Beyond the Wild

This conversation has gone to the birds! We are stoked to share our explorations in the world of bird photography, discuss tips and techniques for capturing stunning bird images, explore the fascinating migration patterns of various species, and discuss the importance of conservation. Ron, Mark and Jason share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the joy and challenges of photographing birds in their natural habitats.

Sound bites

"Bird life is ubiquitous; they're everywhere."

"Hummingbirds are fast, a photography challenge."

"The Arctic tern performs the longest bird migration."

"Get low for the best bird photography angles."

"The migration and the numbers of them are mind-blowing."

"I just think they're just an incredible bird."

"Eagles are a lot easier in cloudy light."

"It's a totally new experience to undertake."

"The bird life there was incredible."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Seasonal Changes

06:03 Bird Photography: Tips and Techniques

11:47 Migration Patterns and Bird Behavior

17:58 Waterfowl Photography Insights

24:06 Conservation and Passion for Birds

33:07 Exploring the Fascination with Owls

39:29 The Majesty of Sandhill Cranes

41:20 The Allure of Waterfowl Photography

46:29 Eagle Encounters and Photography Tips

01:00:52 Birding Adventures in Australia and Beyond

01:10:37 Innovative Gear for Bird Photography

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 remarkable episode, hosts Ron and Jason are joined by special guests Jason and Karla Cox for a thrilling comparison of their photo expeditions in the Pantanal region of Brazil. What makes this conversation truly captivating is that their journeys occurred a year apart, offering unique perspectives on this breathtaking wilderness. They dive into fascinating differences in wildlife, animal behavior, weather, travel hurdles, gear, and the guides who bring each adventure to life. Lively stories abound—especially heart-pounding encounters with elusive jaguars, glimpses into their mating rituals, and revelations about just how crucial expert guides are for unforgettable wildlife photography. The hosts and guests recount the adrenaline rush of spotting creatures in their element, the bond formed by shared travel, and the unforgettable lessons each trip provided. Their conversation is a vivid celebration of Brazil’s wild beauty, the pure delight of discovering dazzling biodiversity, and an invitation to Northern Hemisphere listeners to experience a world that feels nothing short of magical. You'll want to watch this one to the end on YouTube to fully experience it.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

02:59 Travel Challenges and Experiences

06:07 Wildlife Encounters in Brazil

08:57 Lodge Life and Accommodations

12:13 Food and Dining Experiences

15:02 Photography Adventures and Techniques

18:11 Reflections on the Trip

20:56 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

31:59 Cultural Nuances in Travel

33:09 Jaguar Encounters: First Impressions

39:36 Mating Behaviors of Jaguars

45:26 The Importance of Experienced Guides

51:57 Wildlife Interactions: Capybaras and More

01:03:21 Wildlife Photography Challenges

01:06:15 Memorable Encounters in Nature

01:08:55 Capturing Unique Moments

01:10:53 The Thrill of the Hunt

01:12:48 Reflections on the Trip

01:16:07 Equipment Insights for Wildlife Photography

01:20:24 Navigating the Wilderness

01:22:20 Closing Thoughts 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.

Special thanks to contributors Karla Cox, Jason Cox and Amy Harris.

https://www.instagram.com/karla.cox.images/

https://www.instagram.com/elksongs_images/

https://www.instagram.com/adventure.amy/

Welcome to our first “Fresh From the Field” segment. Jason Loftus and guests from his recent trip to the Pantanal, Brazil, sit down to discuss the shoot at the end of the week, reviewing the shots they captured and the ones that got away. Join us for this brief episode that captures the excitement of interacting with nature’s wildlife.

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.

It’s a twofer, and this episode is part one of two simultaneously released episodes produced in collaboration with The Nature Photo Guys podcast. Hosts Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus and Mark Raycroft engage in a lively discussion with guests Joe Desjardins and Chris Gibbs of The Nature Photo Guys podcast. Joe and Chris are on the hot seat for this part as the BTW crew peppers TNPG with a multitude of questions about their similar addiction to wildlife photography. They share personal experiences, challenges faced while photographing wildlife, and delve into the dynamics of their podcasting journey. The episode is filled with humor, camaraderie, and insights into the world of nature photography.

Part two flips the tables, and the interrogation continues only with the Beyond the Wild Podcast guys in the line of fire. Head over to youtu.be/2ERA5Jgl-VM to catch part two of this lively episode.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup

03:00 Meet the Nature Photo Guys

06:02 Recent Adventures and Experiences

09:00 Wildlife Encounters and Challenges

12:01 Scary Moments in the Field

14:49 Mythical and Extinct Animals

18:04 Closing Thoughts and Discounts

18:33 The Importance of Community in Photography

21:50 Camera Gear and Preferences

25:53 Controversial Opinions in Photography

30:52 Music and Inspiration for Photography Adventures

34:13 The Joy of Singing and Connection

35:18 Travel Dreams: Exploring New Destinations

36:47 Wildlife Photography Aspirations

40:02 Historical Photography: Capturing Moments in Time

44:08 Life as a Photographer: A Sitcom Concept

49:10 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

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, the crew is at it again, discussing listener questions, but this time the questions are a little more technical. The crew discuss the challenges of humidity on camera gear, managing focal points and time in the field, as well as how to turn your passion into a business and a lot more. And of course, there are many bunny trails the crew can’t avoid going down as they get lost in this passion-filled listener-question episode. 

