Episode 66
In this remarkable episode, hosts Ron and Jason are joined by special guests Jason and Karla Cox for a thrilling comparison of their photo expeditions in the Pantanal region of Brazil. What makes this conversation truly captivating is that their journeys occurred a year apart, offering unique perspectives on this breathtaking wilderness. They dive into fascinating differences in wildlife, animal behavior, weather, travel hurdles, gear, and the guides who bring each adventure to life. Lively stories abound—especially heart-pounding encounters with elusive jaguars, glimpses into their mating rituals, and revelations about just how crucial expert guides are for unforgettable wildlife photography. The hosts and guests recount the adrenaline rush of spotting creatures in their element, the bond formed by shared travel, and the unforgettable lessons each trip provided. Their conversation is a vivid celebration of Brazil’s wild beauty, the pure delight of discovering dazzling biodiversity, and an invitation to Northern Hemisphere listeners to experience a world that feels nothing short of magical. You'll want to watch this one to the end on YouTube to fully experience it.
Episode 65
Welcome to our first “Fresh From the Field” segment. Jason Loftus and guests from his recent trip to the Pantanal, Brazil, sit down to discuss the shoot at the end of the week, reviewing the shots they captured and the ones that got away. Join us for this brief episode that captures the excitement of interacting with nature’s wildlife.
Episode 64
It’s a twofer, and this episode is part one of two simultaneously released episodes produced in collaboration with The Nature Photo Guys podcast. Hosts Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus and Mark Raycroft engage in a lively discussion with guests Joe Desjardins and Chris Gibbs of The Nature Photo Guys podcast. Joe and Chris are on the hot seat for this part as the BTW crew peppers TNPG with a multitude of questions about their similar addiction to wildlife photography. They share personal experiences, challenges faced while photographing wildlife, and delve into the dynamics of their podcasting journey. The episode is filled with humor, camaraderie, and insights into the world of nature photography.
Part two flips the tables, and the interrogation continues only with the Beyond the Wild Podcast guys in the line of fire. Head over to https://youtu.be/2ERA5Jgl-VM to catch part two of this lively episode.
Episode 63
In this episode, the crew is at it again, discussing listener questions, but this time the questions are a little more technical. The crew discuss the challenges of humidity on camera gear, managing focal points and time in the field, as well as how to turn your passion into a business and a lot more. And of course, there are many bunny trails the crew can’t avoid going down as they get lost in this passion-filled listener-question episode.
Episode 62
This episode is dedicated to the tallest land mammal in North America: the moose. Mark, Jason, and Ron delve into the fascinating world of moose, including their vocalizations and behaviours, along with some of the odd features of this species that make it stand out amongst the crowd. There’s light-hearted banter and insightful discussions about moose subspecies. They discuss the size differences between various moose subspecies, particularly the Shiras and Alaska-Yukon moose, and share insights from Mark's award-winning book on moose. The conversation also covers techniques for photographing moose in their natural habitats, the dynamics of moose sparring, and he challenges of capturing the perfect shot. Mark discusses images that sell the best from his 30 years of experience and also explores innovative solutions to outdoor challenges that many photographers face when trying to capture images of moose during different times of the year. As they look ahead to future adventures, the hosts emphasize the joy and privilege of wildlife photography and the stories that come with it.
Episode 61
In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, Ben Masters discusses the making of his wildlife documentary The American Southwest, and the intricate techniques used in wildlife cinematography. He shares insights into the recovery of the California condor and the importance of conservation efforts, while also highlighting the challenges faced by communities and ecosystems in the wake of environmental changes. The crew discusses various aspects of wildlife conservation, the importance of public lands, and the role of storytelling in wildlife films. They highlight the successes and challenges in conservation and the future of the Colorado River. The discussion also touches on the impact of film in raising awareness and connecting audiences to environmental issues.
