FocalShare: Sharing our Focus on Athletes

by Deborah Proctor

When you photograph athletes for a living like we do, you see on each individual's face determination required to cross the finish line and the joy and exhilaration of that accomplishment. Seeing these qualities through the lens caused Focal Flame Photography founder and lead photographer, Clint Thayer, to reflect on what Focal Flame could do to make it possible for athletes to share these once in a lifetime moments more freely with friends, family, and others who may not be there to celebrate with them.

"That is when the idea for the FocalShare™ service was born," says Thayer. "We wanted to SHARE our focus (digital photographs) with the amazing athletes that we photographed at each event, and give them, in turn, the opportunity to share their accomplishment with those who care about them."

So how did we accomplish that? Thayer explained, "We teamed up with some very forward-thinking and customer service-oriented event organizers, and they agreed that customized digital photographs would be much more meaningful to athletes, way cooler, and more environmentally friendly than the usual race swag like another plastic water bottle."

How does the FocalShare service work?

• Race directors and event organizers contract with Focal Flame Photography to photograph the athletes and activities at their event.
• In return, each athlete receives free access to ALL the photos and can share them via email, or post them in their Blog, on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and other social media sites.
• There is no fee to the athlete for the photos, they simply visit www.FocalFlamestore.comafter the race, view the photos of their event, and share as many as they like with friends, family, and teammates. They can even print out copies.
• All photographs are customized with the race logo and date in the corner. This helps showcase the athlete's achievement — it is not "just" another run, bike ride, triathlon, it is the Madison Mud Run, It’s Glow Time 5K, a triathlon in the Wisconsin Tri Series Races, or the Rock, Roll, ‘N Run Triathlon in Janesville, for example.
• Race organizers benefit from the good will the complimentary digitals create as well as in increased awareness of their event. For community events with racers from all walks of life, ensuring that every participant has access to FocalShare digitals helps to level the playing field and create a sense of togetherness – which, in the end, is what events are all about.

It appears that racers LOVE their FocalShare digitals and are often astounded that they are included as a benefit of the event. They also appreciate not having to pay out of pocket for the digital images.

But don't take our word for it, here is what just a few of the athletes at participating events had to say:

"I was a part of the race yesterday and I had an incredible time...One of the best things that this race had was the photography and the free access to our pictures. Two of the pictures are possibly the best pictures I have ever had taken by a race photographer at any point during my racing career. One was the very first good picture I have ever had of me coming out of the water. Sweet!

Thanks again and I look forward to participating in this race again next year! "—Pete

"This was my first triathlon that I have ever done!  It is so awesome that I get some great pictures to go with my experience!  It is also nice that they didn't cost me as usually race photos are so expensive.  Thank you!!!!"  — Lisa

"Thanks for being at the race to capture these moments - especially on a day when people like me leave their cameras safely packed away to stay dry! I appreciate the free downloads, and used some of the photos in my race report. Thanks! " —Dan

"FocalShare" events are the best!"— Tim

"[I appreciate] the FAST availability and the opportunity to use them for social media photos. Facebook & Twitter are avenues to document life events, and what better way to accompany posts than with professional race photos that capture those life events in motion. It's also great to have pictures with the race logo to remember the events." — survey respondent

"...FocalShare seems to be the ultimate package between racers, event coordinators, and photographers. I would much rather pay a "hidden" small cost in each registration for free photos then pay a ton for 1 photo. With digital being the norm now, it is a win/win/win situation." — survey respondent

If you have participated in an event photographed by Focal Flame this season, be sure to check our event status page to see if your event offersFocalShare digitals and share them with your family and friends.

If you are a race director or event coordinator and would like to know more about how you can offer complimentary FocalShare digitals to your athletes, please email Clint@FocalFlame.com or call 608.772.0048.

What do you think? Have you participated in a FocalShare event and shared your race photos with family and friends? If so, please tell us about your FocalShare experience. 

Behind the Lens: Mid-Year Reflection

by Clint Thayer

Where did the year go? It seems like only yesterday that I was just dreaming of business plans for the 2013 year and event season, and here I am right smack in the middle of it. That also means I am half way through the year and it is time to reflect on how my dreams are shaping up.

Just like the athletes I photograph, I track my numbers. Are my numbers better than last year? Are we photographing more races or more athletes? Is our processing time improving? I examined Focal Flame Photography's performance for the first half of 2013 and am pleased to say the answer to all three questions is "YES!"

