Process

If you’ve ever engaged a wedding photographer or custom portrait photographer, the process for custom sports photography through Focal Flame Photography is somewhat similar. Importantly, we develop a keen understanding of the details of your sport and your athletic story. 

  • Email clint@focalflame.com or call 608.772.0048 to schedule an initial no-charge consultation for custom photography. We’ll talk about your journey as an athlete, what inspires you, and important memories that you want to capture in training or competition. If you are honoring an athlete with the gift of custom sports photography, we’ll follow up with both you and with the athlete you are honoring.  
  • After learning more about your goals, athletic events, and objectives for personal photography, we will send you an estimate. Fees for all projects are individually quoted based on hours of photo coverage, logistics, location, and your individual objectives for custom photography.
  • Let us know whether you have any questions. Once you decide to proceed, we’ll send a contract. A 50% deposit is required to reserve a date. Cash, check, and major credit cards (through PayPal) are accepted. Payment by credit card will incur a 2% processing fee.
  • Count us among your fan club. We’ll be in regular (but not intrusive) contact before the date of your event to discuss logistics and stay in touch about your experiences and thoughts. If you have chosen a story + photo book, our writer will briefly interview you and others important to your story in advance of the event and/or after the event.
  • Shortly after the event, we will contact you to set up a session to view your images. Depending on the prints, canvases, custom books, digitals or other items you’ve chosen, your items will be available within 1 to 8 weeks of ordering. Digitals and prints take the least amount of time; custom books take the longest due to the time required for layout, proofing, and printing.

The process described here also generally holds true for other types of photographic services we offer such as portraits, family and birthday party photography, wedding and commitment ceremony photography, and real estate photography or architectural photography. 

Please note: particularly for A-level races and competitions, dates for custom sports photography coverage by Focal Flame Photography book a year or more in advance. To avoid disappointment, please do not delay in contacting us.

What Others Are Saying...

“Clint of Focal Flame Photography has been a huge asset to SBR ever since we met. He has been able to capture through the lens what my athletes are feeling and what they are dealing with during their training sessions. He has also been able to capture my interactions with my athletes at the most precise moments. If you ever want to capture an image and feeling for a lifetime, he's your man!”
Jessica Laufenberg, Owner
SBR Coaching

“The whole family is quite impressed with the story and photos.  The emails have been flying back and forth and many of us had to hold back the tears when we finished reading the story.  I am thrilled with the way it turned out.  The writing was great and the story you put together was perfect!...Your product is phenomenal.”
Arrietta Clauss

“Clint Thayer’s portrait and still life work is first class. He has a creative and distinctive style, is very professional, and provides excellent value.”
Paul Gibbons 

“I am very happy with the photos and am truly impressed with Clint's work.”
Ryan Nicometo

“You...are amazing people and so incredibly talented!  I'm lucky to have hooked up with you...I will continue to follow your website and recommend your work to everyone I know!”
Lorie Anderson

“Clint Thayer is not only a gift to our area but he's a gift to sports photography on a much wider scale. His deep affection for understanding the science of photography and the innate sense of composition blend together in beautiful results.

If you look at his portfolio, you see what he can accomplish but my recommendation surpasses those qualities. He is somebody that marries a project and becomes personally involved.

He has the great passion for the subject -  just as much as I did.  He became a great companion in every project he takes. Whether it was photography for the Madison Shamrock Shuffle, Ironman Wisconsin or my 40th birthday, he pours himself into the art of photography. ”
Steve Donovan
Madison Shamrock Shuffle Race Director & Custom Sports Photography Client

“The book looks fantastic.  I am truly in awe of both of you and your talents.  I will treasure what you have made for me the rest of my days.”
Kitty Clark Cole 

"Focal Flame did more than simply photograph our ulta-swim across Lake Mendota, they captured the story and kept it alive, one splash at a time."
Darren Fortney
Triathlete ultra-distance runner and swimmer
2-time finisher of the Badwater Ultramarathon
Cancer survivor and advocate