Beyond the Wild

Note: Post-production adjustments were made to overcome recording challenges, which have diminished the sound quality of this episode.

In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, hosts Mark and Jason welcome wildlife photographer Taylor Thomas Albright, who shares his journey from a corporate career to pursuing his passion for wildlife photography, particularly focusing on bears. Taylor discusses the early influences that sparked his interest in photography, the challenges and rewards of capturing wildlife, and the importance of following one's passion for happiness and fulfillment. He also reflects on his experiences living in Alaska and the unique opportunities it provides for wildlife enthusiasts.

Taylor shares his journey from a traditional job to becoming a full-time wildlife photographer. He discusses the challenges he faced during the transition, particularly the impact of COVID-19 on his career. Taylor reflects on his experiences in wildlife photography, emphasizing the importance of being in the right place at the right time.

Sound Bites

"What did I get myself into?"

"It's a career image."

"We'll see you folks all again soon."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wildlife Photography and Passion for Bears

02:53 The Journey into Photography: Early Influences and Experiences

06:03 Transitioning from Corporate Life to Wildlife Photography

09:03 The Commitment to Wildlife: Driving for the Perfect Shot

11:58 The Reality of Wildlife Photography: Risks and Rewards

14:54 Finding Happiness Beyond Money: The True Measure of Success

18:09 Life Choices and Their Impact on Career Paths

20:51 Living in Alaska: The Wildlife Capital of the World

33:15 Transitioning to Full-Time Photography

37:28 The Impact of COVID on Photography Career

43:51 Wildlife Photography Experiences

56:37 Conservation Efforts and Future Plans

Links

Website

www.taylorthomasalbright.com

Social Media

@taylorthomasalbright

Thanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Remember 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.

Mark, Ron and Jason are at it again with another Pro Tips episode. This time, their focus turns to experiences with drones, debating the rules for drones, and answering some important listener questions that delve into video frame rates and slow-motion techniques. The conversation also touches on the latest camera rumors and innovations, and Mark turns into the Tasmanian Devil. Tips include converting cameras for astrophotography, managing battery life during outdoor adventures, maintenance tips, and selecting outdoor clothing free of PFAS chemicals. Additionally, they discuss, while encouraging community engagement and upcoming events.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

02:58 Upcoming Event: Photo X

05:58 Camera Rumors and Innovations

09:03 Confessions of a New Drone Pilot

12:01 Exploring Drone Features and Experiences

26:46 Drone Battery Life and Accessories

31:52 Understanding Drone Regulations

35:54 Tips for Drone Photography and Videography

40:09 Video Settings for Safari Shooting

52:13 Experiences with Canon's 200-800mm Zoom

55:21 Camera Reliability and Maintenance

58:17 Shout Outs and Pro Tips

59:19 Leucistic pronghorn sighting

01:04:43 Astro Modified Cameras

01:10:06 Pro Tips for selecting Outdoor Gear & Clothing

01:13:03 Battery Life and Charging Solutions

01:19:26 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

Links

PolarPro MagLock Lens Filters

https://www.pictureline.com/products/polarpro-helix-maglock-chroma-vnd-pl-black-mist-filter-2-5-stops-peter-mckinnon-edition

Spencer's Camera for Astro Conversions

https://www.spencerscamera.com

PhotoX Outdoor Tickets

https://www.pictureline.com/products/copy-of-photox-outdoor-admission-ticket

Ecoflow Charging Solutions

https://www.ecoflow.com/us

Lessons through the lens, kids for conservation signup

https://www.utahwildlifefederation.org/post/youth-conservation-photography-camp-offers-rare-opportunity-to-learn-from-top-utah-wildlife-photogra

Welcome to our Mother's Day episode. We hope you enjoy this exploration of nature from a mother's perspective.

Sound Bites

"They have no fear of grabbing anything."

"It's a storytelling image."

"It's a tiny page for tiny things."

"Be free, be safe, but be free."

"It keeps our brains fresh too, right?"

"It's all about the playfulness."

"It's a lot of fun to explore together."

"You've only got one earth."

