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.
Getting arty farty...
Switching the brain from commissioned brief driven to creative. Eek.
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.
Social media. The highlight reel of life. But there is always more to it.
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.
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.
How I got the shot... Bruny Island House of Whiskey
Want to know to get a decent bottle photograph? One simple tip.
Ok, so this shot is not perfect. But hey, for a shot 'on the run', I think it's pretty. It's unretouched and raw.
Bottles, glass and reflections make photography difficult. It's one thing people ask quite often. "How do I get a nice shot of a bottle?"
One easy trick is to diffuse the light that is falling on your subject. In this shot, I did that with a reflector scrim. That is it. A scrim is a translucent material that still allows light to go through, but softens it.
I had someone hold it between the sun and the bottles. It really minimised the reflections and made the image creamier looking.
Check out the other pic that shows the bottles without the scrim in place. You can see the difference on the labels.
What do you think?
South Australian Regional Tours - new dates and new packages!
I'm hitting the road again. Now is the time to update your photos. I have some awesome new packages too.
I'm very excited to announce some new dates for regional South Australian tours. Maybe Tasmania has given me itchy feet? (Who am I kidding, I've always got itchy feet for discovery.)
If you missed out last time, then now is your chance. I loved my last tours and clients found them ultra beneficial and cost effective. Email me now to get going.
Flinders/Outback - Aug/Sept
Barossa/Clare - June/July
Riverland/Murrayland - Oct
Limestone - Oct
Yorkes/Eyre - Nov
Fleurieu - Sept/Oct
A range of packages are on offer for these tours, check them out...
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.
Of course, if you want something special and unique (who doesn't), I can work with you on that also. Call or email me to discuss ideas.
Conditions: Minimum numbers required for tour to be confirmed.
All prices are exclusive of GST.
Take a look at some of the shoots on my last tours. All done on the Editorial Package (with slight variations).
Coffee shopping around Tasmania
How hard is it to get a good coffee? Am I fussy? Maybe.
Four weeks in Tasmania - coffee stops nearly every day. I have a few thoughts.
Four weeks in Tasmania. Four weeks away from my coffee machine. Breathe. It's ok.
Here's my roundup of coffee experiences. Nearly every day I went out for coffee. I looked for interesting and funky places, or busy places full of under 40's. Just my unconscious liking.
Devonport:
I'm sure it wasn't the 'happy to be travelling' buzz you get when you first go on holidays. I'm pretty damn sure the coffee was great. And I loved the little laneway digs at Laneway.
Boat Harbour Beach:
The location couldn't get any better. Right on the beach at Boat Harbour. It wouldn't matter how bad the coffee is; I'd enjoy it. The stickiest bliss balls I've ever had.
Burnie:
A great location overlooking the town and the coast at the Visitor Centre. Prepare to spend money. We went in for coffee and ended up with coffee, bliss balls, cake and cheese. Oops. At least we enjoyed it.
Strahan:
Coffee Shack is a retro little shed opposite the cruise and travel centres at the harbour. Unfortunately, we lucked out (according to a local) and went on a day when the owner wasn't working. She makes awesome coffee.
Cradle Mountain:
Last coffee for five or more days for some. Not for me, thank goodness. Great to chat with my dad before he set off on the Overland Track.
Sheffield: This shop rocks. Scary taking the kids in - 'look with your eyes, not your fingers' kind of place. And you can write on the toilet wall - so I did. Check out Blacksmith Gallery Cafe.
Deloraine:
They have a bike stuck to the wall outside The Empire Hotel. I think the cyclists like it. I know the owner loves cycling. Good coffee, even in takeaways.
Lake St Clair:
Sitting around people that have been hiking for five plus days with no shower may not be fun for the nose. Dad thinks the hot chocolates are the best he has ever drunk.
Cygnet:
Sitting in the sun with hippy locals at The Lotus Eaters Cafe. Trampoline for kids to jump on. Chocolate shards and little choco beans for the hot chocolates. Shame some of the staff couldn't be happier.
Kettering:
Steamhouse. One of the only places in Tasmania to offer coconut milk - and they had run out! Great coffee, friendly staff, and quirky. It's an ex-petrol station. Love it.
Bruny Island:
Tourist central at Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co. But great to sit and have coffee with a cheese board. Wooden outdoor seating amongst the trees.
Hobart:
Coffee as it should be. Villino - yes. Island Coffee - yes. Cute little attic to lounge around in while the kids pretend to make coffee with the toy coffee machine.
Richmond:
Czegs. I think it's the place to be in Richmond. So busy. The breakfast looks SO yummy. Loads of teapots covering the walls. Squeaky wooden floorboards and different rooms to relax in.
Bicheno:
Pasinis was recommended, but our experience was a one in a million. Felt like I got growled at when at the counter trying to order, our order got lost, and then they couldn't complete it because they had run out of almond milk... and didn't tell us til later. Fixed it with a macchiato and a couple of pieces of honeycomb.
Coles Bay:
Tombolo Freycinet - heard it was great. Unfortunately not for me. The first day the coffee was so weak I had three shots! The second day it was strong but burnt almond milk.
Evandale:
This building and town overall is so very... yesteryear. The sign read 'best-preserved town in Tasmania' - or something like that. Grand two-story mansions and cosy stone cottages. Coffee and gluten free cheesecake by the fire at Ingleside is something I don't regret.
Launceston:
In the mall. So many choices! Spent the time waiting for my coffee looking around the tight hole in the wall. Trinkets everywhere - very interesting.
Coconut milk has not hit Tasmania as of April 2017. It's a rarity.
I order my coffees (mostly) as double shot lattes with coconut milk or macchiatos. Your 'average' latte or cappuccino may well be awesome at the places that failed my test. Or, as it happens sometimes, I could have just lucked out with the day of the week and barista.
DISCLOSURE: I'm no coffee snob - I just write on what I like.
Tasmania. Natural, wild, hypnotic, peaceful...
Tasmania. It really is a photographers paradise. I have taken 1000's of photos in under two weeks. And video. Argh. How am I going to get through editing all of them?
I've been in Tasmania for nearly two weeks now. Time has flown. We have done so much. I kinda feel rushed. Four weeks is nowhere near long enough to discover the surface of Tassie. But hey, we are having fun.
Here are some piccies so far... story behind them to come when I get some good internet (and time).
:)
Tasmania - here I come!
It's D Day! Tasmania, here I come. It's going to be full, it's going to be fun, it's going to be adventurous. New clients, new sights, new experiences. Yay.
Part of the Overland Track, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
I'm heading south. Today I'm setting off for Tasmania. A three-day road-trip to Spirit of Tasmania. It's very exciting. I wonder how long that excitement will last? I mean, really, man and wife, two children aged five and seven, and a caravan? For nearly five weeks. I chuckle, and then try and get my breath again.
We haven't planned much. But do think we will go via Mount Gambier and Warnambool. We've booked the overnight sail on the Spirit of Tasmania, then... rambles. Rambles until Ben starts the Overland Track hike with my Dad. I think I'm okay with that. I have done it. But gee, I love hiking and being surrounded by just nature. And hey, I'll get to spend the week with the kids. Eek. There are wineries around, yes?
You know, when we planned to be in Tasmania for a month, I thought that would be plenty of time. Appears not. I'm already upset that we are only going to have two days around Bruny Island and Huon Valley. I feel like I'm missing towns I want to stay in. I want more. I'm already thinking we have to go back for Tamar Valley and Huon Valley - two places with not much scheduled time. Argh.
Anyway, stay tuned. I'll be writing and posting pics to Instagram as we go. Tasmania - you are gorgeous. Can't wait!
