Beyond the Wild

Summary

In this episode, hosts Mark Raycroft and Jason Loftus interview Deirdre Rosenberg, a conservation photographer who shares her love for nature and photography. Growing up in northern Minnesota, surrounded by wilderness and adventure, her passion for photography started at a young age.  Deirdre's photography journey began in action sports photography. Still, it shifted to her calling: wildlife and nature conservation photography and type-2 fun, which is the joy and fulfillment of challenging experiences. Deirdre deeply appreciates the little things in nature, like pikas, and encourages others to slow down and observe the beauty around them. In this conversation, Deirdre Rosenberg shares her passion for wildlife photography and her love for capturing images of the American pika. She discusses the behavior and habitat of pikas and provides tips for photographing them. Deirdre also talks about her conservation efforts and raising funds efforts for land and wildlife conservation. She shares her experiences on backcountry trips and the importance of being immersed in the wilderness. 

Takeaways

Deirdre grew up in northern Minnesota, surrounded by wilderness and adventure.

Her passion for photography started at a young age, influenced by her father who was a professional photographer.

Deirdre's photography journey began with action sports photography but eventually shifted towards wildlife and nature.

She emphasizes the importance of type 2 fun, finding joy and fulfillment in challenging experiences.

Deirdre has a deep appreciation for the little things in nature, like pikas, and encourages others to slow down and observe the beauty around them. Pikas are small mammals that live in alpine environments and have unique behaviors that make them interesting subjects for wildlife photography.

Conservation efforts can take many forms, including packing out trash and raising funds for land and wildlife conservation.

Backcountry trips provide opportunities for unique wildlife encounters and allow photographers to capture honest and authentic images.

Cold Case Gear is a product developed by Deirdre and her husband to keep camera batteries warm in cold temperatures, ensuring longer battery life during outdoor photography expeditions.

Sound Bites

"Type two fun is the worst time. It's when you go out and you just have a big suffer fast."

"I just want to live and I just want to do what I want to do. And I don't want people to control what I'm doing because of financial reasons or because of this or that."

"If you just slow down just for a second, it's amazing what can happen."

"Cool. Well, that's your biology moment."

"So many people get really hung up on how do I be a conservation photographer? What does that mean? Like, what does that look like? And it doesn't mean that you have to like be published by these huge outlets. It doesn't mean that you have to have these giant projects. It doesn't mean you have to go on expeditions or travel around, but there are so many ways to help conservation efforts to help local conservation efforts."

"90% of my photos are created on expeditions. I don't, I sometimes I'll post a photo and be like, Oh, like everyone's gonna hate this because the light's not right, but the light's not right because the light wasn't right. And I was on an expedition and that's reality sometimes."

Chapters

01:00 Deirdre's Background
10:08 Discovering the Passion for Photography
16:08 Embracing Type 2 Fun and Living Life to the Fullest
22:47 Appreciating the Little Things in Nature
25:17 The Fascinating World of Pikas
32:24 Pika Behavior and Adaptations
35:05 The Charm of the American Pika
37:42 Making a Difference Through Conservation Photography
53:35 Expeditions and Backcountry Photography
01:04:01 Keeping Camera Batteries Warm with Cold Case Gear

Links and More

Web: www.deirdredenaliphotography.com
Instagram: @deirdredenaliphotography

Thanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast. To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.

Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!

Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Summary

In this episode of Beyond the Wild, host Mark Raycroft relays all the details of his recent trip to Australia. But before he can get into his experiences, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus steal the spotlight with discussions about the new Canon EOS R5 Mark II and EOS RI.  The guys then discuss various topics, including travel experiences, car rentals, and the upcoming release of new camera technology. The conversation is light-hearted and informative, providing travel tips and insights. The beauty of Australia comes to life in Mark’s essay on this diverse and enlightening continent.  The conversation covered various topics, including wildlife in Australia, bird photography, and whale watching. The hosts shared their experiences and observations, highlighting Australia’s unique natural history and biodiversity. They also discussed the use of smartphones for photography and the importance of giving oneself time to adjust to jet lag when traveling to distant destinations.

