Using Video to Promote Your Nonprofit Organization

Philanthropic donors today are inundated with choices.  Video is a powerful way to bring their attention to your cause, and do it quickly.  In just a few moments you can capture their attention, communicate your message, and make a call to action.  But there are a few things to consider before embarking on the video journey.

Since 1942, Madison Community Foundation has served as a trust fund for charitable activities to create a bright future for Madison, Wisconsin. This video describes A Fund for Women, an MCF initiative focusing on economic empowerment of women in Madison. The goal of A Fund for Women is to transform the community so that women and girls thrive. This video was shown at an MCF event. (c) 2016 Focal Flame Photography

First, consider what you want to do with your video. Clearly you want to educate and engage potential volunteers and donors, but it should not just be a rehash of your website or brochure when a video can do so much more.  For example, a video is an excellent way to put a face on an abstract cause by telling a personal story, giving a glimpse behind the scenes, issuing a call to action, or sending out a thank you. Let's dig deeper: 

• Illustrate your cause with a personal story. By sharing words and experiences from the people your organization has helped, you can open a window on the impact of your work—and how your donors can make a difference by supporting your organization. This type of story has a natural emotional appeal that draws viewers in. Personal stories of volunteers sharing their perspectives can also appeal to potential donors and volunteers.
• Give your viewers a peek behind the scenes. There's nothing more satisfying than seeing how good work actually gets done, right? Help people see what it takes to change the world, and you give them an opportunity to understand both the opportunities and challenges that your nonprofit is tackling. Showing how your organization works can promote a desire among interested viewers to get involved in your mission.
• Present a call to action. Empower your audience by providing a clear action that viewers can take to support your cause: Articulate exactly what you want your viewers to do with the information you give them. For instance, do you want them to seek out information and learn more about your cause so they can act as ambassadors of the message? Or perhaps, you want them to donate today, or sign up to volunteer now. Whatever action you want, be sure to say so specifically.  And give them an easy way to follow through by providing links appearing alongside or even at the end of your online video.
• Give thanks. Video can be a dynamic way to express appreciation for your donors and volunteers. One way to do this is to turn the camera on the individuals who your organization has affected, and give them the opportunity to thank those who made it possible. Let them tell in their own words what your organization has meant to them. This can be more powerful than any thank-you note!

Whatever form your video takes, there are a few things to remember. Choose the best person, or people, to narrate your video. Many non-profits use their CEO by default, and it is certainly not wrong to do so. However, other perspectives can also be engaging, especially if there are gifted speakers and storytellers within your nonprofit. You could even plan out a series of videos with different spokespersons giving various points of view. This can be a great way to demonstrate the team effort involved in your cause.

Also, consider creating different short videos that align to different points in the cycle of philanthropy.  For example, create one video to raise awareness of your cause that you can use to help identify supports, another to cultivate interest, a third with a direct appeal for gifts or volunteers, and another for use in stewardship and donor appreciation. 

Make sure you are targeting your intended audience—even if that means using a style, tone, or format that resonates more with them than with your board of directors. What makes a video engaging to one audience (due to age group, geographic location, or interests) may not be the right fit for another—and that's ok. Our marketing specialists can help you tailor your video project specifically to those who you are trying to attract to your cause. 

Keep it short and sweet. Online attention spans online typically drop off significantly after 1-2 minutes (though a deeply engaging story may command attention for a longer period). Videos for "committed" audiences such as gala attendees may be effective in longer format, such as 5 minutes or more.  Keeping the story tight will encourage engagement throughout the entire video. For longer works, consider having different phases for a clear beginning-middle-end format.

Finally, be sure to have an end goal in mind. Articulate what you want from your video project and how it fits into your strategic plan.  A well thought-out and well-produced video is a wonderful tool to reach your organization’s goals—a resource that you will turn to time and again.

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.

Madison Marathon Profiles: The Kraemer Family

Each year over 3,000 volunteers work at events such as the Madison Marathon that are organized by Madison Festivals, Inc. Volunteers' efforts help them raise money for their favorite charitable causes. The six members of the Kraemer family have long participated in helping the Madison Marathon and other events run smoothly. We recently spoke to Kevin Kraemer about his family’s involvement and what it means to all of them.

The whole Kraemer family is involved. Photo courtesy of Keven Kraemer

Focal Flame Photography (FFP): How long have you volunteered for Madison Marathon Events?
Kevin:  My family has volunteered for about the last four years at many of the different events that are put on thru Madison Festivals and Race Day Events.

There are many jobs that volunteers engage in to help events run smoothly. Photo of courtesy Kevin Kraemer

FFP: How did you get started?
Kevin:  I believe we first got started by signing up to help out at the Taste of Madison.

FFP: What does being a volunteer entail?  What kind of things do you do?
Kevin: There are many different jobs at the events that can be done by a wide range of abilities - from something as easy as checking people in for their races, to handing out packets, picking up trash, handing out water bottles, watching over personal items at Gear Check, handing out medals to the racers as they cross the finish line, set up and tear down, and many others. I once volunteered at a triathlon with my daughter in a two-person kayak to help with the water safety team to watch over the swimmers during that part of the triathlon. It was fun for us spending time out in the lake together helping out a few people who really needed a rest break or even to help them be pulled from the race due to not being able to finish.

Volunteers are desperately needed in a lot of different jobs to make an event like Taste of Madison and all of the races that go on. I have been to a race (as a racer) in the past that was not staffed well (it was not the ones mentioned here), and things didn't go well You would not believe how much the volunteers are needed until they aren't there.

