Find a little HOPE and support FFP

Greetings!

Update:
Round One (April) Winner goes to Madison Multisport! Thank you for the support! Our May campaign has started - 20 orders by JUNE!

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As the event industry shifts during this difficult time, I am actively looking for ways Focal Flame can continue to support its community and team. We are sorry we’re unable to serve you at races right now. We wish, just as much as you, we were celebrating everyones accomplishments at the finish line. The conditions are not ideal, but Focal Flame is doing our best to be positive and provide HOPE to our community.

For us to continue and serve YOU, there is an easy way for you to support us. You can buy prints and/or products from any past Focal Flame supported event! Of course the high res digital is free, and that will never change, but what better way to provide HOPE than a physical print or product?  Display it in your home to motivate you, bring inspiration, a sense of “we’ve got this” into your life! This has ALWAYS been our mission. To provide hope and support to our community, our clients, and our team.

If you need more incentive (yes, it is fun AND competitive) we are giving away a free photo session the person OR local team / company that has the most print orders starting today until May 1st. We know you’re competitive, so stretch those muscles to win this super sweet prize. 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: 

1. Head to www.focalflamestore.com and locate photos with YOU, friends, or family

2. Click “BUY” in the top right corner and select your desired products.

3. *IMPORTANT* Email clint@focalflame your order number and team name!

4. Once you have your print, mug, magnets - snap where you display them and tag #FFPrint!

OUR GOAL, well… our finish line is 20 orders before June 1. 

Thank you for helping us reach it, please send this out to your team, friends, or family AND by ordering prints. This allows us to bring your past moments back into your life, remind us all there is HOPE, and provides financial support for our team to come back and capture future moments for you again.

We are here to help with the process or questions and thank you!

Clint

Thank you for your support during the COVID19 pandemic

As the reality of the COVID19 pandemic sets in for our community, we wanted to take a moment to openly say THANK YOU to all who have reached out to us to offer your support. The entire DNA of this company is to push hard, serve our clients, innovate, and create (and then to push a little harder). Truth is, when we have to stop, it runs counter to our DNA and makes for VERY difficult days for our crew - but we are committed to the health of those we serve. Your safety is foremost in our mind. Our commitment to our partners, clients and community is steadfast. So is our commitment to #striving. 

Like other small businesses in the area we are adjusting to the new, surreal state of affairs while helping our staff weather the storm. Here are a few ways you can help us help our staff during the COVID19 situation:

1.) Consider buying a print or other fun merchandise from a past event. Proceeds from tangible items like a print, a coffee mug, magnets, or countless other items - that helps us help our staff. And at this moment in time, having something in hand to remind you of your favorite run, bike ride or triathlon gives much-needed hope and meaning as a memory of better days. Head over to www.focalflamestore.com and if you need help finding an image - let us know.

2.) If your family or business needs portraits, or commercial photography / videography after the Stay At Home order lifts, we will provide a 15% discount on projects that are booked now. You can also donate a project for your favorite nonprofit at a 15% discount - we would LOVE to tell their story! Contact clint@focalflame.com with your ideas and we can provide options.

3.) Need some one-on-one online training in photography, how to operate your camera, photo editing, photo file management, or iPhone photo or video apps? We can provide virtual training by the hour with any of our skilled staff at 15% discount on that service as well. Email clint@focalflame.com and we will set up personalized training. 

4.) We have YEARS of live-streaming experience and can help your business get events online with a professional look - and without hassle or concerns about technical problems. We also have expertise in applications like WebEx and Zoom and - coupled with our videography experience - we can make your staff look and sound great, or help with technology issues for those critical BIG meetings and events. Contact clint@focalflame.com with details and we will come up with solutions.

5.) Support our partners as best as you can. Continue to support the endurance event industry by supporting Race Day Events, Madison Marathon, Girls On The Run, Trek100, Scenic Shore 150, The Ride, Door County Triathlon, and countless others that are persevering through difficult times. Our commercial clients like Destination Madison also have great tips on how to support the local community. Helping our clients is always our first priority!