Takeaways

• Booking preferred seating on flights can provide extra legroom and comfort
• Car rental prices can fluctuate, so it's worth checking regularly for better deals
• The new camera technology released by Canon in the EOS R5 Mark II and EOS R1 offers a leap in improved features for both photography and videography
• Australia offers beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique experiences
• Australia is home to diverse wildlife, including diverse and colorful birds and amazing humpback whale experiences
• Whale watching in Australia can be a thrilling and memorable experience, especially during the mating season.
• Using smartphones for photography can yield impressive results, especially when shooting in RAW format.
• Jet lag should be considered when planning a trip to a distant destination.

Sound Bites

"If you have status with an airline, you can choose your seat within reason and often get extra legroom in the exit row."

"Australia offers beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique experiences."

"The insides of their prey melts inside and they suck it down."

"Why does yogurt hurt you know?"

"It wasn't just a breach. I mean, it was like full almost all the way out of the water."

Chapters

01:00 Introduction and Reunion
04:16 Jason's Travel Restrictions and Plans
08:20 Weather and Environmental Conditions
11:19 Insurance and Car Rental Experiences
15:23 Mark's Perspective on Traveling and Recent Trip to Australia
19:23 Excitement for New Camera Technology
31:41 Venomous Animals and Paralyzing Prey
40:19 Thrilling Encounters with Humpback Whales
51:23 The Versatility of Smartphone Photography
56:23 Adjusting to Jet Lag When Traveling

Thanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast.To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.

Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!

Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Summary

Welcome to the first-ever LIVE recording of the Beyond the Wild Podcast, where hosts Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus presented at the pictureline.com PhotoX Outdoor event in Salt Lake City, Utah and answered wildlife photography questions from the studio audience. Our hosts were joined by wildlife photographers Daniel Lindhardt and Jimmy Breitenstein. In this fireside chat environment, the four experienced wildlife photographers tackle some of the toughest questions impacting outdoor photography and the conservation of our wild spaces. But the conversation quickly shifts to guidance on where to start finding wildlife, how to recognize locations that hold animals, and how to translate that information to help you find your own hotspots. The panel also tell some great photography-trip horror stories.

A huge thanks to pictureline.com for the invite to the PhotoX Outdoor event. It was great to be part of this great gathering of like-minded outdoor photographers.

Panel Participants and Event Hosts (Instagram)

@ronhayes_wwi
@untamedimagesbyjl
@danlindphoto
@jimmyb_intothewild
@beyondthewildpodcast
@pictureline
@canonusa

Thanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast.To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.

Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!

Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Summary

In this episode, hosts Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft interview Jules Jacobs, a wildlife photographer who has bridged the gap between the pure science of oceanography and the real-world changes our oceans are experiencing. His photography and editorial have captured the attention of the world in the Smithsonian and New York Times. The discussion in this episode is heavily focused on the impact of human activities on ecosystems but quest Jules Jacobs also details underwater photography tips. Jules shares his journey from photographing seahorses in his aquarium to becoming an underwater photographer. They also discuss the importance of storytelling in conservation photography and the need to raise awareness about the biodiversity crisis. The conversation covers themes such as urban wildlife, rodenticides and their impact on predators, and the adaptability of wildlife. They also touch on the challenges and rewards of underwater photography and the thrill of encountering marine life in their natural habitat. Jules Jacobs shares his experiences and insights into the world of underwater photography. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of capturing wildlife underwater, emphasizing the importance of getting close to the subjects and finding local spots to explore. Jules also shares a personal story of a diving accident that led him to focus on photographing intertidal creatures and discovering the world of fluorescence. He highlights the significance of building relationships with scientists and using photography to contribute to conservation efforts. Jules provides tips for aspiring underwater photographers, including finding a subject, experimenting with different techniques, and gradually transitioning to more advanced equipment.