Kayak duty! Photo courtesy of Kevin Kraemer

FFP: Why do you choose to volunteer?  What does it mean to you?
Kevin: There are a total of 6 people in our Kraemer family, and we are all avid Scouters. Our 4 kids are going through the ranks of Boy Scouts.  We have two girls and two boys. The girls were in Girl Scouts when they were younger and then joined the Boy Scout Venture Crew when they turned 14. So as you know scouting trips and supplies cost money. We are teaching the kids many useful things in and out of the wilderness. The fundraising opportunities that are available by volunteering our time at the Madison Marathons and Festivals allows our Scouting families to be involved in scouting to help offset the cost of the program. In some cases, families that could not afford to go on the outings would be paid for through their volunteer fundraising efforts. In other cases, some supplies that are needed to help run the programs are paid for by those same volunteer opportunities. We are all very thankful that we can help out and volunteer at on event to help out another organization that we care so much about: Boy Scouts of America.

FFP: Do you have any favorite stories about your volunteer experiences?
Kevin: Some of our first tasks were walking around picking up trash and emptying the trash cans and replacing liners then taking the full trash to spots along the buildings for the golf cart crew to pick up. I remember one instance that will stay with me forever. I was riding around in one of the golf carts with my your son picking up piles of filled trash bags to take them around the block to the nearest dumpster. When we got to one of the dumpsters, my son stood on the back of the golf cart and tried to raise one of the trash bags (filled with food waste and some liquids) above his head and lift it over the side wall of the 30 yard dumpster. Well, he wasn't tall enough at the time so he was standing there with the full bag above his head while liquid is dripping all over him and he was saying "Dad I can't get it over." It was hilarious. I had to show him how to swing the bags up in the air to go over the side after that. 

FFP: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Kevin:  My family likes to volunteer because of the fun different experiences and meeting new people. There is never a dull moment as a volunteer ... well, I guess it also depends on which job you are doing. Watching racers' gear in the middle of a race kind of gets a little boring unless you play music and dance around like a weird person ... I have never done that before ... right? The paid staff that run the races really do care about the volunteers and treat us well.

Guarding the gear. Photo courtesy of Kevin Kraemer

This article is part of a series featuring athletes and others who are participating in a Madison Marathon event in 2016. Focal Flame Photography is honored to serve as official photographers for the Madison Marathon. All runners will receive free FocalShare™ digital race photos courtesy of the event organizers. The autumn events will take place on November 13, 2016 on the streets of our capitol city.

-by Suellen Adams

Madison Marathon Profile: Glenda Adams

Glenda Adams is a familiar face among runners in the Madison area.  Besides being a talented runner, she serves as a part-time photo editor for Focal Flame Photography, the official photographers for the Madison Marathon events. Here, Glenda describes why she loves competing in races—including the Madison Marathon.

 Glenda shows off some finish "bling" from a week of Disney races. Photo courtesy Suellen Adams.

FFP: How many Madison Marathon Events have you run?
Glenda: This will be my third Madison Half Marathon race. I ran it in 2010 and 2014.

FFP:  Have you participated in other similar events?
Glenda: I have run 12 marathons, and about 40 half marathons. I started running at age 35, after pretty much being a couch potato for most of my life. After running for several years, I also took up triathlons and duathlon. I have done many of those over the years as well.

FFP: You race a lot! How do you keep it fun?
Glenda:  I’ve done many destination races, like ones at Disney World and Disneyland, and visited lots of different states and countries to run. Different challenges and scenery keep it exciting. Over the last few years, I’ve also started running several races a year in costume. Whether it’s a themed race or  just something that seems fun (like dressing up as a chocolate bunny for an Easter race), the creativity involved with putting together costumes and the response from spectators and other runners is a blast. It’s hard not to smile and enjoy yourself when you are running wearing bunny ears, or running with a light saber.

FFP: Are there personal accomplishments that you are particularly proud of?
Glenda: I run both for fun and to be competitive, and I think my proudest moment was representing Team USA at the age group world championships in Ottawa in 2013. I had an amazing race and won the gold medal for my age group in the sprint distance race.

Glenda runs through the winter on snowshoes. (c) 2016 Focal Flame Photography | Photo credit Brent Stepanik.

FFP: What does running and participating in these events mean to you?
Glenda: It started as a way to get fit and lose weight, but after a while I realized I loved training and competing. I work at a computer all day, and sometimes there is nothing better than getting outside, turning off your brain, and just running along the lake, or on a bike path. Since my spouse has started running the last several years, I’ve also found it a great way to connect and have some time together whether we are just out for a training run together or doing a race together.

FFP: Can you tell us what it has been like to train/prepare for this event?
Glenda:  I had been running a good amount through the spring, training for duathlons, but most of it on my own. One of the reasons I decided to do the Madison Half Marathon was to train with a group, the Fleet Feet Sports running group. It’s a great social time to do long runs on Saturday with a group of other people that are all training for the same race.  

As far as what my training was like, I generally ran about 30-40 miles a week, with runs 5 days a week. Some hills, usually one long run a week, and some speedwork.  Since I’ve been running for about 15 years, I have a pretty good feel for what level of training I need to run a good half marathon.

Glenda finishing the 2016 Cooney Du. (c) 2016 Focal Flame Photography | Photo credit Clint Thayer.

FFP: What will it mean to you to participate in this event?
Glenda: It will be a party with a couple thousand of my best friends!  It feels great to finish up a few months of training with a big goal and see how the hard work has paid off.

