Andrew Blahnik - Publicity Portraits - Nashville, TN

This past weekend (yep Christmas Eve) I hit the streets of Nashville with Andrew to get some new publicity images for for him to use, they may even end up on his new album that's currently in the works.

Andrew is working on a completely new sound, but you can hear some of his older work here. He's a got a lot of talent and love for the Lord, that right there is a killer combination. Anyway, I hope to get the rest of his images up soon. Stay tuned!

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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The Centralia Mine Fire - Music Video

The Centralia Mine Fire is a Peoria, IL based independent rock band. I have had the opportunity to watch these guys over the years develop into the band they are today. However, before I get too sentimental here's the live music video Matt Blick of Cellar Media and I created for them. Enjoy!



In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Keeping it alive!

What are you doing to keep your creativity alive? I have found that it is easy to get caught up in the thought that creativity will always be something that's easily accessible. In doing so I conveniently began treading through the rut which is my life and forget to break the norm and try something different. If you find yourself in the same rut, I will repeat my question. What are you doing to keep your creativity alive?

Well... for 2011 I've got a pretty cool project planned (if I don't say so myself). One of my photographic passions is capturing people in their own unique environment. A teacher in her classroom, a tailor in his shop, a pianist in a theater. In 2011, It is my goal to photograph as many environmental portraits as I can. My only stipulation is that each person must live, work, or play in Peoria. The focus of the environment doesn't have to be work or profession related, but could include a hobby or an activity. Really anything to helps define an individuals personality.

Obviously I can't fulfill the goal of this project by sitting on my hands at home, I most definitely need your help. If you know of anyone who would be an excellent candidate for a portrait please refer them. Even if you yourself wanna give it a go, I want to hear from you.

I'm looking forward to what 2011 holds.

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Another short film experience.

Since my introduction to Matt Blick of Cellar Media, I'm am really starting to get into making these short films. This past weekend I work with Matt and a crew of other highly creative and talented people up near the quad-cities. In 48-hours we produced a great little short filled with excitement, adventure, suspense, and action. In addition to my roll as gaffer (lighting person), I was also turned out to be the "acting coach". Since we were working with a 10 and 12 year old it somehow fell on my shoulders to coach these young actors before each shot. Thankfully I had a lot of help from Kelli who did a tremendous job at making sure they were costumed up and ready to go when needed. To say the least I had a blast working with these Kids. They both had a lot of energy that they poured into their parts and really made my job a lot easier. I hope you enjoy the film!



Credits:
Emily Soria - Zowie
Garret Auberg - Archer
Kelli Hedding - Alien, mom
Hans Bluedorn - writer, producer, editor
Matt Blick - director, DOP, color correcting
Jason Stanford - visual effects
Aaron Auberg - bubbles
Andrew Anderson - bubbles, smoke
David Price - acting coach, music, lighting, Alien food sounds
Nathaniel Sisson - sound design
Kelli Hedding - costumes, child wrangler
Ethan Anderson - crowd control
Helena Bluedorn - food
Noah Richardson - second camera
Bruno Rosas - alien design
Auberg's - location


In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Tis the season...

... to start sending/receiving Christmas cards. As a photographer, it's interesting to how many times your pictures show up on cards that you receive. I have photographed Samaritan Ministries Christmas staff images for the past couple years and it's always fun to see the end result.

 On a similar note, Samaritan just recently launched their new site. This site is blanketed with my images. I'm looking forward adding to their collection in 2011.

Have you considered how custom, not stock, photography can add that personal touch needed to connect with your market? Let's talk!

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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An unexpected gift

Back when Providence Church was a wee little church comprised of four families we were blessed by a lay pastor named Rev. Robert LaMay. Fascination with cameras and photography was something we both had in common. While there were good number of years between us, it is evident that I am probably of copy of who he was when he was my age. He recently came for a visit and with him brought 4 large boxes of old film cameras of varying ages that he had collected over the years to leave in my care.