Takeaways

Conservation photography plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the biodiversity crisis and inspiring action.

Urban environments can support diverse wildlife populations, and documenting their presence can help promote conservation efforts.

Rodenticides can have far-reaching effects on ecosystems, impacting not only the targeted pests but also the predators that consume them.

Underwater photography presents unique challenges and rewards, allowing for a closer look at marine life and their habitats. Underwater photography offers a unique perspective on wildlife, allowing photographers to get inches away from creatures that are typically more elusive on land.

Finding local spots and focusing on a specific subject can help photographers develop their skills and create unique and original images.

Building relationships with scientists and connecting photography to science and conservation can elevate the impact of the images and contribute to important research.

Transitioning from DSLR to mirrorless cameras in underwater photography requires careful consideration of equipment compatibility and limitations.

Adapting to challenging underwater conditions, such as poor visibility or particulates in the water, can lead to creative approaches and unique storytelling opportunities.

Sound Bites

"I'm not stuck somewhere that I can't be with my family."
"We are all photojournalists, telling the story of our planet at this point in time."
"Reefs are a really great indicator; they're the canary of the coal mine."
"Underwater, we are entering a world that they've really never experienced humans."
"Finding that local spot, finding what your thing is that you can really hammer in on, whether it's with birds and wildlife, terrestrially or underwater, is really how you grow your skills in an area."
"Find a subject and get weird."

Chapters

01:00 Missed Travel Opportunities and Appreciating Safety
06:00 The Power of Conservation Photography
10:53 Exploring Urban Wildlife and the Impact of Rodenticides
27:04 The Challenges and Rewards of Underwater Photography
43:40 Entering the Underwater World
45:26 From Diving Accident to Intertidal Photography
47:51 The Importance of Building Relationships with Scientists
51:43 Tips for Aspiring Underwater Photographers
56:02 Transitioning to Mirrorless Cameras in Underwater Photography
1:00:20 Adapting to Challenging Underwater Conditions

Guests (Instagram)

@julesjacobs_photo

Summary

In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, host Mark Raycroft discusses Jason Loftus’ upcoming trip to Africa and his preparations for this epic wildlife photography. It’s a trip that can easily sidetrack any photographer’s conversation, but the spotlight in this episode is guest Kevin Konitshek’s unique wild cat quest in Colorado. Kevin has captured incredible, rarely-seen images of these wild animals in their natural habitat exhibiting iconic behaviour. Kevin shares his passion for wildlife photography and his recent project to capture images of all three wild cat species in Colorado: bobcat, mountain lion and the elusive lynx. He explains the challenges and environmental factors affecting the lynx population in Colorado and the importance of camera trapping in capturing unique and dynamic images. The conversation also touches on the management of wildlife populations and the need for science-based decision-making. Kevin Konitshek discusses his camera trap setup for wildlife photography, including the equipment he uses and the cost of the setup. He also shares tips for setting up the camera traps in different weather conditions and terrain, along with the challenges and successes he has encountered in his passion project to capture images of these top predators. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the behavior and patterns of the animals to increase the chances of capturing compelling images.  Kevin shares his passion for winter wildlife photography the extreme dificulty and work effort required to make these unique opportunities. The conversation also touches on the tragic loss of a young wildlife photographer, Carson Hughes, and the importance of cherishing every moment in life.

Takeaways

Preparation is key in wildlife photography, especially when planning a trip to a new location.

Camera trapping allows for unique and dynamic images of wildlife, capturing their natural behavior and telling a story.

The lynx population in Colorado faces environmental challenges such as beetle kill and wildfires, which impact their habitat and prey.

The management of wildlife populations should be based on science and biology, rather than public opinion.

Creating a collection of images that tell a story is often more valuable than individual standout shots.

Camera traps for wildlife photography require a motion sensor, receiver, and transmitter to capture images and trigger flashes simultaneously.

The cost of a camera trap setup can range from $1,700 to $2,300, depending on the equipment and accessories.