Last… please take care of yourself and your loved ones. Please take steps to be healthy and strong. Get outside safely, stretch, eat well, and take care of those who need help. We love you, Madison. We miss you.  Keep #striving. We can’t wait to get back out there and see you in action. 

Thank you,

Clint, Mer, Josh, Alicia, and the entire Focal Flame team

Madison Fall Gallery Night: Focal Flame presents "Beyond Athletics" on October 6, 2017

Twice a year, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) organizes a gallery night with participating artists all over the city. Focal Flame Photography is honored to participate in #MadGalleryNight on Friday, October 6 from 5-9 pm at our east side studio location, 303 S Paterson St, Suite 2, Madison, WI, just off of Williamson Street.

In this pop-up show entitled Beyond Athletics, the visual artists of Focal Flame Photography turn their eyes and keen sense of timing to subjects other than their standard repertoire of sports. Madison photographer Tom McInvaille served as juror.

Parking is available in the adjacent lot and as designated by street signs in the area. All prints will be available for purchase (cash or check only, please). A reception with appetizers and drink will be offered; kindly RSVP. To download a brochure of all 2017 Fall Gallery Night locations, click here.

Each artist is a member of the Focal Flame photography team. A listing of artists, samples of work, and 1-sentence artists' statements appears below.

Nolan Ferlic

Revealing Sun by Nolan Ferlic. Artist Statement: “Everything in various stages of decay."

Tom Harcarik

A Dancer by Tom Harcarik. Artist statement: "Through various styles, exploring the concept of using photography to show us the rarely seen, or commonly seen in a new way."

Will Hughes

Zenith by Will Hughes. Artist statement: "Juxtaposition - the act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side often to compare or contrast or to create an interesting effect."

Don Newton

Eye of the Eagle by Don Newton. Artist's statement: "Beauty is in the eye of the subject."

Clint Thayer

Submission 3 by Clint Thayer. Artist's statement: "Submission: the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person."

Josh Zytkiewicz

Emily by Josh Zytkiewicz. Artist's statement: "I create pictures that I want to look at."

From Our Team: Getting Your Best Race Photos

Sunny day, a beautiful backdrop, and mid-course smiles. Perfect timing! (c) 2017 Focal Flame Photography | Credit: Brett Stepanik

Biking on a direct trajectory yields the best shot. (c) 2017 Focal Flame Photography | Photo credit: Clint Thayer

You’ve worked hard to prepare and perform in your event, and we want you to have the best photos to preserve your memories of your accomplishment. So we, the photographers and editors at Focal Flame Photography, would like to share some tips from our team to help make your photos awesome.

One way to help us frame a good individual photo of you is to try to “isolate yourself when you get near the photographer,” according to photographer Don Newton. To do this,“try to get to the edge of the pack,” suggests Focal Flame Photography co-founder and photographer Clint Thayer.

According to Newton, running or biking toward (but not into) the photographer gives the best angle for the shot. It is not necessary to lean in or aim your path directly into the camera in an attempt to get a good photo or a close-up. Leaning or veering won't result in the effect you are seeking, and it may prevent the photographer from getting good photos of the people around you.

Some people want to be photographed with a certain gesture such as a thumbs-up or (for Badger fans) hands placed in a "W."  Others want to capture themselves leaping into the air. For those photos, Newton suggests, "The ideal distance to pose is between 5-10 yards away from the photographer. People tend to hit their pose too early. If you want a good jumping photo, tell the photographer 1-2 seconds before you jump to give us slight forewarning, and we'll be ready to frame the shot.”

If you are running with someone else and would like to have both of you in a picture together, it's also a great idea to signal your intent to the photographer.  Thayer says, “Holding hands is a GREAT way to indicate pairing. Running very close to each other is the next best. “

Editors Glenda and Suellen Adams are runners themselves, and have learned a little about getting better finish line photos. “I have a tendency to drop my head when I am tired,” Suellen says.  And Glenda admits to a tendency to check her Garmin as she crosses the finish line.  “Heads up at the finish line makes for a better finish photo,” they agree, “so you might want to think about holding your head up. Avoid the 'watch check' or 'finish line selfie' photo - whatever you do at the line is what the photographer will capture.”  And as for that selfie at the finish line, Thayer reminds participants that “90 percent of the events we do offer free photos, and we get them online in less than 12 hours. It will be a better photo than you'll be able to capture with your phone, so feel free to just take in the moment and enjoy your experience.”

