Things (other than cost) to consider when choosing your photographer

You need a professional photographer, but there are so many to choose in your local area. Just how do you make your choice? You know budget will come into it, but what about all those other niggling factors? Here are three things to consider, other than cost, to help you choose a photographer.

 

Image courtesy of Nadia Marlow while working at Majestic Hotels Adelaide

Find Someone You Connect With

Personalities need to match, which is why it’s so important to meet with photographers and discuss your needs. Find someone you can bond and joke with, someone who will understand your style and personality. This is the best way to make it an experience to remember.
Someone who matches your personality won’t get you doing shots you’re not comfortable with.

 

See Their Portfolio

Always ask to see a portfolio of work. While references can help to determine skill, the portfolio physically shows you a photographer’s abilities. You’ll be able to see if there are certain types of shots they prefer, or if they can capture those “in-the-moment” images.
This is very important to make sure they can capture the type of shots needed for your business. Hiring someone who is well versed in wedding photography may not be the best when you need landscape shots. They have slightly different skill sets and experience needed.

 

Image courtesy of Nadia Marlow while working at Majestic Hotels Adelaide

Discuss Your Needs

You want to make sure a photographer understands the needs of your project. This will help to make sure you get the shots that will boost your business or brand, for example. While checking personalities suit, talk about what you hope to gain from these images. You can even ask for samples that are linked directly to these gains to make further sure they understand.
Distance and cost aren’t just the factors you need to consider when choosing a photographer. Make sure you gel and don’t forget to discuss samples and experience to make sure you get the right one.

How to prepare for your accommodation photo shoot

When showcasing your accommodation, you need to take photos to show off the rooms and scenery. Getting these photos just right will mean the difference in getting guests and people looking elsewhere. 

Here are three steps to take to prepare your accommodation for the perfect photos.

Clean Everything in Sight

Whether it’s the carpets, the bathrooms, and even the windows, make sure everything is completely clean. Photos will bring up the smallest of marks and stains. 

 

Pay Attention to Details

Whether it’s clutter near the minibar cupboard or creases in the bed sheets, pay attention to the slightest of details. Think about how you could view photos of accommodation to check it is suitable. 

People do look for these small details of imperfection. They are looking for why one place is better than the other. They want to feel spoilt. 

 

Ensure Interior Layout Works

Placing items of furniture in the wrong place will just make your rooms look smaller. Make sure the interior layout looks fresh, tidy, and comfortable. 

Size does matter. Use interior design to make your property look bigger, even if that means moving a few things around or out of the way.

Watch out for cluttering on desks and nightstands. Just have the basics.

You can make your accommodation stand out in pictures. It just needs to be prepared beforehand.

Use the above tips to get every room spotless, so people never have a reason to say “no.”

Rapture Surfcamp Padang Padang, Bali

The steps to Thomas Beach. Fine to come down - harder to get back up after surfing for hours. 

Wannabe surfer? Doesn't matter, this place is awesome for anyone wanting to run away to Bali and stay 'in the jungle' as taxis from Seminyak tell us. No hawkers, a handful of shops and restaurants and Roosters crowing in the morning. And guess what, not a Bintang singlet in sight!

Surfer? You are sorted. Guiding is included in the rate, and can be for a full day. I'm used to going out morning or late arvo, so this came as a surprise. No that I'm complaining. With surf breaks all around the Bukit Peninsula, Rapture made sure we went somewhere suitable. Beginners and advanced in different groups so no one gets the raw end of the deal. Padang Padang is just down the road - but as fate would have it, we never made it there to surf. Whenever I go to Bali, I seem to take big swell with me - and as a beginner, a lot of breaks were out. Big swell may have kept me out of some breaks, but looking out over Balangan I couldn't help but dream 'one day'.

One day....

The Rapture pool at night

Back at camp, non-surfers have a quiet haven to hang out at during the day. Pool to themselves, massage in the gazebo above the pool anytime, and food and drink ready to order at the bar. Well, that is until the surf groups get back. Then it's a hype of activity. People practice their duck dives in the pool, try out their balance on the Indo board and crack the Bintangs. I even give a show - losing my bikini bottoms on diving into the pool. Crimson? Not sure what colour that is.

Harder than it looks - the IndoBoard

Quietness sweeps across the resort again when the afternoon session of yoga starts. Great to stretch after your surf workout or turn it into a workout on one of your days 'off' surfing. Above the restaurant, it's serene and Abby, our instructor, is perfect. Attentive, gentle but ensuring you get the most out of the practice. I would have been in my zen if I hadn't had looked at my armpit while doing one of the stretches and seen a bush peeking back at me. Argh.