When setting up camera traps, it is important to consider the weather conditions and terrain to ensure the equipment is secure and protected.

Understanding the behavior and patterns of the animals being photographed is crucial for successful camera trapping.

Camera trapping requires patience, perseverance, and a deep understanding of animal behavior and habitat.

Kevin Konitshek's project focuses on capturing images of bobcats, mountain lions, and lynx, with each species presenting its own challenges and opportunities.

Scouting and selecting the right locations are crucial for successful camera trapping.

Winter wildlife photography offers unique opportunities and challenges.

The loss of a young wildlife photographer reminds us to cherish every moment and pursue our passions with dedication and enthusiasm.

Sound Bites

"It's not a hobby. It's a lifestyle."
"Captures your natural behavior."
"Tells that story, right?"
"That motion sensor is on channel one. And so channel one will detect something and it will talk to the receiver on channel one, which is plugged into the camera."
"The transmitter will talk to two receivers that are on channel two connected to flashes."
"A really good set for what I'm using is going to be about $1,700."
"I'm gonna get a lynx this winter I know it"
"I like to call them mountain lynx"
"I know I'll get the cat closer with flash on and it's gonna look good"

Chapters

01:00 Preparing for Wildlife Photography in Africa
04:03 Capturing Unique Images through Camera Trapping
12:36 Challenges Facing the Lynx Population in Colorado
24:38 The Importance of Science-Based Wildlife Management
30:55 Telling a Story through Wildlife Photography
33:49 The Cost of a Camera Trap Setup
36:24 Setting Up Camera Traps in Different Conditions
38:39 Collaboration and Customization in Camera Trap Equipment
42:43 Flash Placement and Lighting Techniques
50:38 Capturing Images of Mountain Lions
52:43 Success with Mountain Lion Camera Trapping
57:00 The Rarity and Challenges of Lynx Camera Trapping
01:04:19 Tracking Lynx in the Colorado Mountains
01:10:38 The Challenges of Camera Trapping
01:15:06 The Unique Beauty of Winter Wildlife Photography
01:21:09 Remembering Carson Hughes: A Talented Young Photographer

Guests and Mentions (Instagram)

@kevink_photo
@eisenhaur_photography
@carsonhughes_photography

Summary

In this episode, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus and Mark Raycroft's primary goal was to answer Listener questions, but they quickly get lost catching up on past trips and discussing the ethical questions around image manipulation and the newly developing confounding factor of AI-generated images on social media.  They also delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by new technology in the field of photography. The recent trip conversation covers Mark's spring canoe adventure into Algonquin Park's interior and Jason and Ron's trip to Yellowstone, where they discuss the significance of shared nature experiences with family. But the piéce de résistance in this episode is the Listener questions which dive deep into the questions around photographers' facial hair and aging, photography ruts, GoPro use and more.  They also get a little more serious and discuss positive social media interactions and the importance of sharing positive encounters in wildlife photography.

Takeaways

Mark's experiences on his canoe camping adventure in Algonquin Park

Visiting Yellowstone and sharing nature experiences with family can be a meaningful and memorable experience.

The significance of introducing family members, especially children, to wildlife and nature experiences.

The importance of ethical considerations in the photography industry and the impact of AI on photographers and their work.

The impact of AI on stock images and the ethical implications of using AI-generated images. The use of AI in presentations is evolving and becoming more sophisticated.

What's up with wildlife photographers and goatees?

Photography ruts can be overcome by changing up the approach, taking a break, and trying something different.

GoPros have a wide range of applications in wildlife photography, including underwater footage and camera trapping.

Sharing positive wildlife encounters on social media can inspire others and promote respectful behavior in nature.

Sound Bites

"The use of AI in photography raises ethical questions about the authenticity of images and the ownership of AI-generated content."

"Photographers must consider the implications of using AI tools and the ethical considerations of image manipulation in their work."

"The conversation highlights the need for ongoing discussions and open-mindedness when it comes to the use of new technology in photography."