In terms of our event photography services, as I noted in a previous post, the number of events we covered in 2012 soared 275% over the same period in 2011. In reviewing my numbers so far this year I discovered that:

• Not only are the number of events we cover growing but the number of athletes we photograph at each event is growing too. This year's Shamrock Shuffle, for example, grew from 3500 racers to 4700, nearly a 35% increase. When you think about what that means in terms of more people getting outside and embracing an active lifestyle, it’s fantastic.
• We have created more images —38,031 photos so far this year; that is only 5400 images short of the number we created in ALL of 2012.
• AND even though there are more athletes, more events, and more photos,  we are editing and applying bib numbers faster than ever  — averaging only 5.3 seconds per image. Why? Simply put, skill. Our editors are absolutely amazing – and amazingly efficient - at what they do.

So how do we keep up? Refining our process, learning what we can do better, taking hold of opportunities, and striving to improve. But I did not accomplish all this on my own...

Probably the biggest boon to Focal Flame's increase in productivity is the people we have added to our roster of talent.We are "buying local," hiring talented photographers, editors, writers, and logistical event staff to extend our core philosophy and help us achieve our goals. Focal Flame Photography is not just Clint taking a photograph, it is Josh, and Katie, Austin, and Deb working with Robyn and me to do what we want to do, go where we want to go, and figure out how we are going to do it. In future posts we will tell the stories of our talented staff.

What we want to do is tell your story with photographs.  One unique way we accomplish that is by creating custom photo books that celebrate personal milestones, document professional achievements, or create team memories.Custom photo books combine words, wishes, and photographs that will keep your story alive for future generations. We are currently working on a heart-warming story of a youth soccer team that has been playing together since kindergarten, and is now headed to middle school. Creating such a permanent memory is deeply rewarding to me.

Where do we want to go? My philosophy is to  "Go left when everyone else is going right."   That is why we have added a NEW video service to our Focal Flame gear bag. In the first 6 months of the year, we have produced some amazing videos for race organizers and commercial clients such the University of Wisconsin Master of Science in Biotechnology program. If a picture is worth 1000 words, just imagine what a 1-3 minute video can say.  Stay tuned.

And how do we want to do what we do?

I love creating unique, meaningful images of great athletes running, swimming, biking, diving into mud holes, and crossing the finish line. Editing race photos one day, I looked at all these amazing athletes doing what they do and thought, "What good does it do to capture these moments of exhilaration, determination, and dedication if only a few people see them?" How could I make it possible for these athletes to share these moments with friends, family, and teammates more freely? The answer — FocalShare™ a service for race organizers that allows them to give complimentary digital photographs to all of their athletes. We have completed a number of FocalShare events this season and the response has been extremely positive. Athletes love the free digital photos and share them with friends and family, race organizers love the buzz that sharing creates, and we just love the smiles all around. If you are not sure what FocalShare™ is, watch for a future post that will describe this program in more detail.

In reflecting on the first six months of the year, I see progress. We are photographing more events, providing photographs faster than ever, telling your stories in new ways, and delivering greater customer service and satisfaction to our athletes, event organizers, portrait, custom sport, commercial, and video clients, all while giving back to the community.  Thank you for the part you play in making it all possible.

What are your highlights from the first half of 2013? Share them with the Focal Flame community on Facebook,Google+, or on Twitter!

Athlete Profile: Lisa Hayes, Pardeeville Triathlon

by Deborah Proctor

When you live in IRONMAN Wisconsin territory, it is not surprising to learn that triathlons are more popular than ever before. If you drive the roads of Dane County late afternoons and weekends, it is impossible not to come upon runners and bikers in bright colored jerseys getting their training time in. 

Exponential growth in the sport is not just a Dane County phenomenon. According to USA Triathlon, a membership organization that tracks the figures on this cross discipline sport, triathlon participation is at an all time high in the US, experiencing double digit growth for 8 of the past 10 years. According to a survey by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) nearly 2 million individuals competed in at least one triathlon in 2011.

Who are triathletes? Their average age is 38, with the majority of participants between the ages of 25 and 50. Nearly 60% are male; 40% are female. While triathletes pursue a wide variety of lifestyles and occupations, most are married, and many have children at home and work in office settings.