FFP: Besides being an athlete, you do some work on the other side of the camera as an editor for Focal Flame Photography? What is that like for you?
Glenda: I started doing the job early this year, and it’s been neat to see things from the other side of the camera. I’m used to looking through race photos after I’ve run, and picking the ones I really like, or laughing at how ridiculous I look in some, depending on how the race went. Now that I’ve been doing editing, and looking through thousands of photos for an event I’m even more inspired by all the people that get out there and run. Seeing runners of all shapes, sizes, and ages, every one working toward their goal, is amazing. 

It’s interesting picking out photos to keep for an event - I know some of my favorite race photos may not have been graceful or where I look happy and full of joy. Some are the ones where you can tell it was tough going, but I was pushing through. So I’m more likely to keep those photos that someone might not think are super flattering- you never know for a particular person if that photo might capture exactly what they felt in the race, or all that went into getting to the finish.

Glenda monkeying around. Photo courtesy of Glenda Adams.

FFP: Has working for Focal Flame changed anything about your racing?
Glenda: I’m definitely more careful to make sure my bib is on the front and visible! Trying to identify runners to tag their numbers so they can look up their photos, I’ve seen lots of bibs peeking out of jackets, only pinned with two pins so they flap up in the wind, or just missing.  And it’s always a bummer when I notice a great picture but there is no way to identify the person.  

I also keep an eye out for photographers on the course more—both because I might know them, but also so I can try to look up, smile, and give them a good chance for a nice shot.

FFP: Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience?
Glenda: I love being able to train and run for a hometown race like the Madison half. As much fun as it can be to go to some exotic destination, there is nothing like sleeping in your own bed the night before a race, seeing friends and family out on the course, and supporting your city. Plus, being able train on the course for months leading up to the race is a great confidence booster.

This article is part of a series featuring athletes and others who are participating in a Madison Marathon event in 2016. Focal Flame Photography is honored to serve as official photographers for the Madison Marathon. All runners will receive free FocalShare™ digital race photos courtesy of the event organizers. The autumn events will take place on November 13, 2016 on the streets of our capital city.

-by Suellen Adams

Madison Marathon Profile: Ed and Michelle Poelsterl

Ed and Michelle Poelsterl will be celebrating their 12th wedding anniversary in a unique and active way: by running the Madison Half Marathon together on November 13, 2016, covering 13.1 miles side by side. It's a journey that has brought them even closer to each other while they've focused on their health, discovered a shared joy in staying active, and dedicated themselves to setting a good example for their two children.

Michelle and Ed show off their medals after a race in Madison in 2013. Photo courtesy of Michelle Poelsterl.

Focal Flame Photography (FFP): You told us that you ran in Madison before in the Madison Mini-Marathon. Have you participated in similar events elsewhere?
Ed and Michelle: Yes we have been running half marathons and marathons since 2012. Michelle has run 2 marathons, 26 half marathons , and a variety of smaller races. Ed has run 8 marathons and 21 half marathons plus a few duathlons, one triathlon and a variety of smaller races.

FFP:  Are there personal accomplishments that you are particularly proud of?
Michelle: I am proud that I’ve been able to come back after an injury that plagued me after the Chicago Marathon until I finally got it looked at this past spring. I battled back and while I’m not as strong as I was in the spring. I’m still running.

Ed: In four years I have gone from not running at all to doing a 5k, 10k, half and full marathon fairly quick. The year I ran my first full marathon I ended up running 3 marathons that fall. Running helped me lose over 60 pounds in a six-month time span.

FFP: What does running and participating in events, such as Madison Marathon events mean to you?
Michelle: For me running is just a reminder of how far I’ve come in my health and fitness journey.  I know I’m being a good example for our boys and that by running together we are showing our children our commitment to each other.

Ed: I think there are not a lot of couples out there that do this, but we work as a team to train and we usually have fun when we run together. Each race means something different when we run it: for fun, to earn a PR, to run with a group, etc.

Michelle is proud of the example they are setting for their boys, seen here in a family photo. Photo courtesy of Michelle Poelsterl

FFP: With so many races to choose from, why did you pick the Madison Marathon event?
Michelle: Honestly we picked this race simply because it fell on our anniversary. We hadn’t planned to run a late fall race but when we saw the date we thought, why not, what a fun way to celebrate 12 years of marriage. We also love running in Madison.

FFP: Can you tell us what it has been like to train/prepare for the event?
Michelle: I think I can speak for both of us when I say we haven’t followed a specific training plan. We are running to run and adding miles as needed.

FFP: What will it mean to you to participate in the November race?
Michelle and Ed: It is one more memory to attach to November 13. It’s not the way most couples celebrate their wedding day, but it works for us. And if you had told us 12 years ago that this is how we would celebrate year 12, we would have laughed uncontrollably!

Post race smiles after the 2105 Chicago Marathon. Photo Courtesy Michelle Poelsterl

FFP: Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience?
Ed: I was never really a runner but it was something fun and exciting. Now we do it to be together and for our health.

This article is part of a series featuring athletes and others who are participating in a Madison Marathon event in 2016. Focal Flame Photography is honored to serve as official photographers for the Madison Marathon. All runners will receive free FocalShare™ digital race photos courtesy of the event organizers. The autumn events will take place on November 13, 2016 on the streets of our capitol city.