As the sun drops, everyone gets ready to head out of 'the jungle' and watch the sunset at Uluwatu. Thongs and shorts are dress-code - love the simplicity. Some girls put make-up on but most just chuck their sunnies on their head and pile in the van. Hey, did you know you can fit nine people in a squishy six seater? You get to know each other quick - and all the lumps and bumps of the car body. Don't even mention the road bumps that make you bounce - ouch.

Big swell at Uluwatu

Uluwatu cliff bars

Nights are spent around the communal table. If there is one negative of the resort, it would be the fact that you don't get a choice for dinner. It's a set menu. But hey, it fills my tummy, and it is yummy. Chatting with the other guests over Bintangs, my mind is not on the food. I love getting to know everyone from the four corners of the world. And being a surf resort, I think we all kinda gelled through our love of simple, surf, sun, party and chill. 

Rapture food

Rapture food

For night bunnies - Uluwatu is just down the road. If you don't have a bike, Rapture can organise the van to take you down, or you can walk out to the main road and flag a Bluebird taxi. Cheap cheap. After a few sneaky vodkas poolside, we decide to head out. The famous Single Fin, along with a swag of other cliff-hugging bars cling to the cliff about the sometimes huge break. There's no air-con, but with the sea breeze, who needs it. We dance the night away - well, till it closes at 1 am - then haggle for a taxi back to Rapture. I'm quite proud I get a low price which one of the guys from 'camp' said we wouldn't be able to get. It's not that I even try, I just tell the guy what we paid to get down here, and he agrees. Win win. 

Rapture outdoor bathroom

Loft room

Downstairs in the loft room

Now, to lay your head down and rest. The resort isn't a huge party place. Most people are in bed or out to a bar after dinner and casual drinks. The rooms are a nice place to retire to if you decide. Because there are three of us we book the two-story private room, which can accommodate four, but many of the other guests are in dorms. They are pretty beautiful dorms too. One day I poke my head in one and am left uttering 'wow' under my breath. Bean bags, comfy beds, space...

What more does a girl need? I'm a happy chappy here - surf, relaxed vibe, friendly people, stylish rooms, yoga and massages. Oh, and some Bintangs. When can I go back?

Waiting, over lunch, for surf at Thomas Beach

How to pose to 'flatter'

A photograph never lies. That’s a common phrase that isn’t quite true anymore. In fact, it never has been true. There are ways to stand to make you look good; to flatter your strong points and lessen the weaker sections of your body. Here are three ways that professional photography work to hide your flaws that you can follow too.

Not that she needs it, but notice how the head appears slimmer when looking up at the camera. 

And the difference when the head is level with the camera.

Look Up at the Camera

Double chins are one of the most unflattering elements of photography. When it comes to getting a portrait, make sure you look up at the camera. You’ll need to pull your head back and stretch out the neck. Your double chin will disappear instantly. The neck will also be hidden from the shot completely if the photo is taken from above.

 

Remove Objects from the Photo

If you’re short and conscious of this fact, you can easily hide that in a photo. The trick is to remove anything that could give away just how short you are. 
Another option is for everyone to sit down. This is extremely beneficial when it comes to a family portrait. Everyone laying on their fronts or backs will also help to avoid the problem of showing how short you are, and you can ask your professional photographer to do these types of shots.

Big smiles normally give scrunched eyes, more laughter lines and harsher frames. In this photo, it is telling a story, but for a portrait - not the most flattering.

Soft smiles ensures eyes are left wide open, laughter lines are soft and a smooth outline. 

 

Avoid Big Smiles

If you have yellow teeth or chubby cheeks, you can avoid showing these in photography by avoiding big smiles. It is possible to smile and make it reach the eyes without opening the mouth and showing off the teeth. You can also share emotion from the eyes without the need to smile on camera. Some of these sultry looks can look amazing while making your face look thinner.
Think about your flaws and how you can hide them in photography. The above three tips will help you with your next professional portrait.

All Inclusive Resorts - my Bali trial.

The kids, especially Ashton, loved looking at the huge fish in the pond that creeps around the garden centre of the resort. 

I love the decor, and casual 'surf' feel. It is old, but nice. 

Breakfast included freshly squeezed juices - even green ones!

We tried something new on our trip to Bali recently. We booked an All Inclusive Resort. I have always had a little voice saying 'give it a go,' the same voice that tells me to do a cruise holiday and maybe, just maybe, book a tour group holiday with the kids. I've never been one to do these sorts of holidays, so it leaves me questioning my thoughts and why they are rising. 