Sound bites

"Wingman, if you're listening..."

"That's a pretty good idea, Ron."

Chapters

00:00 Voices in Our Heads: A New Reality

03:00 Adventures in Nature: Family and Wildlife

06:07 The Great Outdoors: Gear and Gadgets

08:50 Marketing Ideas: Swag and Sponsorships

11:59 Camo Clothing: Practicality in Wildlife Photography

15:08 Introduction and Lighthearted Banter

17:03 Wildlife Photography Attire and Camouflage

21:06 The Importance of Story in Photography

26:55 Managing Gear in High Humidity

36:01 Maximizing Limited Time in the Field

40:59 Focus Techniques in Wildlife Photography

47:57 Essential Non-Camera Items for Elk Photography

48:42 Safety and Preparedness in the Wild

50:01 Essential Gear for Wildlife Photography

52:00 Ethics and Regulations in Wildlife Photography

53:53 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Photography

01:05:59 Pursuing Passion vs. Profit in Photography

01:11:51 The Future of Photography in the Age of AI

Questions:

@BMax_Wildlife

Do you guys use camouflage when you shoot?

@MitchDDeCock

Do you think the effort involved in capturing a photo is relevant to viewers?

@DaneMadsen.Wildlife

When humidity is 75% or more, what's the best way to keep camera gear safe?

@AGalantPhoto

How can you be effective when time in the field is limited?

@MitchDDeCock

Getting a nose in focus, vs. blurring the background, what's more important?

@1_Foot_Shorter

Brandt Bennett

What is a non-camera item that you take with you into the elk woods?

@AGalantPhoto

How can a beginner/enthusiast turn their passion into a business?

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.

This episode is dedicated to the tallest land mammal in North America: the moose. Mark, Jason, and Ron delve into the fascinating world of moose, including their vocalizations and behaviours, along with some of the odd features of this species that make it stand out amongst the crowd. There’s light-hearted banter and insightful discussions about moose subspecies. They discuss the size differences between various moose subspecies, particularly the Shiras and Alaska-Yukon moose, and share insights from Mark's award-winning book on moose. The conversation also covers techniques for photographing moose in their natural habitats, the dynamics of moose sparring, and he challenges of capturing the perfect shot. Mark discusses images that sell the best from his 30 years of experience and also explores innovative solutions to outdoor challenges that many photographers face when trying to capture images of moose during different times of the year.  As they look ahead to future adventures, the hosts emphasize the joy and privilege of wildlife photography and the stories that come with it.

Chapters

00:00 Preparing for the Adventure

02:59 Excitement for Bear Camp

05:59 Moose: The Majestic Creatures

11:59 Vocalizations and Sounds of Moose

17:58 Moose Behavior and Interactions

21:01 The Deliberate Nature of Moose Behavior

22:04 Moose Communication and Sounds

23:39 Size Comparison: Chirus vs. Alaskan Moose

25:41 Breeding Biology and Rutting Behavior

27:15 Mark's Award-Winning Moose Book

29:41 Comparative Moose Species: North America vs. Europe

32:09 Photographing Moose: Techniques and Strategies

41:01 Moose Sparring and Behavior Dynamics

47:02 Environmental Portraits: Moose in Their Habitat

52:36 Personal Moose Encounters and Stories

01:07:18 The Challenge of Choosing Favorites

01:08:00 Memorable Wildlife Encounters

01:10:00 Adventures in Alaska

01:12:46 The Thrill of the Chase

01:15:59 Innovative Solutions in the Field

01:19:07 Reflections on Moose Photography

01:22:08 Unexpected Wildlife Encounters

01:25:01 The Art of Wildlife Observation

01:28:15 Comparing Moose and Elk

01:30:01 The Journey of a Wildlife Photographer

01:34:00 Looking Ahead to Future Adventures

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 Podcast, Ben Masters discusses the making of his wildlife documentary The American Southwest, and the intricate techniques used in wildlife cinematography. He shares insights into the recovery of the California condor and the importance of conservation efforts, while also highlighting the challenges faced by communities and ecosystems in the wake of environmental changes. The crew discusses various aspects of wildlife conservation, the importance of public lands, and the role of storytelling in wildlife films. They highlight the successes and challenges in conservation and the future of the Colorado River. The discussion also touches on the impact of film in raising awareness and connecting audiences to environmental issues.