-by Suellen Adams

Video spokesperson? Who, me? A How-to guide

As a video production company, we often work with business owners, nonprofit founders, and other spokespersons who are representing their organization. Whether you loved acting in school plays in high school or broke into a sweat during public speaking class, it's common to feel a little apprehensive about doing a good job as a spokesperson. After all, you're telling the story of an endeavor that is deeply meaningful to you! These tips can help you succeed as a spokesperson for your video project - and enjoy the process too.

Relax!

A recording session for your video project isn't live TV, and you don't have to nail the delivery in a single take. Mistakes or mis-spoken phrases are no big deal. Take your time to stop, start, and think. No one gets it perfect the first time. 

One thing that can help: practice your opening words ahead of time. Rehearsing them until they feel comfortable and familiar will help calm any adrenalin surges that arise once the camera starts recording, and ease the opening moments.

Be Clear

This begins, of course with having a clear message that is appropriately targeted to your intended audience. (Need help? Our marketing and writing folks have your back. We can work with you to craft a message that rings true to your viewers.) 

But beyond that, it means articulating the message understandably.  Clear diction is vital. Take care with consonants, especially at the ends of words. You may feel like you have to enunciate more precisely than  you would in conversation. Good timing, varied inflection, and an appreciation for well-timed pauses are also bonuses.

Speaking in full, clear sentences will help get your message across. And it's good to avoid clichés and acronyms (which may be misunderstood and often don't roll off the tongue easily). If specialized lingo or technical terminology is necessary, confirm the correct pronunciation.

Take care that your volume stays strong all the way to the end of your sentences. Trailing off can make your closing statements sound muddy or uncertain.

Maintain Engaged Eye Contact

One thing that will help connect with video viewers is eye contact. If you are distractedly looking at your notes, your lap, or somewhere off camera when you are speaking, they're likely to be distracted as well.

Often, we set up interview shots so that your gaze can rest naturally on an interviewer seated next to the camera. Look at their face, not directly into the camera lens. This helps avoid an unblinking "deer in the headlights" effect, allowing you to relate with the interviewer when making a point.

Your video will have a warmer message when your gaze, facial expressions, and body language show that you're interacting with the interviewer - and the camera - as a friendly conversation. This helps the audience feel more engaged and receptive.

Experiment to Find the Right Vocal Tone

Ever hear your voice on a recording—and hate it? This is incredibly common, and there's a scientific reason why. When you're talking and hear the sound of your voice in your head, it includes resonance from your own bone tissue, making you sound deeper and richer. But the acoustics are different when sound waves produced by your vocal chords travel through air alone, which is how the rest of the world perceives your voice. That's why your own voice doesn't sound familiar to you. 

But sometimes emotion can affect your pitch. When people feel nervous, their voice sometimes gets higher as throat muscles contract. If you find your voice rising uncomfortably, take a break, breathe in a few deep, slow breaths and stretch your neck slowly in half-circles (chin down from left to right, then right to left). Relax the muscles of your jaw and neck, and support your voice with breath from the belly rather than shallow chest breathing. This will help you stay calm, and prevent your pitch from climbing.   

Plan and Practice

Thinking on your feet while on camera can be a challenge, so it's a good idea to prepare ahead of time. Depending on your video project needs, we can develop a creative brief that includes interview questions. Think about your talking points...and then practice out loud. Trying to memorize a written script isn't usually advisable—candid responses will feel more authentic to the viewer—but some thought and practice ahead of time will pay off!

Strike a Confident Pose

Posture is important: you want to look confident, but not stiff. As the spokesperson, you'll likely be seated for your interview. A straight back not only helps convey your confidence, it aids your breath support. If you tend to "talk with your hands," that's fine. Just make sure that you don't accidentally jostle the microphone (if using a lapel mic), slap your knee, or the like, because the microphones will pick up the noise. 

Appearances Matter

What to wear? Solid colors are best, and ironing may be necessary depending on the style and fabric; avoid patterns and overly vibrant colors (such as neon) that will distract from your message. In some cases, wearing a shirt or other apparel branded with your company logo can provide a subtle branding opportunity.

As far as makeup is concerned, powder is a popular choice to counteract the bright lighting needed for video shoots. Bring along whatever hair styling product you think you might want to have on hand to tame flyaway strands if needed. And don't worry—we'll make sure everything looks good before we start recording.

Be Willing to Take Direction

No matter how well you know your topic, or how much you have prepared for the session, there may be some things that can be improved in the moment.  Our video production staff can offer ideas and guidance if needed, and feel free to ask questions anytime. Enjoy! 

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.

Running in costume: what's that all about?

The author running in the Cottontail Classic as an Easter chick. (c) 2016 Focal Flame Photography | Photo credit: Steve Gotter

Multi-talented Focal Flame Photography staff member Suellen Adams is a renaissance woman: she's a runner and triathlete, adjunct professor, photo editor, and writer. She holds a BA in Theater Arts from Upper Iowa University, an MA in Library and Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin, and a PhD in Information Studies from the University of Texas. One of her great joys as a scholar is - quite literally - studying joy. She has conducted interdisciplinary research and theory construction on the subject of play and how it impacts both individuals and society. Here, she shares some insights from her recent studies about the phenomenon of athletes choosing to compete in endurance events while dressed in costume.

Hopping along the Cottontail Classic route dressed as - what else? - a chocolate bunney. (c) 2016 Focal Flame Photography | Photo Credit: Don Newton

So you’ve been running races for a while now, and you’ve noticed something different.  People are running races in silly t-shirts, tutus, funny hats…even full costumes. You might expect this at RunDisney races or the local Run, Santa Run 5K, but it is happening at more and more races. It may make you smile or shake your head. You may wonder why they do it. As a racer myself, and a sometime costumed runner, I wondered too. As an academic, I decided to do some research and find out. So I surveyed and interviewed costuming runners. Here is what I found out.