Chapters

03:02 Spring Adventures in Nature

06:06 Engaging Children with Nature

09:10 Learning Through Outdoor Experiences

12:00 Photography and Storytelling

15:06 The Importance of Nature in Childhood

17:55 Social Media and Photography

20:51 Balancing Personal and Professional Pages

24:00 Exploring New Photography Niches

26:48 The Value of Community and Engagement

29:58 Teaching Kids About Nature and Invasives

39:04 Navigating Social Media and Family Privacy

42:01 Exploring Nature with Children

51:12 Photography Techniques and Equipment

56:41 The Macro World and Insect Photography

01:04:02 Instilling Environmental Awareness in the Next Generation

01:09:38 Celebrating Motherhood and Nature's Lessons

Thanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Remember 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.

Ron, Jason and Mark are back at it again, catching up and sharing some great tips and considerations for this season. Our giddy hosts discuss their recent outdoor adventures, including wildlife encounters, the use of drones in photography, and tips for capturing stunning images of sage-grouse. You will surely get the giggles in this episode, and you might even pick up some useful motivation for your next adventure.

Sound Bites

"I like the tent slam."

"It was an incredible experience."

"I got some good fight video."

"This is not a branding thing."

"Failure is part of life."

"Work every possible angle you can work."

"Happy birthday to Barrett Hedges."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catch Up

02:57 Wildlife Encounters and Birdwatching Adventures

06:00 Drones in Landscape Photography

11:50 Sage-Grouse Phenomenon and Photography Tips

18:02 Pro Tips for Outdoor Adventures

30:58 The Evolution of Podcasting Formats

32:44 Pro Tips for Photographers

35:08 Maximizing Credit Card Benefits for Travel

39:04 Essential Gear for Video Shooting

43:29 Understanding Imposter Syndrome in Photography

50:26 Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity

54:46 Creative Composition Techniques

01:01:14 Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Remember 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.

Ron, Mark and Jason meet with some of the key individuals behind Focus Photo Tours to discuss the innovative approach to their organization and how they provide enriched wildlife experiences. Guests Dee Web, Traci Sepkovic, and Jackie and Scott Stone share their experiences and passions for wildlife photography, outdoor adventures, and the beauty of nature. They discuss their personal journeys, the importance of community in conservation efforts, and the transformative power of photography. They discuss their experiences guiding individuals through wildlife encounters, the joy of witnessing personal growth in their clients, and the need for education in wildlife photography.

Sound Bites

"Costa Rica is one of my number one desired destinations."

"I don't want this big house. Let's sell all this stuff."

"It's about that interaction you get with nature."

"You're my eyes. I don't get to know what's going on outside."

"The moments they give us are worth more than any dollar."

"They go from terrified of bears to wanting to learn more."

"It fills my soul to watch people get that experience."

"We need to get them in contact with what they're going to lose."

"The separation from the natural world is a big problem."

"We thought there was a way to do this just a little bit better."

"Education comes from reaching out to the best people we can."

"We wanted to make sure that those people were taken care of."

"It starts at all ages. It really does."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Spring Adventures

02:49 Exploring Costa Rica's Biodiversity

05:52 Personal Journeys and Outdoor Passions

09:07 Wildlife Photography Beginnings

11:56 The Connection to Nature and Conservation

14:59 The Role of Community in Wildlife Photography

18:00 Life Changes and Intentional Living

20:57 The Art of Photography and Personal Growth

24:04 Memories Captured Through Photography

27:08 Education and Sharing Experiences

30:08 The Impact of Wildlife Photography on Lives

39:14 The Joy of Wildlife Encounters

41:00 The Natural Educator's Journey

44:00 Connecting Generations Through Nature

45:00 The Role of Education in Wildlife Photography

50:00 Building a Community of Passionate Photographers

51:57 Focus: A New Approach to Wildlife Tours

01:00:00 The Importance of Education in Wildlife Experiences

01:04:01 Welcoming New Photographers to the Community

01:07:01 The Impact of Shared Experiences in Nature

Thanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Remember 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.

Prepare for another jam-packed pro-tip episode with Ron Hayes, Mark Raycroft, and Jason Loftus. The crew discuss their recent wildlife photography adventures, informs listeners of shooting tips to capture lekking behaviour in sharp-tailed and sage-grouse and explores Jason's recent trip to Bora Bora, including swimming with blacktip sharks. The discussion transitions into valuable travel tips, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and finding great deals. Jason also provides insights into underwater photography, stressing the need for proper gear and underwater housings. Pro tips on photography gear, storage solutions, and sensor maintenance are shared. The conversation takes a reflective turn as they discuss the balance between work and travel, encouraging listeners to live fully and not postpone their dreams. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for photography enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Chapters

