My clients are often curious about what the 3rdGenBlinds installation process looks like. So, when Kimberton Whole Foods reached out to me with a large-scale project, I knew I wanted someone to document the big day.
I decided to reach out to my pal, Luke O’Brien, who specializes in multimedia production. I love his work with other clients and thought he’d be a great collaborator. Our kids attend the same school, so we already had a familiarity, which made the shoot easy and FUN!
One quality I adore about Luke is how committed he is to his community. In a recent Q&A we had, Luke shared his love for Kimberton and a local project he’s particularly fond of.
Tell me a little about what you do.
My name is Luke O'Brien. I started my own business about two years ago, providing photography and videography production services. Since then, the business has evolved into a marketing/creative agency.
What are some memorable projects you have done?
James A. Cochrane Inc. hired me to produce a mini documentary on the town of Kimberton which I loved because Kimberton is such a cute little town. I grew up there, moved away and now live back there, so it's a special place that's always spoken to me. I also really enjoy shooting music videos! I love getting to work with other artists, hear their music, and watch their creative process.
How did you meet Jess/3rdGenBlinds?
Our daughters both go to The Rosebud Garden at Kimberton Waldorf. It is a magical place not only for our kids but also for us because on top of watching our children get this amazing and unique experience, we get to meet awesome people. (Like Jess!)
What made you want to collaborate together?
I love Jess' energy. Not everyone is great on camera and that can make filming them a challenge. When Jess asked me if I could help her create some content, just from having conversation with her, I could tell she would be great on camera. I also love working local, small businesses like 3rdGenBlinds. It feels good when we all work together and support each other.
You recently captured the Kimberton Whole Foods installation. What was most enjoyable about that experience?
I LOVE Kimberton Whole Foods. I live right up the road from the Kimberton location and it is where I do all my grocery shopping. The owners are amazing, humble people who I'll always support however I can. I know all this because I have done some photo and video work for KWF and I got to meet the people behind the scenes. Everyone is the real deal- genuine, caring, and hard working. So, I think my favorite part was just getting to work in that environment again.
What do you enjoy about working in your local community?
I get my energy from people. I retreat to my home and edit photos and videos for hours on end and then when I get to go out in the world I get stoked because I never know who I am going to meet and who they know and what that connection could lead to. I've met so many amazing people through my work and it makes me excited about future potential projects.
Do you have a favorite image or video from the shoot?
Outtake videos are always fun! Audiences on social media love to see that human element. Other than the outtake video we made, I really like the image of Jess talking with Terry Brett (owner of KWF) because he walked up at a really opportune time and after I got the shot, Jess was so excited!
Do you have any other exciting projects in the works?
Yes. Like 50,000 LOL! I always say to my wife "I just want to clear my plate (check off my to do list)" and she replies "You know as soon as it's clear, it will be full again." She's not wrong. The longer my to-do list gets, the higher my work anxiety gets. However, then I'm driven to knock things out because it lowers my anxiety. It's this double edged sword that I live but I think that characteristic is what makes me good at what I do and allows me to work for myself.
What's a topic you could talk about for hours?
Music. I used to be a musician and one of my favorite questions to ask anyone is "Who are you listening to right now?" My least favorite response is "I listen to a lot of stuff." But yeah, I love when someone is really into an artist. Currently I am really into Olivia Rodrigo's Sour, the new Drake and 21 Savage album Her Loss and the new Lauv album All 4 Nothing. (My daughter and I jam to this one.)
If your life had a soundtrack, what would be on it?
Lots of Jon Bellion, Tom Misch, and J Cole. Also, my own music because I used to sing/rap and had a pretty dope career for a while.