Beyond the Wild

In this episode, Jason Loftus shares his recent adventure in Milky Way photography. He describes the meticulous planning involved, using tools like PhotoPills to scout locations and plan shots. Jason highlights the excitement of experimenting with new techniques, such as using light panels for low-light foregrounds and capturing the Milky Way core during optimal conditions. His enthusiasm for learning is evident, as he is now inspired to try new gear, such as the Canon RF 14mm lens that was just announced. Nonetheless, Jason captured stunning night-sky images with his current gear, as well as some incredible drone photography. This is a great episode that explores new photographic challenges and the satisfaction of creating unique visual art. The crew also discusses a wide range of other wildlife photography topics, including the impact of social media and other outdoor adventures. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catch-Up on Wildlife Photography

03:04 Spring Wildlife Updates and Social Media Changes

06:01 The Ethics of Sharing Wildlife Locations

11:46 Milky Way Photography Adventures

21:00 Editing Techniques and Equipment for Night Photography

33:19 Exploring Night Photography Techniques

35:08 Innovative Photography Ideas and Challenges

37:52 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

39:07 Sage Grouse Photography Adventures

46:02 Pro Tips for Wildlife Photography

48:41 Maximizing Comfort in the Field

54:49 Youth Camps and Community Outreach

Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Links

Pictureline.com - https://www.pictureline.com/Canon_RF_14MM

Canon USA - https://www.usa.canon.com

Pictureline.com - https://www.pictureline.com

Canon USA - https://www.usa.canon.com

Lensrentals.com - https://www.lensrentals.com

Mark Raycroft Photo Tours - https://www.markraycroft.com

Yes, this episode is dedicated to grouse: the sage and the sharp-tails, and most importantly, spring. Sprinkled in and around the team's technical challenges in this episode, they also manage to get sidetracked discussing golf incidents, audio equipment for capturing wildlife sounds, a listener question about an upcoming bear photo adventure, latest rumours of technological advancements in photography gear, and their excitement about the upcoming PhotoX expo at pictureline where all three of our hosts will reconnect in person and interact with fellow photographers in talks and workshops. That’s a really long sentence, but I think you get the picture that there is a lot of fun jammed into this “quirky” episode. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

02:56 Golfing Experiences and Family Connections

06:01 Grouse Adventures

09:52 Audio and Equipment Lessons

12:56 Upcoming Events and Gear News

20:00 Technological Advancements in Photography

23:52 Photo Expo and Workshop Details

29:49 Exciting New Show Launch

30:10 Listener Question: Preparing for McNeil River

32:25 Photography Gear Recommendations for Remote Locations

38:57 Weather Preparedness and Packing Essentials

46:44 Field Experiences: Grouse Photography Adventures

53:12 Client Experiences and Wildlife Encounters

01:02:43 Wrap-Up and Future Plans

Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Join us as Gerrit Vyn shares his extensive experience in wildlife biology, photography, and filmmaking in the untouched lands of Northern Alaska, known as the National Petroleum Reserve.  Discover the biodiversity, conservation challenges, and the incredible journeys involved in documenting this remote region.

Chapters

02:48 Exploring the National Petroleum Reserve

05:48 Wildlife Diversity in the Arctic

08:45 Challenges of Filming in Remote Areas

12:09 Experiences with Caribou Migration

14:52 The Importance of Conservation

18:04 Filming Techniques and Equipment

36:06 Emerging Technologies in Photography

39:11 Remote Camera Techniques and Equipment

44:09 Data Management in Remote Locations

50:40 Upcoming Projects and Expeditions

55:46 Future of Wildlife Photography and Conservation

Gerrit Vyn Links

Website - https://www.GarretVynPhoto.com

Bird Photography Course - https://www.birdphotography.com

PhotographyBlinds.com - https://www.photographyblinds.com

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GerritVyn

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gerritvyn

Visit Gerrit Vyn's website to see his work and support conservation efforts. Sign up for Gerrit Vyn's upcoming bird videography course and consider supporting Arctic conservation organizations.

Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Join Mark Raycroft and Jason Loftus as they explore Jason’s recent Alaska trip and some of the learnings that came out of it. They also discuss social media strategies, answer listener questions about upcoming trips, and share insights and tips for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Chapters

00:00 Spring Awakening and Photography Opportunities

02:57 Listener Engagement and Upcoming Events

06:08 Alaska Trip: Challenges and Triumphs

09:03 Social Media Strategies for Photographers

12:04 Wildlife Photography Insights

14:51 AI in Photography: The Future of Editing

41:19 The Passion for Photography and Editing

42:42 AI in Photography: A Double-Edged Sword

43:47 The Evolution of Social Media Tools

45:03 Authenticity in Photography and AI

46:32 Listener Questions: Exploring Acrylic Prints

50:29 Researching Target Species for Photography

58:11 Bucket List Locations and Species

01:01:39 The Balance of New and Familiar Experiences

01:09:36 Closing Thoughts and Future Adventures

Call outs to Listeners

@ca_herig

@JamiBollschweilerPhotography

Listener Questions Discussed

@WanderingPelican - What do you think of the acrylic medium for your prints?   

@TXOutdoorXplorer - How much research or preparation goes into photographing a targeted species?

@MLJ_Wilderness_Photos - What bucket list location or species are each of you going to tick off in 2026?

Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion as the entire team explores pro tips submitted by our audience. This episode is filled with practical tips, personal stories, and expert insights on wildlife photography, gear hacks, and field techniques.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Lighthearted Banter

04:59 Listener Questions and Pro Tips

09:59 Photography Adventures and Community Building

15:12 Pro Tips for Wildlife Photography

24:04 Adverse Weather and Equipment Testing

24:38 Testing Rain Gear: A Practical Approach

27:01 Travel Tips: Airline Loyalty and Gear Management

30:36 Photography Tips: Keeping Your Camera Cool

35:00 Field Snacks: Sustenance for Wildlife Photography

42:00 Avoiding Nature's Nuisances: Chiggers and Other Pests

47:10 Travel Tips for Photographers

49:53 Photography Techniques and Equipment

01:00:54 Camera Settings and Functionality

01:07:01 Data Backup and Storage Solutions

01:12:56 Community and Support in Photography

Contributors

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jimbuck22/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wanderingpelican/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/akfox19/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hunting_with_a_lens/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/deirdredenaliphotography/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fairfxmike/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/manuelrivera.photography/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mitchddecock/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zacdwildlife/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tbear3536/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tbearbatesphotography/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/1_foot_shorter/

For Mark's Elk Pants: https://bit.ly/3NjTINt

Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Scott Keys provides a fun, highly energetic discussion, detailing his journey into wildlife photography and his gradual full immersion in the wild. He excels at his craft and shares his passion for a pure approach to wildlife photography. And now he shares his equipment expertise on his YouTube channel, Wildlife Inspired, and provides guided workshops for new and emerging wildlife photography enthusiasts. 

Chapters

00:00 Weather Patterns and Environmental Concerns

03:06 Wildlife Photography and the Elk Debate

06:09 Transitioning to Gear Reviews and Content Creation

09:10 Building Authentic Relationships with Brands

12:03 Navigating Product Endorsements and Ethics

14:48 Customer Service and Brand Loyalty in Photography

17:49 Finding Balance Between Content Creation and Field Work

21:08 Exploring Birding Opportunities and Ethical Photography

24:06 The Importance of Supporting Small Businesses

27:00 Challenges of Copycat Products in the Market

29:58 The Future of Wildlife Photography and Personal Goals

39:16 The Thrill of Birdwatching and Photography

42:52 Exploring Native Plants and Macro Photography

49:15 Connecting with Nature Through Insects

55:31 The Journey of a Wildlife Photographer

01:01:15 Building a Reputation in Wildlife Photography

Wildlife Inspired Links

@wildlifeinspired
IG

@WildlifeInspired
YouTube: Wildlife Inspired w/ Scott Keys

www.wildlifeinspired.com
Web

Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

In this episode of Beyond the Wild, hosts Mark Raycroft and Jason Loftus continue their conversation with wildlife photographer Nick White, diving deep into the ethics of wildlife photography, cultural differences in practices, and the importance of community and discussion in the field. They explore Nick's new wildlife photography club initiative, balancing work and passion, and his exciting van build project for wildlife adventures. The episode emphasizes the significance of ethical practices, community engagement, and the joy of exploring North America's diverse wildlife.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Wildlife Photography Ethics

