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Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Introducing Kerri Walsh Jennings, three-time Olympic gold medalist and Franklin's latest sponsored female athlete

By Matt Pendleton Photography

February 27^th, 2021

Introducing Kerri Walsh Jennings

I'm really excited to introduce my latest work with Franklin Sports and 3x Olympic Gold volleyball athlete, Kerri Walsh Jennings. Franklin Sports brought me back to photograph their latest female sponsored athlete for a beach and indoor marketing and branding photo shoot in Naples, Florida.

We shot at the beautiful and exclusive Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. We used the beautiful white sands from the Gulf of Mexico nearby and then moved to the massive two-story Ritz-Carlton Beach House.

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

The Setup

It was an early morning setup with the moon still shining. Franklin Sports Director of Creative Services Drew Gundlach joined us to get setup and prep for Kerri's call time. Drew provided invaluable direction throughout the shoot.

My photo assistant, Mickey Howard, and I started by setting up the studio inside the Ritz-Carlton Beach House. I used 4x D2 and 2x B1X strobes with gridded 3x4 softboxes and 5ft / 2ft octabox modifiers with HSS enabled.

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

As sun was just starting to rise, I brought 2x B1X strobes and gridded strip boxes with a gold reflector to the beach supported by Matthews C-Stands.

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Welcome to the #FranklinFamily

Kerri started off the shoot showcasing her custom-designed Franklin Sports volleyballs on the beach. She was wearing custom-branded Franklin Sports athleisure gear.

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

At The Net

A quick outfit change and I rotated our set to bring the sun behind Kerri's back.

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

In Action

I transitioned to action shots. Franklin brought in additional talent, Michelle Derrickson, to help with the actions shots.

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Diving

I asked Kerri for a few diving shots and she nailed them easily with the first few tries. It's truly incredible to watch an elite athlete move.

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Studio

After wrapping the beach, I moved to the studio setup in the Ritz-Carlton Beach House.

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Adding Some Color

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Work In Action

Here's a few photos from the product launch which include the official press release of the partnership.

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Thank You Kerri and Franklin Sports

A huge shoutout to Kerri for being so amazing on set. She was such a pleasure to work with and truly is an incredible athlete. I also want to thank Drew from Franklin Sports for his trust and creative guidance for such an important client of theirs.

Finally, I want to thank my awesome crew who worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes and all the staff from the Ritz-Carlton Naples who helped get the site prepped early in the morning:

Director of Creative Services: Drew Gundlach
Photo Assistant: Mickey Howard
Hair and Makeup: Nathania Giraldo
Talent/Athlete: Michelle Derrickson

THAT'S A WRAP!

Marketing and Branding with Franklin Sports

Footnotes

Shot using Canon 1D-X Mark III cameras and Profoto lighting. BTS Photos by Mickey Howard. Photos by Matt Pendleton for Franklin Sports.

FootNotes

Shot using Canon 1D-X Mark III cameras and Profoto lighting. BTS Photos by Mickey Howard. Photos by Matt Pendleton for Franklin Sports.

© 2026 Matt Pendleton Photography

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