Need A Gourmet Caterer For Your Next Event?

"Taste by Renee is a gourmet food and catering service in Central Illinois, specializing in brunches, weddings, dinners, cocktail and holiday parties. We provide customized menus to fit your event. Our services allow you to enjoy your event while we take care of the details."

I just received a facebook invite from a friend for "Taste by Renee". Knowing that finding a good caterer for your event can be a challenge I thought I pass their info along. Check out their facebook group!.

In Christ,
David Price

Peirao Group

Peirao - [greek] (pi-rah'-o) - def: "to test", "to attempt", assay.


Formally the Monthly Experimental Shoot, I decided our group of photographers needed something a little cooler to be called. Thus was born the Peirao Group... Our mission is the same, only the name has changed.

Mission:
The Peirao Group was created to bring photographers of all skill levels together. To try, test and share techniques.

What we do:
We don't sell anything... we are a group of enthusiastic photographers coming from every walk of life, bring our own unique perspectives to share with others. It's truly a great experience.

In Christ,
David Price

A New Avenue

This summer I'm embarking into a new area of photography – commercial landscape and architecture. This may seem strange to you those who know me as the portrait enthusiast. If my main photographic passion is taking creative portraits how did I get into home and landscapes? Well... I have a plan and together we're going to see if it plays out.

In Christ,
D.Price

New Business Cards!

Joel and Marcy

Yesterday an old Homeschool friend got married. I had the honor putting together this video of their photography session. Let me know what you think!



In Christ,
D.Price

April Experimental Shoot

Here's the vid from April's Experimental Shoot. Let me know what you think! You can see the entire album here

D.Price

March Experimental Shoot

Hey guys, March has past and with it another awesome experimental shoot. I've posted the video below, but I wanted to say little bit about the people involved. As some of you know, while I do a lot of the organization of these shoots, I can't claim sole ownership of the ideas. I was actually invited to a shoot with a Kyle Plattner in Chicago. A couple of others photographers came along... Seth Lowe and Pete Barth. Since that shoot back in January of 2008 I've met a bunch of other sweet photographers from the area. Some have made it out to the experimental shoots, some haven't.



In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
Studio Blog

Ronald W. Reagan Society Event...

(aka: the Gorbachev Event.)


Results:

That right, It's behind me! For those who didn't know this past weekend I was hired to take pictures of a the prominent former soviet leader during his visit to Central Illinois, but more specifically his visit and support of the newly established Ronald W. Reagan Society at Eureka College. This particular society is intended to maintain the living legacy of Ronald Reagan through the work at Eureka College.

Starting at 9:30 I arrived at the college to figure out credentials and such before the ________ hit the fan. Gorbachev was planned to arrive at 11am in his motorcade. and take a brief walk through the campus, stopping momentarily at the Ronald Reagan Peace Garden and then continuing on into the Reagan Museum. This particular part went by very quickly and I must add that reporters are an interesting breed of people. I'll leave it at that.

Once we got to the museum, Gorbachev was given a private tour, private from the press, I was still allowed take photos of the event. After which Gorbachev was directed into a small room for Lunch and a phone call with Nancy Reagan. This was the coolest experience of the day. Being able to witness the conversation take place via the speaker phone and watch Gorbachev's expression changes throughout the conversation. Incredible.

The rest of the day was exciting, but nothing measured up to the telephone conversation. You can view the entire day at the link below or by simple clicking the picture above!

Gorbachev Event Gallery

In Christ,
David Price

A Big Event

Hello, just wanted to share some cool news. After getting back from a meeting in Eureka Illinois I found out that I will be the "official" photographer for the Mikhail Gorbachev event. Along with this title comes a lot of responsibility, as you can imagine. If you're not familiar with the event you can check out the details here >> Eureka College This event will span, roughly, a 12 hour period. From 10 am to 10 pm. So without saying anything else, it will be a long day requiring a lot of stamina.

In Christ,
David Price

Nikon D90

I'm in the process of looking at the pros and cons of upgrading to a Nikon D90 later on spring. As a photographer, this camera offers some nice upgraded features from its predecessor the D80. However, I'm also looking at it with some hopes that it would be able to double for some video projects as well. It is well known in my circles that the D90 shoots video. It is also well known that it has it's limitations. While I won't bore you with the details I have found a couple of video's online which demonstrate the D90s video function.