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Floods on Communities

05:59 Exploring the American Southwest Project

11:50 Wildlife Cinematography Techniques

18:10 The Stories Behind the Species

24:05 Technical Aspects of Filmmaking

30:02 Post-Production Workflow and Storage Solutions

36:45 The Cost of Quality Gear

39:08 The Evolution of Cinematography Lenses

42:05 California Condor Conservation Success

48:12 Filming the California Condor

52:08 Lead Poisoning and Its Impact on Condors

55:54 Public Lands and Conservation Awareness

01:00:02 Cinematic Highlights and Storytelling Techniques

01:08:42 The Magic of Filmmaking with Wildlife

01:10:01 Conservation and the Return of Jaguars

01:11:47 The Impact of Water Management on Ecosystems

01:12:30 The Emotional Weight of Environmental Change

01:15:49 The Future of River Management

01:16:01 Narration and Storytelling in Wildlife Films

01:18:56 The Journey of a Wildlife Film

01:19:54 The Release of 'The American Southwest'

01:21:29 Connecting Audiences with Nature

01:23:38 The Importance of Conservation Organizations

01:30:00 Acknowledging the Team Behind the Film

Links

Film Tickets and Locations

www.theamericansouthwest.film

Instagram

@finandfurfilms

@bencmasters

Film Partners

www.theamericansouthwest.film/partners

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 Podcast, the hosts engage in a lively discussion with wildlife photographer Mitch Decock. Mitch shares his unique journey into wildlife photography, recounting memorable encounters with bears and other wildlife, and the importance of mentorship in the field. The conversation highlights the thrill of wildlife photography as Mitch recounts his adventures with his mentor, Danny Coyne, and the amazing interaction with lynx in British Columbia. This episode celebrates the pair's connection to nature and their aspirations for future wildlife encounters. Mitch emphasizes the joy of the experience over the final shot, encouraging listeners to appreciate the moments spent in nature.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

03:01 Mitch's Journey into Wildlife Photography

05:50 Memorable Encounters with Wildlife

09:04 Experiences with Park Rangers

11:55 Adventures in the Field with Friends

14:54 Solo Wildlife Photography Adventures

17:49 Challenges and Rewards of Wildlife Photography

22:50 Backcountry Adventures and Wildlife Encounters

25:02 The Importance of Companionship in Nature

29:53 Mentorship and Learning in Wildlife Photography

34:54 The Connection to Bears and Personal Stories

47:54 Memorable Bear Encounters and Unique Experiences

51:52 Memorable Encounters with Wildlife

54:13 Respecting Nature and Safety Precautions

58:12 The Beauty of Wildlife Photography

01:00:09 Future Adventures and Goals

01:12:10 Embracing the Journey in Photography

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, Mark Raycroft, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus take on another round of exceptional listener questions head-on. The crew shares wisdom on "THE wildlife lens" for both Canon and Nikon shooters, as well as tripod head preferences. Questions also explore image printing and the guys share their preferred labs in both Canada and the U.S. And our team shares their experiences and recos for the "not-so-sexy" part of wildlife photography, but ever so important, out-of-country travel insurance and managing mobile phone charges while abroad. Enjoy the episode—the laughs are always free.

Sound Bites

"There is no statistical measure for how fast I would lose a SIM card."

Chapters

03:09 Experiences with the Dragonfly Decoy

12:01 Listener Questions and Wildlife Photography

12:59 Choosing the Best Lens for Wildlife Photography

21:03 Tripod and Gimbal Preferences

27:03 Travel Insurance for Photographers

36:10 Out of Country Phone Networks

44:53 Printing Photos and Preferred Methods

Questions and Links

@ColinBigelowPhoto

What is the number one lens for wildlife photography—if we had to choose?

@RobWaddellPhotography

What is your go-to tripod head—Gimbal or Fluid Head?

@FairFXMike

What do you guys do for out-of-country travel insurance?

What about out-of-country phone networks?

@MitchDeCock

What is your preferred way to print photos: white board or mats, type of frame, metal?

www.artbeatsstudio.com

www.bayphoto.com

www.posterjack.ca

www.gallery6denver.com

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.

This week, Ron, Jason and Mark go BEAR-ZERK, delving into key pro tips for bear photography. The crew shares their experiences and preparations for bear photography, with a particular focus on the upcoming trip to Alaska. The conversation also explores the challenges of photographing bears, including the need for patience and the significance of preparing ahead of time to capture the right moments. The crew scratches the surface as they explore the bare necessities of bear photography.

Sound bites

"You are a brave soul."

"It's a good pro tip."

"You can wear those."

Chapters

01:00 Introduction to Bears and Personal Experiences

05:10 Pro Tips for Visiting National Parks

06:41 Mark's Experience at the Toronto Indy

13:14 Preparing for Alaska: Gear and Weight Management

25:39 Planning for Bear Photography Adventures

26:57 Packing for Adventure: The Essentials

37:55 The Thrill of Wildlife Photography

46:30 Understanding Bear Behavior and Photography Tips

53:08 Bear Behavior and Mating Season

56:16 Challenges of Wildlife Photography

01:01:00 Planning for Future Bear Trips

01:04:00 Gear Considerations for Wildlife Photography

01:09:01 Celebrating Wildlife Experiences

01:10:57 Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

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.