Beyond the Wild

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Episode 44 May 03, 2025

Show notes

Ron, Jason and Mark are back at it again, catching up and sharing some great tips and considerations for this season. Our giddy hosts discuss their recent outdoor adventures, including wildlife encounters, the use of drones in photography, and tips for capturing stunning images of sage-grouse. You will surely get the giggles in this episode, and you might even pick up some useful motivation for your next adventure.

Sound Bites

"I like the tent slam."

"It was an incredible experience."

"I got some good fight video."

"This is not a branding thing."

"Failure is part of life."

"Work every possible angle you can work."

"Happy birthday to Barrett Hedges."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catch Up

02:57 Wildlife Encounters and Birdwatching Adventures

06:00 Drones in Landscape Photography

11:50 Sage-Grouse Phenomenon and Photography Tips

18:02 Pro Tips for Outdoor Adventures

30:58 The Evolution of Podcasting Formats

32:44 Pro Tips for Photographers

35:08 Maximizing Credit Card Benefits for Travel

39:04 Essential Gear for Video Shooting

43:29 Understanding Imposter Syndrome in Photography

50:26 Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity

54:46 Creative Composition Techniques

01:01:14 Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Remember to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Episode 43 Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Ron, Mark and Jason meet with some of the key individuals behind Focus Photo Tours to discuss the innovative approach to their organization and how they provide enriched wildlife experiences. Guests Dee Web, Traci Sepkovic, and Jackie and Scott Stone share their experiences and passions for wildlife photography, outdoor adventures, and the beauty of nature. They discuss their personal journeys, the importance of community in conservation efforts, and the transformative power of photography. They discuss their experiences guiding individuals through wildlife encounters, the joy of witnessing personal growth in their clients, and the need for education in wildlife photography.

Sound Bites

"Costa Rica is one of my number one desired destinations."

"I don't want this big house. Let's sell all this stuff."

"It's about that interaction you get with nature."

"You're my eyes. I don't get to know what's going on outside."

"The moments they give us are worth more than any dollar."

"They go from terrified of bears to wanting to learn more."

"It fills my soul to watch people get that experience."

"We need to get them in contact with what they're going to lose."

"The separation from the natural world is a big problem."

"We thought there was a way to do this just a little bit better."

"Education comes from reaching out to the best people we can."

"We wanted to make sure that those people were taken care of."

"It starts at all ages. It really does."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Spring Adventures

02:49 Exploring Costa Rica's Biodiversity

05:52 Personal Journeys and Outdoor Passions

09:07 Wildlife Photography Beginnings

11:56 The Connection to Nature and Conservation

14:59 The Role of Community in Wildlife Photography

18:00 Life Changes and Intentional Living

20:57 The Art of Photography and Personal Growth

24:04 Memories Captured Through Photography

27:08 Education and Sharing Experiences

30:08 The Impact of Wildlife Photography on Lives

39:14 The Joy of Wildlife Encounters

41:00 The Natural Educator's Journey

44:00 Connecting Generations Through Nature

45:00 The Role of Education in Wildlife Photography

50:00 Building a Community of Passionate Photographers

51:57 Focus: A New Approach to Wildlife Tours

01:00:00 The Importance of Education in Wildlife Experiences

01:04:01 Welcoming New Photographers to the Community

01:07:01 The Impact of Shared Experiences in Nature

Episode 42 Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

Prepare for another jam-packed pro-tip episode with Ron Hayes, Mark Raycroft, and Jason Loftus. The crew discuss their recent wildlife photography adventures, informs listeners of shooting tips to capture lekking behaviour in sharp-tailed and sage-grouse and explores Jason's recent trip to Bora Bora, including swimming with blacktip sharks. The discussion transitions into valuable travel tips, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and finding great deals. Jason also provides insights into underwater photography, stressing the need for proper gear and underwater housings. Pro tips on photography gear, storage solutions, and sensor maintenance are shared. The conversation takes a reflective turn as they discuss the balance between work and travel, encouraging listeners to live fully and not postpone their dreams. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for photography enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Chapters