That description fits Lisa Hayes, from Waterloo, WI, who participated in her first Triathlon on her 37th birthday, on July 6, 2013. I asked Lisa about her first race. Here is what she shared with me (FFP):

FFP: What  was your inspiration/motivation to enter thePardeeville Triathlon?  "A woman I work with who has done many, many triathlons was forming a "team" and since the race fell on my birthday I thought it would be a nice way to challenge myself.  I am primarily a runner...a slow one and always said I could never do a triathlon, but being encouraged by others convinced me and I made the jump." 

FFP: When did you decide to do the Tri and how did you prepare? "I did not decide to do the event until late April. That did not give me much time to prepare.  My game plan was to do each sport 2x/week at the minimum."

"I really enjoyed the cross training. I think it helped my running a bit. But I am an awful swimmer! A friend who had some swim coaching gave me some pointers.  I also made sure to do some open water swimming and even participated in one Aquathon. Just something to work on for my next tri."

FFP: What was your biggest challenge to competing in this race? "Open water swimming.  I can do it but I panic and then just breast stroke, which is not very fast or efficient."

FFP: What was the best thing about competing in the Pardeeville Tri?"Seeing my husband and kids along the course and at the finish line!"

When asked how she felt about all the hard work and training, culminating in her first triathlon, Lisa expressed the attitude of many first timers who nervously eye the water course and then say, "I am as ready as I am going to be...now it is just time to enjoy."

Did competing inspire Lisa to compete in future events?"Absolutely," she replied,"I am thinking of doing the (Race Day Events) tri series next year.  I am also planning on doing the Waterloo Fit City Tri, Color Me Rad (purely for fun), and the Haunted Hustle."
 

As a first time triathlete, Lisa was thrilled that race organizer, Race Day Events in conjunction with Focal Flame Photography provided complimentary photos as part of her race packet. "The photos were awesome!  I was so excited that they were complimentary too...that NEVER happens in a race!

She added,"If I had to pick between 2 races on the same day...I would pick the Race Day event."

In a follow up email to Ryan Griessmeyer at Race Day Events, Lisa said in part, "Thanks for sponsoring Pardeeville Triathlon race photos from Focal Flame Photography!...This was my first triathlon that I have ever done!  It is so awesome that I get some great pictures to go with my experience!  Thank you!!!!"

In the end, Lisa declared the Pardeeville Triathlon an "Amazing experience!"  and a "Great way to spend my birthday!" It doesn't get much better than that.

So how about you? Do you, like Lisa, feel that you could never do a triathlon? Does her experience encourage you to "tri"? Tell us why or why not on Facebook, Google+, or Twitter!

Behind the Lens: It Takes Persistence

by Clint Thayer

Event photography isn't the only type of photography that I do - but it is perhaps the most visible type. Unlike my commercial or portrait photography work, event photography is, like photojournalism, a public affair.

But, here's a secret: Sports event photographers are looked down upon in some circles. Unless, perhaps, you are a Sports Illustrated photographer on an editorial assignment, with a seemingly mile-long lens that can take a photograph of a single drop of sweat across a 100-yard football field, the perception is that you are just taking the same old boring shot over and over again.

Photographing athletes gritting their teeth as they "hit the wall" in that marathon run or slathered in sweat as they cross the finish line may not have the polished, glamorous atmosphere of photographing a bride and groom on their special day. During an event, photographers do not have the luxury of time to get every hair in place or recreate the shot for a better angle as might occur in portrait or commercial photography.  Sporting event photographers live and work in the moment (photo credit for image at right: Anne Stack Connor). Timing is everything. There are no second chances, no do-overs — you either get the shot or the opportunity is lost — FOREVER!

I see each race and the need to get it right every time as a way to hone my skills technically. I need to be in tune with every athlete throughout the event, from starting point to finish line. And that takes experience, timing, and practice. My goal at an event is to take a unique, meaningful picture of everyone crossing the finish line, to capture that moment and the one characteristic action —  arms up, high five a friend, or beaming smile — that signifies each athlete as an individual. And I do that in camera. These moments simply can't be photoshopped into reality. 

To focus on the athletes, capturing their story, also takes persistence. Just like them, I endure hot sun and bone chilling cold,  drenching rain, mud, insects, and whatever other uncomfortable circumstances or distractions are thrown my way.

When it rains, there is the fear of water getting into the camera or on the lens, ruining the camera or distorting the shot. But when I focus on the athletes, on their accomplishments rather than my worries or discomfort, the rain turns into a positive opportunity — offering soft, beautiful light and intriguing reflections gifted by the water.

