Episode 28
Meet Mary Jacquel, a multifaceted photographer making her mark, capturing the wild beauty of Alaska’s Southern panhandle. In discussion with Mary, the hosts dive deep into Mary’s photography, cinematography and drone work, discussing the balance between external and internal perspectives and the importance of intentionality in capturing moments. Mary’s humpback and orca content has garnered millions of views on Instagram, and her unique location has allowed her to follow nesting bald eagles throughout the seasons. Recently, she has taken a step back to experience the nostalgia and limitations of film photography, and the conversation looks back at the evolution of the craft. Mary reflects on the storytelling aspect of photography, the community it fosters, and the unique experiences that come with wildlife photography, particularly in Alaska. The dialogue emphasizes the joy and challenges of content creation, the value of patience, and the personal connections formed through shared passions.
Episode 27
This episode is overdue, but due to technical difficulties, the Beyond the Wild crew was unable to reach a consensus on the performance of Canon's new R5 Mark II camera bodies. Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus discuss their initial experiences with the latest cameras, and their observations landed at opposite ends of the spectrum. After Canon Professional Services determined that Ron's R5 MKII body had a motherboard issue, Ron could finally experience the latest Canon tech with new internals installed. The crew discussed the Mark II autofocus system, colour performance, and overall improvements compared to the original R5. They share personal anecdotes about their photography experiences, the challenges they faced with the camera, and the support they received from Canon Professional Services and Pictureline. The discussion highlights the significance of customer service in the photography equipment industry and the importance of reliable gear for wildlife photography. The hosts discuss various aspects of photography, including the challenges and wonders of camera technology, battery life, colour quality, and the evolution of photography tools. They share personal experiences in the field, emphasizing the importance of reliable equipment and the excitement surrounding new camera models. The conversation also touches on the growth of their podcast and the joy of connecting with their audience and fellow photographers.
Episode 26
In this engaging podcast episode, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, Mark Raycrof and guest Amy Harris share their experiences from a recent trip to Brazil's Pantanal. They discuss the challenges and joys of wildlife photography, the beauty of jaguars, and the importance of managing expectations while traveling. The conversation also touches on travel tips, culinary experiences, and the camaraderie formed during their adventures. In this engaging conversation, Ron and Amy delve into their experiences and photographic adventures in the Pantanal. They discuss the impressive features of the extensive native wildlife, share valuable photography techniques, and emphasize the importance of sun protection while out in the field. The conversation also touches on the use of technology in photography, particularly the benefits of pre-recording, and reflects on the overall experience of the trip, highlighting the learning and growth that comes from such adventures.
Episode 25
In this Beyond the Wild podcast episode, host Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft sit down with naturalist extraordinaire Russ DeFusco while shooting together in Colorado. Russ shares his remarkable life journey, professional achievements, and passion for wildlife photography and education. Russ’s childhood fascination with nature evolved into a passion for wildlife photography and art, leading him to become an ornithologist and wildlife biologist, where he built a storied career in military and civil aviation bird strike prevention. His work included developing predictive models to mitigate bird-aircraft collisions, saving lives and resources. Russ emphasizes connecting with nature, inspiring curiosity, and educating others. He believes understanding wildlife behavior enhances both conservation efforts and photography. His motto: “If you can name it, you own it,” highlights the value of knowledge in fostering environmental stewardship.
Episode 24
In this episode, Ron and Jason shift focus away from wildlife photography and welcome Chris Dickinson, a Western lifestyle photographer, to discuss the heart behind photography and the stories that drive his work. Ron and Jason first met Chris at a pictureline.com PhotoX event and were inspired by his talk. Chris’ photography is nearly cinematic, and his ability to capture the emotion of ranch life is breathtaking. In this episode, he breaks down elements of his process when entering a chaotic environment, remaining calm and capturing incredible images that tell the story in almost more detail than what is apparent to the naked eye. Chris and the BTW crew explore the importance of building relationships within the ranching community, the significance of giving back through photography, and share personal outdoor experiences that have shaped their perspectives. Chris emphasizes the emotional connection to ranch life and the value of capturing moments that tell a story while highlighting photographers’ need to do good with their craft.
Episode 23
In this engaging conversation, host Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft play icebreaker games and delve into their recent photography adventures. They discuss the importance of spontaneity in wildlife photography, the challenges of capturing elusive subjects, and the gear they use. The episode also features listener questions about photography techniques, equipment preferences, and the joys of being in nature. The camaraderie among the hosts shines through as they share laughs and insights, making for an entertaining and informative episode.