03:02 Wildlife Photography Adventures

05:55 The Dynamics of Lekking Behavior

08:58 Ethical Wildlife Photography Practices

11:54 Celebrating Milestones in Content Creation

14:57 Exploring Bora Bora and Shark Encounters

36:58 Bora Bora Bliss: Culinary Delights and Experiences

38:09 Travel Tips: Finding Deals and Flexibility

40:16 Capturing Memories: Pro Tips for Underwater Photography

42:34 Life Lessons: Balancing Work, Travel, and Living Fully

45:46 Pro Tips: Gear Recommendations and Photography Insights

54:15 Storage Solutions: Backing Up Your Photography Assets

01:06:24 Cleaning Your Sensor: Sensor Maintenance Tips

Episode 41 Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Wild, hosts Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus introduce a special initiative to educate the next generation about wildlife conservation through photography. In collaboration with guests Shauna Hart (@byhartphotography), Lydia Ripplinger (@lydebug), and Jimmy Bridenstine (@jimmyb_intothewild), they discuss the importance of mentorship, ethical wildlife photography, and the structure of their upcoming program, 'Lessons Through the Lens: Kids for Conservation.' The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and the role of education in fostering a love for nature and wildlife among youth.

Special thanks to pictureline.com for sponsoring this great initiative and helping to give back.

Registration begins the first week of April. In the coming days, Bookmark UtahWildlifeFederation.org or BeyondtheWildPodcast.com for the official announcement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Conservation Photography

02:49 Lessons Through the Lens: Kids for Conservation

05:55 Mentorship and Expertise in Wildlife Photography

09:03 Creating Passion for Nature and Wildlife

11:51 Ethical Wildlife Photography Practices

15:06 Program Structure and Learning Outcomes

18:09 Equipment and Accessibility for Participants

21:05 Community Engagement and Support

24:04 Future of Conservation Education

26:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

Episode 40 Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the Beyond the Wild crew welcome guest Jimmy MacDonald a wildlife guide and photographer who has worked with major network film crews, recounts unique encounters with wolves and polar bears that truly highlight the wonders of nature. Jimmy shares thrilling experiences from wildlife filmmaking, emphasizing the excitement of capturing moments in nature, and discusses the dual role of a guide, balancing safety and creativity while working with film crews. In this episode, the conversation delves into the thrilling world of wildlife adventures, focusing on the intricacies of wildlife filming and the respect needed for nature's predators. The speakers share personal experiences from the field, discuss the challenges of wildlife documentaries, and highlight the importance of understanding animal behavior.

Sound Bites

"Canada's great, spring's coming."

"I got to swim with black tip sharks."

"Jimmy was my guide this last fall."

"It was a pretty amazing encounter to be there."

"It was a good story."

"The pressures on them through the roof."

"It's so thrilling for me to go out with them."

"Your predominant role ultimately is safety."

"I was just living the moment."

"Let's get the great whites, let's go."

"It's a healthy respect."

"It's fun to make it in the credits."

"Your passion for what you do is clear."

"Muskox babies are always cute."

"It's a whole new level to storytelling."

"I look forward to hearing how your trip goes."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Wild