At one recent race I was plagued with gnats swarming around me, flying up my nose and into my eyes. Thankfully they didn't bite or sting, but there was absolutely no way of evading them. They buzzed between my face and glasses, in my beard...I did my best not to ingest them, but it was impossible not to end up with a few extra six-legged calories that day.

When in a situation like that, I must come to peace with the annoyance, filter out the chatter in my mind, stick it in an imaginary box and duct tape it shut. I must put the distractions out of my mind and stay focused on the rewarding experience — getting the shots!

The ability to focus on the job at hand and turn potential negatives into positives is just one more tool in my gear bag, as important as my camera, lens, lighting, and angle, if not more so. It is part of my personal customer service. It's as important as my trying to cheer everyone on, giving them a high five or calling their name as they cross finish line.

The rewards of persistence are great. Despite sun, rain, wind, cold, or those annoying gnats, the opportunity to celebrate amazing athletes and the satisfaction of helping them tell their story is really an uplifting place to be. It's a journey from an almost meditative state of concentration to celebration of each racer - over and over again.

Event photography takes focus and persistence. It can be a challenge. But, about that secret regarding event photographers being held in low esteem? I'll let you in on a secret of my own: photographing events is deeply rewarding and insanely fun. It's real. It's authentic. And it's all about keeping your wits sharp enough to perceive THE moment for every shot, all day long.  

Passionate about photography? We are too. Come join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+. 

Lacrosse Comes to Madison - What a Score!

by Deborah Proctor

What you say? Oh, not the city — lacrosse (all lower case) — the fast paced field sport, with its roots in Native American culture. Combining elements of basketball, soccer, and hockey, while favoring speed, agility, and finesse over brawn, lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in America.

Madison scored big when chosen by US Lacrosse to host the 2013 US Central Lacrosse Championship in the area.  This open tournament attracted teams from eight central US states, which according to Jamie Patrick of the Madison Area  Sports Commission (MASC) "had an estimated direct spending impact of over $998,000."

So how did Madison win the bid for this premier sporting event?    "Madison is the intersection of great people, meeting venues, restaurants, attractions, and support all wrapped up in a unique personality.  It’s why people like coming here for events," said Patrick,"We also have great June weather (and) a venue that fits the needs of the event well."

To meet the needs of the 40 teams that traveled to Madison for the championship, MASC partnered with the  Wisconsin Lacrosse Federation (WLF) who provided volunteers, scheduled referees, and painted fields. MASC added housing support, volunteer time, marketing and other services and support.

Federation President, Dave Wollin, was thrilled that Madison was chosen. "This is a big shot of recognition for Wisconsin Lacrosse, which has been getting downplayed by local media and area universities because the sport is not recognized by the WIAA. But...we have 234 boys and girls teams in the state, including ... varsity level... double-digit growth for the past 7 years."

Focal Flame Photography, who photographed the event on behalf of the MASC, congratulates all the players who participated in the championship on a great display of enthusiasm and sportsmanship.  We send our heartiest cheers of support to local Dane County UC15 team DC Capitals who earned a #1 bracket seed and posted a 4-1 tournament record, finishing in 2nd place and qualifying to play in the National Tournament in Florida in July.  If you would like to help the team cover expenses for this trip, contact them at dccapitalslax@hotmail.com. For more information on how you can learn the sport or get involved as a volunteer or coach, visit www.MADLAX.org.

Interested in sports photography for your youth team? Contact us today!

Lake Mills Triathlon: Debra Vaughan

by Deborah Proctor

Lake Mills Triathlon | June 2, 2013: When Debra Vaughan awoke early that morning it was overcast, windy, and cold. But it was a race day, the first triathlon event of the season, and she was ready to go. A couple hours later, she and her friend Beth were standing on the beach at Lake Mills watching the waves as the wind churned them into a frenzy, choppy enough to capsize even the lifeguards' boats.

We caught up with Debra shortly after the race to get her thoughts on the Lake Mills Triathlon and what motivates her to race competitively.

Focal Flame (FFP): When did you start competing in triathlons?

Debra (DV): In 2009, the year my first child was born.  My gym wasn’t going to work anymore, so my gym friends and I decided to do Devil’s Challenge as a post partum goal and way to stay together.

FFP: Other than Lake Mills, what other triathlons have you competed in?  