"Like a book just slammed shut."

"Are we going to have continue to have publishers and people that want to use images that will hold up the ethical side of things and want to continue to use real images that aren't AI altered? Because to me, that's the real scary part."

"The most recent trip I've been on that we haven't chatted about was a quick little weekend run to Yellowstone."

"Mark's probably been one of the biggest advocates of those tools on the podcast for quite some time now."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Mark's Rejuvenating Canoe Trip in Algonquin Park

09:24 Exploring the Impact of AI on Social Media Photography

34:41 The Impact of AI on Photography and Ethical Considerations

42:36 Memorable Yellowstone Trip and Family Nature Experiences

00:59:30 Listener Question: Is it imperative that guests have a goatee?

01:06:00 Listener Question: If the 3 of you were in a footrace with a bear, who would get eaten first?

01:02:21 Listener Question: What is something that each of you do when you find yourself in a photography rut?

01:04:16 Listener Question: What is something that each of you do when you find yourself in a photography rut?

01:08:52 Listener Question: I bought a GoPro. What sort of wildlife applications do they have?

01:16:46 Promoting Positive Wildlife Encounters on Social Media

Summary

In this episode, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus are joined by fellow photographer Kelly Elmer to recount a recent trip to Costa Rica to photograph the diverse wildlife. Kelly and Jason planned the trip to visit different ecosystems and worked with a local contact to arrange their itinerary. They experienced a wide range of biodiversity, from toucans and macaws to vultures and bats. The trip included jungle walks with a guide who helped them spot and photograph various species, including the spectacled owl. Kelly primarily used a 600mm prime lens and a 400mm lens, while Jason used similar setups with Canon gear. They also brought macro lenses for photographing frogs and snakes and talked about their experiences photographing other wildlife like sloths and monkeys. They also mention the challenges and rewards of bird photography in Costa Rica. Overall, they had a great time and captured some amazing shots of the diverse wildlife in the country.

Takeaways

Costa Rica offers a diverse range of ecosystems and abundant biodiversity for wildlife photography.

Working with a local contact can help plan and arrange a trip to visit different areas and maximize photography opportunities.

Jungle walks with a knowledgeable guide can lead to unique sightings and photo opportunities.

Having a variety of camera gear, including long lenses and macro lenses, is essential for capturing different species and details.

Being prepared for the weather and conditions, such as humidity and rain, is important for a successful photography trip. Costa Rica offers a diverse range of wildlife photography opportunities

Photographing reptiles, such as snakes and frogs, can be challenging but rewarding

Bird photography in Costa Rica is particularly exciting due to the variety of colorful species

Having a knowledgeable guide can greatly enhance the photography experience

Seeing rare and elusive species in the wild is a thrilling experience

Sound Bites

"Every bird that flies by is just packed with color."

"It was a highlight. And in fact, there was a guy we met there, became friends with."

"We had to go mechanical shutter and you had to go single shot. So we're just trying to as fast as we can to get the timing right."

"We shot a boa, which was the largest of the snakes"

"Sloths only come out of the treetops once a month to use the bathroom"

"Watching the monkeys grab leaves and hang by their tails was incredible"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

06:31 Planning the Trip and Contacting Local Guides

26:08 Highlights and Species Encountered

34:05 Encountering Sloths in the Wild

41:23 The Beauty of Bird Photography in Costa Rica

50:32 The Importance of Knowledgeable Guides

Takeaways

Building a personal brand on social media involves being genuine, authentic, and vulnerable, and telling stories that captivate an audience.

Engagement with followers, such as responding to comments and messages, is more valuable to brands than the number of followers alone.

Pricing your work as a content creator involves considering factors such as your level of professionalism, experience, costs (e.g., time, equipment, printing), and the value you provide to brands.

While reels and other trends can help with growth on social media, it's important to find a strategy that aligns with your strengths and goals.

Engaging with your audience and providing value through your content and interactions is key to building meaningful connections and growing organically.

