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. :)

Eating and drinking my way around Fremantle...

When in Rome... or, as it is for me, when in Fremantle...

After visiting art studios, walking, cycling and swimming the waterfront and hanging out at Fremantle Arts Centre, it's time to refuel. The choices are plenty. And the yumminess factor high.

Here are some of my faves. 

Lapa Brazilian restaurant

Don't eat before you go - be hungry. Very hungry. The food is good, and I have trouble saying no. I prepare myself to roll out the door. Even though on arrival it seems all a bit haphazard, this restaurant has the service down.

All my faves like cheese bread and black beans are being served along with a constant offering of 16 different kinds of meat.

Drink coasters serve as signals to the waiters if I want more meat or not. Green 'yes please' or red 'no thank you'. I should have gone red long before I did, but what does one do when they are enjoying? 

 

Little creatures and Creatures Next Door

The place to chill, watching boats cruise in and out of the harbour as the sun sets. In fact, I feel like I am on a ship, especially while sitting on the front deck. The architecture mimics a ship very well. Live music and ultra friendly staff complete the setting.

It attracts a laid-back crowd of varying ages. We enjoy a game of Connect 4 and Guess Who while sipping wine. Yes, it’s not all about the beer. 

Raw Kitchen

This food is seriously delicious. I’d eat here every day if I could. We top our lunch off with yummy raw cake… think carrot cake and lime avocado slice that's like cheesecake. Yum. And not so guilty after my bean sprouts, quinoa, tofu and pickles bowl. 

It's housed in a big 1920's warehouse with lofty ceilings and retro furniture. Think old event chairs that can click together, bus seats, shipping container booths and long communal tables. It keeps me well entertained looking at everything, discovering new things. 

Bread in Common

Let's talk about bread. It's all about the bread. Well not really, but the bread is very good. I'm not meant to eat gluten but decide to suffer after one heavenly morsel. 

Bread in Common is a restaurant and bakery within an 1898 heritage listed building. The kitchen is open, and you can see the chefs working hard at your food while you sit with wine. The food is designed to be shared, and you sit at long communal tables. 

And did I mention the bread... delicious. With salted butter, olio or white bean dip - it goes down too well. 

Moore and Moore

A recurring theme - this place is located in an old building. The heritage-listed Moores building to be precise. Once I'm done (and it takes a while) looking around at all the gadgets and art stuff in the various rooms, I look at the menu. Biodynamic pancakes, vegan paleo bowl, halloumi burger all sound yummy... but I eventually decide on Mexican Florentine. A plate full of poached eggs, jalapeno & lime hollandaise, Moore’s baked beans (the best!), avocado, rocket and turkish toast.

Washed down with a seriously good strong coffee. Good morning! 

I think Fremantle suits me. I should come back more often. I know there are more places just like these to discover.

Any faves you visited? 
 

Recharging at South Beach, WA

The streets of Fremantle.

Where?

A little area between Coogee and Fremantle in Western Australia. Next door to Fremantle with better beaches and quieter pace, but still easy access to all the cafes, drinking holes and shops.

The crowd?

A mix of snobby upper class through to happy hippies. The upper crust walks past with their little pooches while hippies play congas in the parkland and backpackers munch on picnic style tea in the back of their station wagons. Of course, I love it.

Why?

A relaxed vibe of coastal living. Close to Fremantle but far enough away to escape the crowds. Cafes, cove beaches, fitness scene, cycling, and a great walking path along the coast. Not to forget the people watching either. 

What am I doing here?

I am spending the first week of 2018 here. Swimming, relaxing, reading, eating and drinking. It is the perfect excuse for me to step away from work and enjoy a guilt-free recharge. For anyone that knows me, you know how hard this is for me. I didn't even bring my laptop. Big deal, for me. 

How am I going with it?

Surprisingly well. I have loved my time not 'needing' to do something. I've relaxed into reading and finished two magazines and started on two books. I've wandered on the beach and splashed in the water just because. I've sat and done nothing. We've laughed hard playing Cards of Humanity. And I've eaten and drank way too much. 

And I've had time to think. I can get lost, and scared when I have time inside my head. But I know it's important. I don't allow myself this time too often, but its something I have realised and is improving. Working out what I need, what I want and what I need to do. Important personally and in business. 

So what else to do here, apart from being involved with your thoughts? 

Cycle the coastal path.
We ride from South Beach down to Woodman Point passing derelict old buildings, new Coogee development, family-friendly man-made beach, scrub, country style beaches and many parks. 20 km return. And of course, the path also heads north. We also ride this, heading towards Perth along the river. It's a very scenic and entertaining way of burning off some excess calories. 

Coastal path south of South Beach.

Bathers Beach House
As the sun sets, this is the place to be. Sun loungers line the small cove, with drink service. One of the very few places in Australia that offer service on the beach. Pretty sure I read it's the only place to legally be served an alcoholic drink in Perth. Tourists and locals alike line the waterfront for sunset photos but tonights isn't very spectacular. We enjoy our cider while laughing with our French waiter and again, people watching.

