SummaryIn this episode, the hosts engage in small talk before introducing their guest, Dawn Wilson. Dawn shares her recent trip to Peru, where she went on a riverboat tour along the Amazon River and photographed various wildlife, including birds, primates, and caimans. She also discusses her upcoming trip to Belize, where she expects to encounter diverse species of birds, reptiles, and primates. The conversation covers various topics related to the Amazon rainforest, including climate and weather, humidity, wildlife sightings, daily routines on the boat, interactions with local communities, daylight hours, photography experiences, simplicity and happiness in remote communities, the Iditarod race in Nome, Alaska, life in Nome, and upcoming trips to photograph bald eagles, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Galapagos Islands. In this conversation, Dawn Wilson discusses her experiences with night photography and wildlife encounters. She shares tips for capturing the Milky Way and emphasizes the importance of planning and timing for successful night photography. Dawn also highlights the unique sensory experience of being in the dark and encountering wildlife. She recommends essential equipment and apps for night photography and discusses the benefits of using wide-angle lenses. The conversation concludes with updates on the Beyond the Wild podcast and upcoming photography trips.

Takeaways

Dawn Wilson's recent trip to Peru involved a riverboat tour along the Amazon River, where she photographed a wide range of wildlife.

She saw various species of birds, primates, and caimans during her trip.

Dawn's upcoming trip to Belize is expected to offer similar opportunities to photograph diverse species of birds, reptiles, and primates.

Experiencing the natural world firsthand and sharing those experiences with others is a valuable and fulfilling aspect of wildlife photography. The Amazon rainforest experiences climate change, with variations in rainfall and temperature.

Humidity in the Amazon can be high, but it feels different from other humid environments.

Wildlife sightings in the Amazon can vary, with some days having abundant sightings and others requiring more time and patience.

The daily routine on the boat includes multiple photography and birding sessions, meals, and opportunities to interact with local communities.

Visiting remote communities can provide insights into different cultures and ways of life.

The Iditarod race in Nome, Alaska is a challenging and historic event that showcases the endurance and teamwork of mushers and sled dogs.

Life in Nome, Alaska is characterized by its remoteness, gold mining heritage, and unique wildlife opportunities.

Upcoming trips include photographing bald eagles, exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, and visiting the Galapagos Islands. Night photography requires specific equipment, including a camera with a bulb setting, a remote shutter release, and a tripod.

Timing is crucial for capturing the Milky Way, with the best times being the week before and after the new moon.

Night photography provides a unique sensory experience, allowing photographers to hear and feel their surroundings in a different way.

Encountering wildlife in the dark can be both thrilling and challenging, requiring photographers to be aware of their surroundings and respect the animals' space.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Small Talk

03:01 Dawn Wilson's Trip to Peru

07:16 Dawn Wilson's Trip to Belize

25:44 Humidity in the Amazon

26:51 Variability of Wildlife Sightings

28:30 Daily Routine on the Boat

31:26 Interactions with Local Communities

32:07 Daylight Hours in the Amazon

33:06 Photography Goals and Experiences

36:13 Simplicity and Happiness in Remote Communities

39:23 Exploring Different Cultures

46:11 The Iditarod Race in Nome, Alaska

50:11 Life in Nome, Alaska

56:31 Upcoming Trips: Bald Eagles, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Galapagos

58:10 Night Photography and Wildlife Encounters

59:26 Night Sky Photography and Dark Sky Designation

59:59 Photographing the Milky Way

01:01:07 Moon Phase and Wildlife Encounters

01:02:03 Night Photography and Sensory Experience

01:03:19 Wildlife Encounters in the Dark

01:04:26 Unexpected Wildlife Encounters

01:07:05 Night Photography Tips

01:10:13 Enhanced Senses in the Dark

01:12:07 Essential Equipment for Night Photography

01:14:03 Best Time for Night Photography

01:17:32 Viewing and Photographing the Milky Way

01:19:18 Night Photography Apps and Tools

01:22:24 Recommended Lenses for Night Photography

01:23:46 Night Photography Equipment and Techniques

01:24:28 Diverse Photography Opportunities

01:26:27 Beyond the Wild Podcast Updates