As you might expect the biggest reason people do costume runs is for fun, to be playful. It makes them smile, and it makes other people smile. As one interviewee said, “Let’s be honest. How often do you get to wear a tiara? It’s fun to dress up.” Not only is it fun for the runners, they liked making other people smile and laugh.  In response to the question “What is the best part about running in costume?” one costumed runner put it simply, “Making people laugh.”

Runners also find that costumes break the ice, as one runner, reflecting on the pre-race experience said, “You met new people waiting for the race because it makes you approachable.” Another remarked about the experience during the race, “…a fun way to meet people during the race other runners compliment each other…It has always been a great experience.” Friendships and social networks even develop away from the race course, “there’s a non-race aspect; just like with cosplay [a performance art involving dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game], while I can’t get to see everything ‘in person,’ costuming runners have also formed on-line networks…that ‘virtual’ exchange is also an important positive aspect. Earning that respect with a virtual community of people you admire can be a positive reinforcement just like interacting at the actual races.”

Of course, there is an element of attention seeking inherent in costume running, and many of the people I interviewed acknowledged that. They liked it when, “…people cheer your costume name.” Another explained, “One of my favorite things about running in costume is when spectators and fellow runners tell you they like your costume."

Some costume runners do it for the motivation. Clearly compliments and cheers are motivating, but sometimes it goes beyond that. As one long-distance costumed runner put it, “I knew that in that point in the race I would be exhausted and verging on emotional collapse. I knew that putting a clown suit on would make it hard to be serious and it made me and everyone else laugh.” Or as another pointed out, “I’ve been told that I made people smile and gave them the energy that they needed, right when they needed it. In return, I feed off of those smiles and gives me energy when I’m hitting my wall as well.”

The creative aspect of costuming is all part of the fun for many. They love checking out others’ costumes, designing their own, hunting for accessories and crafting. One runner who often runs with groups in themed costumes told me, “We picked characters and I went and hunted down pieces for everyone, because I enjoy that part as much as I enjoy wearing them.”

One assumption that is often made about costumed runners is that they are not serious runners, or at least not fast. And for some, it does serve to make the middle or back of the pack more fun. For instance this runner pointed out, “For someone who is not an elite runner it makes running fun. My friends and family look forward to what I am going to wear each time I announce a race.” But for others, like this runner, the experience is different, “And I confess it is quite a thrill to pass a guy in spandex who is being super serious in a race when you look ridiculous.  A reminder that races are fun.”  

The Luck of the Irish race brought out the leprechaun in many participants. (c) 2016 Focal Flame Photography | Photo credit: Mark Olson

Whether costumes are elaborate or simple, whether they run fast or slow, these playful athletes in their own words, “absolutely get enjoyment out of it, plenty of great memories.” Many runners addressed preserving the great memories through race photos, and one runner summed up the whole experience this way, “The event pics are priceless! It makes me happy. The shout-outs you get from fellow runners. It puts a smile on their faces (even if they think you’re crazy!)”

This story is based on a research presentation entitled Reclaiming the Joy: Making Play of Serious Recreational Athletics through the Use of Costume, presented in February, 2016 at conference of The Association for the Study of Play at Rutgers University.  The researcher and author, Suellen Adams, is an adjunct professor of Library and Information Studies, currently serving at University of Rhode Island, University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Alabama. She is also a writer and photo editor for Focal Flame Photography.

-by Suellen Adams

Moms Who Tri: Part 2

Triathlete Debra Vaughan calls this photo "happy bike." (c) 2015 Focal Flame Photography | Photo credit: Will Hughes.

Debra, Krista, Bridget, and Brianne are all mothers who participate in triathlons. With children ranging in age from a few months to eight years old, these busy moms have many stories about finding joy in endurance sports while simultaneously tending to the next generation…and advice for others who would like to “Tri” it. We first followed their story in Part 1 of Moms Who Tri; here, we learn more tips about balancing athletic pursuits with parenting.

Brianne with her kids after completing an indoor triathlon. Photo courtesy of Brianne Pitts.

Brianne Pitts and Bridget Kudrle both take an innovative approach to their training: they include their kids.  Brianne describes how her children help clean the bikes or lay out workout clothes and how they “try to hustle us for treats on the way home”from gym nights. She also runs with them, saying, "I've been pushing my son and daughter both in a running stroller since they were tiny, and I'm proud to say they both still will humor me and go for a run (even a long one)." Running with a double-wide stroller with "me huffing and puffing behind," Brianne and her children sing the ABCs, play 'I Spy," and have "a grand old time" - often stopping for ice cream or play time at parks. "A short run usually turns into a tour of our town, with lots of detours to the library, grocery store, or park," she says.

Brianne even recommends getting “those little shopping hooks you can get at baby stores. Hook those babies on the stroller – you can [also] get a weeks’ worth of groceries to fit!”

Bridget includes her kids on her training runs too, by doing one mile loops close to home and allowing the kids to run along. She also loves their family bike rides together, saying, "I like it despite the reality. The reality is that when you ride bikes with children it is like riding with someone who has a mood disorder and they swing up and down in rapid 10-15 minute cycles." She explained, "Bike rides generally begin with my son feeling on top of the world. He is peddling fast, hard, and naming his speed. He has comet speed, lightning speed, laser speed, etc. Ten minutes in, he is breathless and wants to slow. Then his sunglasses or helmet are bothering him....by 20 minutes in he is thirsty or his sock itches.  At 25 min in he is whining about how we 'made' him go on a bike ride and we keep 'lying' to him about being almost done. And so on...."

