteer at the Royal Adelaide Show for many years. He is also my best friends Poppa. When I saw him manning a door to a pavilion I couldn't resist a cheeky photo. 

5. Get in close
Don't be afraid to step in. By filling the frame with your subject, you can see everything about them. The way they hold themselves, their clothing, their skin, their eyes. The stories that can be told through the details. There will be no question as to what you want the viewer to look at in your photograph.

If I had not got the beach and shadow in the frame, this photo wouldn't have the same impact. 

6. Or step back (with caution)
First - always look where you are going. Don't do what I do and step back into holes or trip over things. By safely stepping back you can get the location into the photograph. If the location is part of the story you are telling it adds dimension and life to the photograph. Take the fisherman photograph - if I zoomed in to show his face only, I would see a weathered and handsome man but have no idea who he is. By showing the boats, we can see he is a fisherman. A very proud fisherman with his boat. 

At Uluwatu temple the monkeys run wild. This lady had fun feeding them, and obviously they knew her. I did ask for a photo but didn't want her looking at the camera - I wanted the interaction.

Go out and have fun. Breathe. And don't be afraid. If you treat people with kindness and respect, the worst thing that can happen is you get a 'no'. If that is the case, take a mental picture and move on. 

Slow shutter

Using a slow shutter for effect can dramatically change your photo.
A moving car with blurred wheels gives the feeling of movement.
A person moving through a room shows life and feeling. Coffee beans roasting, showing them turning - I can nearly smell the beans by just looking at the image. 

With the coffee bean image above I used a slow shutter, probably something like 1/30 or 1/15. How slow you go depends on the subject you are photographing. Playing around is the best way of learning. Experiment with the effects. 

1/125 = one twenty-fifth of a second
1/30 = one thirtieth of a second
1/5 = one fifth of a second
you get the idea...

If you are shooting with an iPhone, there is an App called Slow Shutter (and various others) or Manual which allows you complete freedom and control over settings when taking a pic. 

The faster the object you are photographing, the faster the shutter speed you can have. All depending on the effect you want. 
I have done photos in the studio with the shutter open for seconds and moved people around. 
I have photographed cars and movement on the street at 1/60. 
I have photographed details of dancers on stage at 1/30. 

There is no right or wrong shutter speed - it all depends on what you want. Experiment!

Exhibitions....

I had a dream the other night... 
I was taking photos over a high dam wall. It was a beautiful scene with blue water, rolling hills. Photogenic. I was with someone else, and we decided to go back and get another shot. I had my camera on the tripod, trying to get it up high enough to see over the wall. When I looked through the viewfinder, all I could see was water. I wondered for a bit, and then realised it was a great wall of water coming towards us. 

We ran, we ran back across the bridge we came from and looked for higher ground. I said 'as long as I don't get my camera drenched'. Strange that I thought about my camera over my life. We found higher ground, slightly, on steps and waited.

The water came, but only as a trickle. What was most upsetting was the people running with it. Running from the wave and it's destruction it had left across the other side of the bridge. Wailing mums and grandmas scrambled in front of me. They were sobbing out words, trying to tell me what and who they left behind. I wondered 'would it be ok to take a photo and document this?' I went into photojournalist mode but held back because I was there for a different purpose. I didn't want to upset the people that had invited me in to take pretty pictures by taking photos of their torment and agony. But I am a photographer - and I had the urge. In some ways, I felt responsible to document the event.

The dream ended, so I'm not sure what I decided. But I still remember this dream days on. Is it a little prod - telling me to do something? Perhaps it's a next exhibition idea - emotions and life. I'd like to help tell people's stories. 
Let me know if you have any ideas...

In the meantime, I am in another exhibition called Skrambled Eggs. A fab group of pro photographers taking photos with their iPhone and electronic devices. If you want to be wowed with what can be done with such a device, head to De La Liff over the Christmas break. You never know, you may even nab yourself a Christmas present while there. :)

Don't forget about day tripping it down to McLaren Vale to visit Salty Stories at Red Poles either... no excuse needed. Kids love running around in the pit, parents love the wine and beer, and everyone loves the food.