Well, when we found a resort, Sol Beach House Benoa, for what ended up costing us just $500 more than the typical resort (that we were looking at) which included only breakfast, I decided to jump. 

Sol Beach House included all meals, all drinks including non-imported alcoholic, daily activities including yoga, shows at night and bike hire. It sounded too good to be true. I love yoga, Belle and Ashton would love the shows at night, and we'd love not having to pay for food that only gets half eaten at times. We could eat whenever we want without needing to find a good restaurant we all like. Ben and I could do yoga every day without paying the usual $10-20 per session. Yes!

The pool is where the action is - aquarobics, pool bar, floating pillows.

Well, it wasn't exactly like that. 

Blue Package. I nice room, but with two extra beds, would have been a sea of sheets for the kids to jump over.

On arrival, I found a room with only three beds - two singles and a rollaway. But there are four of us. I ask housekeeping about another bed, and they were going to bring in another, but then all floor space would be filled. It'd be a room of mattresses. Not ideal. I head to reception and ask what can be done. After a little 'strong' discussion, we arrange for the sofa bed to be made up as another bed. I mention that perhaps their website shouldn't allow for me to book this room for four people if they don't allow four people in it.

Resort or nightclub? 

The activities were occasional. Yoga once during our stay. The Shows late for the kids (9 pm) and at times B-grade. Think scantily clad girls on sticks covered in glow sticks bopping to club music for four songs. 

Tai chi in the garden, in between the pool and beach walkway. 

Balinese Cultural Show in the garden. Didn't keep my attention like other shows, but I think Belle liked it (well, at least 15 minutes of it anyway!)

The food was fresh and salads were yummy - but it was all very similar every day. I missed going out and discovering new places to eat but didn't want to 'waste' our money by not utilising what we had paid for with the resorts all inclusive rate. 

Fish in the restaurant. 

Pizza with your cheese anyone? They were tasty when ordered with less cheese.

I loved the fresh and tasty salads. Nearly made me vego. 

Fish and Chips. I think the look of the fish put the kids off. Shame. 

The resort was not horrible - it was nice. A lovely reception area with swing chairs that the kids loved. They also loved playing darts and pool in the games room - but couldn't access the kids play room as it was always shut. 

The games room. 

Setting up for Balinese Cultural Show and Dinner in the garden. 

The kids loved feeding the animals. And these little guys loved being fed. 

The staff was friendly. The pool towel guy especially kind - helping me look around the resort, and get the word out to other staff and guests when Ashton run away from me one day. 

These guys knew their music. 

The kids loved going to the restaurant - any time of day.

Sidenote: Ashton ended up running back to the room with Ben, but meanwhile I left Belle in the pool with a new friend's Grandma watching over her, and was running all over the resort in my bikini calling for him. The new friends Dad run in the opposite direction and asked everyone if they had seen a little boy. It was a very scary 10 minutes for me. 

Ashton playing with the fish in the ponds. Normally, if he wasn't in the pool - he'd be here.

I missed the chat and friendships from the small resort and didn't want to interrupt anyone from their sunbathing over a book. Eventually, we did find people to strike up a conversation with. They mentioned they had been to better all inclusive resorts in the area - in the sense of more atmosphere and greater food selection. Perhaps you do get what you pay for - funny that.

These were a bit of fun for a few minutes. If only we knew how to play...

I'm not saying this resort is bad, or that my decision was wrong - I guess I had to do it to realise that this concept is completely not my scene. Especially after coming from a small, friendship focused surf camp in the 'jungle' of Padang Padang. Culture shock. 

Should I try a cruise ship holiday or squash the thought?

Getting awesome 'on the go' photos

Window light.

I've been photographing a lot of editorial style photo shoots lately - where I go in with minimal equipment and photograph what is happening. I love these sorts of jobs - where I can concentrate on capturing the moment, rather than creating the big extravaganza set.
 

One light, side on, draws attention to our man.

When indoors, unless I have awesome window light, I set one speed light up on a stand and use that as a side or back light. I have a long-standing dislike of full frontal lighting. Not saying it's wrong - I just prefer more dimension and shadow shape. If I have a white ceiling or wall, I'll bounce it backward with the built-in diffuser up. 

Two lights making an 'oomph'. If the subject allows, you can even let one of the lights creep into frame, adding flare. 

If the light is really dark, flat and 'yuck', I add a second light. One for the front 3/4 of the face, and one as a hair light. Adds a bit of pop. The hair light emulates sunlight coming through a window or similar. 