Members of a first-place triathlon relay team make it clear they are together, allowing a great group shot at the finish line. (c) 2017 Focal Flame Photography | Photo credit: Josh Zytkiewicz

Sometimes you have great photos from the event, but can't find them. There are some simple things you can do to make sure your will be able to find your photo after the event.  Photos are tagged with your race or bib number, but it’s impossible to tag you if your number is not visible.   

Hold your head up and enjoy your day!  (c) 2016 Focal Flame Photography | Credit: Don Newton

New runners sometimes do not realize that the bib should be pinned to the front of whatever you are wearing, not the back. A visible bib is critical for identifying you in your photos.  In many races, the bib also contains your race-timing chip, which makes it particularly important for it to be in front so it triggers as soon as you cross the line.  If your bib is attached to a race belt, sometimes it will shift and rotate around your body, so it is a good idea to check and slide it back around from time to time.

Sometimes you run a race that requires that you wear layers or a change of clothes. Try to predict what layer will be on the outside, especially at the finish. Or wear a race belt and make sure the number is always on the outside of whatever you are wearing. Sometimes despite your best efforts, the number gets covered up, so be sure to check galleries containing unidentified photos, too.

In races like triathlons that use body marking, where your bib number is written on arms and legs so it's visible during the swim portion, encourage the volunteer who is writing the numbers to make the characters large and clear.  "When you talk to the volunteer who's doing body marking, ask them to make the marking on the front part of the arm,” says Thayer. This will give a better angle for readability in the image.

Finally, Newton suggests, “Smile! (If you're into that sort of thing).” Of course, not every race is going to result in a smile at every moment. Some race days are just plain tough. When your inner fighter shows through, it can make some of the best images. Racing is not about modeling on the runway, it's about modeling what's important in life.

“Above all else," says Thayer, "enjoy your event and take pride in knowing that you set a goal and worked hard to achieve it. THAT will show in any image taken at any angle.”

- by Suellen Adams

Focal Flame Photography serves events throughout the Midwest and beyond by providing photo and video production services. We capture high-impact images of people #striving for their goals. Know of a race you'd like us to be involved with? Please mention Focal Flame to the event organizer! Are you a race director interested in working together? Contact us by email or online.

Press Release: Wisconsin Gran Fondo Series Chooses Focal Flame Photography

PRESS RELEASE: WISCONSIN GRAN FONDO SERIES CHOOSES FOCAL FLAME PHOTOGRAPHY

Madison, WI —- Cyclists in the Wisconsin Gran Fondo Series, an epic rural cycling series in an area described by Bicycling Magazine as “cycling nirvana,” will receive free FocalShare™ digital photos this year due to a partnership between race organizer SkylusSport and professional photography and video production firm Focal Flame Photography.     

"Recognizing Wisconsin Gran Fondo Series participants' dedication, passion, and commitment to cycling is paramount for us, and we wanted to make sure that photo and videos from the WGFS events matched this level of dedication. Focal Flame exceeds all other service providers we've seen both nationally and locally in terms of quality and speed," said Russel Larson, Director, SkylusSport LLC.

The picturesque backdrop for the race photos will be the natural beauty of the Driftless Region, an area where Ice Age glaciers carved a cyclist’s playground of bluffs, ravines, coulees and lowlands. This terrain is the site of all three 2017 Wisconsin Gran Fondo races: Tour de Coulee on June 10 near La Crosse, Wisconsin, the Circus Gran Fondo on July 8 near Baraboo, Wisconsin, and the Dairyland Dare on August 12 near Dodgeville, Wisconsin.

Within the event industry, Focal Flame Photography is known for exceptionally high-impact images, unheard-of 24-h turnaround time, and innovative delivery solutions including the FocalShare™ iOS app which allows 1-touch sharing of branded event photos to social media platforms. 