Episode 21
In this Q&A episode, hosts Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft take on some tough questions from listeners. The hosts discuss missed opportunities in photographing certain animals and the changing dynamics of wildlife photography. They also share their favorite images and sources of inspiration. They discuss how they can afford their photography trips and their dream animals to photograph. They also touch on the topic of shooting in black and white and when it's best to use this technique. And Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus banter about a recent elk photography trip, where they discuss the experience of capturing elk stripping velvet and the unique behavior of the elk eating the velvet. Oh, and even the discussion of photographing woolly mammoths comes into the mix.
Episode 20
Gary Kramer, an accomplished wildlife biologist, photographer, and writer, who has captured the largest collection of waterfowl images, joins Ron Hayes and Mark Raycroft to discuss his new book, Waterfowl of the World. This 540-page book has close to 1,300 amazing waterfowl images. Gary shares the inspiration behind his project and the challenges he faced in photographing every species of waterfowl on the planet. They discuss the unique behaviors and adaptations of different waterfowl species, as well as the difficulty and patience required to capture the perfect shot. The conversation also touches on the diversity of locations Gary visited and the impact of his project on taxidermists and bird photographers. In this conversation, Gary Kramer discusses his experiences photographing birds around the world and shares stories of his trips where he encountered diverse bird species and had the opportunity to get up close and observe each species’ unique behavior and characteristics.
Episode 19
In this pro-tip podcast episode, host Ron Hayes teases the rest of the beyond the wild crew with his freshly delivered Canon EOS R5 Mark II camera. The discussion quickly dives into the new camera’s top features, and Ron already has some learnings with the Mark II including tips on selecting the best battery grip option. As Pro-Tips episode go, Jason Loftus, Mark Raycroft and Ron Hayes show up overloaded with tips on all aspects of photography. Half the battle with wildlife photography is getting to the ideal location and travel is a necessity and a pain. The BTW crew has travelled a lot to distant locations and they have some good tips and tricks to limit the pain of travel and help you arrive primed for the adventure ahead. They also delve into tips about extending CF Express card longevity, gear organization, and a plethora of ideas on how to be prepared for capture the perfect shot.
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.
Episode 16
Summary
In this episode of Beyond the Wild, host Mark Raycroft relays all the details of his recent trip to Australia. But before he can get into his experiences, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus steal the spotlight with discussions about the new Canon EOS R5 Mark II and EOS RI. The guys then discuss various topics, including travel experiences, car rentals, and the upcoming release of new camera technology. The conversation is light-hearted and informative, providing travel tips and insights. The beauty of Australia comes to life in Mark’s essay on this diverse and enlightening continent. The conversation covered various topics, including wildlife in Australia, bird photography, and whale watching. The hosts shared their experiences and observations, highlighting Australia’s unique natural history and biodiversity. They also discussed the use of smartphones for photography and the importance of giving oneself time to adjust to jet lag when traveling to distant destinations.
Episode 15
Summary
Welcome to the first-ever LIVE recording of the Beyond the Wild Podcast, where hosts Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus presented at the pictureline.com PhotoX Outdoor event in Salt Lake City, Utah and answered wildlife photography questions from the studio audience. Our hosts were joined by wildlife photographers Daniel Lindhardt and Jimmy Breitenstein. In this fireside chat environment, the four experienced wildlife photographers tackle some of the toughest questions impacting outdoor photography and the conservation of our wild spaces. But the conversation quickly shifts to guidance on where to start finding wildlife, how to recognize locations that hold animals, and how to translate that information to help you find your own hotspots. The panel also tell some great photography-trip horror stories.
Episode 14
Summary
In this episode, hosts Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft interview Jules Jacobs, a wildlife photographer who has bridged the gap between the pure science of oceanography and the real-world changes our oceans are experiencing. His photography and editorial have captured the world's attention in the Smithsonian and New York Times. The discussion in this episode is heavily focused on the impact of human activities on ecosystems but quest Jules Jacobs also details underwater photography tips. Jules shares his journey from photographing seahorses in his aquarium to becoming an underwater photographer. They also discuss the importance of storytelling in conservation photography and the need to raise awareness about the biodiversity crisis. The conversation covers themes such as urban wildlife, rodenticides and their impact on predators, and the adaptability of wildlife. They also touch on the challenges and rewards of underwater photography and the thrill of encountering marine life in their natural habitat. Jules Jacobs shares his experiences and insights into the world of underwater photography. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of capturing wildlife underwater, emphasizing the importance of getting close to the subjects and finding local spots to explore. Jules also shares a personal story of a diving accident that led him to focus on photographing intertidal creatures and discovering the world of fluorescence. He highlights the significance of building relationships with scientists and using photography to contribute to conservation efforts. Jules provides tips for aspiring underwater photographers, including finding a subject, experimenting with different techniques, and gradually transitioning to more advanced equipment.