I started off with pulling them all out and categorizing them by what film they used. I then set up a few for some pictures to share with you. I can't wait to get out and try each and everyone of these cameras.

Be sure to check out all my other product work via my site portfolio!

In Christ,

David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Peoria Illinois Skyline

One of the great things about living in the Peoria is all the readily available photography locations. There are very few fences and yet a lot of great old warehouse locations. In addition to all the great urban environments, Peoria is also surrounded by some of the most beautifully expansive natural landscapes around. This skyline pic was captured for a friend and owner of the new creative marketing agency Dalvay Group. James is going to be going live with his new site soon in which this photo will be making an appearance on.

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Herbie vs Challenger - Behind the Scenes

Many thanks to Cellar Media for capturing the day so vividly.  As you know, creative collaboration is something I love being apart of and this project is a great example of that. With all the people coming together on such short notice and being willing to work to make this happen, I consider myself blessed. Thanks guys! You can't help but smile while you watch this... I guarantee it!



Creative Director - David Price (Black Olive Photographic)
Behind the Scenes Director - Matt Blick (Cellar Media)
Herbie Owner - Wesley Garrard
Herbie Driver - Hannah Finley
Challenger Owner - Dan Stone
Challenger Driver - Kyle Motsinger
Assistants - Caleb Finley, Jacob Guenther, Aaron Blick,

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Heart Technologies Inc. - Site Launch

Heart Technologies Inc. just launched their new home on the web. All the main banner images are mine. I have enjoyed my time work with the Heart team and I anticipate doing more with them come 2011. Keep an eye out for more images from Heart.

Most of my work recently has been directly with companies' design teams rather than with marketing agencies. Not sure what that means, but it works for me. Amy Lambert, Creative Rockstar, at Heart is a one of a kind creative idea machine.

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Three great wedding photographers here in Peoria Illinois

Black Olive Photographic is matching up with select photographers throughout central Illinois to offer a comprehensive video montage package. Each of the photographer has their own unique style and approach to capturing your special event and since I work directly with each photographer our integration is seamless. Wedding planners will no longer have to juggle videographer and photographers, but both services have be wrapped into one bundle. 

Keeping it short and sweet:

One of the major mistakes a bride can make is thinking she'll want the entire ceremony and reception captured. Not only is this very expensive, it doesn't always result in something that's enjoyable to watch later down the road. With Black Olive's montage you get a quick refresher of the day's highlights, sparking memories that will last a lifetime. You don't need every moment captured just enough to help you remember those special moments. 

Keeping it simple:

With the seamless integration of photographer and videographer you no longer have to worry about them messing each other up. We know how to work with and accommodate each other. Plus, your final video will showcase some of the best images from the photographers collection.




Black Olive is the there the entire day, I arrive with the photographers and leave when they're finished. I capture the entire day and condense it down into a tasteful 2-5 minute montage that can be watch and enjoy by friends and family for years to come. And with the use of social media networks like YouTube and Facebook our clients have the ability to share their movies with relative around the world.

I currently work with three stellar photographers based locally in central Illinois.

Imagine Artists

Katelyn Turner Design + Photography

Dessan Design

How will you remember your special day?

In Christ,

David Price

Black Olive Photographic

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Shannon - Senior Portraits - Peoria IL

I recently hit the beautiful landscape of Sommer Park here in Peoria, IL with higschool senior Shannon. We had a great time shooting around at and around the parks rustic homestead. Unfortunately we were a bit early for any really impressive fall colors, but we made the most of what there was to get some really fun images.

UPDATE!! Check out our latest package offering for high school seniors!

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Herbie comes to Peoria IL

This past weekend was the culmination of a project that was a long time coming. Herbie vs. Challenger was yet another personal project in my series of story-driven collections. I have an instant fascination for vintage memorabilia, Herbie not being an exception. When I found out from a friend that he had restored a 64' VW bug to Herbie glory my imagination kicked into high gear. However, until I could find a contestant worthy of standing side by side with this American legend I was at an stand still.  Wesley, the Herbie's owner, and I combed the streets looking for options. "Would this mini cooper work?" perhaps. What does the owner say?