“Our team is laser-focused on creating images and video that celebrate striving in action,” said Clint Thayer, co-owner and lead photographer, Focal Flame Photography. “We have ridden these hills ourselves and know what an accomplishment it is to conquer them. It’s an honor to document the visual journey of Wisconsin Gran Fondo racers, and we look forward to crafting their photos with the same speed and spirit with which they approach the event.”

About the Wisconsin Gran Fondo Series

Launched for the 2017 cycling season, the Wisconsin Gran Fondo Series (WGFS) is designed to offer the ultimate in midwestern hospitality and road cycling challenges wrapped into a premier series of rides that cater to the abilities and interests of cycling enthusiasts from novice to elite professional. "Unlike other large-scale series rides or stage races around the U.S., we've elected to only launch two new rides this year to maintain our respect for other well operated events throughout our region," says Event Director Russel Larson of SyklusSport. Larson comments, "Furthermore, by offering different distances, we expect to support participation in other events by providing fully-supported venues through which riders can confidently prepare. And, we look forward to continuing our mission of supporting community organizations within the WGFS territory."

About SyklusSport 

SyklusSport LLC, organized in early 2015, is an event management company with staff relying on two decades of event management experience, specializing in the production of road cycling events. In addition to the annual production of a small core of events that it owns, SyklusSport LLC provides professional consulting services to other organizations wishing to produce premier-class, participant based events.

About Focal Flame Photography

Established in 2010, Madison, Wisconsin-based Focal Flame Photography LLC provides photography and video production services throughout the Midwest and beyond. Through high-impact photography and videography integrated with marketing support, Focal Flame Photography captures the visual journey of people who are #striving to accomplish their goals in their personal lives, their businesses and organizations, and their communities. Our staff of 12 offers sport event photography, drone videography (FAA-certified), commercial photography and videography for businesses and nonprofits, subcontracted services for agencies, and professional headshot portraits for solo employees to hundreds of staff members. 
 

Run Madtown: What’s In a Name?

Run Madtown is a vibrant celebration of summer in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo (c) 2016 Focal Flame Photography | Credit: Larry Iles

Run Madtown 2017 is an inaugural race with a 43-year history.

Confused? Here’s how it came to be: the first runner-organized marathon in Madison happened in 1974, when 59 runners looped twice around Lake Monona. Except for a few gaps, annual Madison marathon races continued for decades. From the mid-1990s onward, a traditional half-marathon and marathon were held in Madison on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend—the least weekend in May.

And then things started to heat up. Literally. The number of participants rose, and so did early summer temperatures. Heat advisories in 2006 and 2010 derailed the plans of many runners, and in 2012 the full marathon course option was canceled days before the race on the advice of medical directors. With the thermometer hitting 94 degrees F, heat stroke and heat exhaustion would have been inevitable for 99 percent of the marathon field.

Moving the full marathon to Veteran’s Day weekend in November, 2013 was a logical choice. Early November is excellent timing for a marathon from a weather standpoint and as a classic, end-of-season capstone event. Memorial Day weekend continued to host a half-marathon on Sunday, with the addition of a popular Saturday evening Twilight 10K and 5K that launched in 2012.

But this left a conundrum: What do you call the spring event? “We used Spring and Fall, May and November. We kept the same name (Madison Marathon) for both weekends but changed the colors of the logo to red for November, keeping the blue for May. But it was confusing, because there was no marathon offered in May; some people would register for the Half in May when they really wanted the Half in November,” explained Rita Kelliher, president, Madison Festivals Inc., the nonprofit entity that owns and operates the event.

So starting in 2017, the name of the Memorial Day event is being inspired by what a survey of runners said they loved most about it. “The survey results were really clear,” said Kelliher. “The spring event is a friendly, approachable distance that’s perfect for newer runners, and also a great early-season building race for runners working toward longer events.”

The addition of the Twilight races has added a festive, community celebration as well—a chance to see the beautiful night-lit State Capitol building, and take joy in warmer evenings after a long Wisconsin winter. A vibrant new logo with bold colors corresponds to the energy of the weekend.