Episode 13
In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, host Mark Raycroft discusses Jason Loftus’ upcoming trip to Africa and his preparations for this epic wildlife photography. It’s a trip that can easily sidetrack any photographer’s conversation, but the spotlight in this episode is guest Kevin Konitshek’s unique wild cat quest in Colorado. Kevin has captured incredible, rarely-seen images of these wild animals in their natural habitat exhibiting iconic behaviour. Kevin shares his passion for wildlife photography and his recent project to capture images of all three wild cat species in Colorado: bobcat, mountain lion and the elusive lynx. He explains the challenges and environmental factors affecting the lynx population in Colorado and the importance of camera trapping in capturing unique and dynamic images. The conversation also touches on the management of wildlife populations and the need for science-based decision-making. Kevin Konitshek discusses his camera trap setup for wildlife photography, including the equipment he uses and the cost of the setup. He also shares tips for setting up the camera traps in different weather conditions and terrain, along with the challenges and successes he has encountered in his passion project to capture images of these top predators. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the behavior and patterns of the animals to increase the chances of capturing compelling images. Kevin shares his passion for winter wildlife photography the extreme dificulty and work effort required to make these unique opportunities. The conversation also touches on the tragic loss of a young wildlife photographer, Carson Hughes, and the importance of cherishing every moment in life.
Episode 12
Summary
In this episode, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus and Mark Raycroft’s primary goal was to answer Listener questions, but they quickly get lost catching up on past trips and discussing the ethical questions around image manipulation and the newly developing confounding factor of AI-generated images on social media. They also delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by new technology in the field of photography. The recent trip conversation covers Mark’s spring canoe adventure into Algonquin Park’s interior and Jason and Ron’s trip to Yellowstone, where they discuss the significance of shared nature experiences with family. But the piéce de résistance in this episode is the Listener questions which dive deep into the questions around photographers’ facial hair and aging, photography ruts, GoPro use and more. They also get a little more serious and discuss positive social media interactions and the importance of sharing positive encounters in wildlife photography.
Episode 11
Summary
In this episode, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus are joined by fellow photographer Kelly Elmer to recount a recent trip to Costa Rica to photograph the diverse wildlife. Kelly and Jason planned the trip to visit different ecosystems and worked with a local contact to arrange their itinerary. They experienced a wide range of biodiversity, from toucans and macaws to vultures and bats. The trip included jungle walks with a guide who helped them spot and photograph various species, including the spectacled owl. Kelly primarily used a 600mm prime lens and a 400mm lens, while Jason used similar setups with Canon gear. They also brought macro lenses for photographing frogs and snakes and talked about their experiences photographing other wildlife like sloths and monkeys. They also mention the challenges and rewards of bird photography in Costa Rica. Overall, they had a great time and captured some amazing shots of the diverse wildlife in the country.
Episode 10
Summary
In this episode of the Beyond the Wild podcast, Ron and Jason interview Madi Clark, known as Embark.with.Ember on Instagram. Madi shares her journey of using social media to make a living with her Australian Shepherd, Ember; her adventure buddy. She started a social media account for her dog in 2018, quickly gaining traction and attracting brand partnerships. Madi discusses the challenges of transitioning from posting photos to creating reels and the importance of engagement with followers. She emphasizes the value of building a personal brand, being vulnerable and telling stories to captivate an audience. Madi also shares insights on pricing her work and the significance of engagement metrics for brands. She emphasizes the importance of having a new hobby or passion alongside photography to prevent burnout and also discusses her role as a consultant, helping content creators level up their skills and work with brands. She mentions her involvement in online business management and assisting influencers with their clients. She expresses her loyalty to Nikon and her positive experiences, while Ron and Jason reflect on their experiences with the brand and what made them switch to Canon. Madi shares her favorite outdoor experience, which was seeing a bear in Teton National Park, and reflects on the childhood memories with her dad that sparked her love for nature and photography.
Episode 9
In this episode, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus are joined by guest Nehemiah Ray, and they share discussions of how venturing into the wild in their childhood has developed a strong appreciation for the finer details in nature. Nehemiah Ray, a wildlife professional, shares his philosophy for raising his children to appreciate the wonders of nature. This episode digs into the importance of family, outdoor experiences, wildlife biology, and the impact of human behaviour on ecosystems. Nehemiah Ray shares his experiences with nature, wildlife removal, and the importance of teaching children to appreciate and respect the natural world. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to nature, wildlife, and exploring the natural world. It delves into the impact of invasive species, the importance of understanding wild edible plants, the value of foraging, and the significance of being aware of one's environment. The conversation also highlights the benefits of spending time in nature, the challenges today’s technology has on kids, how it limits their opportunity for outdoor experiences and the influence of childhood experiences on adult perspectives.