Happy Snaps

Jac Smith spends most of her days exploring new beaches, lush forests or hidden gems. She sleeps in different homes, shops at quirky stores and samples the best coffee, wine and local produce Australia’s best towns have to offer.

She is on the ultimate adventure and she documents it all to share with the masses.

From a young age, Jac knew that a Monday to Friday, nine to five was not for her. She needed something with more flexibility, more freedom, more diversity. A career that would feed her natural curiosity and allow her to express her creativity.

Now, the photographer, visual story-teller, ‘jac of all trades’ is doing just that. 

She photographs weddings, milestone events and tourism campaigns between travelling to new towns and documenting her stays for the likes of Riparide.

‘(Riparide and I) vibe the same- I believe we were a match made in heaven, leading with heart. Riparide has expanded my lil’ business into more travel, more creativeness, connection and deeper into myself in so many ways as well as being able to inspire others along the way. It sets my heart on fire…gosh I love to see others fly high and live life!’

Jac’s work has taken her all over Australia, with each new place offering something different. She has stayed in bubble accommodation with 360 views, glamping tents, coastal cottages, vintage caravans, cosy cabins and character homes.

She’s been hands on with pottery wheels, experienced art healing, cooked new recipes in several kitchens, lit an abundance of campfires and has had too many bubble baths to count, both indoors and outdoors under the stars.

‘(The work is) like getting to know a new human every third day,’ she said. ‘I photograph each room prior to moving in, and the best time to photograph the ‘hero’ feature shot is an hour before sunset- this is usually the front of the hour and people enjoying the space.

For the full experience, Jac will do her research from host recommendations or she will find a nearby coffee shop and ask the locals where she should go and what she should try.

‘I tend to live in the moment at each place, so I submerge myself in each spot,’ Jac said. ‘I explore the area – usually an hour within the stay, and document what I get up to. That might be surfing or nature walking, but I’m a huge fan of  sunsets and  sunrises,  and I also know where to find the hidden rock pools!’

Besides trying and seeing new things, other perks of Jac’s work are getting to sample all the goodies on offer.

‘I like to call it try before you buy! Living in a different house every third night, you get to sample all the different shampoos, cook and designer books, linen, bedding and home decor before deciding what you would love to have in your own home. ,’ Jac said. ‘The trick then is getting home to actually enjoy your newfound luxuries! That part is still a working progress for me.’

Jac spends more than half the month away from her home in The Grampians, and about a week at home or in her studio, editing. If she’s in a vicinity where she can visit family, she will make time do to so. If she’s able to bring a travel buddy along on her venture, she’ll do that too.

After spending so much time on the road, it takes Jac about here days to settle back into her own reality.  

‘I hibernate from the outside world, de-people and re-connect in my zen den I call home. I give myself permission to do as I please- giving myself that space. I’m then ready to go putting the stories together. This part is all part of my creative process. I need this like I need air to breathe,’ she said.

When Jac edits her work, she takes time out of the long process to unwind by resting or spending time in her garden.

And though she’s undoubtedly busy, Jac says it’s actually her work which reminds her how important it is to slow down.

‘I haven’t had more than two weeks in my actual home for over a year. So, my idea of a holiday would be to spend a month in the one spot!’ she said. ‘(But) photography, and especially social media, gives me that opportunity to encourage others to slow down, live life and explore.’

Some of Jac’s Favourite Gippsland Places:

1)Phillip Island Winery- The sparkling Shiraz was delicious!

2) Inverloch- The ice cream shop (Gelato Al Mare) and Lime and Co Cantina was amazing!

3) The Caves Beach (Inverloch)

4) Agnes Falls, Agnes

5) Fairy Cove, Wilsons Prom

6) Actually, Wilsons Prom- full stop!

7) Sanny Side (San Remo) Great coffee!

8) Bear Gully Campside

9) The Cowes Op Shop- one of the best when it comes to Op Shops!

10) Venus Bay- miles and miles of beach!

11) Sandy Point, Walkerville. 

12) Shacks Bay- snorkelling and swimming! 

Photos for Riparide by Jumpin Jac Flash. To follow Jac’s Travel Snaps, follow her on instagram @jumpin.jac.flash