Runners are enthusiastic about the change. "Run Madtown's new name reflects the festival-like atmosphere that helps kick off the running season. It celebrates the sport and fun behind what racing should be," said Madison-based runner Steve Donovan.

It’s all about action: there’s nothing better than shaking out the legs with a few thousand friends over Memorial Day weekend, so it's only fitting that the race name kicks off with a verb.

What do we do when summer arrives in Madison? We Run Madtown.  

Focal Flame Photography is honored to serve as official photographers for Run Madtown on May 27-28, 2017. All runners will receive free FocalShare™ digital race photos courtesy of the event organizers. For more information or to register, visit Run Madtown.

The Video Production Process: Role Of The Creative Brief

So you've decided to start the video production process for visual storytelling of your organization—or perhaps you're considering this in the near future. Our team can't wait to work with you!  Let's examine the process, starting with the creative brief.

A what, you ask? Don't worry. The creative brief has nothing to do with either briefcases or underwear. It's a document that is co-created by your team and our team, breathing life into the project and ensuring that your video stays true to its original aim. 

Initially, we consult with you to determine the intended audience for your video (it's critical that the audience is defined specifically!), the purpose or objective of the video, and how you will use it. This consultative process begins with a detailed questionnaire that defines the length of your video, key points, topics or phrases that should and should not be included, the primary and secondary message, and details about the audience and specifics of objective information that may need to be included. Clarifying the answers to these questions may seem time-consuming at first, but the information is essential to making the project run smoothly in the end. Often, clients find that the questions spark internal discussion; coming to a consensus at an early stage is important. 

Once these elements are agreed upon, our team develops a creative brief to guide in the creation of the video, and circulates it to you for review. Think of the creative brief as a blueprint that encompasses your goals for the project and guides the creative team. The creative brief lays out a detailed plan to bring your message to your intended audience. It is generally laid out in three sections: specifications, treatment and storyline.

Specifications

The first section briefly describes the type of video that will be created (click here for examples of video types).  It also specifies the intended target audience (and any secondary audiences) and the expected length of the video. The detailed description of the audience will help inform storytelling techniques, because every audience is different. Tactics that work with a business-to-business video describing your services wouldn't necessarily be appropriate for a video about a consumer product aimed at adults under the age of 30, for example. 

Treatment

In this section, specifics of the video concept are laid out.  The video may be given a working title to drive the concept, and the "feel" or emotional impact will be described.  Details of the setting, background video and music are established.  Spokespersons or actors may be defined—will you use a spokesperson or professional actors? If voiceover narration is used, will the voice actor be male or female, younger or older, and what qualities will their voice possess? What type of background music will be used to set the tone?

Finally, the video and its message are broken down into pieces or phases. Often, phases are named internally for reference and are explored further in the final section of the creative brief. For example, some videos take a problem + solution format, while others build continuously to a dramatic finish.

Storyline

This final section provides details on how each phase of the video will be executed. While it's not a full script (that will come during the next phase of production), you can think of the storyline as a guide that describes essential details of message, imagery, dialogue or voiceover, and audio, including background music. It also maps out timing and transitions for each section, helping all members of the team gain a sense of how the video will flow. For each section there is a clear reiteration of what part of the message will be delivered in this phase, as well as how much time will be devoted to it. The final component of the storyline is a strong conclusion or call to action, ensuring that the message of your video will resonate with your audience and explicitly prepare them to act on that message.

So there you have it: the video creative brief, demystified. It's an invaluable tool to help make sure that your video is effective and does exactly what it's intended to do. Don't be afraid to "kick the tires" of the creative brief if the creative process itself makes you think of the project in a new light. Making certain that the video concept is clear from the beginning will pay off tremendously when it comes time for filming. 

Thinking about incorporating video into your marketing strategy? The Focal Flame video production team offers flexible solutions. With marketing professionals, scriptwriters, videographers, sound engineers, and video editors on staff, each project is tailored to your need. Contact us today!

- by Suellen Adams

Video for Every Purpose: 10 Different Types of Video

Perhaps you're thinking about using video marketing for your business or organization, but you don’t know just exactly what you want. Here are ten common types of video that can be effective in marketing your products and services.