DV: Wisconsin Triterium Triathlon (WTT), Devil’s Challenge, and Ironman Branson 70.3. [Editor's Note: The photo of Debra at right is from the 2013 Lake Monona 20KRace.]

FFP: What motivates you to participate in something as challenging as a triathlon?

DV: I participate in sport, in general, to be an example to both my children and also extended family who have started getting in shape after watching me.I can get bored with just “going out for a run” so the triathlon is a good mix of events and...having an event to train for gets me out the door.

FFP: What do you enjoy most about the sport?

DV: Every race morning I wake up wondering why I do this. Every race start I look at the water and think “this is going to be long and hurt” and after every start horn I forget it all and have a great time!You meet so many fun people on race day and only a handful are competitive, the rest of you are swapping stories and helping each other across the finish line.

FFP: What challenges have you had to overcome in order to compete in this sport?

DV: My personal challenge has been learning that I can do much more than I ever thought I could.  You have to learn to wrap your mind around that many miles; to prepare for hundreds of different scenarios; to push yourself to get out even if you don’t want to.

FFP: Who/what is your greatest encouragement or support(er)?  

DV: My husband, Dave, hands down, especially for the 70.3 which came only 5 months after my son was born. There is no way that race could have been done without him behind me 110%. He not only watches the kids without complaint, he is my coach, my therapist, and my biggest fan.

FFP: The weather for the Lake Mills Tri was pretty nasty causing cancellation of the swim portion for some athletes. How did this affect you personally?

DV: Most of us didn’t get to swim. My friend and I looked at the water and said, “This isn’t our only race (we are signed up for a series of six races this season), we have nothing to prove,” so we went out for a training ride and run on the course instead. 

Race organizers,Race Day Events(RDE), cancelled the swim before any of the age group waves.* After we got back we learned we made the same call as the race director, just earlier. I'm glad they made the call.  And I was glad we all got to go out even if it wasn’t a true Tri.  I don’t pay money, get up that early, and drive an hour just to go home.

FFP: Is there anything else you would like to add?

DV: I am very pleased, overall, with RDE. They put on nice events and have a lot to offer. It has been remarkable of RDE to include awesome race photos in our race fee — pictures mean a lot! I don’t know of any other event that does that for you. I have recently gotten to meet Clint from Focal Flame Photography; now he congratulates me when I cross the finish line, which is fun.

FFP: Will you compete in this event again next year?

DV: Yes! It WAS a very nice course and I look forward to doing the whole thing on a nice day.

*     *     *    

*Behind the Scenes Story: I asked Race Day Events organizers Ryan and Lauren Griessmeyer about the challenging weather conditions the day of the Lake Mills Triathlon. Here is what they and Jon Krupa, President/Owner of Sports Management Associates, Inc.(SMA), in charge of timing the event, had to say.

Race Day Events (RDE): Race day "conditions were difficult (even for the strong swimmers)and many changes happened before the event...The direction of travel through the course was changed to minimize swimming directly into the wind and waves... After four waves of swimmers, 20+ persons rescued from the water, and two capsized lifeguards, the decision was made to cancel the swim to ensure the safety of all participants, lifeguards, and race staff."

Jon Krupa, SMA: Lake Mills created a "unique situation where some participants had already swum while others had not. This was a major record keeping (statistical) challenge because the swim and bike are on the same timers. Fortunately, I had extra equipment along and was able to record non-swim waves separately. The challenge was to merge all the data to make results be as fair as possible under the circumstances while managing the integrity of data."

RDE adds: "SMA is the premier event timing business in the Midwest. Changing the format...during the event causes all kinds of problems for timing and scoring.  Jon from SMA... re-formatted the database and scored the event with no major problems and no delays.  This is not an easy feat and cannot be done by just anyone.  The SMA team saved the accuracy and integrity of the event."

"The right people for the right job," is what Focal Flame Photographer, Clint Thayer, calls RDE and SMA. "The racers could have been sent home, but the team found a way to make things happen and gave them something." Focal Flame Photography is proud to partner with Race Day Events and Sports Management Associates,  "can do" companies who make the most of a difficult situation.

Interested in more stories about amazing athletes? Join us on Facebook!

Headshot Photography: Putting your Best Face Forward

Portraying Yourself at Different Stages in Your Career

by Deborah Proctor

"Careers are sets of decisions, where you have the chance to emerge from the chrysalis every so often and show the world, show yourself, how you’ve evolved."- Hunter Walk, who recently left YouTube and Google to strike out on his own.

