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 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.