Shutters and Shells

Matt and Gus from Whiskey and Whitetails join me in the final episode of Shutters and Shells. We talk about time management, social media, and the future of Shutters and Shells. While it may be saddening to see the podcast take a breather, some big news is on the horizon for Shutters and Shells.

Shutters and Shells will now be the official home of the Wildlands Photo Battle. Check it out on Instagram @ShuttersAndShells or at ShuttersAndShells.com

A huge thank you to Matt and Gus for joining me on this final episode - I couldn't have even gotten this podcast off the ground without them. Be sure to check out their Podcast, YouTube, Instagram, and other links at www.WhiskeyAndWhitetails.com

Be safe, drink your milk, wear your seatbelts, and most importantly - get outdoors! This is Dom Gatto signing off - I'll see you in the Wildlands! 

What a road this conversation went down! Brady and I spoke about how he left his career with the Capitol Police to start up Riton Optics - a company I can faithfully say I fully support. What started as a general back and forth about Brady's journey turned into an in-depth conversation about the drive behind entrepreneurship and all of the ups and downs that come with it. 

Don't know about Riton Optics? What, have you been living under a rock!?

https://ritonoptics.com/

Everyone has a life story, and I was fortunate enough to sit down and listen to the journey of Michael Shea, who went from a New England native with the dream of being a journalist to a die-hard duck hunter traveling the United States writing about his experiences. The twists and turns of his path have come to a cohesive pass, landing him as a prime contributor in notable publications. 

It was awesome having Michael on the show, and I know you're going to enjoy hearing his story!

Michael R Shea on Instagram  

www.ShuttersAndShells.com

Once in a blue moon I get the opportunity to sit down and speak with someone who is a true outdoorsman, and fortunately this was one of those times. Caleb Copeland discusses the harsh world of creating hunting content, yet his work shows he has what it takes to be a cut above in the industry. From hiking for miles chasing bugling elk, to traveling around the world in search of telling the perfect story, Caleb has seen and done in recent years what most people dream of doing over the course of a lifetime. With such opportunities does come a great cost: constant travel, time away from family, and the pressure of being contracted to produce professional content time and time again can take a toll on a man. That being said, Caleb has not only shown us all with his stellar work that he is capable of rolling with the good times and bad, but that his hard work pays off throughout his travels.

Be sure to check out Caleb's Instagram page @copecreative as well as his Redneck Tech Podcast, where they discuss behind-the-scenes work in the outdoor content creation industry. 

Host: Dom Gatto, @dom.iwc

www.ShuttersAndShells.com

Lucky episode 13! Speaking with Steve Jessmore was an absolute pleasure. We discussed self-criticizing our work, how time plays the biggest factor, and what has happened in Steve's life since sweeping the professional category of the 2021 Audubon Photography Awards. 

Steve went from a career photojournalist with no lack of accolades to diving head-first into wildlife photography during the pandemic. After only a year of honing his skills on the river, Steve has proven himself to be one of the most accomplished wildlife photographers in the United States this year. His humbled insight into the world of professional photography as well as his insane work ethic go on full display during this episode, which left me even more motivated to hit the woods this season.

You can find Steve's photographs on his website as well as his Instagram, linked below.

IG: @sjessmo

Web: SteveJessmore.com (He has prints!)

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ShuttersAndShells on Instagram

ShuttersAndShells.com

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Dom Gatto on Instagram

DomGattoPhoto.com

WhiskeyAndWhitetails.com

What's the first thing you think after letting loose on a big buck? GOT 'EM! Dakotah Svryet, our neighbor to the north, is the owner of Got 'Em Hunting and an avid outdoorsman. On this episode, Dakotah talks about his experiences with hunting in Canada, how he got started without any background in hunting, and the type of company Got 'Em is (hint: it's a good company). Dakotah also expands on how hunting should not be daunting to newcomers, and quality gear doesn't have to break your bank, which is also the reason Dakotah started Got 'Em Hunting. I enjoyed our hour-long discussion about some of the differences and similarities in the hunting world, as well as the debate on morning vs evening hunts for whitetails!

Got 'Em Hunting on Instagram

Dom Gatto Photography on Instagram

Shutters and Shells on Instagram

www.ShuttersAndShells.com

You ask, I answer! Featuring questions from:

Colton Beam

SotoFamHunt

West Texas Hunting Guys

Whiskey and Whitetails

Nathan and Elenas Adventures

Wicked North Gear

Grissom Outdoor Photography

Want to leave a voice message for future episodes? Submit it here! 

Dom Gatto Wildlife Photography on Instagram

www.ShuttersAndShells.com

A beginner in the world of photography, but an excellent photographer nonetheless, Thomas Glusa is a passionate individual who has been taking strides in the outdoor world. Focusing mainly on waterfowl, Thomas has produced some incredible photographs over the last few months, with many of them being shot right from his car window! If it works, it works. Not only that, Thomas has a knack for stepping up his game with each and every outing he takes to the pond, constantly making small improvements. When it comes to hunting and photography, the man has passion!

You can check out Thomas Glusa on his Instagram @tjg_outdoors

You can also see more from Dom Gatto on Instagram @dom.iwc

And, of course, for hunting and photography be sure to take a peek at @shuttersandshells

What may possibly be the most inspiring conversation I've ever had, Rocco Besednjak talks about how he fought the hardest enemy of all: himself. Rocco, a wounded Navy veteran and line-of-duty disabled police officer, describes how his tragic injury sustained on the job spun him into depression and thoughts of suicide. Instead of succumbing to the void, Rocco pulled himself out to not only overcome his demons, but to help other wounded veterans and first responders overcome theirs. Rocco started Camp Hero, a secluded nature therapy getaway that focuses on healing the body and soul among other wounded veterans and first responders. Serving, and continuing to serve, is in Rocco's nature - and although he once thought he lost his identity as a police officer, he discovered his identity as a servant was never lost at all. 

In this hour long episode, Rocco tells his story - and it's a story that deserves to be heard.

For the week of July 16 to July 23rd, all print sales from my website, www.DomGattoPhoto.com, will be donated to Camp Hero.

To donate directly to Camp Hero, visit CampHeroKY.org.

Rocco Besednjack on Instagram

Camp Hero KY on Instagram

Dom Gatto on Instagram