By the end, though, she assures that he forgets all of the negative aspects of the ride and instead brags about how many miles he biked.

Debra Vaughan started her triathlon career not long after her first child was born, and she kept continuing on after her second child arrived, describing her first race back as a “successful failure.”  She explained, "The baby was less than three months old. I had set my goals really high to do a Half Ironman before he was six months old. So I had to get in my first Olympic distance. The swim was horrible; the hills on the bike were hard and the run was….hot." Since this was the first time Debra had attempted an Olympic-distance race, she participated in the novice wave to allow more time on the course. "I’m glad I did," she said. "I think I came in second to last overall. It was the first time I had ever needed to fuel during a race and I just...didn’t.  But I finished." After the race was over, Debra collapsed in the shade. Then, her husband asked, “Did I just hear them call your name?”  She said, "Turns out I got third (out of three, of course) in my division and had a medal waiting for me. [The organizers] asked him, 'Where is she?' And he responded, 'Over there, feeding our three month-old.' They gave him the medal without any more questions." It was the first time Debra had ever placed at a race in her entire life. She was delighted, saying "Sure, I was 3 out of 3, and almost last place overall, but I learned a lot that day...It was the first race Clint [founder of Focal Flame Photography] ever captured of me, and I’m glad it has all been better since!"

Bridget finishing strong at Pardeeville. Photo credit Will Hughes, Focal Flame Photography (c) 2015.

Krista getting pre-race assistance from her husband. Photo courtesy of Krista Willing.

If you are a mom who wants to try a tri…all four of these moms encourage you to do it. Bridget advises, “Take the risk; you are worth it." Brianne acknowledges that “…you might feel out of your league, ” but that “Triathlon allows me to push myself, appreciate the outdoors, and helps get the craziness of life out…all those worries melt away when you're just trying to keep up.” For Krista it isn’t about racing, “it’s about what you learn about yourself as a person in the process of getting ready to race.”

And Debra reminds everyone that, “It doesn’t matter how you get to the start line. In the end, this isn’t really about triathlon. It’s about taking care of yourself, about taking care of the person that takes care of your kids and your family. Being any kind of athlete, knowing that you are worth the time and effort that you put into your fitness and mental health, while still handling the mountain of other things that you have to do as a mom: that makes you awesome.”

- by Suellen Adams

Kettle Moraine 100 Endurance Run: Photo Essay

2015 offered a creative challenge for our photographers: the Kettle Moraine 100-mile ultramarathon. Race directors Tim “Timo” Yanacheck and Jason Dorgan hired Focal Flame Photography to document the 20th year of the race, which was started in 1995 by husband and wife ultramarathoning legends Kevin Setnes and Kristine Clark-Setnes.

Yanacheck wrote, “[The Kettle 100] was founded as the first 100-mile race in Wisconsin. Both of the founders, Kristine and Kevin, are former national champions. They live near the race site and still volunteer at the race every year. After six years, the Setneses turned the race over to Jason Dorgan and me; Jason and I have served as co-race directors ever since.”

The race offers 50-km, 100-km, and 100-mi course options, and a “fun run” option that’s a mere 38 miles long. Aside from road crossings, the course is run entirely on trails and follows the Ice Age National Scenic trail for nearly 65 miles. Meandering through and over moraines, the rolling elevation results in a total altitude gain of about 8,800 feet. It’s a perennial favorite in the ultramarathon community. Yanacheck wrote, “There have been a lot of impressive performances over the years. One notable historical fact that we're rather proud of is that the Kettle Moraine 100 was the first major 100-mile race won overall by a woman, Donna Perkins, in 1998, and Donna's time (18 hours, 12 minutes, 30 seconds) still stands as our course record for females. Our course record for men was set by Zach Gingerich in 2009, 15:17:32.”

Focal Flame photographer Austin Cope (who now lives in Colorado) created this photo essay of the 20th running of the race. (Focal Flame Photography also provided race photography this year for the 21st annual Kettle Moraine 100 on June 4-5, 2016.) Austin found himself drawn into the rawness of an endeavor that was primal in its intensity, while being imbued with a sense of tranquility from the woodland setting.

“Jason and I became involved in the race in 2001 because we were both avid trail runners, ultramarathoners, and advocates for nature and the environment. We recognized that Kevin and Kris Setnes had started something very special and we wanted to do what we could to continue and build upon their efforts in a sport that we love. ”

— Timo Yanacheck, race director

“‘These people are insane.’ I said it as I shot the early, early race prep and start, when I saw struggle on the course, and when I saw the first finishers cross hours and hours and hours later.”

— Austin Cope, photographer

“I knew more or less what to expect from the many other (shorter) races I’ve shot, so I wasn’t surprised by what I saw so much as by the intensity of it. Everything seemed amplified. Runners seemed that much more excited, focused, tenacious; supporters that much more supportive; the air that much more electric. There was a sort of weight that’s hard to put into words.”

— Austin Cope

“We believe the Kettle Moraine 100 is special for a number of reasons. One is that our unique course: a long and uninterrupted trail over the geological wonder called the Kettle Moraine, a unique product of the Ice Age. A major portion of our course is on the renowned Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Another special feature of our race is that it is in the Midwest, where the beautiful forest greenery and solitude of the place are often overlooked by persons seeking mountains and beaches for their recreation. And another is that we are blessed with support from hundreds of local runners who share our love for this gem of nature close - but not too close - to some major metropolitan areas.”

