Special thanks to Joanna & Brett Photography Marrying David in January, I have officially joined the “family business!” As a 3rd grade teacher, I love meeting new people and learning new things and this line of work definitely incorporates those two things! I am excited to update you as we continue to grow Black Olive Photographic. Read to the end to find out about our new expansion of the business!

My experience with photography...

...goes back to my childhood. My baby sister was my first model as I dressed her up, posed her, and used my “sophisticated” digital point and shoot. My love for photography grew as I worked to capture the beauty and patterns in nature -from the incredible vast landscapes to the detail of the flowers. As an adult, in addition to teaching, I became involved in a summer foreign exchange program with students from Spain and France. Naturally we all wanted to document our fun summers and I became the designated group photographer.  We even set up a “senior photo shoot,” as that was not apparently a tradition in Spain.

When I started dating David, we were on a hike and I noticed him taking photos of the landscape. I knew he was a photographer, but I didn’t realize his love for beauty in creation and capturing it. We connected in our passion for the outdoors and the numerous recreation opportunities it provided. On one such hike with David, my role with photography reversed and I played the model for a new backpacking gear. Unbeknownst to us, a year later, we would have an opportunity to work together as photographer and model on an official commercial assignment (Watch for another post -- coming soon -- on this commercial project). 

And now...drumroll please!

Some exciting news!! In addition to weddings and commercial assignments we are excited to offer family and high school senior portrait services. Recently we had a blast working with some close friends of ours. We loved capturing the beauty in the trees changing color as well as the amazing sweet faces of these cute kids and their rock star parents.

Family Photo
High School Senior Family Photo I was really excited to add in some fun props like a little wagon and pumpkins, of course! Having grown up in Morton, IL, the pumpkin capital of the world, pumpkins have to be included in all fall pictures! Our friends also brought some props of their own adding a fun personal touch to their photos. Getting kids to laugh and smile is my forte! Taking cues from parents by singing favorite songs, jumping around, throwing balls in the air, making silly faces and occasionally snapping a few pics myself from a different viewpoint is what you’ll find me up to during these fun photographic escapades. David will be stoically snapping away, readjusting the lights and working his photography magic as he composes these precious moments. 

As we head into winter and a new year, we look forward to booking fun winter family sessions, more weddings, holiday gatherings, senior sessions and more! We hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Special thanks to Joanna & Brett Photography