Episode 60
In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, the hosts engage in a lively discussion with wildlife photographer Mitch Decock. Mitch shares his unique journey into wildlife photography, recounting memorable encounters with bears and other wildlife, and the importance of mentorship in the field. The conversation highlights the thrill of wildlife photography as Mitch recounts his adventures with his mentor, Danny Coyne, and the amazing interaction with lynx in British Columbia. This episode celebrates the pair's connection to nature and their aspirations for future wildlife encounters. Mitch emphasizes the joy of the experience over the final shot, encouraging listeners to appreciate the moments spent in nature.
Episode 59
In this episode, Mark Raycroft, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus take on another round of intense listener questions head-on. The crew shares wisdom on "THE wildlife lens" for both Canon and Nikon shooters, as well as tripod head preferences. Questions also explore image printing and the guys share their preferred labs in both Canada and the U.S. And our team shares their experiences and recos for the "not-so-sexy" part of wildlife photography, but ever so important, out-of-country travel insurance and managing mobile phone charges while abroad. Enjoy the episode—the laughs are always free.
Episode 58
This week, Ron, Jason and Mark go BEAR-ZERK, delving into key pro tips for bear photography. The crew shares their experiences and preparations for bear photography, with a particular focus on the upcoming trip to Alaska. The conversation also explores the challenges of photographing bears, including the need for patience and the significance of preparing ahead of time to capture the right moments. The crew BARELY scratches the surface as they POKE the subject of bear photography.
Episode 57
This week’s guest is Drew Butterwick, an experienced safari guide and wildlife photographer. Drew admits he is a big predator person, specifically a big cat person, and much of his focus while guiding in Africa is on finding these elusive creatures. The episode explores Drew's adventures in Africa, sharing stories of wildlife encounters, conservation efforts, and the challenges of capturing stunning photographs in the wild. The conversation highlights the beauty and unpredictability of nature, the importance of responsible wildlife tourism, and the profound impact of experiencing Africa firsthand. Drew shares insights into the expectations of first-time safari-goers and reflects on his journey to Africa, emphasizing the rich experiences that await those who venture into the wild.
Episode 56
Our hosts are on the hot seat again to attempt to enlighten and inspire our listeners by answering some of their stellar questions. But the jury is still out on how well Ron, Mark and Jason met the challenge. No matter their final grade, our hosts share thrilling wildlife encounters and delve into the nuances of wildlife photography, including an exploration of the pros and cons between DSLR and mirrorless cameras, their workflows for organizing images, and their dream wildlife encounters, as well as their scariest encounters. The conversation also touches on the challenges of capturing unique wildlife images, as the sport of wildlife photography attracts more new players to the field every week. Join us for a laugh or two on this very diverse episode.
Episode 55
Sharing success stories is easy, but sharing failures is tough on the ego. In this episode of Beyond the Wild, our modest hosts set aside their desire for perfection to reflect on some of the moments they are least proud of, in an episode titled 'Epic Fails in the Field: Lessons Learned.' They discuss missed opportunities, gear failures, and the importance of preparation in the field. The conversation highlights the humorous side of failures and the valuable lessons they offer. Join us for a familiar ride filled with laughs, and hopefully, you'll pick up some lessons the easy way.
Episode 54
In this episode of Beyond the Wild, the hosts reconnect after a break. Ron and Jason share their experiences with the new Canon RF 100-300 mm f/2.8 lens and teleconverters before delving into the focus of the episode, which is photographing wild sheep. They discuss their recent adventures, the gear they use, and the techniques they employ for capturing stunning images of wild sheep. The conversation delves into the behavior of sheep, safety considerations while photographing in mountainous terrain, and the importance of preparation. The hosts also reflect on memorable encounters with sheep and the joy of sharing these experiences with others.
Episode 53
In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, the hosts welcome wildlife photographer Danny Coyne, who shares his journey into wildlife photography, the therapeutic benefits of being in nature, and the importance of community engagement and conservation efforts. The conversation delves into the role of social media in wildlife photography, the importance of citizen science, and personal experiences with wildlife encounters, including encounters with lynx and bobcats. Danny emphasizes the need for patience and connection with nature, while also discussing the impact of sharing experiences through photography.