03:02 Wildlife Photography Adventures

05:55 The Dynamics of Lekking Behavior

08:58 Ethical Wildlife Photography Practices

11:54 Celebrating Milestones in Content Creation

14:57 Exploring Bora Bora and Shark Encounters

36:58 Bora Bora Bliss: Culinary Delights and Experiences

38:09 Travel Tips: Finding Deals and Flexibility

40:16 Capturing Memories: Pro Tips for Underwater Photography

42:34 Life Lessons: Balancing Work, Travel, and Living Fully

45:46 Pro Tips: Gear Recommendations and Photography Insights

54:15 Storage Solutions: Backing Up Your Photography Assets

01:06:24 Cleaning Your Sensor: Sensor Maintenance Tips

Thanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Remember 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 episode of Beyond the Wild, hosts Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus introduce a special initiative to educate the next generation about wildlife conservation through photography. In collaboration with guests Shauna Hart (@byhartphotography), Lydia Ripplinger (@lydebug), and Jimmy Bridenstine (@jimmyb_intothewild), they discuss the importance of mentorship, ethical wildlife photography, and the structure of their upcoming program, 'Lessons Through the Lens: Kids for Conservation.' The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and the role of education in fostering a love for nature and wildlife among youth.

Special thanks to pictureline.com for sponsoring this great initiative and helping to give back. 

Registration begins the first week of April. In the coming days, Bookmark UtahWildlifeFederation.org or BeyondtheWildPodcast.com for the official announcement. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Conservation Photography

02:49 Lessons Through the Lens: Kids for Conservation

05:55 Mentorship and Expertise in Wildlife Photography

09:03 Creating Passion for Nature and Wildlife

11:51 Ethical Wildlife Photography Practices

15:06 Program Structure and Learning Outcomes

18:09 Equipment and Accessibility for Participants

21:05 Community Engagement and Support

24:04 Future of Conservation Education

26:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, the Beyond the Wild crew welcome guest Jimmy MacDonald a wildlife guide and photographer who has worked with major network film crews, recounts unique encounters with wolves and polar bears that truly highlight the wonders of nature. Jimmy shares thrilling experiences from wildlife filmmaking, emphasizing the excitement of capturing moments in nature, and discusses the dual role of a guide, balancing safety and creativity while working with film crews. In this episode, the conversation delves into the thrilling world of wildlife adventures, focusing on the intricacies of wildlife filming and the respect needed for nature's predators. The speakers share personal experiences from the field, discuss the challenges of wildlife documentaries, and highlight the importance of understanding animal behavior. 

Sound Bites

"Canada's great, spring's coming."

"I got to swim with black tip sharks."

"Jimmy was my guide this last fall."

"It was a pretty amazing encounter to be there."

"It was a good story."

"The pressures on them through the roof."

"It's so thrilling for me to go out with them."

"Your predominant role ultimately is safety."

"I was just living the moment."

"Let's get the great whites, let's go."

"It's a healthy respect."

"It's fun to make it in the credits."

"Your passion for what you do is clear."

"Muskox babies are always cute."

"It's a whole new level to storytelling."

"I look forward to hearing how your trip goes."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Wild

02:50 Spring in Canada: Nature's Awakening

06:02 Adventures in Bora Bora: Swimming with Sharks

09:04 Guiding Film Crews: A New Career Path

11:51 The Art of Wildlife Photography and Videography

14:52 Unique Encounters: Wolves and Polar Bears

24:02 The Circle of Life: Death and Survival in the Wild

34:24 Capturing the Thrill of Wildlife Filmmaking

37:00 The Role of a Guide in Wildlife Filming

40:11 Behind the Scenes: The Art of Wildlife Photography

44:13 Balancing Safety and Creativity in the Field

52:24 The Value of Experience in Wildlife Encounters

53:02 Favorite Outdoor Experiences: A Personal Reflection

01:08:34 Diving into Shark Adventures

01:09:49 Behind the Scenes of Wildlife Filming

01:11:10 The Journey of Wildlife Documentaries

01:12:16 Respecting Wildlife: Insights from the Field

01:15:19 Understanding Predator Behavior

01:17:30 Capturing Nature: The Art of Filmmaking

01:20:58 Future Adventures and Collaborations

LINKS

Jimmy MacDonald

@jimmy_pawistik

The Americas Episode 5: The Frozen North on NBC, streaming on Peacock

Tom Hanks discusses The Frozen North Episode

The Frozen North Episode

Thanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Remember 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.

