Farm Progress Show 2013

Enjoyed my first Farm Progress experience. Having a client with a large booth with my work prominently on display was a big draw, but regardless, it was a great experience. Precision Planting has been a fantastic client for the past couple years. They've brought me on board for a number of creative projects and it was great to see all our work culminate together in their booth this year. Lot's of great stuff!

Van Till Family Farm Winery

Did some work recently for some friends of mine out in Missouri who own their own winery. Needless to say I had a load of fun working on this project and being able to enjoy the product (and props) after the shoot was definitely an added bonus.

Precision Planting Apparel

Here is just a sneak-peek into one of the many projects that have been keeping us busy. 

Once again we had the pleasure of working with our friend, Alex, over at Precision Planting. This time we focused on an apparel shoot for their internal catalog. 

Crazy Couture Community Photo Shoot

Every once in awhile we get the opportunity to connect with the creative community here in Peoria. Collaborative portfolio projects, like this, are a great way to keep creativity fresh, get a little crazy, and just have fun. 

Precision Planting- Products

You will most definitely be seeing more assignments from our friends over at Precision Planting. Precision strives to design and produce after-market agricultural planting implements that improve depth control, singulation, seed environment and yield. The products that are shown here are just a few of the tools which were used in the company's brochures.

Sticks 'n Stones

Here are some images captured for Jera and Brad over at Sticks 'n Stones. The creativity and uniqueness of their products, are loved by all and add a certain personalization to each home or office. 

Season of Growth

Where do I begin? That's actually a question plaguing me for a while now as I pick up the pieces from an extremely busy, but good, 2012. While jobs were coming in and content was piling up, I have been getting increasingly more frantic just trying to keep my head above water. Add on top of it moving into a new office studio space and it has just been insane. I greatly appreciate my clients who have been patient with me during this hectic time. With all this new busy-ness I have been hiring an assistant on a regular basis and am now adding an office manager to the books. Hopefully between the three of us we'll be able to kick this studio into shape and maximize efficiency and get back on schedule. So without any further ado, let me introduce you to the new "crew."

As an aspiring photographer herself and a long-time friend, Sierra was an obvious choice as my assistant. Add her lively personality and mind reading ability and it is even more clear. She brings her own unique perspective to each shoot and helps keep the day light-hearted and on task. Assignments would definitely be a more dull experience without her presence.

It's kind of crazy that I'm putting Lenna in charge of my studio, but for some reason I'm convinced it is a good idea. As another close friend and one who "un-creepily" enjoys keeping tabs on my whereabouts [inside joke], she definitely met the pre-reqs. Considering the fact that she is organized just sweetens the deal! The majority of Facebook and blog content will be coming from her hand so make sure to stay tuned as projects roll through.

And... for those who don't know me. I am the wizard behind the curtain!  My name is David and I've been working at this whole commercial advertising photographer thing for several years now. It has been a hoot and I'm looking forward to many more exciting years before I throw in the towel.

Chicago Tribune- Dan Waibel Designer/Builder

We were so excited to see our clients Dan and Will Waibel, featured in the home section of the Chicago Tribune. They did an excellent job in design and it's continually amazing to see their talents and craftsmanship expressed in each unique project. We were also so excited to see two of our images in print. A big thank you to the Chicago Tribune! Please visit the link below for the full article- here. 

Mackenzie - High School Senior

High school senior photography is just small facet of the photographic work I do, but I do enjoy it. Mackenzie was so much fun to work with. Working with someone who enjoys being in front of the camera as much as I do behind it is always a blessing. Anyway, I hope you enjoy her images.

To see more of our high school seniors visit online at www.blackolivestudios.com

Midwestern Agriculture - Commercial

Here's a new image series I produced to add some variety to my portfolio. I captured some harvesting shots last fall and decided I needed to get some representing the planting process.

There is often a whole lot more going into any given commercial image than a camera man and a subject. As usual I was the photographer in this instance. However, I had considerable help throughout the entire process. Alex Neukomm contributed his creative expertise in the area of art direction. Kevin Schick and Emil Bandy were the farming experts because as you might have guessed I am no farmer. Sierra Candler did a fine job behind the BTS camera. I am looking forward to getting that video together sometime soon. In addition to that I would be remiss in not giving credit Brian Niesen for his excellent farmer modeling skills, to Lenna Candler who helped out with food, and the Schick family for letting us take over their farm for a few hours. With all their help the creation of these images was made possible, thanks!