Until a month or two prior to the shoot we didn't have any workable options to move forward on. I then noticed a 2010 yellow challenger sitting in a drive on my drive to and from Peoria. It was a perfect melding of past and present and it's bright yellow exterior would pop in any photo. It had the energy needed for the theme.

Production:
In the way of production we were faced with a couple of hurdles. First off... location. We had to find a great scenic location while finding a rural enough road to minimize traffic congestion. This was difficult, but we managed to find some great spots just outside Hanna City. See my earlier scouting post for location photos.

The theme/plot:
What can I say, I wanted to create an action series that involved somewhat cheesy to best recreate the classic Herbie feel. My villian (Kyle Motsinger), I didn't want him to be seriously evil, but I wanted him to be more of a lovable villian. A character with a devious foundation and a structural frame of egotistical arrogance. For Herbie, I wanted a character that appeared inexperienced at first, but who in fact had a few tricks up her sleeve as well - Red Bull anyone?

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Kristy - Creative Portrait Session - Peoria, IL

Had the opportunity to work with the 2010 Miss Heart of Illinois. We walked the streets of Peoria Illinois and got pretty creative if I don't say so myself. In addition we couldn't have asked for better weather, we had just the right combination of clouds to blue skies giving a wonderful natural softbox to work with.. Below is just a glimpse of some of the fun we had before the mosquitos came out. 

In Christ,

David Price

Black Olive Photographic

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Commercial Experiment involving Herbie and a 2010 Dodge Challenger

I am working on a project coming up here in the next couple weeks that I am really excited about. Black Olive Photographic along with the assistance of several other highly creative individuals are going to be producing a street race themed photo shoot. Going head to head we have the lovable Herbie and in opposition a 2010 Dodge Challenger.  While this scenario is promising all by itself I am going to trying and throw in a commercial element for fun. Something that gives it a little bit of pop and energy.

Anyway one of preliminary tasks of a photoshoot is to scout out a location to shoot. Below are a couple of shots from the area I'm thinking of shooting at. Can't wait till next Saturday!

In Christ,

David Price

Black Olive Photographic

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Eureka College - 2010/2011 Faculty Headshots

This past week I photographed the Eureka College faculty staff. Shooting this number of headshots at one time was new things for me. For all my photog friends out there I've posted a pic of my mobile studio.  If you're interested in getting professional headshots for your business or organization please contact me to schedule a shoot!

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Michelle - Artist Shots

Michelle is a graduate of Bradley Universities' musical program. She went on to receive her Masters from Indiana University just this year. Back in the area to visit family she called me up to get a quick session in. I was open the weekend she was planning on being in town and we made it happen. We started off the day down by Peoria's Civic Center capturing a modern set up shots. We then made out way up to Bradley's Dingeldine Music Hall to take advantage of classical pillar entrance. Her plan is to populate her new website with these images. Along with headshots she was interested in getting some shots strictly of her instrument to use throughout the site.

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Maria - Senior

Maria was a blast to work with! Once she got comfortable in front of the camera I couldn't stop taking good pictures of her.  Her session actually turned into a two-parter due to gloomy overcast skies when encountered on our regularly scheduled day. I'm aware that overcast skies are a great natural softbox, but if you want to include said skies in your shot all you get is a horrible white mass.

UPDATE!! Check out our latest package offering for high school seniors!

In Christ,

David Price

Black Olive Photographic

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Lifestyle Photoshoot - Mtn. Biking at Farmdale, IL

A couple days ago I got my lazy butt moving and set out with friends to add some commercial mtn. biking pix for my portfolio. I was shooting for something that would entice people to the recreation and create excitement at the same time. Movement was important. Thanks to my friend Dirk, he was able to hook us up with a great model... TR for the photoshoot.

In Christ,

David Price

Black Olive Photographic

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