Beyond the Wild

Latest Episodes:

Episode 105 Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

Ron Hayes, Mark Raycroft, and Jason catch up after recent field trips and trade stories from the Great Bear Rainforest and elk rut. The conversation mixes wildlife photography lessons, travel mishaps, and practical field advice, with a strong focus on staying safe, staying dry, and making the most of unpredictable conditions. We discuss the realities of photographing in wet, remote, and high-pressure wildlife settings, from border crossings and gear choices to bear, elk, and caribou encounters. We also share a few memorable near-misses, some hard-earned travel tips, and a lot of appreciation for how these trips reset your head. 00:00 - Reeling from recent field trips and catching up after time apart 02:20 - Upload issues, remote recording, and swapping image stories 03:28 - Jason’s rough drive home and the safety problem of fatigue 04:38 - Border crossing trouble and a half-hour vehicle search 06:25 - First close elk charge and the lesson about distance 08:39 - How the elk encounter unfolded in slow motion 10:12 - Mark’s field-safety read on animal behavior and evasive awareness 12:15 - Switching to the Great Bear Rainforest and rain gear failures 14:19 - Just how wet the rainforest really was 15:18 - The Great Bear Rainforest as a living ecology classroom 17:35 - Maggots, carcasses, nutrient cycling, and forest regeneration 18:55 - Why waterproof bags and batteries need better protection 20:37 - Drying out wet camera lenses with rice and a ziplock bag 22:09 - A strange sound in the alders on the caribou hike 24:50 - Travel tip: never set gear down and walk away 27:37 - Jason’s elk-country packing lesson and overloading the car 32:10 - Handheld bear-fishing video and stabilizing with body position 35:30 - Why the 100 to 300 mm lens became the hero lens 36:37 - Controlling breathing for video and audio while filming 39:07 - ISO choices in the rainforest and what software changes now allow 43:22 - Trying intentional motion blur on birds in flight 48:42 - Weather, fog, and nearly getting turned around at Prince Rupert 51:05 - A wolf running the runway and how wild it gets near town 54:12 - Upcoming travel, more trips, and the mental reset of the field 58:24 - Ron’s move to northwestern Wyoming and closer access to Yellowstone 60:07 - New grandbaby Callum and family updates 61:00 - Halloween episode ideas and spooky stories to save for later 62:17 - Gary Kramer’s new bird migration book and an upcoming episode 66:21 - Closing thanks, sponsor shoutouts, and what is coming next Links Pictureline: https://www.pictureline.com Canon USA: https://www.usa.canon.com Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Episode 104 Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, hosts Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus join Vern and Amy Sharp to discuss their recent experiences at Bear Camp in Alaska. The conversation covers the excitement of the wilderness, the challenges of the weather, and the unforgettable moments of encountering bears in their natural habitat. The guests discuss the joy of witnessing wildlife, the challenges of capturing the perfect shot, and the importance of group dynamics in creating a positive experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

03:01 Experiences at Bear Camp

05:51 Weather Challenges and Camp Life

09:03 First Encounters with Bears

12:05 Reflections on the Experience

12:43 The Joy of Wildlife Encounters

14:47 Observing Bear Behavior

17:57 Capturing the Perfect Shot

22:07 Memorable Moments in Nature

26:03 The Impact of Weather on Photography

29:57 The Importance of Group Dynamics

34:01 Learning from Each Other

39:57 Building Connections Through Photography

41:32 The Value of Mentorship in Photography

42:00 Taking the Leap: Investing in Adventure

50:12 Memorable Outdoor Experiences: Stories from the Field

56:03 The Thrill of the Chase: Capturing Wild Horses

01:00:13 The Joy of Adventure: Inside Jokes and Lasting Memories

01:01:44 Connecting Through Social Media: Sharing the Journey

Links

Pictureline: https://www.pictureline.com

Canon USA: https://www.usa.canon.com

Amy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amelya_3

Vern’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vagabondvern1

Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Episode 103 Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

Join Mark and Pili as they debrief a recent photo tour of Nunavik, Canada, with wildlife expert and photographer Mark Norman. You are bound to gain a new appreciation for the vast, untouched world of the far north and the herds of musk oxen that thrive in the harsh environment. Discover the stories behind stunning images of rutting musk oxen, the northern lights, and Arctic landscapes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Arctic Photography Trip