02:50 Spring in Canada: Nature's Awakening

06:02 Adventures in Bora Bora: Swimming with Sharks

09:04 Guiding Film Crews: A New Career Path

11:51 The Art of Wildlife Photography and Videography

14:52 Unique Encounters: Wolves and Polar Bears

24:02 The Circle of Life: Death and Survival in the Wild

34:24 Capturing the Thrill of Wildlife Filmmaking

37:00 The Role of a Guide in Wildlife Filming

40:11 Behind the Scenes: The Art of Wildlife Photography

44:13 Balancing Safety and Creativity in the Field

52:24 The Value of Experience in Wildlife Encounters

53:02 Favorite Outdoor Experiences: A Personal Reflection

01:08:34 Diving into Shark Adventures

01:09:49 Behind the Scenes of Wildlife Filming

01:11:10 The Journey of Wildlife Documentaries

01:12:16 Respecting Wildlife: Insights from the Field

01:15:19 Understanding Predator Behavior

01:17:30 Capturing Nature: The Art of Filmmaking

01:20:58 Future Adventures and Collaborations

LINKS

Jimmy MacDonald

@jimmy_pawistik

The Americas Episode 5: The Frozen North on NBC, streaming on Peacock

Tom Hanks discusses The Frozen North Episode

The Frozen North Episode

Episode 39 Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Yellowstone has produced many great adventures for Jason Loftus, but the wolves of Yellowstone have evaded his camera and lens - until now. Jason shares his recent mindblowing adventures in Yellowstone National Park where he photographed over 15 different wolves along with coyotes, foxes, eagles, elk and bison. It was also a big video trip for Jason, and he, Ron and Mark shared insights about winter wildlife behavior, the thrill of capturing wolves in action, and the importance of photography etiquette in public spaces. The conversation highlights the beauty of nature, the challenges of wildlife encounters, and the camaraderie among photographers in the field. This episode also digs into some of the recent new lens announcements, which spark excitement about the latest advancements in photography equipment. The conversation also touches on the excitement of planning future photography challenges, and wide-angle wildlife photography is on the menu with the potential for a future challenge involving listeners. This is a great episode to listen to but an even better episode to watch on YouTube. Please subscribe to be alerted of more great episodes.

Sound Bites

"It's been a real winter."
"It's hard to explain."
"It's a numbers game."
"That one day makes a whole trip."
"It's a dream opportunity."
"We all could just do better."
"Winter's a great time to go up there."
"New gear is always fun."
"Be patient with your editing."
"Enjoy the photography experience."
"You've got the best job in the world."
"It sounds like a Ron story."
"Failure is part of success."
"The rules are there are no rules."
"It's coming."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Winter Updates
03:08 Wildlife Encounters and Photography Adventures
06:03 Experiences in Yellowstone National Park
12:09 The Thrill of Wolf Photography
18:12 Wildlife Behavior Observations
24:03 Photography Etiquette and Road Safety
34:46 Respect and Kindness in Photography
35:51 Winter Adventures and Wildlife Encounters
38:29 Weather Challenges and Wildlife Photography
39:00 New Gear Announcements and Excitement
47:52 Pro Tips for Patience in Photography
54:02 Philosophical Reflections on the Photography Journey
55:47 Innovative Photography Techniques
01:00:15 Learning from Failures
01:05:31 The Power of Wide-Angle Shots
01:11:10 Planning for Future Challenges

Episode 38 Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

We couldn't fit all our listeners' questions in last time, so we are back for part II with even trickier, thought-provoking inquiries for Ron, Jason, and Mark. They explore the dilemma of choosing a single subject to photograph for life, fears surrounding memory card failures, strategies for selling prints, memorable wildlife encounters, lens selection, and dream behaviors to capture in the wild. The discussion is filled with humor and camaraderie, making it both informative and entertaining.

Sound Bites

"You're going to be screwed in the spring."
"It's kind of a bunch of BS."
"It's a dilemma."
"It's a constant battle."
"You have to be super careful."
"It's meant to impress people."
"It's a personal choice."
"It's not a fair question."
"You still have the option."
"Thank you for sending it in, Jason."
"I'm more fearful of a lot of things."
"Bears are where the wild things are."
"I take them all."
"I would like a pan blur cheetah in full sprint."

Chapters

00:00 Understanding AI Tool Pricing and Credits 03:05 The Dilemma of Photo Theft in Wildlife Photography 05:58 Listener Questions: Engaging with the Community 09:11 Navigating Copyright and Image Sharing 11:58 Shooting Wildlife in Challenging Conditions 14:48 Choosing Your Subject: A Photographer's Dilemma 33:50 The Quest for the Perfect Shot 37:00 Memory Card Fears and Backup Strategies 46:01 Navigating Print Sales in Photography 52:54 Memorable Wildlife Encounters 01:00:05 Choosing the Right Lens for the Job 01:07:59 Dream Behaviors to Capture

Questions and IG Links

@JohnRay_Photography
Image theft: Are you contemplating not posting on social media?

@Brian_Michaelis_Photography
Can you share some shooting tips for photographing wildlife in falling snow?

@Hunting_with_a_Lens (Jason Mirandi)
For each one of you, you can only shoot one species for the rest of your life. Which species would you choose?

