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. Check out these tips.
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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.
Read MoreMadison 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.
Read MoreMadison 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.
Read MoreVideo spokesperson? Who, me? A How-to guide
As a video production company, we 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.
Read MoreRunning in costume: what's that all about?
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. One of her great joys as a scholar is - quite literally - studying joy. Here, she shares some insights from her recent studies about the phenomenon of athletes choosing to compete in endurance events while dressed in costume.
Read MoreMoms Who Tri: Part 2
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.
Read MoreKettle 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. Focal Flame photographer Austin Cope (who now lives in Colorado) created this photo essay of the 20th running of the race. He 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.
Read MoreMoms Who Tri : Part 1
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.
Read MoreMadison Marathon Profile: Behind the Scenes with Erin Dougherty
There's 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., gives a behind-the-scenes perspective about efforts that are essential for the success of the event.
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