— Timo Yanacheck

“My assignment was more flexible than usual: as long as I shot the start and first finishers, I was free to shoot pretty much anything else in between. I spent that in-between time (an entire day) hurriedly driving from checkpoint to checkpoint, chasing runners along the course. I had to plan where and when I would be at certain locations. I had to analyze light and shooting angles on the fly. I schlepped a lot of gear, had to drink a lot of water and coffee and put on a lot of sunblock. I got my car stuck in a ditch and had to be pulled/pushed out. I got a ton of bug bites. I sat in a thorn bush. All the while thinking it was all nothing compared to what these folks were up against. These athletes are truly amazing, period.”

— Austin Cope

“Everyone I met and chatted with, from runners to their supporters to race staff, was warm, welcoming and supportive. Truly, it is impossible to be around such inspiring people for so long and not come away changed. Because of it, the Kettle 100 remains the event I’m proudest to have witnessed and recorded.”

— Austin Cope

Moms Who Tri : Part 1

Brianne finishes strong at the Lake Mills Triathlon. (c) 2015 Focal Flame Photography | Photo credit: Ed Esmao on behalf of  Focal Flame Photography

Being adept at juggling competing tasks and demands for attention are inherent in the job description for motherhood. So perhaps it's only natural that triathlon is a draw for mothers who are also athletes. In this two-part series, we hear more about the personal stories of Madison, Wisconsin-area Moms who Tri. 

Brianne Pitts is currently an instructional coach in an area K through 5th grade school with a passion for teaching and learning. She is also pursuing a PhD in curriculum and instruction at UW Madison. As if that were not enough, she is also the mother of two children, whom she describes as “lovely people”: a daughter who is three, and a son who is six and a half (Brianne explains, "the half is important to him").

Bridget Kudrle, who describes herself as an “accidental triathlete,” is an elementary art teacher who enjoys reading and painting (something she doesn’t get to do enough of lately).  She spends her summers renewing friendships, refinishing second hand furniture, and enjoying triathlon season. Of course she also enjoys time spent in the summer with her kids, a boy and a girl, now ages eight and five.

Debra Vaughan describes herself as a woman of many passions, including travel, music, family and home. While there hasn’t been much time to travel lately, there has been time to camp and hike with the family (where her two children aged seven and four are encouraged to get dirty). She currently works in accounting, but life changes have lead her to a greater focus on her family and herself, and so she will be taking a career sabbatical soon.

Krista on the run. (c) 2014 Focal Flame Photography | Photo credit: Clint Thayer

Bridget on the bike at the Sugar River Triathlon. (c) 2015 Focal Flame Photography | Photo credit: Mark Olson on behalf of Focal Flame Photography 

Krista Willing is Director of Fiscal Management of Wisconsin Medicaid, which means dealing with billion dollar budgets and numerous related programs. She likes to read, run and travel in whatever spare time she has. That time may be a little limited at the moment with the arrival of her son a few months ago, along with the needs of an active three-and-a-half-year-old daughter.

Bridget and Krista are both relatively new to triathlon, participating mostly in sprint distance races. Bridget started as a cyclist, Krista as a runner. Debra is in her eighth season and has done every distance except the full IronMan, and she is training for that now. Brianne completed IronMan Wisconsin last year and “loved every minute of it.”

Each of these moms started triathlon in a different way. For Debra it was a way to reconnect with gym friends after her first child was born. Bridget and Krista both started after their husbands became involved in the sport. Brianne started at the suggestion of a woman in an aerial acrobatics class she was taking, and did her first Super Sprint without much training. In fact, she was so inexperienced that when she found her running shoes didn’t fit in the pedal cages on her bike, she biked in a nice pair of black dress flats!

Debra out of the swim. (c) 2015 Focal Flame Photography | Photo credit: Clint Thayer

When asked about the challenges of being a mom who does triathlons, all four agree that the biggest challenge is finding a balance between training, family and work. As Brianne says, “I often feel guilty. Someone or something is missing out on my time a lot. I’m still working on finding the right balance.” For Debra it means “also making sure my husband gets his own time, since he watches the kids while I’m out, and that we get our own time. Date night is a must.” But Bridget points out that the despite the time management challenge, “I deserve time to focus on me. It isn’t a gift; I’m entitled to it. It is okay to prioritize yourself without guilt.”

And the rewards are worth it. One of the biggest of these is the feeling that they are modeling a healthy lifestyle for their children. Krista says one of the best benefits of triathlon is “…the excitement on your kids’ faces as you run by them,” and “hearing your daughter tell her friends that she can’t wait to run a race someday.”  Debra echoes this sentiment, saying, “I enjoy hearing my kids talk about a healthy lifestyle and being willing participants in it.” Brianne and her husband include their children in their training when they can, reporting that “it has been a really exciting notion that physical health could be a value we pass on to our kids.”

These moms also talk about the sense of accomplishment and the good health they have.  Bridget says “ I feel powerful. I don’t mean She-Ra powerful. I mean I feel like I’m in charge of myself and can do anything.” And of course there are health benefits, as Debra points out, “I’m in amazing health…it isn’t just physical health, it is mental health.

Find out more about Debra, Brianne, Krista and Bridget in part 2 of Moms Who Tri, coming soon.