Dealing with burnout and imposter syndrome on social media can involve taking breaks, avoiding comparison, and focusing on your own journey and unique value. Have a new hobby or passion alongside photography to prevent burnout

Consulting and assisting other content creators can be a fulfilling career path

Building connections online can lead to opportunities in online business management

Loyalty to a brand can result in collaborations and recognition

Childhood memories in nature can shape a love for outdoor experiences and photography

Sound Bites

"Stories sell."

"What's the purpose of your account? What are you trying to accomplish with your Instagram? If it is just to share stuff and be funny and have likes, great, do it, do you. But if your goal is to make money, then you definitely think you need to be more intentional about what you're doing."

"I always tell everyone, just go for it. Honestly, I'll help people write up emails anytime. Just be like, hey, if you wanna work with someone and you've got their contact, or if you've got a relationship with them, I'll help you write the email to be like, hey, I'd love to work with you."

"Make sure you're gonna get a new hobby then."

"Step away, re-center yourself, and then get back into it, right, with a different mindset."

"Teaching others the same things that I have learned within this certain realm."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and pictureline.com Spring Photography Expo

01:24 Guest Introduction: Maddie Clark (Embark with Ember)

06:12 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Social Media

09:26 Pricing Your Work as a Content Creator

10:23 Engagement Matters More Than the Number of Followers

24:17 Transitioning to Reels and Adapting to Algorithm Changes

28:20 The Formula for Success on Social Media

32:23 Dealing with Burnout and Imposter Syndrome

43:59 Falling in Love with Photography Again

48:31 Consulting and Assisting Content Creators

51:44 Building Connections in Online Business Management

55:49 Loyalty to Nikon and Collaborations

01:05:26 Favorite Outdoor Experience: Seeing an epic Bear in Teton National Park

Summary

In this episode, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus are joined by guest Nehemiah Ray, and they share discussions of how venturing into the wild in their childhood has developed a strong appreciation for the finer details in nature. Nehemiah Ray, a wildlife professional, shares his philosophy for raising his children to appreciate the wonders of nature. This episode digs into the importance of family, outdoor experiences, wildlife biology, and the impact of human behaviour on ecosystems. Nehemiah Ray shares his experiences with nature, wildlife removal, and the importance of teaching children to appreciate and respect the natural world. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to nature, wildlife, and exploring the natural world. It delves into the impact of invasive species, the importance of understanding wild edible plants, the value of foraging, and the significance of being aware of one's environment. The conversation also highlights the benefits of spending time in nature, the challenges today’s technology has on kids, how it limits their opportunity for outdoor experiences and the influence of childhood experiences on adult perspectives.

Takeaways

Teaching children to appreciate and respect nature is important for their development.

Human behavior, including the release of pets into the wild, can have significant consequences for ecosystems.

Wildlife removal and the coexistence of humans and wildlife is a complex and important aspect of environmental management. Understanding the impact of invasive species on ecosystems

The value of learning about wild edible plants and foraging

The importance of environmental awareness and spending time in nature

The impact of childhood experiences on adult perspectives

How technology is limiting today’s youth from having outdoor experiences

Sound Bites

"It's not about not being afraid. It's about being able to overcome it."

"The impact on the ecosystem, you know, just by people releasing pets is significant."

"Don't keep a pet that should be wild. And secondly, don't ever turn them loose. There's always other options. But if you go turn them loose, then the ecosystem is dealing with a problem that you didn't want to manage. So."

"The grocery stores have such a small amount of foods that we eat. And granted, I know shelf life and all those types of things play a part into it, but I really want to teach them at a young age to be explorative. Don't just go with what's offered to you."