Take a look and let me know what you think

This first video's B-footage was shot with the D90 other footage such as the interviews I believe were shot with another camera.

Unbreakable Glass from Carl Merriam on Vimeo.

This is another cool vid that shows off the Nikon D90s video capabilities.

Paris - D90 from SPP on Vimeo.


This video was shot entirely on the D90. But that's missleading, they had a few camera add-ons that I wouldn't able to afford.

Doug Burr's "Should've Known" from Jon Todd Collins on Vimeo.

And yet another cool D90 Vid!


Let me know what you think!

D.Price

eCommerce instituted

For an event coming up, the client requested that I provide the capability for their guest to purchase event photos. with 1000 guest the traditional method (email) would not be cool. I did some looking around and found the eCommerce solution I'm planning on going with. Zenfolio.com, You can view my account at blackolivestudios.zenfolio.com. I currently have one test album up, but you're are more than welcome to purchase any of the photos if you feel so inclined.

Anyway, I would love some feedback on this new addition to the Black Olive Photographic web family. Let me know!

In Christ,
D.Price

February Experimental Shoot

So... as you saw from my previous post I participated in another monthly experimental shoot. Well, for those interested, here's a video from the experience.



If you're interested in participating in future shoots drop me a comment on my site

In Christ,
David Price

Shooting in Peoria

So my title is a little misleading, while I don't think Peoria's crime rate is the greatest statistic I don't think anybody was shot (with a gun) Saturday. I'm actually referring to a photography. As you know I try and get out and shoot with a group of photographers. This event is what I've been calling "Experimental Shoots" (It needs a new name, have any suggestions?).

Anyway it was cold this past weekend, but the shots acquired made it well worth it! Check em out at the links below and let me know what you think!

Facebook Gallery

Photo Blog

Black Olive Photographic Gallery

Thoughts on Point and Shoots

This was a bit of an experiment. The driving cause for this shoot was a pressing school assignment... 5 years ago. The reason for its reprisal was the interest in showing the capabilities of point&shoots as well as the the ability of 4 megapixel cameras. I get questions a lot from individuals interested in getting into photography and while I don't have a lot of experience under my belt I feel confident enough help those interested in making the leap to the DSLR. With the prices constantly lowering there is more an more reasons to upgrade, but the argument that the point&shoot just isn't cutting it is generally way off base. I used a Nikon Coolpix 4300, bought for $550 new back in 2004 and I used that puppy for a good two years or more. It still works today! This picture was shot with that camera and while isn't anything special I would place it up there on the level of my current work. Cameras are just tools! Spend time on a point and master it's features and then think about upgrading. If you don't know exactly the capabilities of your point and shoot don't bother with a DSLR it won't help.

In Christ,
David Price

AskDane.com

So i've been a constant beneficiary of professional photographer information dumps and AskDane.com is just another great resource. Like Chase Jarvis, Dane Sanders is a great working professional photographer interested in sharing what he's learned with those just getting started. I got familiar with Dane from his previous video series called "The Simple Photo Minute" and now AskDane is simply a continuation of that great project. I hope you enjoy and find his videos helpful like I have done.

AskDane.com



In Christ,
D.Price

Nikon D3 1/2

So in my journey across cyberspace I came across this beauty! For me, this is really cool. However, I understand if you are completely horrified or bored by the subject. Regardless, I hope you enjoy it. =)

Nikon D3 1/2

In Christ,
D.Price

Share on Facebook...

So if you're like me you're probably curious as to why your seeing little facebook logos all around the internet. Like on BestBuy online. If you're looking at a product you'll soon notice the little bitty facebook link near by.

These links have a purpose and if you haven't experimented with them yet, here's your opportunity! These are facebook share links. They allow viewers to quickly share the site/product their looking at to all or just a select group of friends on facebook. The reason I bring this up is I just recently (last night) integrated these babies into my site's homepage and blog. Check em out! and if you haven't tried them yet, knock yourself out and start share my sites with your friends!




Black Olive Photographic
Black Olive Blog

I'm always curious to know you think! Voice your thoughts concerning both this post and my new little additions!

In Christ,
David Price

January Experimental Shoot

So a bunch of photogs got together a week or so ago and shoot around Pekin Illinois.... Here's the resulting video! Enjoy!



