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!

Wedding Videography

To separate our wedding business from our commercial endeavors we have created a special blog just for our wedding videography. By removing the confusion of trying to reach both markets simultaneously we're making it easier for our readers to catch the news that's pertinent to them.

Check it out!

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Another commercial lifestyle photoshoot

Recently hit the country roads with my friend Steven to capture some new commercial images for my portfolio.  Steven was awesome in his color coordinated get-up. If you remember we did a Mtn Biking series back in 2010. This could sort of be considered continuations of that series. I'm hoping to add more "biking" pix to my portfolio over this summer. We'll see if I'm able to get around to it.

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Andrew Blahnik's "Blank Pages" Kick Starter

A good musician friend of mine down in Nashville has launched a Kickstarter project to get his latest album off the ground. If you've watched very many of my wedding videos you've probably heard a song or two of his. Anyway, he's been writing away and is now ready to hit the recording studio, but he needs your help.

His new album is titled "Blank Pages" and he's using a few images I captured for him. Go to his Kick Starter page and make a contribution!

Sneak Peak

Black Olive is excited to announce we're expanding our wedding cinematography to Milwaukee, WI as well as Nashville, TN regions. We're so excited about this expansion that we're actually going to be launching three completely new sites for each region.

We're pretty proud of our videos and have been blessed with an overwhelming response by our brides! We are currently booking for 2012 and 2013. Get in touch if you'd like more information or would like to see if we're available for your date! Keep and eye out for an official launch!

UPDATE: We have just launched out new Wedding Cinematography Blog were we will be discussing all things pertaining to wedding videography. Come and join us!

Check out our YouTube Channel

A portrait of the doctor behind Piggy Paste®

This last December I was assigned by Medical Economics Magazine to photograph a Peoria local for their January 10th issue. The subjects name was Dr. Paul Kinsinger and he brought us Piggy Paste. Dr. Paul was an absolute hoot to work with. He is probably the most down to earth individual I've had the privilege of photographing! Below are a few captures of the final image in Medical Economics Magazine.

To view the entire article click here
To view the entire digital magazine where the picture below are pulled from click here

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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What does wedding videography look like in 2012?

Take a look and join me in congratulating Ben and Brittany in their recent tying of the knot!

UPDATE: We have just launched out new Wedding Cinematography Blog were we will be discussing all things pertaining to wedding videography. Come and join us!



Check out the rest of our videos on YouTube!

BTS featured on fstoppers' Wednesday Rundown

I woke up this morning and checked out fstoppers website to see my name screaming at me in their most recent post. If you're not familiar with fstoppers CHECK THEM OUT! They're a great resource for photographers of all experience levels.


I recently submitted a BTS video to their annual behind the scenes competition. I still haven't heard anything regarding the final results of the contest, but I'd say this is a good sign.

Check it out!

Commercial Lifestyle - Hunting

Tis the season to dawn Realtree® attire, paint your face, and hit the stands in pursuit of that trophy buck. Went out on a rainy thanksgiving weekend with my friend Brad to capture some new images for my portfolio as well as just have fun.

We shot this series with a single battery powered strobe bounced through a small umbrella.

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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New youtube channel...

So I finally set up my official "Black Olive Photographic" youtube channel. I have been piggy-backing off my person account far too long. It just wasn't doing the trick. Anyway, if you haven't subscribed make sure you get on and do it! It's be the best way to keep track of new videos when they're posted.

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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Wedding videography is winding down for 2011

Here are two new wedding montages. With only two videos remaining this year, I'm looking forward to the short break before 2012 season comes around. If you haven't considered videography at your wedding or simply aren't a fan of what's currently available. Check out my service. It's unique and fun. It's a great, yet simple, way to remember and share the essence of your day with friends and family. Join with me in congratulating Erin and Jason and Frank and Jenna.

UPDATE: We have just launched out new Wedding Cinematography Blog were we will be discussing all things pertaining to wedding videography. Come and join us!





In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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More wedding videos...

Delivered two new videos to Katelyn Turner Design + Photography and have two more in the works. Hope you enjoy them!

UPDATE: We have just launched out new Wedding Cinematography Blog were we will be discussing all things pertaining to wedding videography. Come and join us!





In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
Become a fan on Facebook

Jedediah Smith + Peoria, IL + fstoppers.com

As part of a "behind the scenes" (BTS) competition submission for fstoppers.com, Me (Black Olive Photographic) have teamed up with Cellar Media and Justin Dwyer Photography to create something unique in this modern day photography. Rather than finding a young attractive model to grace our camera's lens, or some fast and exciting vehicle, we decided to go in a different direction... Back in time. We chose a fairly unknown historical figure to recreate "plausible" moments from his life. Jedediah Smith was an early American trapper who was known for his exploration of the west. He was a man of high moral grounding and was renowned and respected for his Christian faith and integrity.  Another interesting tid-bit about Jedediah was his commitment to the journaling of his expeditions. He would document his travels and was one of the first recorded individuals to travel to California by land.

His commitment to journaling, I felt, made him an ideal candidate for the fstopper's spotlight. Since BTS is all about education and documentation, Jedediah's habitual journaling fit right in. I hope you enjoy this quick sneak peek of our photo shoot.

(Images Courtesy Cellar Media)

Location: Sommer Park, Edwards, IL

In Christ,
David Price
Black Olive Photographic
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