"It's really easy to admire the mountains. It's a lot more difficult to admire the molehill. Being able to ... You don't have to go far. You don't have to take a trip to Yellowstone, which, I mean, that's on the bucket list for me. I really want to go there."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Family Conversations

02:00 Outdoor Adventures and Wildlife Removal

05:25 Wildlife Biology and Environmental Stewardship

25:08 Human Behavior and Ecosystem Impact

28:22 Understanding Invasive Species and Ecosystem Impact

31:39 Exploring Wild Edible Plants and Foraging

34:36 Appreciating the Natural World: Mountains and Molehills

Thanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast.

To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.

Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!

Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Summary

In this episode, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft are joined by guest Tim Irvin, a guide who refers to his adventures more as expeditions than trips. The the main topic of this episode is coastal wolves and guest Tim Irvin shares his passion for these elusive creatures and his experiences photographing them in the Great Bear Rainforest along with another rare creature, the spirit bear. The discussion highlights the challenges of finding and capturing images of coastal wolves in their natural habitat, as well as the excitement and awe of encountering them in the wild. The conversation explores the unpredictability and excitement of wildlife photography and guiding in the Great Bear Rainforest. Tim emphasizes the importance of patience and accepting the unknown when it comes to encountering animals in their natural habitat. He shares stories of close encounters with wolves and the emotional impact of being in the presence of these magnificent creatures. The conversation also touches on the changes in the spirit bear population and the cultural experiences available on the trips, providing a well-rounded and immersive experience for guests.

The hosts discuss the benefits of mirrorless cameras in shortening the learning curve and improving photography skills. They also acknowledge the overwhelming volume of images that can be captured with modern cameras and the need for efficient culling and editing processes. The conversation touches on the use of AI software to assist in image selection and the potential for third-party lens manufacturers to create lenses for the Canon RF mount. The hosts also discuss the advancements in camera technology and the importance of patience and preparation in wildlife photography. They conclude by highlighting the joy and satisfaction that comes from capturing great images and the importance of enjoying the moment in nature.

Takeaways

• The hosts have a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife, particularly birds and salamanders.

• The solar eclipse is a fascinating event that affects the behavior of animals.

• Coastal wolves in the Great Bear Rainforest are elusive and challenging to photograph, but the experience of encountering them in the wild is awe-inspiring.

• Capturing images of coastal wolves requires patience, dedication, and a deep understanding of their behavior and habitat.

• The hosts and guest share a love for adventure and exploring the natural world. Patience and acceptance of the unknown are key in wildlife photography and guiding

• Close encounters with wildlife can be emotionally powerful and exhilarating

• The population of spirit bears in the Great Bear Rainforest is dynamic and can fluctuate over time

• Trips to the Great Bear Rainforest offer opportunities to learn about and experience the culture of the indigenous people

• Mirrorless cameras have improved the photography experience by providing better light sensitivity and exposure control Mirrorless cameras have shortened the learning curve and improved photography skills.

• Managing a large volume of images can be overwhelming, but efficient culling and editing processes are essential.

• AI software can assist in image selection and save time in the editing workflow.

• Third-party lens manufacturers are creating lenses for the Canon RF mount, expanding options for photographers.

• Camera technology continues to advance rapidly, improving low-light capabilities and reducing noise.

• Patience and preparation are key in wildlife photography, and enjoying the moment is just as important as capturing great images.

Sound Bites

• "I just stuck my head out the door before the podcast and heard one of my favorite sounds of spring."

• "This dude can dance."

• "It's the family groove."

• "There's a certain amount of mystery there. What's more captivating than an unsolved crime?"

• "It's emotional, isn't it?"

• "Patience is being productive"

• "Mirrorless cameras shorten the learning curve and improve photography skills."

• "Mirrorless cameras are making photography easier, but managing the volume of images can be a challenge."

• "AI software can help in selecting the best photos and save time in the editing process."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Love for Nature
09:53 Tim’s Ongoing Education in Conservation Ecology
35:24 Encountering Coastal Wolves in the Great Bear Rainforest
52:56 Emotional Encounters
01:09:06 Cultural Experiences
01:20:11 The Impact of Mirrorless Cameras
01:35:24 Advancements in Camera Technology