@PJAdventuresinCanada (Peter and Jen)
How fearful are you that your memory cards will fail and what do you do to protect your best pics?

@Keri_Jones_Photography
Which platforms have you found to be the most successful at selling prints and artwork?

@SackettWildlifeImages (Shaun Sackett)
What has been one of your other great experiences, excluding bears, while observing bears?

@1_foot_shorter (Brandt Bennett)
How do you determine what lenses to take?

@She_BehindtheLens (Megan)
What is your dream animal behavior to capture on camera?

Episode 37 Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

Cam and the crew delve into the intricate relationships between humans and wildlife, particularly focusing on gorillas and the impact of tourism on conservation efforts. They share personal anecdotes of memorable wildlife encounters, discuss the importance of understanding animal behavior, and highlight the unique experiences offered by locations like Mana Pools National Park in northern Zimbabwe.

Sound Bites

"I was up at 3 a.m. I thought I would look like a car wreck."
"I never looked back."
"You have to go through it."
"I want to photograph early morning lights."
"You can see it the moment you lock eyes."
"It's a phenomenal experience."
"I just want to go back to Rwanda."
"Tourism has saved these gorillas."
"It's not just seeing a gorilla."
"The lighting is absolutely phenomenal."
"Anything's possible in Africa."
"It's a beautiful day to be alive."

Chapters

03:04 Cam's Journey into Nature Photography
06:12 Life Changes and Career Shifts
08:48 The Impact of Nature on Personal Growth
12:11 Experiences with Mountain Gorillas
15:00 The Art of Guiding and Manifesting Experiences
18:02 Challenges and Triumphs in Business
20:48 The Power of Positive Attitude
24:05 Wildlife Encounters and Photography
26:59 The Fascinating Shoe-Billed Stork
38:00 Confrontation and Respect in the Animal Kingdom
39:01 Understanding Gorilla Behavior and Communication
39:49 The Connection Between Humans and Nature
41:13 The Importance of Gorilla Tourism for Conservation
42:06 The Role of Tourism in Supporting Local Communities
42:48 Experiencing Wildlife: The Thrill of Close Encounters
46:09 The Sounds of Nature: A Sensory Experience
51:00 Memorable Outdoor Encounters
57:51 Exploring Monopools: A Photographer's Paradise
01:05:02 Accommodations and Immersive Experiences in Africa
01:12:55 Planning Your African Adventure

LINKS

Cam Scott
@CamScott_Wild

The Best Of Authentic Zimbabwe
Tour Opportunity: September 22-30th 2025
https://itineraries.safariportal.app/The-Best-of-Authentic-Zimbabwe/1338943500867078002

Episode 36 Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

In this engaging conversation, the hosts Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft reconnect with fellow pro photographer Joe Subolefsky and delve into their experiences with wildlife photography, travel adventures, and the personal connections formed through their journeys. They discuss the challenges and joys of photographing wildlife in various locations, including the Pantanal, and share stories about naming animals and the emotional ties that come with it. The transition to full-time photography is explored, highlighting the richness of relationships built through shared experiences in nature. Joe shares numerous practical tips for traveling, including navigating language barriers and the responsibilities that come with guiding clients in foreign countries. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share humorous anecdotes from their wildlife photography experiences, discuss the importance of understanding animal behavior, and provide insights into managing group dynamics during photography trips. They also explore the challenges of wildlife photography, the evolution of camera technology, the significance of educating others about wildlife ethics, and they reflect on their favorite wildlife encounters.

Sound Bites

"You can do it with any smart TV."
"I'm richer than I've ever been."
"It's a magical place down there."
"I named it after my father."
"It can be stressful at times."
"A sweaty guy naked at the door?"
"Life's about choices sometimes."
"It's not just identifying the tracks."
"We need to put the animals first."
"It's a balancing act if you have a mix."
"It's life's full of diversity."
"It's a small world in photography."
"It's a lot tougher than people think."
"Doing it right is not cheap."
"The focus system is unbelievable."