Leave you thoughts and comments! Also let me know if you're interested in coming along to the next outing!

In Christ,
David Price!

In regards to...

... real photography production, I'll have to turn to Chase Jarvis. I posted some of the stuff that's kept me busy throughout 2008. In light of this guy's activities, mine are pretty insignificant. However, if you are at all like me, you'll enjoy these videos just for the sake of the awesome photography and skill. Enjoy!

Original Post









In Christ,
David Price

Looking forward!

This is kind of a "sum up" post for 2008. What have I learned? Are you ready?

The power of collaboration is the single most greatest thing I learned or rather recognized this past year. I started off this year with a trip to Chicago with a bunch of fellow photographers from this area. The intent... to experiment and share photographic techniques and tricks. Collaborate on perspectives and grow. This was just the beginning of continued "experimental shoots" throughout the year...
Pottstown, IL
Peoria, IL
Glasford & Kingston Mines, IL
Peoria Heights, IL
Waynesville, IL
Decatur, IL
Centerville, TN
Bloomington, IL
Normal, IL
Bloomington, IL.

Looking back at this past year provides so much excitement for this coming year!

2008 has been, by far, the greatest learning year since I started taking pictures and I anticipate 2009 being even better! In addition to everything that I've learned I've had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with so many great local photographers who have each taught me a little something. Thanks! and I'm looking forward to more great times!

Here are a couple

In Christ,
David Price

Reformation Day ...at last!

It's taken me a while to get these ready for viewing by the world. But I have at last completed the collection. This, of course, means I'll be mailing out the CDs to everybody who ordered very shortly (waiting on a couple of prints). If you're interested in purchasing a Photo CD please send me an email via the contact page on my site. The CD's are $10 That would be the most convenient.

In Christ,
David Price

Steve McCurry

So I recently came across this photographer, which I have to say, I'm impressed with his artistic ability to capture a emotion in its natural environment. This is an art form that I have been facinated with recently. Please take some time to really look through his galleries.

Great Stuff!

Steve McCurry

In Christ,
D.Price

www.blackolivestudios.com/blog

So I have attached a photo blog to my studio site. The purpose of this site is to notify people of new photo additions to my site. Since it has RSS capability you can subscribe and keep tabs on new stuff that I put up.

Anyway I posted a while back linking to a wordpress site (which I will probably be closing). That site was too hard to work and configure to match the overall style of my site. ...So I decided on going with something a little different. Anyway I would love to hear what you think so give a shout out!

DP

Breaking the trend.

So I went shooting with a brunch of buds like I've done on several occasions. However, the main difference this time was the 4:1 ratio of photographers to models. Not only was there not a whole lot of elbow room to squeeze in and shoot with my wideangle, but the model was getting exponentially more uncomfortable by the minute.

I decided to grab my telephoto and step back a bit and squeeze my shots in between everyone. I have posted a gallery with the photos I got. Let me know what you think.

DP

Behind...

Well I have been doing things these past couple days... weeks. Anyway here are a couple of shoots I've done.

Small Town



Rain


Parking Garage

Some changes

I am planning on making a move to a new blog location. While I make my plans I intend to try some designs and see how they are recieved. To see what I am currently considering please visit the new location.

In some ways this is like an open house, but please let me know what you think. I am not completely set on this new look, but a couple of reason I like is its big picture. The purpose of the blog will be changing and has been changing slowly. I will be using it to keep my friends notified and up-to-date on projects. Basically I am connecting my blog with my studio - Black Olive Photographic and all the cool things that I have been learning in the world of photography. Basically it will be a means for you too keep informed on what I'm working on.

So now that you have the background for the moving... let me know what you think!

Link to "New Location"

the trip to Decatur, IL...

... was awesome!



I think I got pictures of everyone in my gallery so you can see who all came. We spent the first part of the day at an old gas station and then moved to an awesome vine covered wall nearby. We then moved to downtown area and shot some more! Great day. I was happy with my catch.

Decatur, IL gallery

Enjoy!
DP

The best way to learn something...

...is to teach someone else. Kinda interesting how that all works.

With this I would like to encourage all those who are interested in photography to ask questions and insist on feedback. I draw my inspiration from other photographers. One cool thing about photography is that it is an art form which means "we" the photographers have the final say in how the photograph should look. We don't have to listen to others, but it is always good to know what your photos are saying to people. Get feedback!