A completely black room except for the screens. Two lights sandwiching the guy make it more interesting. 

The light can come from anywhere to make an interesting photo. Don't always place people (or products) front on to the light. 

If window light exists, I'll position my subject near the window, normally side on. I'll play with distance away from the window and subject angle to the window.

Stage lighting is dramatic. I would not use flash for stage shots - work with the shadows. 

Always look for moments and get them quick. Dad had leant over to whisper something and the pair were only like this for seconds. 

Outdoors, at an event, I set the camera on shutter priority (for the majority of the time). This way, I can concentrate on what I am seeing. 

I'm always looking. Looking for interesting people, interactions, things I can 'set up'. When I find something, I run around looking at different angles. I'm not afraid to step in front of someone, sneak in front of the stage, run around the back, lean over someone. Just smile and be polite - most times it works out. 

With the strong backlight of sun creeping in behind their heads, the camera would have tried to keep the sun exposed, rendering their faces quite dark. Taking a look at your screen, 'chimping', would tell you if you need to shoot in Manual or not. 

I said 'most times' I put my camera on shutter priority. Shutter priority works when you have the sun side on or front on to the subject. If the sun is behind, then we have problems. If you have something overly dark or light behind, this also causes issues. If I am having trouble with the built-in light meter, I'll revert to Manual. Keep an eye on the sun popping in and out from behind clouds as this can drastically change your settings. I'll have a 'chimp' after every photo sequence just to check it's all looking okay.

So there you have it. There is no single 'right' way to take a photo. A lot of photographers will bang on about Manual being the only way - but it's not. 

If you want to know more about how to get better pics - without the tech jargon - check out my eCourse Better Pics for Business. It'll get you taking better pics with any camera. A new group course is starting in October. 

A girls trip to Bali - surf, sun, fun.

Jimbaran - early morning

Early morning at Jimbaran

My alarm went off just before 6 am. I ask myself again, 'what are you doing? It's a holiday, sleep in.' I lay in bed for a few more moments, trying to decided what to do. Then I roll over, pull on my bikini, rash vest and shorts and tip-toe out the door. I'm going surfing! 

I arrived in Bali the night before and finally got to our accommodation, Rapture Surfcamp at Padang Padang, just before midnight. Getting up before dawn wasn't ideal - but the idea of surfing was. I am nervous but excited. I'd been dreaming about this for months.

Feeling spoilt. Surf guides looking after our boards.

I meet the other surfers in my group, grab a board from the 'cupboard' and let the surf guides tie it up on the roof of the van. We then all pile in and head off on our reccie. I love seeing the countryside that was a blur of black the night before - we are far removed from the concrete city of Kuta. 

After a squizz at Padang and Thomas, we head down to Jimbaran. Swell is big which means there are clean and small waves (perhaps 2 foot) over the reef. It's the perfect intro to my Bali surf trip. I laugh at the tourists pulling suitcases along the beach, a Japanese couple prancing through the shore break while making a home video, and an older gentleman trying hard to lift weights but looking like he was swatting flies. I'm sure I also give someone a laugh or two when crashing about in the waves. But hey, I have fun. And finally, I'm catching green, unbroken waves - something that has scared me before.

Photo anyone? Photographers for each surf school and camp

I like a good reflection. And someone who says 'yes, sure, take a pic of me'. 

We surf til late morning then head back to camp. I'm buzzing. I love being out in the water and feel energised. 

The steps back up to the paddock car park from Thomas Beach

The following day we head out around 9 am. Swell is still big, and we struggle to find somewhere for beginners. We look at Padang, Thomas, Balangan, Nusa Dua 1 and Nusa Dua 2 before heading back to Thomas for lunch and wait for the high tide. Finally, we get in the waves at 2 pm and have a blast. I catch some good waves, and get slammed by some ultra good ones that I was silly enough to try for. The reef, which we had been told would not be a problem, was suddenly best mates with me.

Waiting for high tide. Waiting. Waiting. Fish and chips was yummy.

Perhaps slightly too big for newbies? But damn, it looks good.

Obviously not much to look at in that surf. Nusa Dua pea soup - rough guts swell.

I need one of these at home. Indoboard practise. 

When not surfing I laze by the pool - swimming, practicing duck dives on a board, reading and chatting to new friends (plus my friends from home). I'm sure I gave some guests another laugh too. Diving into the pool one afternoon, my bikini bottoms slipped right down. I was quick to get them back up but, embarrassing. I pop up at the other end of the pool with a squeal, spinning around to see a few smirks on faces looking my way. 