00:04 Journey to Nunavik and Camp Setup

00:33 Wildlife Management and Photography Background

01:02 Arrival and First Impressions of the Camp

01:31 Photographic Gear and Kit Selection

01:56 Northern Lights and Night Photography

02:14 Wildlife Behavior and Action Moments

02:15 Muskox Herds and Rutting Behavior

02:17 Environmental and Cultural Insights of Nunavik

02:45 Reflections and Lessons from the Trip

Links

Pictureline: https://www.pictureline.com

Canon USA: https://www.usa.canon.com

Tour Website: https://www.markraycroft.com/p/musk-ox-photo-tours

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marklnorman

Episode 102 Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

Storyteller Tanner Haver discusses his journey in wildlife filmmaking. He highlights how skills such as drone operation and camera trapping have revolutionized the field. Interestingly, Tanner emphasizes the importance of patience and effective media management for success as a blue-chip wildlife filmmaker. His work is featured in the recently acclaimed film The American Southwest, and this fall, Tanner will lead wildlife filmmaking workshops in Yellowstone.

Chapters

00:00 Updates from Ron and guest background

02:01 Tanner's recent work and projects

03:56 Building a wildlife archive and storytelling focus

06:10 Filming in Colorado and the American Southwest

07:56 Wildlife behavior and the importance of patience

10:14 Conservation stories and filming techniques

12:12 Using drones responsibly in wildlife cinematography

15:57 Camera trapping and its role in storytelling

20:04 Skills development and continuous learning

24:04 Lessons learned and media management tips

28:57 Memorable outdoor experiences with wildlife

35:05 Upcoming wildlife filmmaking workshops in Yellowstone

39:07 Final thoughts and closing remarks

Links

Pictureline: https://www.pictureline.com

Canon USA: https://www.usa.canon.com

Professional Website - https://www.roaringmountainmedia.com

Workshop Website - https://www.skylinesafari.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tannerjhaver

Episode 101 Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, the hosts share personal travel stories, practical photography tips, and insights on responsible wildlife photography, including the impact of AI and social media on the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Travel Stories

03:18 Pro Tips for Photography Gear and Safety

08:25 Using Mobile Devices for Underwater and Tide Pool Shots

11:00 Protecting Your Phone and Data in the Field

13:00 The Impact of AI on Wildlife and Nature Photography

18:03 Storing and Managing Your Images Effectively

21:56 The Value of Authentic Experiences and Responsible Sharing

28:58 Preparing for Trips with Checklists and Packing Tips

38:08 Creative Techniques: Shooting into the Light and Environmental Portraits

43:04 The Importance of Patience and Staying Past the Moment

49:58 The Power of Sharing Progression and Learning from Mistakes

57:03 Encouraging the Next Generation and Responsible Photography

Links

Pictureline: https://www.pictureline.com

Canon USA: https://www.usa.canon.com

Gavin McCue: https://www.instagram.com/gavinmccuephoto

Michio Hoshino’s ’Moose’ book: https://www.amazon.ca/Moose-Michio-Hoshino/dp/0877014949

Vote for thoughts on thermamonoculars: https://www.beyondthewildpodcast.com/opinions

Episode 100 Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

Join us as we celebrate a milestone of 100 episodes of Beyond the Wild Podcast. We share behind-the-scenes stories, memorable moments, and the passion that keeps us going in wildlife and nature photography. Celebrating 100 episodes of wildlife and nature photography insights, community stories, and future plans. Join us as we reflect and look ahead to new adventures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and milestone celebration

01:00 Reflecting on the start of the podcast in 2018

01:59 The journey from Wild and Exposed to Beyond the Wild

03:01 Memorable guests and impactful episodes

04:01 The role of community and camaraderie

05:05 Partnerships with brands and sponsors

05:59 The importance of visuals and video in storytelling

07:02 Future plans and ongoing passion for wildlife photography

08:07 Closing remarks and gratitude to listeners

Special Thanks To:

Jens Nielsen

Colin Bigalow

Pictureline.com

Canon USA

Creekbed Guys (Gary)

And Our Awesome Guests:

Dawn Wilson (Episode 5)

Cole Waltner (Episode 6)

Scott Stone (Episode 7)

Tim Irvin (Episode 8)

Nehemiah Ray (Episode 9)

Madi Clark (Episode 10)

Kelly Elmer (Episode 11)

Kevin Konitshek (Episode 13)

Jules Jacobs (Episode 14)

Deirdre Rosenberg (Episode 17 & Episode 51)

Lisa Connor (Episode 22)

Chris Dickinson (Episode 24)

Mary Jacquel (Episode 28)

The Photographer's Mindset Podcast Hosts (Episode 30)

Eli Martinez (Episode 35)

Joe Subolefsky (Episode 36)

Cam Scott (Episode 37)

Taylor Thomas Albright (Episode 47 & Episode 52)

Colby Brown (Episode 49)

Danny Coyne (Episode 53)

Drew Butterwick (Episode 57)

Mitch DeCock (Episode 60)

Ben Masters (Episode 61)

The Nature Photo Guys (Episode 64)

Kate & Adam (Episode 68)

Colin Bigelow (Episode 70)

Julia Cook (Episode 72)

Pili (Episode 74)

Jay Grunig (Episode 77)

Nick White (Episode 79 & Episode 80)

Scott Keys (Episode 81)

Gerrit Vyn (Episode 84)

Mike Bons (Episode 88)

Nick Boris (Episode 92)

Alycia Scheidel (Episode 94)

Mahdi Outdoors (Episode 95)

Sebastian Kennerknecht (Episode 98)

Episode 99 Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Join us as Mark and Jason compare notes on their recent transcontinental adventures. Mark touched down in Australia for some family time and a few wild adventures, while Jason retells stories from his most recent and longest African safari, delving into wildlife encounters, conservation efforts, and the incredible experiences of travelling in Africa. There are insights and stories behind tracking leopards, the beauty of nature, and even updates on new poaching-prevention technology. Jason shares insights on wildlife photography, gear choices, ethical wildlife viewing, and the unforgettable experiences that make safaris so special.

LINKS

Pictureline — www.pictureline.com

Canon USA — www.usa.canon.com

Episode 98 Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

Ron Hayes talks with Sebastian Kennerknecht of Cat Expeditions about his path from biology to conservation photography, the business lessons he learned working under National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting, and the long-term project of photographing every wild cat species on Earth. They also dig into camera trapping, field logistics, and what it takes to build trust with biologists and wildlife in the field.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:00 Sebastian's Journey into Conservation Photography

06:05 The Business of Photography and Mentorship

11:09 The Project: Photographing All Wild Cat Species

14:56 Logistics of Photographing Elusive Cats

20:15 Networking and Building Relationships in Wildlife Photography

25:43 Favorite Outdoor Experiences and Species to Photograph

30:02 Challenges in Capturing Rare Cat Species

34:52 Conclusion and Where to Follow Sebastian's Work

LINKS

Pictureline — www.pictureline.com

Canon USA — www.usa.canon.com

Cat Expeditions — www.catexpeditions.com

YouTube — Cat ExpeditionsTV

Instagram — @CatExpeditions

Instagram — @PumaPix

Episode 97 Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

LINKS

Pictureline — https://www.pictureline.com

Canon USA — https://www.usa.canon.com

Episode 96 Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to another “Fresh From the Field” segment. Jason Loftus and guests from his recent trip to Africa sit down to discuss the shoot, reviewing the shots they captured and sharing their favorite experiences. Join us for this brief episode that captures the energy of this epic photographic trip.

Chapters

00:00 — Opening from the field

00:18 — Welcome to a special Africa edition

00:48 — Roundtable setup: favorite moments from the trip

01:03 — Kelly: last lodge, best photo opportunities

01:52 — Terry: amazing accommodations and baby elephants

03:41 — Amy: lion cubs, males, and standout game viewing

04:54 — Lane: the people, the laughs, and the big tusker

06:13 — Ron: first safari, close animal encounters, and the ride of a lifetime

07:56 — Marcus: first Africa trip and nonstop wildlife excitement

09:32 — Drew: why every safari day feels unpredictable and magical

11:29 — Camp life, smells, and the boma dinner experience