-by Suellen Adams

Madison Marathon Profile: Behind the Scenes with Erin Dougherty

Many hands and months of effort are involved in making the Madison Marathon events a reality. Photo (c) 2015 Focal Flame Photography | Credit: Clint Thayer

There is more to races than the athletes. Many things have to happen for events like the Madison Half Marathon and Twilight 10K to run smoothly (no pun intended). Erin Dougherty, Director of Operations at Madison Festivals Inc., is one of the individuals responsible for behind-the-scenes efforts that are essential for the success of the event. Recently we asked her to share a glimpse into what it takes to put on the Madison Marathon events, an iconic race series for the region. Those races include the fall Madison Marathon on Veteran's Day weekend, and Memorial Day weekend spring events, which are being renamed Run Madtown in 2017. 

Focal Flame Photography (FFP): How long does it take to prepare for the Madison Half Marathon and Twilight 10K events? Can you share a rough timeline?
Erin: Usually initial preparation will begin immediately following the completion of an event.  The website needs to be updated with the next event’s dates and information (as much as possible).  Registration opens and typically my job is answering registration questions and working with the team to make sure large items (venue, equipment, etc.) have rental contracts in place.  Marketing will also begin to help push registrations. The beginning of the year is where we start getting into more of the specific planning, as courses are finalized, permits are obtained and vendors are contracted.  About a month before the event, everything starts falling into place and final details can be sorted out.

FFP: What goes in to preparation? What kind of things do you have to think about?
Erin: My main focus is registrations and information.  I need to make sure that I always have the most up-to-date information so that I can accurately answer questions, keep the website and social media updated and include certain things in our marketing blasts.  I deal with any of the “unpleasant” emails we might receive, so I like to ensure that the information I’ve been putting out there has been accurate all along so that I have a leg to stand on when responding! 

Race planning starts months in advance, with organizers doing everything from obtaining permits and keeping registration running smoothly to organizing hundreds of volunteers to setting up barricades, orange cones, and course markings. Photo (c) 2015 Focal Flame Photography | Credit: Austin Cope

FFP: What does race day look like for you? When do you start? What kind of things are you doing? When does it finish for you?
Erin: My biggest involvement with race weekend is the expo.  I coordinate all of the vendors and the packet pickup/registration, so my weekend starts around 7:30AM on Friday, getting the expo set up.  The expo usually runs pretty smoothly (with the help of a LOT of volunteers) and I typically spend my time troubleshooting any registration issues and answering a lot of questions.  Once the expo ends Saturday evening, we tear down as quickly as possible and head over to Capitol Square, where the Kids Race starts at 6:30PM.  I end up helping with any last minute set up needs and will head to the Info Booth to help answer questions.  Once the Twilight 5K & 10K start, I head to the finish line to cheer on runners and help with any other things that may come up (trash cans need to be emptied, someone needs more cups at the water station, etc.).  Sunday morning is similar to Saturday night.  As soon as our course closes, we are in tear-down mode, making sure everything gets taken down, put on a truck, donated or thrown away.  We usually finish late afternoon/early evening on Sunday and then it is time to go home and relax!

FFP: How many volunteers does it take to put on this event? Where do they come from?
Erin: Approximately 875.  We recruit volunteers from many of the local non-profit organizations.  We “pay” our volunteers with a donation back to the non-profit of their choice and found it’s a great way to get people excited and still give back to the community.

FFP: Are there things to be done in the days and weeks following the event?
Erin: Yes, lots of wrap-up!  The first priority is making sure that anything we rented or used from another company gets returned.  We also ensure that everything is unloaded, inventoried and put away properly within the warehouse. I then spend a lot of time answering questions about results, lost & found, switching out shirts that didn’t fit and going through feedback that has been sent about the event.  Age group awards are sent out post-event, as well as extra shirts or medals that people want to buy. 

FFP: What is the most challenging thing about planning and putting on the event?
Erin: Keeping all of the moving parts organized and coordinating their simultaneous roll-out on event weekend. 

FFP: What is the most rewarding thing about planning and putting on the event?
Erin: Seeing all of your hard work come together successfully (usually!).  I also enjoy when people take the to time share a “thank you” and when they share that they were able reach whatever goal they set for themselves prior to race day.  It makes all of the headaches and frustrations seem worth it!

FFP: How do race photos help increase awareness of the event?
Erin: Social media is king.  Everyone likes to show off what they’re doing and know everyone else’s business (whether they’d like to admit it or not).  Getting people to share photos of themselves at our event is one of the best marketing tool out there!  We’ve found that over 50% of our new participants are referred by a friend or family member, so if [photos] can prompt that discussion, all the better.

FFP: Anything else you would like to share?
Erin: I would encourage anyone who is interested in the behind-the-scenes operations of an event like this to reach out and become a volunteer coordinator for us.  Sometimes it seems like setting up a course or throwing together a packet pickup are simple tasks, but once you actually work the set-up and on-site, you realize that there are many more factors involved than the obvious ones.  Suddenly the reason the porta-potties are in one location vs. another (that might seem like a better option) may begin to make sense!

This article is part of a series featuring athletes and others who are participating in a Madison Marathon event in 2016. Focal Flame Photography is honored to serve as official photographers for the Madison Marathon. All runners will receive free FocalShare™ digital race photos courtesy of the event organizers. The Spring Madison Marathon events will occur on May 28 and 29, 2016 on the streets of Wisconsin's capital city.  For more information or to register, visit Madison Marathon.

- by Suellen Adams