In this Q&A episode, hosts Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft take on some tough questions from listeners.  The hosts discuss missed opportunities in photographing certain animals and the changing dynamics of wildlife photography. They also share their favorite images and sources of inspiration.  They discuss how they can afford their photography trips and their dream animals to photograph. They also touch on the topic of shooting in black and white and when it's best to use this technique. And Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus banter about a recent elk photography trip, where they discuss the experience of capturing elk stripping velvet and the unique behavior of the elk eating the velvet. Oh, and even the discussion of photographing woolly mammoths comes into the mix.

Takeaways

Observing and capturing elk stripping velvet can be a challenging and rewarding experience.

The behavior of elk eating the velvet is unique and interesting to witness.

Camaraderie and friendships are an important aspect of wildlife photography. 

Missed opportunities in wildlife photography can occur due to limited time windows, changing circumstances, or the need for specific conditions.

Each host has their own favorite image, which holds personal significance and represents a career highlight.

Inspiration for wildlife photography can come from various sources, including renowned photographers, experiences in the field, and the work of fellow photographers on social media.

The younger generation of wildlife photographers brings a fresh perspective and energy to the field, while seasoned photographers offer wisdom and expertise. Photographers save money and prioritize their trips to afford photography adventures.

Shooting in black and white is a personal preference, and it's best to experiment with different images to see what works well in monochrome.

The hosts have different dream animals to photograph, including polar bears, jaguars, leopards, and mammoths (if they were to be brought back).

The hosts are excited about upcoming trips to photograph polar bears and muskox.

The conversation ends with a lighthearted discussion about the possibility of bringing back woolly mammoths.

Sound Bites

"All right, Mark, we've got to address the dragonfly in the room.""A dragonfly preys on the deerflies and horseflies. So they see it, you know, they believe a lot of their hunting instinct is vision."

"The younger generation of wildlife photographers brings a fresh perspective and energy to the field, while seasoned photographers offer wisdom and expertise."

"There's just so much out there that is inspiring and as far as what we do."

"I declare bankruptcy every seven years."

"I've had white hair since I was about 30, and I take most of my trips with the money that I've saved on hair color products."

Chapters

01:00 Introduction and Dragonfly Clip

05:58 Elk Photography: Stripping Velvet

10:21 Elk Behavior: Eating Velvet

13:29 Camaraderie in Wildlife Photography

13:34 Missed Opportunities in Wildlife Photography

32:28 Favorite Images and Career Highlights

40:56 Sources of Inspiration in Wildlife Photography

46:04 Affording Photography Trips

54:30 Shooting in Black and White

01:02:48 Dream Animals to Photograph

01:05:48 Upcoming Trips

01:09:37 The Possibility of Bringing Back Woolly Mammoths

Episode Listener Questions

@jamiebwild
What animals do you have no interest in photographing and why? 

@Canoe_Carrier
For each host, what is your favorite image taken, and what would you do differently if you had a do-over?

@JardinaCaptures
Who are some of y'all's biggest inspirations?

@MematsenPhotography
How do you guys afford all these trips?

@WindingTrailsPhotography
I like B&W images, but when is it best to use this technique? Do you alter your camera if you think you will process in B&W?

@MGracePreston
What is the one animal you would love to photograph and why? 

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.

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