Sunsets and cocktails at Bathers Beach House, Fremantle.

Linger on the beach
I meet, and see, all sorts on the beach. Friendly locals are walking their pooches, random lounge chairs complete with a lamp sit on the beach, kitesurfers scream along the waves and families laugh and splash about in the water. Clear turquoise water, soft sand and warm sun complete the picture. 

The random things you find on the beach at South Beach. I was told it had been there for two weeks. The next day it was gone. 

Fremantle arts centre
A great place to see a variety of different art but also live music. The New Years Day concert attracts a well-rounded mix of people from chilled hipsters to the 60 plus-year-olds that love to kick off their heels and boogie. Soukouss Internacionale is my fave with their afro rhythms and got me up dancing while the other bands had me chilled and relaxed. Every Sunday afternoon the centre has live music. 

Soukouss Internacionale at Fremantle Arts Centre. 

Restaurants and drinking holes
There are many options in the Fremantle area. I eat in The Raw Kitchen, Bread in Common, Lapa, and Moore and Moore. We have drinks at Bathers Beach House and Creatures NextDoor too. All great. 

Start the day right with Mexican Florentine at Moore and Moore.

Of course, there is much more to discover in Fremantle, but that would require too much time off my sun lounger. I am, after all, meant to be relaxing. Discovering new things is exciting and quite possibly, lead me to work. Can't have that now...

Saying goodbye to 2017... and hello to 2018.

December is a month of parties, holidays, family, friends and lot of eating and drinking. 

I also like to take time to reflect on my year, see where I have come from and what I have achieved, along with looking forward. Planning on what I'm going to do next year, what I'm going to accomplish and experience. 

It's been a massive year for me personally and professionally. When I look back at my calendar and see everything I have done - it really does show I like to 'do', and 'rest' is something I put on the 'do later' list. 

My fave memories of 2017...

One month in Tasmania
I've always dreamt of travelling around Australia in a van. This trip was a taster. And let me tell you, it's a great way of life. One month in Tasmania is not long enough, but I got to see a lot - for fun and work. I had about six commissioned shoots while there, which was a perfect amount when travelling and acting 'tourist'. 

Helicopter flight
A bucket list item of mine was to go for a ride in a helicopter. So when I was asked if I'd like to photograph an article about a winery tour via helicopter, of course, I said yes. I felt very much the VIP arriving at each cellar door by private helicopter while tourists clicked away at us with their cameras. The views over the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu area were impressive too - I especially loved cruising along the coast spotting dolphins. 

Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail hike
The negatives? I did it in winter, froze and got wet. The positives? Wow, an amazing walk. One of the best I have done. The landscape changes enough to keep me entertained, and there is lots of clifftop walking with amazing views of the ocean to keep me in a trance of zen. 

'Dream' work
It's always been a dream of mine to be a Tourism Photographer. I can now own that title comfortably. I've worked with many tourism operators this past year and loved how I can help their business grow. One of my dream weeks consisted of being flown out to two locations for shoots on different days. Being paid to travel. I love to go behind the scenes, and these two jobs were very much that. 

Presenting a photography workshop for tourism operators
SATIC asked me to give a workshop with MadPants Media on photography and videography for tourism operators. I had a ball explaining, and showing, our attendees how to get better pics with any camera. I love to help, and the satisfaction of seeing something 'click' for people is immense. 

Catching unbroken waves
I've been surfing for a few years, but this year I tried to get out nearly every week. It's made me a (slightly) better surfer, and now I can get out the back and catch the unbroken waves. I've been dumped, but that is becoming less frequent as I learn what and when to catch waves. 

Learning bachata and continuing my salsa
Another activity to feed my soul. And something that I've wanted to do for many years, since experiencing dance in Brazil in 1998. And of course, I was always the Dirty Dancing tragic. I describe dance as my moving meditation. But I'm yet to let myself be totally free when dancing - I'll make that a goal for 2018. 

Regional Tours
A way of helping regional tourism, discovering new places and creating. I've travelled to the Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Flinders Ranges and Clare Valley for these tours. Local businesses can take advantage of no travel fees, a range of packages to suit budgets and free social media pics. I've loved exploring our beautiful country and helping businesses along the way. 

La Bomba latin dance project
Last year I did a solo exhibition called Salty Girls - telling the story of women in the SurferGirls group. This year I wanted to continue with another big interest in my life, and tell its story. I decided to focus on dance. The idea of telling the story of La Bomba through her students came to me - and I didn't turn back. It's the biggest personal project I've ever done. The first shoot was on 1st September. So far I've worked more than 60 hours and photographed 28 people. This is my last week and I have four more people planned to photograph. Then the retouching and exhibition prep begins.

So, always believing that I need to 'one up', here it is...

I hope in 2018...
to make mistakes. This means I'm learning, trying new things, making new things, pushing myself and changing my world. It's growth; it's life. 
My family and friends are healthy, succeeding and living their purpose too.