Whether you emerge as a Monarch butterfly or a Luna moth, no matter where you are in the career search lifecycle — new graduate seeking that first real job, seasoned employee making a mid-career change, or experienced executive seeking new challenges — searching for or changing jobs depends greatly on the image you project online.  In most cases, younger job seekers want to appear more mature and experienced while older workers want to showcase their experience with a generous dose of youthful vigor. So how do you present that experienced yet youthful image to a potential employer at different stages in your career?

In an article for US News and World Report, Alison Green, author and creator of the popular "Ask a Manager" blog advises new graduates, "Make sure that your email address, outgoing voice mail message and online presence all portray you as a professional, mature adult, not a partying college student."

Career Services Professional, Jill Wesley, says,  "Presenting too casual an image...not toning down a Facebook page...and thinking that 'If an employer was cool, they would understand,'" are some of the biggest mistakes younger workers make. Citing a well publicized case where a job offer was pulled after the applicant Tweeted about it, she adds, "You can easily damage yourself on Facebook or Twitter."

Wesley went on to say, "Younger employees, just coming out of school, need to help an employer see that they understand the rules of the work environment and part of that is projecting a professional image... to relieve the employer's fears about lack of experience and responsibility (will you show up on time, represent the company well, etc.)"

It is similar for older workers. Despite their perception that employers want younger, cheaper labor, Wesley points out that  "Anecdotally, it appears employers are leaning toward experience."

Yet, older workers need to show they are keeping up with the times. "Stay current with attire and hair" says Enterprise Solutions Technology Group, President and CEO, BJ Pfeiffer, that's the"most effective way to impact the stages of one's career." As in the commercial where the man combs in color to cover some but not all the gray in his hair, an older work wants to give the appearance of both youth AND experience. "Employers are always going to question the energy and relevancy of older workers," states Wayne Breitbarth, author of "The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success" in a recent AARP article.

Both Pfeiffer and Wesley agree that cultivating a professional image is the best way to get hired, and a professional career portrait will present that image better than any do-it-yourself photo. A professional image can even help freelances and entrepreneurs who are creating their own path - a well-composed headshot may help build trust with potential investors, clients, and business partners.

When you schedule a portrait session with Focal Flame photographer Clint Thayer, he will consult with you ahead of time to determine the image you wish to project to a potential employer and then capture that. So whether you are a new graduate just emerging into the workforce who needs to express all the maturity you hold inside or an older worker reemerging as an experienced worker with a lot of life left, Focal Flame Photography will create that image for you.

Do you know a recent graduate looking for their first career job? Or perhaps you know a more mature worker looking for a promotion or career change. Why not give them a boost in the job hunting process with the gift of a professional career image for their online profiles!  

To discuss possibilities or schedule a career portrait session with Focal Flame Photography call 608-772-0048, e-mail us, or fill out an inquiry form by clicking here. 

Food photography: Chef Jon Sauce, All in the Family

By Robyn M. Perrin

How much can one person’s quiet, consistent love affect the path of generations that follow? More than mere words can say. And yet, words must tell such stories. Here is one journey spanning three generations. 

My maternal grandmother was Helen Molnar. The photo on the right-hand side shows her at her high school graduation in 1939. Her abiding quality was kindness, of a depth and genuineness rarely seen. I knew her as a granddaughter knows a grandmother: as a source of steady encouragement, as someone who would listen closely to your thoughts, and as a woman who worked hard her entire life yet always had time for an embrace, a cup of tea, and conversation.

She shared her love of cooking with family and friends throughout her lifetime, baking endless loaves of Hungarian kolach bread and mountains of kifles and bow tie cookies (csoroge) in a walk-thorough galley kitchen that must have measured about 9 feet by 15 feet.

She was also grandmother to my cousin, Jon Molnar, who absorbed every ounce of her passion for hand-crafted food. Jon baked and cooked side by side with Grandma Helen. He was riveted by her intuitive sense of the precise moment to add oregano, the exact pressure to apply to the strudel dough so it would stretch rather than break, and which cabbage would yield succulent töltötkáposzta. And most of all, he learned first-hand that the act of nourishing someone by cooking for them is an act of love.

It was no surprise that Jon chose the culinary arts as his profession.