09:28 Cultural Perspectives on Wildlife Photography

27:24 Building Community in Wildlife Photography

35:44 Networking in Photography Communities

36:12 Learning from Every Photographer

37:10 The Focus of Wildlife Photography Clubs

38:01 The Depth of Wildlife Photography

42:18 Balancing Photography with Day Jobs

48:19 The Importance of Quality Printing

51:07 Managing Hobbies and Passions

53:47 Building a Mobile Photography Studio

56:57 Exploring North America’s Wildlife

01:01:01 Community and Future Plans

Nick White Links:

www.ththickofitphotography.com

Photography Website

www.QuintePhotoServices.com

Business Website

https://www.instagram.com/wildfocusquinte/

In-Person Wildlife Photography Club

@wildly.thick.of.it

Instagram

Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

In this two-part episode of Beyond the Wild, hosts Mark Raycroft and Jason Loftus are joined by guest Nick White. They explore Nick’s unique experiences living and working in Scotland, including his stint as a lobster fisherman in the North Sea. The conversation delves into the dangers at sea, the beauty of wildlife encounters, and the state of ecosystems in the UK, all while highlighting Nick’s journey from a hobbyist to a passionate wildlife photographer. The crew discusses the differences between conservation models in North America and the UK, and the beauty of photographing wildlife. Nick shares personal experiences photographing red stags and the tranquillity of the Highlands, emphasizing how nature provides a sense of calm and connection to the environment.

Chapters

00:00 Winter Wonderland and Podcast Introduction

02:54 The Impact of Weather on Wildlife Photography

05:57 Meeting Nick White: A Local Photographer

08:52 The Role of Social Media in Wildlife Photography

12:01 Life in Scotland: A Unique Experience

16:08 The Dangers of Lobster Fishing in the North Sea

24:06 Wildlife Encounters and Sustainable Practices

29:50 Photography Journey: From Hobby to Passion

35:00 Wildlife Ecosystem Imbalance in the UK

35:24 Conservation Models: A Comparative Analysis

39:41 Wildlife Photography: Capturing Nature's Beauty

43:15 Experiences in the Scottish Highlands

51:29 The Red Stag Experience: A Unique Adventure

57:40 The Magic of Nature: Finding Calm in the Wild

Nick White Links

www.ththickofitphotography.com
Website

@wildly.thick.of.it
Instagram

Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

In this episode, Jason Loftus recounts his experiences at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, highlighting the bird migration phenomenon and stunning photography opportunities available there. Mark and Ron reflect on their experiences with waterfowl migration, the impact of weather patterns on waterfowl migration, and the beauty of bird gathering locations. Jason discusses the photography and video techniques he used to document the massive gathering of snow geese and sandhill cranes, and he also details the lenses and techniques he used to capture inspiring images of birds in flight.

Sound Bites

"Every image looks better in print."

"Why are we doing this crazy thing?"

"Instagram is just not that tool."

"It's still great content."

"DJI drones dominate the market."

"High ISO performance is improving."

"Mark took 80,252 photos in 10 weeks."

"The days are getting longer."

"Make it happen if you can."

"I loved hearing about Bosque."

"It's amazing to witness."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

08:56 The Value of Printed Memories

14:53 Reflections on Social Media and Photography

20:51 Navigating Instagram's Changing Landscape

30:00 Exciting News in Photography Gear

36:12 Drones and Their Impact on Photography

41:54 High ISO Performance and Photography Techniques

48:00 Experiences at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

54:14 Reflections on Migration and Timing

56:12 Weather Patterns and Their Impact on Wildlife

58:01 The Beauty of Bird Migration

01:00:05 Photography Techniques and Opportunities

Links

www.bayphoto.com

Photo Books

@JamieBWild

IG Porcupine video

Chiara Talia

@ChiaraTalia_Birds

Social Media Challenges for Photographers

Winners of the Guess Mark’s Musk Ox Trip Image Tally Contest

Todd Yankauskas

hightrailphotography

Deborah (YouTube)

@BearTalkDeborah

Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.