Gary Kramer, an accomplished wildlife biologist, photographer, and writer, who has captured the largest collection of waterfowl images, joins Ron Hayes and Mark Raycroft to discuss his new book, Waterfowl of the World. This 540-page book has close to 1,300 amazing waterfowl images. Gary shares the inspiration behind his project and the challenges he faced in photographing every species of waterfowl on the planet. They discuss the unique behaviors and adaptations of different waterfowl species, as well as the difficulty and patience required to capture the perfect shot. The conversation also touches on the diversity of locations Gary visited and the impact of his project on taxidermists and bird photographers. In this conversation, Gary Kramer discusses his experiences photographing birds around the world and shares stories of his trips where he encountered diverse bird species and had the opportunity to get up close and observe each species’ unique behavior and characteristics.

Takeaways

Photographing every species of waterfowl on the planet is a challenging and time-consuming project that requires a deep understanding of waterfowl biology, photography skills, and planning.

Different waterfowl species have unique behaviors and adaptations to their environments, which makes capturing their images even more fascinating.

The project took Gary Kramer to diverse locations around the world, from remote islands to bustling cities, and each location presented its own set of challenges and opportunities.

The book created from this project serves as a valuable reference tool for waterfowl biology and a training resource for bird photographers and taxidermists.

The success rate for capturing quality images is relatively low, with only a small percentage of the photos taken making it into the final selection. Advancements in digital photography and the internet have made it easier for photographers to capture high-quality images and connect with people around the world.

Being technologically ready is crucial for taking on big photography projects, as it allows photographers to push the boundaries and capture images in challenging conditions.

Leading wildlife photography trips is a fulfilling way for photographers to share their passion and help others improve their skills.

Gary Kramer is currently working on a new book titled 'Highways in the Sky: The North American Flyways,' which will focus on the major breeding, migration, and wintering areas for waterfowl in North America.

Sound Bites

"I've been doing it for 40 years. You just were here for 10 minutes of it"

"I spent what amounted to 10 hours, six days a week, for less than five minutes of photography"

"I can qualify as a scientist and a journalist."

"The birds were super good."

"Digital photography is what made this possible."

Chapters

01:00 Introduction and Welcome

03:57 Inspiration and Challenges of the Waterfowl Project

12:46 Behaviors and Adaptations of Waterfowl Species

20:04 Diverse Locations Explored

26:16 The Book as a Valuable Reference Tool

35:08 The Challenges and Rewards of Bird Photography

43:38 Qualifying as a Scientist and a Journalist

44:05 Encountering Diverse Bird Species in Iceland and Punta Arenas

45:31 The Role of Technology in Wildlife Photography

47:17 Leading Wildlife Photography Trips

50:26 The Art of Self-Publishing

53:55 Gary Kramer's Current Work: Leading Wildlife Photography Trips

55:30 The Mountain Gorilla Experience and Other Trips

58:22 The Importance of Being Technologically Ready

01:00:13 Supporting Artists by Ordering Directly from Their Websites

01:02:39 Reproductions and Pricing of Books

01:06:25 Gary Kramer's Upcoming Book: 'Highways in the Sky: The North American Flyways'

Links

Waterfowl of the World Book Orders
www.garykramer.net

More of Gary Kramer’s work
@gary_kramer_photography

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.

In this pro-tip podcast episode, host Ron Hayes teases the rest of the beyond the wild crew with his freshly delivered Canon EOS R5 Mark II camera. The discussion quickly dives into the new camera’s top features, and Ron already has some learnings with the Mark II including tips on selecting the best battery grip option.  As Pro-Tips episode go, Jason Loftus, Mark Raycroft and Ron Hayes show up overloaded with tips on all aspects of photography. Half the battle with wildlife photography is getting to the ideal location and travel is a necessity and a pain. The BTW crew has travelled a lot to distant locations and they have some good tips and tricks to limit the pain of travel and help you arrive primed for the adventure ahead. They also delve into tips about extending CF Express card longevity, gear organization, and a plethora of ideas on how to be prepared for capture the perfect shot.

Takeaways

The R5 Mark II camera has new features like a battery grip and active cooling, which can enhance the shooting experience.

The Angelbird CF Express card reader doesn't heat up the cards like other readers, potentially extending their lifespan.

Checking for lower rates on car rentals and internet providers closer to the trip date can save money.