Chapters

02:59 Photography and Travel Experiences
06:05 Wildlife Encounters and Unique Locations
09:05 The Pantanal and Its Challenges
11:59 Naming Wildlife: A Personal Connection
14:51 The Transition to Full-Time Photography
17:51 Building Relationships Through Travel
20:56 Navigating Language Barriers in Travel
27:00 Funny Stories from the Field
29:59 Camera Gear Mishaps and Hacks
33:59 The Importance of Animal Behavior
40:06 Educating Others in Wildlife Photography
46:10 Balancing Expectations in Group Photography
50:48 Favorite Wildlife Photography Experiences
01:02:33 Navigating the Challenges of Photography Tours
01:06:10 The Evolution of Camera Technology
01:12:12 New Developments in National Park Photography Regulations
01:15:02 Looking Ahead: Future Adventures and Collaborations

Links

JOE SUBOLEFSKY
@joe_subolefsky

Special thanks to @FroKnowsPhoto - Hiding AirTags in your camera bodies
https://youtu.be/7v5rC2S4000?si=vUvyC6Y8Y1Ja2Lwy&t=419

FILM ACT IS NOW LAW
https://nanpa.org/2025/01/16/the-film-act-is-now-law-a-win-for-all-nanpa-members/

Episode 35 Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

It's not every day that you get to meet such a diverse and knowledgable wildlife photographer like Eli Martinez. We are blessed in this episode to have Eli share his thrilling and unique experience of capturing a large mating group of sperm whales near Dominica Island. This rare occurrence was captured just weeks ago on Jan. 29, 2025, and Eli describes how lucky he was on this recent trip. But that's not all. Eli discusses many of his approaches to photographing the broad range of dangerous predators in water and on land, and you'll be surprised to hear and see what he and his tour company are able to achieve and the level of interaction he has with these potentially dangerous animals. Eli discusses the challenges of photographing shy creatures like anacondas and the importance of debunking many of the myths surrounding predatory animals. Eli also reflects on his upcoming adventures and the significance of sharing these experiences with the world. In this engaging conversation, Eli Martinez shares his thrilling experiences in wildlife photography, transitioning from underwater adventures to capturing land predators. He discusses the challenges of high-altitude photography, the importance of respecting wildlife, and the invaluable role of guides in spotting elusive animals. The conversation also touches on the excitement of marine life encounters and the significance of time spent observing wildlife. Eli emphasizes the joy of unique experiences and the connections formed through his adventures while also providing practical advice for aspiring underwater photographers.

Sound Bites

"It's a privilege to work with these animals."

"Witnessing a mating group of whales is magic."

"Mating behavior is extremely rare to see."

"Anacondas are very shy and prefer to hide."

"The water clarity is a challenge for good images."

"Capturing a photo of a tapir underwater is my dream."

"I want to share the other side of these animals."

"I hope someone deserving wins the bear camp giveaway."

"It was a phenomenal experience to see those animals."

"We saw the cats four out of nine days."

"The guides are priceless in finding those cats."

"The recovery in Tonga is going really well."

"You don't really get to know them in a week."

"People get tattoos of our logo, it's so special."

"A GoPro is perfect for underwater photography."

Chapters

00:00 Reflections on the Pandemic and Travel Adventures

02:56 Eli's Unique Experiences with Sperm Whales

06:01 The Significance of Mating Behavior in Sperm Whales

09:08 Exploring the Mystique of Anacondas

11:55 The Challenge of Photographing Shy Creatures

15:09 Debunking Myths About Predatory Animals

18:01 Capturing the Beauty of Nature's Giants

20:54 Upcoming Adventures and New Experiences

40:36 Exploring New Adventures Together

42:05 The Shift from Water to Land Predators

44:57 Photography Techniques: Underwater vs. Land

47:43 Challenges of High-Altitude Wildlife Photography

50:51 Success in Capturing Snow Leopards

54:40 The Importance of Social Media in Wildlife Photography

56:44 Recovery in Tonga: A Personal Touch

01:00:21 The Thrill of Marine Life Encounters

01:01:38 The Value of Time in Wildlife Observation

01:03:23 Cherishing Unique Experiences and Connections

01:05:12 Essential Gear for Underwater Photography

Links

Instagram: @SDMDiving
Web: www.sdmdiving.com
Facebook: facebook.com/sdmdiving

Bear Camp Giveaway
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFWXG04y8TY/

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