Yellowstone has produced many great adventures for Jason Loftus, but the wolves of Yellowstone have evaded his camera and lens - until now. Jason shares his recent mindblowing adventures in Yellowstone National Park where he photographed over 15 different wolves along with coyotes, foxes, eagles, elk and bison. It was also a big video trip for Jason, and he, Ron and Mark shared insights about winter wildlife behavior, the thrill of capturing wolves in action, and the importance of photography etiquette in public spaces. The conversation highlights the beauty of nature, the challenges of wildlife encounters, and the camaraderie among photographers in the field. This episode also digs into some of the recent new lens announcements, which spark excitement about the latest advancements in photography equipment. The conversation also touches on the excitement of planning future photography challenges, and wide-angle wildlife photography is on the menu with the potential for a future challenge involving listeners. This is a great episode to listen to but an even better episode to watch on YouTube. Please subscribe to be alerted of more great episodes. 

Sound Bites

"It's been a real winter."
"It's hard to explain."
"It's a numbers game."
"That one day makes a whole trip."
"It's a dream opportunity."
"We all could just do better."
"Winter's a great time to go up there."
"New gear is always fun."
"Be patient with your editing."
"Enjoy the photography experience."
"You've got the best job in the world."
"It sounds like a Ron story."
"Failure is part of success."
"The rules are there are no rules."
"It's coming."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Winter Updates
03:08 Wildlife Encounters and Photography Adventures
06:03 Experiences in Yellowstone National Park
12:09 The Thrill of Wolf Photography
18:12 Wildlife Behavior Observations
24:03 Photography Etiquette and Road Safety
34:46 Respect and Kindness in Photography
35:51 Winter Adventures and Wildlife Encounters
38:29 Weather Challenges and Wildlife Photography
39:00 New Gear Announcements and Excitement
47:52 Pro Tips for Patience in Photography
54:02 Philosophical Reflections on the Photography Journey
55:47 Innovative Photography Techniques
01:00:15 Learning from Failures
01:05:31 The Power of Wide-Angle Shots
01:11:10 Planning for Future Challenges

Thanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Remember 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.

We couldn't fit all our listeners' questions in last time, so we are back for part II with even trickier, thought-provoking inquiries for Ron, Jason, and Mark. They explore the dilemma of choosing a single subject to photograph for life, fears surrounding memory card failures, strategies for selling prints, memorable wildlife encounters, lens selection, and dream behaviors to capture in the wild. The discussion is filled with humor and camaraderie, making it both informative and entertaining.

Sound Bites

"You're going to be screwed in the spring."
"It's kind of a bunch of BS."
"It's a dilemma."
"It's a constant battle."
"You have to be super careful."
"It's meant to impress people."
"It's a personal choice."
"It's not a fair question."
"You still have the option."
"Thank you for sending it in, Jason."
"I'm more fearful of a lot of things."
"Bears are where the wild things are."
"I take them all."
"I would like a pan blur cheetah in full sprint."

Chapters

00:00 Understanding AI Tool Pricing and Credits 03:05 The Dilemma of Photo Theft in Wildlife Photography 05:58 Listener Questions: Engaging with the Community 09:11 Navigating Copyright and Image Sharing 11:58 Shooting Wildlife in Challenging Conditions 14:48 Choosing Your Subject: A Photographer's Dilemma 33:50 The Quest for the Perfect Shot 37:00 Memory Card Fears and Backup Strategies 46:01 Navigating Print Sales in Photography 52:54 Memorable Wildlife Encounters 01:00:05 Choosing the Right Lens for the Job 01:07:59 Dream Behaviors to Capture

Questions and IG Links

@JohnRay_Photography
Image theft: Are you contemplating not posting on social media?

@Brian_Michaelis_Photography
Can you share some shooting tips for photographing wildlife in falling snow?

@Hunting_with_a_Lens (Jason Mirandi)
For each one of you, you can only shoot one species for the rest of your life. Which species would you choose?

@PJAdventuresinCanada (Peter and Jen)
How fearful are you that your memory cards will fail and what do you do to protect your best pics?

@Keri_Jones_Photography
Which platforms have you found to be the most successful at selling prints and artwork?

@SackettWildlifeImages (Shaun Sackett)
What has been one of your other great experiences, excluding bears, while observing bears?

@1_foot_shorter (Brandt Bennett)
How do you determine what lenses to take?

@She_BehindtheLens (Megan)
What is your dream animal behavior to capture on camera?

Thanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Remember 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.