He attended the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts and worked tirelessly as in a variety of settings, from commercial kitchens to private sectors to his own establishment. Then, he launched his own brand of food products: Chef Jon Culinary Creations.

A flagship product line for Chef Jon is the Genuine Tuscany sauces. Made with tomatoes sourced from Tuscany, they are deeply flavorful, and far different from the typical thin-palate salty fare of most bottled pasta sauces.

As demand for the Chef Jon Genuine Tuscany pasta and pizza sauces grew, Jon and his wife Cheryl – a professional graphic designer – realized that they would need food photography images to help market the product to consumers and approach retailers to discuss product placement in stores. They hired Madison photographer Clint Thayer of Focal Flame Photography for the series.

“The goals were to shoot the sauce as product shots (on white backgrounds) and to shoot the sauce in a kitchen setting,” said Cheryl. Clint worked with Orange Tree Imports to ensure that the demonstration kitchen background was authentic and warmly lit, taking care that the vibrant color of the sauces invited the eye. Even within glass bottles, the ruby hues were evocative.

 “Clint provided crisp, well lit product photos,” said Cheryl, adding that as a design professional she appreciated the creative approaches Focal Flame Photography provided.

And of course, after the photo shoot, there was an opportunity to try the sauces. Gathered around the table with my family, I took a bite of spaghetti with Bolognese sauce and was immediately transported back to that tiny galley kitchen. The flavor may have been Italian rather than Hungarian, but the signature was unmistakable: this was something that was developed through love of the craft, through a sincere desire to offer a gift of food carefully prepared. I had to catch my breath at the sudden memory of Grandma Helen, beaming with pride in an apron with flour-covered hands.

“Jobb adni, mint kapni,” she might say. It’s better to give than to receive.

Indeed. 

What to Wear to a Professional Headshot Session

by Deborah Proctor

Are you looking for a job? Actively networking as you consider the next stage in your career? How do you connect with recruiters and get that all-important personal interview in this impersonal digital age? The difference between a job seeker and a successful job seeker may come down to one thing — the photo you post in your LinkedIn profile. 

As Career Services Professional, Jill Wesley, mentioned during an interview for our post about personal branding, "The image you project online is very important and professional photography is part of that image."

Personal finance expert and author, Jane Bryant Quinn, agrees. In a recent article entitled "Looking for a Job? Go Social"* she gave tips for job seekers in this digital age.  Discussing the importance of setting up a digital profile, she added, "Post an appropriate head shot. Recruiters won't even look at profiles without one."

So what is an appropriate head shot for LinkedIn and other online media profiles?  To project a professional image - whether you are young and just entering the workforce, or you are established in your career path and seeking a change - you need a professional portrait, one that presents you and your personality in a manner that fits the career path you are seeking. If you have any doubt, just peruse a few online profiles and notice the difference between those with professional portraits and those with party or stand up against the wall photos. Which person would you be more likely to hire?

"OK,"you admit that a professional career portrait is important,"but what do I wear or bring to the portrait session that will set me apart?"

BJ Pfieffer, President/CEO  of Enterprise Solutions Technology Group, in Madison,WI, recommends the traditional suit or blazer with dress slacks, skirt or dress.  " It is always better to make the best impression by erring on the side of dressing up rather than being too casual."  

That being said, Focal Flame Photographer, Clint Thayer, encourages his career photography subjects to "be comfortable in your own skin or style." If you are not comfortable in the clothing you choose, your photographs will show it. "Yet, you need to have the mindset that you are using this portrait for something" whether that is to present a professional business image for your LinkedIn profile or a casual portrait on location for creative purposes.

Pfieffer agrees that personal branding with photographs is "an interesting way to showcase one's career specialty as well as personal style" but this needs to be  appropriate to the industry.For example:"an artist might have a photo of him/herself working on a project (or a series of photos as the project is developing) for a professional site, but for a personal site they might include photos of how the creative process affects their choice of clothing or space" which may be messy.

So bring that professional clothing (suit or blazer and dress slacks for men, with a skirt or dress with 3/4 or long sleeves for women) and use accessories (bow tie, scarf, conservative jewelry) to add a little personality. Start your session formally, then relax a little — take off the tie, take off the jacket and sling it over your shoulder, change to a sweater, or add a hat or signature jewelry to make a creative statement.