I know in 2018...
I am going to succeed. In everything I do. Movement and progress is the success. 
I'm going to live life my way. At the end of the day if I'm not making myself happy, then I'm not doing it. 
Cuba is waiting for me! Another bucket list item. And I am grateful to be doing it with my dance school. 
I will continue to show the world off to the world - inspiring people to get out, explore and learn. Learn about life, respect, culture and people.
 

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. :)

CLIENT SHOWCASE: Leonards Mill

I got an email from Hayley a few months back. She said, 'you probably don't remember me, but you photographed our wedding in 2008...' 

Of course, I did remember. It was a beautiful day. And they had just bought Leonards Mill, a restaurant just up the road from where they were married at her parents home. 

After nearly ten years, I saw them again. It didn't feel that long. They are a really easy couple to get along with. I had so much fun photographing Leonards Mill and their staff for them one morning... 

www.leonardsmill.com

I Choose SA (for seafood)

Last week I was asked to go out with Brand South Australia members and select media to Port Lincoln, for a day showcasing our world-class seafood industry.
 
We flew out by charter plane and spent the day on the town jetty, cruising out to the kingfish pens and taking photos in the warehouse of a man with his fish. 

The day was topped off with lunch at the Port Lincoln Hotel. 

Can I tell you much about the seafood industry? Only through pics (of course). It's a big industry and I don't want to get my facts wrong.

To find out more... https://www.ichoosesa.com.au/industry/seafood

Suburban Taxis - finding my work.

I hardly ever look for my photos being used and only see them by chance when I drive past somewhere or open up a magazine. I really should check out how my photos are being used more often. Not only to see my clients vision but for feedback and improvement on my imagery and offering. 

Earlier this year I worked with Suburban Taxis on updating their website and branding. While looking through my photo catalogue of images, I found Suburbans folder. It got me thinking if they had updated their website or not. So I checked. 

Here is what I found... all my images being used. It looks good - even if I would re-retouch some of the images now. I guess that is a good sign of growth though - looking at older photos and seeing what you would change. How much could I grow if I still loved every photo I have taken? I wouldn't strive. I wouldn't get better. I would lose my business. I'd lose my life I love. 

I suppose this works for everyone. Continue to strive, continue to improve. Every single day. What doesn't grow, dies. 

A surprise at Two Emuz, Kangaroo Island

Whenever I go away, it's normally me organising everything. This time though, it is different. I'm heading to Kangaroo Island with Fleurieu Living Magazine for some shoots. And I'm told we are staying at a B&B at Emu Bay. I was in for a surprise on arrival as to what to expect. 

Well, first we got lost. Our phone lost reception and with it went our directions. Luckily, an attentive local who we met on the ferry saw us stopping, turning and stopping and wandered over to help. She knew everyone in the area and could point us in the right direction within minutes. 

Beyond the farm gate, down the rubble driveway, sits the accommodation and owners pad. A lovely limestone and cedar building. But the real highlight is stepping in and seeing the view from the living area. I stop in my steps and stand with jaw open. I'm not just saying that - I really did. 

Outside, beyond the sunloungers and green grass is the vast ocean. There is nothing between us and the sparkling blue water except the rolling hill down to the beach (that can only accessed by a couple of homes that sit next to us). A private beach (basically). I will be wandering up and down that in the morning before we leave. 

Our host, Rob is just as amazing... we sip gin and tonics with him while watching the sun set and his beautiful Dalmation greets us after our morning walk along the beach. It makes me feel very comfortable and 'at home'. The gourmet breakfast supplies including Illy coffee, crusty bread, eggs and range of teas set me up for the day before I leave too. Mmm. 

Can I go back? Please?

www.tuemuz.com.au

Whenever I go away, it's normally me organising everything. This time though, it is different. I'm heading to Kangaroo Island with Fleurieu Living Magazine for some shoots. And I'm told we are staying at a B&B at Emu Bay. I was in for a surprise on arrival as to what to expect. 

Well, first we got lost. Our phone lost reception and with it went our directions. Luckily, an attentive local who we met on the ferry saw us stopping, turning and stopping and wandered over to help. She knew everyone in the area and could point us in the right direction within minutes. 

Beyond the farm gate, down the rubble driveway, sits the accommodation and owners pad. A lovely limestone and cedar building. But the real highlight is stepping in and seeing the view from the living area. I stop in my steps and stand with jaw open. I'm not just saying that - I really did. 

Outside, beyond the sunloungers and green grass is the vast Southern Ocean and Bass Straight. There is nothing between us and the sparkling blue water except the rolling hill down to the beach (that can only accessed by a couple of homes that sit next to us). A private beach (basically). I will be wandering up and down that in the morning before we leave. 

Our host, Rob is just as amazing... we sip gin and tonics with him while watching the sun set and his beautiful Dalmation greets us after our morning walk along the beach. It makes me feel very comfortable and 'at home'. The gourmet breakfast supplies including Illy coffee, crusty bread, eggs and range of teas set me up for the day before I leave too. Mmm. 

Can I go back? Please?

www.tuemuz.com.au