Photography is like writing. You can always improve your technique and expand your knowledge base from which to draw ideas from. Like writing, photography communicates. Just like writing you can communicate something very simply or spend a lot of time and be complex. Both are great, but there needs to be variety. Sometimes there is a need for a simple statement, but often times is after something vary complex. Elaborate sentances mixed in with the simple, straight-forward statements. The same is true for photography. Simple is nice and pleasing, but having variety is better. Mix it up!


Now I wouldn't suggest something without offering a easy solution. If you haven't heard yet MovingTruth.com, a ministry with the purpose to bring Christians artist together to share ideas works really well for this kind of thing. Registration is free which means there is NO excuse.


If I haven't made it blantently obvious already I'll just come out and say it. If you have question concerning photography, photoshop, or anything else relating to images I would love to help if I can. While I'm by no means the all-knowing photography genius. I would like to help if I can.

A couple of photography resources which have help and inspired me are...

www.movingtruth.com
www.strobist.com
www.cutframetv.net
www.jeremycowart.com (careful)
www.joeyl.com (careful)
www.kyleplattner.com
www.greenephotographs.com
www.danesanders.com

In Christ,
DP

p.s. if you found this post hard, down right painful, or boring to read then I have made my point - "photography techique like writing can always be improved. However if NOT improved then others suffer!"

Going soft

So... this coming Monday I have an opportunity to expand my 'commercial' portfolio. I will be taking an insane amount of pictures. In preparation I have manufactured some softboxes. Using large cardboard boxes, foil, tape, and white trashbags, I was able to create a couple of different styles of softboxes. Here is my final box which was designed to fit my studio strobe unit.




If you're not aware... the objective behind softboxes is to make the light source large. This 'softens' the light meaning it 'softens' the shadows. Here are a couple samples.







Here are two similar shots to demonstrate the benefits of soft "off camera" lighting compared to "on camera".

On Camera

Off Camera

Johnny's Coffee House Concert

Last evening I had an opportunity to attend a Johnny's Coffee House concert. I'v had previous intentions to attend one of these, but never could get it to work with my schedule. For those unfamiliar... Johnny's Coffee House is located in Metamora, IL and hosts, on a regular occasion, indy bands both local and from neighboring towns. While I generally don't have a interest for this style of music... the performances do offer great photo opps.

I have posted a gallery on my site if you're interested in taking a look.

Johnny's Coffee House Gallery

To provide some insight into how I set up these shots. I placed a single flash behind my subjects and moved it from either side of the stage depending on who I was trying to get a picture of. I used this like to make my subjects pop or to add color to the photos. I used the house's stage lights as my primary light source. This is the light that exposes the faces of the musicians.

DP

Practice makes perfect...

...or at least you get really good at doing something wrong. Thankfully with photography there isn't really a way to it "wrong". Photography, like any art forms is successful when the artist is happy. However, as a photography I always consider there to be room for improvement whether it be generaly technical knowledge or broader creativity.

At the beginning of this year I have started to regularly make time for personal experimentation. While shooting jobs is fun, there is a lot of freedom in doing your own stuff. Here are some galleries from past excursions.

Chicago, IL January 8th, 2008

Pottstown, IL February 15th, 2008

Glasford/Kingston Mines, IL June 7th, 2008

Downtown Peoria, IL June 28th, 2008

Main St. Peoria, IL June 30th, 2008

Fireworks July 3rd, 2008

Grandview Dr. Peoria, IL July 12th, 2008

Future Shoots:

Decatur, IL August 9th, 2008

Nashville, TN and surrounding area August 16th, 2008 (tenative)

If you're a photographer of any level and have an interest in joining me leave me a comment. Also, photographers like myself like to have people to photograph. While I am unable to pay models I am willing to offer pictures as payment.

New Look

Recently Black Olive Photographic, the photography studio I work under, has received a face lift. Along with the much needed update... new photos have also been added and will be continued to be added. Take a look!

Black Olive Photographic

Independence Day

Happy 4th!

Bag Light

Ultimate cheap fashion I have started using a grocery sack for light diffusion and have had a lot of fun doing so... You can check out my article le concerning how my setup is configured... It's real complicated! Here are some pictures I took over the weekend! Enjoy! and let me know what you think.















DP