Yes—our hosts are self-proclaimed Elk-Oholics and in this episode, they can all agree on how inspiring this species and the habitat they co-exist in is. This episode was inspired by a listener's question about filming elk, which culminated in a discussion about the unique experience of the elk rut. They discuss the importance of storytelling in capturing the essence of wildlife, the personal connections formed during encounters with these animals, and the dynamics of elk behavior and reproduction. The conversation also highlights memorable experiences in elk country, practical tips for photographing elk, and the significance of safety and awareness in the wild. They share personal anecdotes, pro tips for landscape photography, and the importance of being aware of animal behavior to seize the perfect moment. The discussion also highlights the unpredictability of wildlife encounters and the joy of storytelling through photography.

Sound Bites

"It's Photo-X week!"

"I'm having a little bit of imposter syndrome."

"I was irresponsible with my drone."

"Let's do an episode on filming Elk!"

"It's the quietness that gets exploded!"

"Elk are a favorite year round!"

"You gotta tell the whole life story."

"You never know when things happen."

"That was probably the best experience I had."

"He just kind of ran things."

"Canadian elk, not so much."

"Lip curling is predictable with a keen eye."

"You can literally put it on a billboard."

"It's incredible how aware those animals are."

"This is my favorite Mark Raycroft elk shot."

"You get to know their personalities."

"It's wildlife. We don't know."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Photo-X Week and Exciting Events

03:05 Engaging Youth in Photography: The Children's Camp

05:58 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Photography

08:54 Experiencing Nature with Kids: A Personal Story

12:04 The Importance of Responsible Drone Usage

15:08 Creative Photography Beyond Wildlife

18:00 Listener Questions and Future Topics

20:54 The Elk Rut: A Unique Experience in Nature

22:29 The Importance of Storytelling in Wildlife Photography

24:51 Experiencing Nature Beyond the Lens

28:05 Personal Connections with Elk

33:08 Memorable Elk Encounters

40:03 The Dynamics of Elk Behavior

43:48 Understanding Elk Reproduction and Harem Dynamics

48:02 Tips for Capturing Elk Photography

56:17 Safety and Awareness in Elk Country

01:03:49 Capturing Wildlife Behavior: Bugling and Lip Curling

01:07:53 Pro Tips for Landscape Photography with Wildlife

01:12:03 Stitching Techniques for Panoramic Shots

01:15:11 Wildlife Encounters: Stories from the Field

01:18:50 The Art of Elk Photography: Personal Stories and Insights

Special thanks to Peter Sülzle & Jen Marie for submitting their idea for this episode. You can check out their wonderful photography at @pjadventuresincanada on Instagram.

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