Before your portrait session, research the field you intend to go into. Wesley recommends, "check out the profile photographs of others in your field."  Pfieffer suggests, "go stand outside a company where you would like to work as the employees are leaving for lunch and observe."Both recommend applying the lessons you learn and matching the corporate style. 

As a photographer, Thayer takes that one step further. His goal is to create a portrait for you that says, "This is me!"   Whether through clothing choices, poses, or location — photographing his clients in their office or another locale — each Focal Flame career portrait is professional, but lets your individual personality shine through.

For a checklist of what to bring to your career portrait session, see "What to Wear, Bring, or Remember for Your Career Portrait Session." 

Help that new graduate set themselves apart from the crowd and land their first job by purchasing a gift certificate or scheduling a session.  

For more information, call 608-772-0048 or e-mail us, or fill out an inquiry form by clicking here.

* June 2013 AARP Bulletin/Real Possibilities 

Cycling Wisconsin: Horribly Hilly Hundreds Sufferfest Supports Blue Mound State Park

By Deb Proctor

Wisconsin cycling is not for the faint of heart. About 25 miles west of Madison, occupying the tallest hill in southern Wisconsin, sits Blue Mound State Park - a popular destination for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, camping, swimming and other outdoor activities. Blue Mound is also the home of the Horribly Hilly Hundreds (HHH), a friendly, and some say "painfully fun" yet must-do bike ride once described as "The Toughest One-Day Challenge Ride in the Midwest" by the Isthmus, a weekly newspaper in Madison, Wisconsin.

The course covers up to 124.2 miles with over 10,000 feet of elevation gain, and is so tough that it was once voted by Isthmus readers as the "Sufferfest of the Year." Yet, as horribly hilly as this ride is, it has become so popular with cycling enthusiasts that a lottery system had to be implemented to keep the numbers of participants in check.

Each June, approximately 1,300 cyclists follow one of three routes — 100K, 150K, or 200K. The Horribly Hilly Hundreds is a tour, not a race. Riders traverse at their own pace the unglaciated, driftless area of Wisconsin in which steep hills and valleys stretch for hundreds of miles from southern Wisconsin into the northeast corner of Iowa. The beautiful rolling countryside and magnificent vistas at the top of each challenging climb reward participants for their efforts. Camaraderie awaits at the end of the day….as well as Viking Goulash — a treat worth riding for — that is served up by volunteers. (Download a PDF of the goulash recipe.)

Begun in 2003 by now retired Blue Mound State Park manager, Karl Heil and friends, and enthusiastically endorsed by the Mt. Horeb Chamber of Commerce, the Horribly Hilly bike ride is a major fundraiser for the Friends of Blue Mound State Park, a volunteer group whose efforts provide funding for new trails, park amenities, and even a staff naturalist — things that would not otherwise be possible given dwindling state budgets.

Proceeds from the Horribly Hilly Hundreds ride most recently supported the construction of a fully ADA accessible, all season shelter house - made possible through a donation of $500,000 from the Friends of Blue Mound State Parks using funds raised from the bike event. Ten years in the dreaming, the 2,400 square foot shelter opened in January 2013 complete with a great hall, cathedral ceilings, and a real bathroom. Families, hikers, mountain bikers, skiers, and snowshoers visiting the park can now enjoy a cool place to sit in the summer, have a picnic and enjoy the view, or warm up and rest on a cold winter day.  

Funds from HHH events will continue to benefit the park. Friends group Treasurer, Gail Van Haren, stated, "The HHH typically contributes 60-70% of the Friends' total annual income."  She added that Friends group projects in the near future will include "…acoustic panels for inside the shelter, landscaping of the grounds surrounding the shelter, and development of accessible trails as well as the usual ongoing support of park maintenance projects and a park naturalist." (For more information on the Friends of Blue Mound State Park  or to become a member, visit their Blog.)

Stop by Blue Mound State Park this year on June 20, 2015 to cheer on this year's participants and join in the fun.  Professional photographers from Focal Flame Photography will be capturing images of the riders, so be sure to say "Hello." And, if you think you would enjoy a challenging ride, make sure to register early for next year. For more information visit www.horriblyhilly.com.

Focal Flame Photography is proud to work with Horribly Hilly Hundreds event organizers Race Day Events to provide race photographs to participants. Click to view images from 2012, 2013, or 2014.

Interested in cycling in Wisconsin? Do you love cycling photography? Join us on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ for more stories about ordinary people doing amazing things!