Existing customers should periodically review their plans with providers to ensure they are getting the best rates and features. Use travel cards to accumulate points and miles for free or discounted travel

Organize your gear in the field to easily identify fresh batteries and empty memory cards

Study animal behavior to anticipate and capture unique shots

Take time to enjoy the moment and appreciate the beauty of nature

Build relationships with fellow photographers and enjoy the camaraderie

Shoot a variety of subjects, including the ones you don't necessarily want to shoot, to improve skills and open up new opportunities

Pursue your individual passions and celebrate personal successes in the photography journey

Sound Bites

"Sporting a brand new Beyond the Wild toque"

"Evaluate what your needs are for a vertical grip"

"The Angelbird CF Express reader doesn't heat up the cards"

"Be disciplined with it. Pay it off every month. As many expenses as you can put on there because you're gaining points and miles."

"Shoot the things you don't want to shoot."

"Just stop and take it in and refresh yourself."

Chapters

01:00 Introduction and Overview

03:54 New Gear: Beyond the Wild Toque

09:30 Exploring the Features of the R5 Mark II Camera

22:33 Keep Your CF Express Cards Cool with the Angelbird Reader

26:04 Save Money by Checking for Lower Rates on Car Rentals and Internet Providers

31:17 Maximizing Travel Benefits

35:08 Organizing Gear in the Field

45:21 Studying Animal Behavior

53:37 Enjoying the Moment and Building Relationships

57:04 Shooting a Variety of Subjects

01:04:00 Pursuing Individual Passions

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.

In this conversation, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus discuss their first impressions of the Canon R5 Mark II camera. They highlight the improvements in design, ergonomics, and functionality, detailing the redesigned grip, and the addition of a pre-record feature to the video mode. They also discuss the new focusing system, write speeds, dynamic range and video capabilities. The conversation segues into answering listener questions, including a discussion about food prep for backcountry trips, the team’s thoughts on where to best podcast platforms for the show and lenses for Alaska and the pros and cons. The crew ends the episode by answering a great question, “What is everyone’s bucket list destination.” Of course, the team goes into great detail, so you’ll get various perspectives in this episode.

Listener Questions

@FairFXMike
What do you do on back-country trips for food prep?

@KurtVHummel
Should listeners listen to the podcasts or watch the video podcasts on YouTube?

@AndrewStevensonPhoto
Give some tips on lenses to carry for Alaska, especially the one Jason went on to photograph the fishing bears. Do you carry both lenses on a strap or a Cotton Carrier-like device? Or pack in a bag and unpack it for every encounter?

@JamesEvansPhotography
What is everyone’s bucket list destination?

Takeaways

The Canon R5 Mark II camera has several improvements in design, ergonomics, and functionality.

The camera features a redesigned grip and a pre-record feature, as well as faster focus and write speed.

The dynamic range and video capabilities of the camera have also been improved.

For backcountry trips, freeze-dried meals and portable cooking equipment are popular options. Using a gravity-fed water filter system is an efficient way to filter water in the backcountry.

Power bars, protein bars, and freeze-dried fruit are lightweight and convenient food options for camping.

Adding flavor to water with juice squeeze boxes can make it more enjoyable to drink and provide electrolytes.

Listeners can choose to listen to the podcast on their preferred platform, whether it's audio or video.

Interacting with and sharing the podcast helps support its growth and sustainability.

When carrying lenses for wildlife photography in Alaska, it's important to consider personal preferences and shooting styles.

Options for carrying lenses include using straps, a cotton carrier-like device, or a backpack.

Bucket list destinations for wildlife photography include Denali National Park, the Pantanal for Jaguars, Pumas in Chile, and various locations in Africa and Antarctica.

Sound Bites

"Canon R5 Mark II. We've been waiting so long."

"It feels more substantial."

"Now they've made it so that electronic shutter, those are actually adjusted speeds."

"The gravity fed from one of those bags to the second, it's fairly efficient too."

"Power bars and protein bars, there's so many different options."

"You can get these little flavored juice squeeze boxes, and it's just to squeeze a couple squirts into the Nalgene."

Chapters

01:00 Introduction and First Impressions
02:05 Design and Ergonomics
03:27 Improved Electronic Shutter
04:24 Pre-Record Feature
10:18 Enhanced Focus System
18:20 Positive Feedback for the Canon R5 Mark II
21:24 Pro Tip for Backcountry Trips
33:57 Water Filters and Food Options
34:58 Choosing the Right Platform
43:52 Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography
57:41 Bucket List Destinations

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 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