Episode 52
In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, hosts Mark and Jason welcome back wildlife photographer Taylor Thomas Albright for a second discussion. They explore Taylor's recent adventures in Alaska, including encounters with orcas, gray whales, and the unique spirit bear. The conversation delves into Taylor's conservation efforts, including participation in fundraisers like '100 for the Ocean' and 'Remembering Wildlife.' They also discuss the importance of wildlife photography in raising awareness for conservation and share memorable stories about polar bears, brown bears, and wolves. The episode concludes with Taylor's plans for future adventures and a reminder of the significance of supporting wildlife conservation efforts.
Episode 51
This episode's focus is a returning guest, Deirdre Rosenberg, who explores various themes related to wildlife photography, public lands, and environmental advocacy. Her work and her stories are nothing short of beautiful. Host Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus conclude that Deirdre deserves an honorary PhD and a World Record for her work documenting the public lands and mountain ranges of the Rocky Mountains. Our hosts also touch on the recent Pictureline PhotoEx event talks and the new Canon 100-300 f2.8 RF lens. Deirdre shares her current projects, including her work with Pika colonies and her Wild Hearts of Canyonlands project, while also reflecting on her experiences with wildlife encounters and the significance of capturing unique moments in nature, such as the Northern Lights. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and action regarding public lands and wildlife conservation, encouraging listeners to engage with these critical issues.
Episode 50
Welcome to a very special episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast. Not only is it our 50th episode, but it is also an opportunity to celebrate all Fathers out there and share some stories straight from the minds of our hosts’ children. We hope you enjoy this Father’s Day episode.
Episode 37
In this episode of Beyond the Wild, hosts Ron, Jason, and Mark welcome Cam Scott, a nature photographer and guide from South Africa. The crew explore Cam's journey into nature photography, the life changes he made to pursue his passion, and the profound impact of nature on personal growth. Cam shares his experiences with a wide range of animals, including mountain gorillas, jaguars, leopards, lions, elephants and shoe-billed storks. Cam shares his views on the art of guiding and the challenges he faced in launching his own business during the pandemic. The discussion emphasizes the importance of a positive attitude and the joy of wildlife encounters.
Episode 18
Summary
In this conversation, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus discuss their first impressions of the Canon R5 Mark II camera. They highlight the improvements in design, ergonomics, and functionality, detailing the redesigned grip, and the addition of a pre-record feature to the video mode. They also discuss the new focusing system, write speeds, dynamic range and video capabilities. The conversation segues into answering listener questions, including a discussion about food prep for backcountry trips, the team’s thoughts on where to best podcast platforms for the show and lenses for Alaska and the pros and cons. The crew ends the episode by answering a great question, “What is everyone’s bucket list destination.” Of course, the team goes into great detail, so you’ll get various perspectives in this episode.
Episode 17
Summary
In this episode hosts Mark Raycroft and Jason Loftus interview Deirdre Rosenberg, a conservation photographer, shares her love for nature and photography. Growing up in northern Minnesota, surrounded by wilderness and adventure, her passion for photography started at a young age. Deirdre's photography journey began in action sports photography but shifted to her calling: wildlife and nature conservation photography and type-2 fun, which is the joy and fulfillment that comes from challenging and difficult experiences. Deirdre has a deep appreciation for the little things in nature, like pikas, and encourages others to slow down and observe the beauty around them. In this conversation, Deirdre Rosenberg shares her passion for wildlife photography and her love for capturing images of the American pika. She discusses the behavior and habitat of pikas and provides tips for photographing them. Deirdre also talks about her conservation efforts and raising funds efforts for land and wildlife conservation. She shares her experiences on backcountry trips and the importance of being immersed in the wilderness.