In this episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft is joined by veteran photojournalist Jenni Girtman, who shares practical, low-tech strategies for taking better photos at gym events. If you're running a fitness business and working with clients over 50, you know how powerful visuals can be — but most gyms miss the mark.

Jenni breaks down how to prep for events, what to shoot, and how to edit photos so they tell a story and elevate your brand. Even if all you have is a smartphone, her tips can help you create compelling images that attract and retain more clients.

From creating a shot list to simple editing tricks, this conversation is packed with actionable tips anyone can use — whether you're shooting a gym anniversary party or a 5K event.

👤 Guest Name: Jenni Girtman

Bio:
Jenni Girtman is a professional photographer with decades of experience, including photojournalism at major newspapers and corporate event coverage. She runs two Atlanta-based photography businesses — Atlanta Event Photography and Life on Film Photography — specializing in everything from Fortune 500 events to bar and bat mitzvahs.

Links:

• Website: https://atlantaeventphotography.com
• Life on Film Photography: https://lifeonfilmphotography.com

🎯 Episode Outline

Planning Photos That Help Your Business

• Why visuals matter for fitness marketing
• Why most gyms fall short with event photography

Pre-Event Strategy: Assign, Plan, Scout

• Assigning a photographer
• Building a basic shot list
• Understanding your venue and light

How to Shoot Like a Pro (Without Being One)

• Three pillars: fill the frame, clean background, strong subject
• Beginning-middle-end storytelling
• Tips for better smartphone settings

Editing and Posting for Impact

• Simple edits you can do on your phone
• Cropping and filters to enhance usability
• Matching photo format to platform (IG, FB, website)

Bonus: Jenni's Live Photo Review

• Real-time examples of good and bad shots
• What to fix and how to fix it

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Why photos are crucial for gym marketing
 01:15 – Meet Jenni Girtman
 04:50 – Common photo fails at gym events
 06:45 – How to prep: assign, list, scout
 09:45 – Capturing beginning, middle, and end of events
 13:20 – 3 keys to better composition
 20:10 – Smartphone camera settings for quality
 28:00 – Easy editing tips for non-photographers
 30:00 – Live photo examples from Jenni’s work
 36:45 – Connect with Jenni online

🎤 Host: Jay Croft
Helping fitness professionals grow with content that connects to the over-50 market.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://primefitcontent.com

📬 Calls to Action:

• 📘 Book a free strategy call: https://primefitcontent.com/contact
• 📱 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primefitcontent

💡 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow fitness pro or tag us on socials using #OptimalAgingPodcast

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Jay Croft Fitness Content Creator

Jay Croft is the host of Optimal Aging, a show about fitness, health and wellbeing for people over 50 that concentrates on marketing, content, and making powerful connections. A longtime former newspaper journalist, he is the creator of Prime Fit Content, which provides premium marketing materials to help gyms and studios reach people over 50. Prime Fit Content is used by fitness professionals across the US and Canada, and in other countries around the world. He contributes regularly to CNN and WebMD.