As the sun lowers, we head out to Uluwatu's Single Fin or nearby bar for a few sundowners while watching the surfers in the big swell. Who said eleven people couldn't fit in one eight seater van? 

Big swell at Uluwatu. Spot the surfer - looks like an ant. 

Single Fin from our rooftop bar. 

One night, on a whim, after everyone else had gone out, my friend and I decide to meet them at Single Fin - touted as 'the place' to go on the Bukit. Arriving, I'm intrigued by the sight of a multi-level nightclub jam packed with (mainly) young tourists wanting to pick up. I haven't been in this environment for a long time - being wife and mum to two children. It doesn't keep me still for long, though. Two songs in, and I'm dancing away. We then find some others from camp and join jiggy-bopping forces. Shame it shuts at 1 am and we only arrive about 11.30pm. The bartender laughed at me when I asked if there was anywhere else to go. 

Next morning, I get to have a look at the photos taken while we were out surfing. I have never laughed so hard at myself! There is a large stack of images of me - and nearly all of them have me in a pose that looks like I'm hovering over a toilet while holding my nose. I should get copies of them and make a 'funny board' for when I need a pick me up. 

It'd also make an awesome reminder of surf, sun and fun at Rapture Surfcamps Padang.

Refreshments. 

A day for Fleurieu Living Magazine..

I love shooting for Fleurieu Living Magazine. 

I love the Fleurieu Peninsula.

I love the people, the quirks, the landscape. 

One day in April I got to spend the whole day photographing in the Yankalilla, Normanville and Second Valley area. 

This is the type of imagery you get when you book an 'editorial' shoot. 

It was fun. Check out some of my faves... 

A wander through Glenelg

Before the weather turned sour, I wandered Glenelg for the day, getting piccies for a client. A little project I am helping them with, which I'll tell you more about soon.

I REALLY want to live close to the beach - but my dream is to live by a surf beach. That way, I can walk down with board under arm. BUT, Glenelg has the vibe. I love the cafe culture that is popping up. There is good coffee. There is alternative 'healthy' food. There are activities for young and old. It is no wonder it's a tourist hotspot. 

Taking that vibe and plonking it next to a surf beach would make my dream come true. I could then open up a gallery for locals AND tourists, go surf every day (when there is surf) and, at it's most basic, feed my soul. I'd be one happy chappy. 

Anyway, here are a few pics from my wander. Thanks so much to all the businesses I visited - you make awesome subjects. :)

The Moseley

Pure Coffee

Zest

Goodlife Pizza

Zucca

The Oyster Bar

Esca

Chick n Chip

The Beachouse

The Organik Cafe

When things go wrong while travelling #2

The playground at the caravan park the kids wanted to play on when we got back from the supermarket. Unfortunately it was getting dark, so they had to wait until morning to have a play again. 

Picture this. You are going to the Great Ocean Road, a spectacular driving holiday. A bucket list item for many. You are towing a camper trailer and have two small children. At the end of the first day of travelling, all the kids want to do is play on the playground. But you need supplies. Fresh bread, milk, etc. A pit-stop at the local supermarket should be quick and easy, yes?

Of course. Except for when your toddler falls over the front of your shopping trolley, onto his head, and passes out. Locals freeze. You scream while frantically blowing into his face, trying to get him to 'wake up'. This is what happened to us. 

Ben runs around, asking locals where the hospital is, while Ashton rolls his eyes around, in and out of consciousness. Hearts are beating super speed. Bread and milk don't seem so important now. 

Five minutes later, after trying to prop Ashton up in the baby seat while he 'dreams', we are running into the hospital with him in our arms. The running seems to awaken Ashton and before long he is trying to figure out what all the new toys are, pulling at hoses, trying to turn gadgets on - all while a nurse tries to get his stats. Phew. At least he is conscious and aware. I presume all is ok, and we will be sent home within a few minutes. 

But no, 'luckily' for us, we get to spend five hours in the hospital with Ashton being monitored. Nurses check on him constantly, making sure he is stable and not suffering from any internal damage. 

We had the huge kids room to ourselves and allowed to bring in fish and chips for tea. It's not where I want to be; I'm getting bored, but I want to make sure Ashton is okay. Finally, after final checks, the nurse discharges us. Yay. Not the playground the kids wanted to play in, but an adventure none the less. 

Guess we didn't need supplies after all - not for dinner anyway.

What's wrong? Confused with all the attention he gets after being in hospital.