Talking head video

This familiar video format is what many of us think of when we think "video."  It includes a spokesperson and uses the standard head-and-shoulders camera shot, with the person speaking directly to the camera. Talking head videos are popular because they work well for a variety of purposes, from an introduction to a direct appeal.

Interview

Or, you can add another person to the mix and do some Q and A. You can either include both interviewer and interviewee on screen, or do it “news style” with the questioner out of the picture while the spokesperson answers the questions. In the latter case, the interviewer's can be edited out; the end result is the spokesperson responding to a series of prompts. This can be helpful because the speaker doesn't necessarily have to memorize lines or read from a prompter. To add visual interest, scene footage (called "b-roll") can be added. 

Video Tip Series

To increase online visibility, it's helpful to have a a series of very short videos. These are terrific for social media, because each one is a bite-sized amount of information that users enjoy watching while they look at their social media feeds. Creating a videos series of tips about your using your product or service can also work to establish your expertise in the field.

Testimonials

Testimonials can be a very powerful way of attracting people to your product, service, or cause. People we admire or relate to can influence us, and help reassure us about trying something new. Testimonials have the potential to connect with and influence potential customers.

Tutorial or "explainer" videos

Explainer or tutorial videos show someone how to do something more efficiently. These videos allow customers to see what it is they want to do in action by instructing or illustrating a concept. Tutorial videos serve to establish your company’s expertise and authority in a specific area, and when well-done, they do so in a captivating way.

Product reviews and demonstrations

How-to videos and video reviews of specific products or services are always a solid and popular choice for enhancing your online presence. Why are product review and product demo videos so popular? Because they work. Customers tend to have more confidence in their purchases if they have had a chance to see it working and/or hear about it from an experienced user beforehand.

Video public service announcement (PSA)

The combination of audio and visuals in video is an excellent way to affect people in a very powerful way by sharing information that directly impacts them, often by providing health or safety tips. Be clear and compelling - but you can also be creative, too. Through video, it's possible to evoke emotion while providing information. Together, this makes the information you share even more memorable.

Tour of location or facilities

Customers and potential customers often like to see behind the scenes.  Tours of your organization’s location or facilities can give them that peek. Or try a "day in the life" format, where you give a firsthand view of your profession, business, or organization from one person's perspective. It's a great way to draw people in by engaging their curiosity. 

Culture Videos

These days customers and donors care as much about why your organization does what it does, as they do about what you actually are doing. Video is a great way to show off your team,  your organizational culture, and your passion for your business and the people you interact with.

RAH RAH Video

Sometimes known as a sizzle video, a "rah rah" video is a very short brand identity video. These videos often include high-intensity visuals and music, often with little or no voiceover. By conveying the emotion of your brand, they can be perfect to showcase on your organization’s home page and social media outlets.

Thinking about incorporating video into your marketing strategy? The Focal Flame video production team offers flexible solutions. With marketing professionals, scriptwriters, videographers and video editors on staff, each project is tailored to your need. Contact us today!

- by Suellen Adams

Choosing a Video Spokesperson

You’ve decided to promote your business or organization with a video. Now you need to make some decisions about who is going to speak for you.  You may be thinking, “I’m not the spokesperson type, I’m not like Flo (the insurance persona) or 'the most interesting man in the world' (of beer commercial fame).  The good news is that you don’t need to be any particular type of spokesperson. Instead, when you are choosing who will speak on behalf of your organization or brand, consider the following 7 attributes:

1.     The spokesperson must be able to deliver a clear message.

No matter who is delivering your message, make sure they can deliver it clearly. This begins with having a clear message and getting right to the point. But beyond that it means having a spokesperson who can deliver it understandably. Clear diction is vital, of course. Good timing, inflection and an appreciation for the well-timed pause are also helpful.

2.     That message must be the right one for your audience.

This requires knowing who your audience is likely to be. An audience that is experienced with your product or service will require different language and emphasis than those who are new to it. This means that the spokesperson must be comfortable with the lingo for experienced users, if that is your intended audience. Or, if you are intending to reach an audience of novices, be able to speak in accessible terms in an easygoing manner.

3.     The spokesperson will become the face of your brand; choose accordingly.

When considering your choices, make sure to pick someone who fits your brand. However, they do not necessarily have to be a professional actor. Perhaps you have a client or employee who is particularly articulate and has other qualities mentioned here. Perhaps you will fit the mold yourself.  But whoever it is will likely be quickly associated with your brand or image.

As the face of the brand, the spokesperson should be able to appropriately represent your values, message and mission. Giving your brand a face gives your audience someone with whom they can connect.

4.     A spokesperson should be someone your audience can relate to easily.

People are more willing to listen to someone who is like them. They see the spokesperson’s successful interaction with the product or service could easily be their own. This means being aware of your target audience and choosing a spokesperson, or spokespeople that resonates with that audience. 

5.     Authentic and genuine are good qualities for a spokesperson.

The best spokespeople believe in their message. This will shine through on a video. Authentic enthusiasm can be contagious, and a spokesperson who is genuinely enthusiastic can be highly effective.  So look for someone who radiates that positive belief in your message and enthusiasm for your product or cause.

6.     Credibility is key.

Depending upon your organization, the person who can speak to it with the most credibility might be yourself, a client or user, an employee, or another professional within your industry. People will respond to someone who knows what they are talking about. Oftentimes large companies choose a celebrity spokesperson, but it is certainly not necessary to do so.

7.     A spokesperson should be willing to take direction.

Regardless of who your spokesperson is, they should be willing to take some direction.  Obviously an outside spokesperson should be willing to work with suggestions from people within the organization. Further, no matter who is acting as spokesperson, they should be willing to take direction from the professionals on our video staff, as they are adept and experienced at helping people get their message across.

No matter who you end up selecting to speak for you. Have them check out our tips for spokespeople.

Focal Flame Photography provides video production for businesses and nonprofits. We work with people who are striving to make an impact in their industries, for their clients and customers, and in their communities. Contact us today.

Video Profile: E3 Endurance Coaching Madison

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much more of a story can you tell with a video? Adding motion and sound to the visual appeal can create a tug on the heartstrings that goes beyond written testimonials or still photos.

When business owner Zeus Arreguin wanted to tell the story of E3 Endurance Coaching of Madison, Wisconsin, he turned to the video production crew at Focal Flame Photography. He knew that it was difficult for outsiders and beginning athletes to see what a team—any team—was all about. 

He wanted to open the door to everyday people who are interested in triathlon, but who might be reluctant to ask what the team is like.

In essence, he wanted not just to tell people, but also to show them what it’s like to be an “E3er.”

More than that, Arreguin wanted this video production to attract people to the sport. “I want them to feel motivated, to lace up their shoes, pump up their tires, grab their swim suit and go workout…or for the newbie, go to their nearest endurance store and start a new hobby,” he says.

He wanted to show triathlon hopefuls that the sport is more than just another hobby. It can be challenging and hard work, but with the help of a team that accepts everyone and works together toward their goals, people can do things they never thought possible.

E3 focuses on providing a well-rounded professional coaching experience that helps people reach their fitness and life goals. Or as Arreguin puts it, they help hopefuls “become heroes in their own right, because they did finish their goals.” They treat every athlete as unique, and E3 coaches and staff rely on this video to highlight the passion and experiences of their community of unique athletes.

"Over the years I've witnessed the growth of E3, but it took this project to really get to know and understand what E3 is truly about,” explains Clint Thayer, owner of Focal Flame Photography.

“I've had the pleasure through this project to meet, interview, and watch this group of varied athletes— moms, fathers, daughters, sons, and beginners—help each other through the dark mornings and the sunny afternoons of pushing to a goal. What comes through in each encounter is how much they all love supporting each other and through that connection how each of them have gone further then they thought they could and their finish line is filled with a family waiting to celebrate alongside. It was an honor to tell that story."

Focal Flame Photography provides video production for businesses and nonprofits. We work with people who are striving to make an impact in their industries, for their clients and customers, and in their communities. Contact us today.