Episode 91
Today's conversation with Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus and Mark Raycroft highlights the dynamic nature of storytelling and the various ways photographers can capture and convey their experiences through their work. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the art of storytelling through photography, emphasizing the importance of capturing not just wildlife but the entire experience surrounding it. They discuss the challenges faced in wildlife photography, the significance of preparation and mindset, and the lessons learned from failures.
Episode 90
In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, the hosts Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus and Mark Raycroft delve into the complexities of shooting in various lighting conditions, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of light in photography. They explore personal preferences for light scenarios, the challenges posed by harsh sunlight, and the creative opportunities that arise in less-than-ideal conditions. The conversation also highlights the magic of pre-dawn and post-sunset light, the importance of understanding exposure in snow and rain, and the overall significance of light quality in capturing compelling images.
Episode 89
Join Jason Loftus as he shares his recent adventures in night sky and landscape photography, including Milky Way shoots, permit processes, and lessons learned in capturing stunning desert landscapes. Discover practical tips, tools, and the joy of exploring the universe through a camera lens.
Episode 88
Today’s episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast welcomes photographer Mike Bons, who shares his journey into waterfowl photography. Mike, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft delve into the intricacies of waterfowl photography, sharing personal experiences and techniques for capturing birds in flight. They discuss the challenges of tracking fast-moving ducks, the importance of camera settings, and the evolution of photography gear, including the latest lens innovations. Mike discusses the challenges of photographing in water and the setup of his floating blind, emphasizing safety and technique. This episode is full of valuable tips for aspiring wildlife photographers and the therapeutic aspects of photography.
Episode 87
In this episode, Jason Loftus shares his recent adventure in Milky Way photography. He describes the meticulous planning involved, using tools like PhotoPills to scout locations and plan shots. Jason highlights the excitement of experimenting with new techniques, such as using light panels for low-light foregrounds and capturing the Milky Way core during optimal conditions. His enthusiasm for learning is evident, as he is now inspired to try new gear, such as the Canon RF 14mm lens that was just announced. Nonetheless, Jason captured stunning night-sky images with his current gear, as well as some incredible drone photography. This is a great episode that explores new photographic challenges and the satisfaction of creating unique visual art. The crew also discusses a wide range of other wildlife photography topics, including the impact of social media and other outdoor adventures.
Episode 86
In this episode, photographers Mark Raycroft, Jason Loftus, and Ron Hayes share invaluable lessons they wish they had known when starting out. Covering topics from gear choices to capturing behavior, they offer practical advice to elevate your wildlife photography journey.
Episode 85
Yes, this episode is dedicated to grouse: the sage and the sharp-tails, and most importantly, spring. Sprinkled in and around the team's technical challenges in this episode, they also manage to get sidetracked discussing golf incidents, audio equipment for capturing wildlife sounds, a listener question about an upcoming bear photo adventure, latest rumours of technological advancements in photography gear, and their excitement about the upcoming PhotoX expo at pictureline where all three of our hosts will reconnect in person and interact with fellow photographers in talks and workshops. That’s a really long sentence, but I think you get the picture that there is a lot of fun jammed into this “quirky” episode.
Episode 84
Join us as Gerrit Vyn shares his extensive experience in wildlife biology, photography, and filmmaking in the untouched lands of Northern Alaska, known as the National Petroleum Reserve. Discover the biodiversity, conservation challenges, and the incredible journeys involved in documenting this remote region.
Episode 83
Join Mark Raycroft and Jason Loftus as they explore Jason’s recent Alaska trip and some of the learnings that came out of it. They also discuss social media strategies, answer listener questions about upcoming trips, and share insights and tips for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Episode 82
Join us for an engaging panel discussion as the entire team explores pro tips submitted by our audience. This episode is filled with practical tips, personal stories, and expert insights on wildlife photography, gear hacks, and field techniques.
Episode 81
Scott Keys provides a fun, highly energetic discussion, detailing his journey into wildlife photography and his gradual full immersion in the wild. He excels at his craft and shares his passion for a pure approach to wildlife photography. And now he shares his equipment expertise on his YouTube channel, Wildlife Inspired, and provides guided workshops for new and emerging wildlife photography enthusiasts.
Episode 80
In this episode of Beyond the Wild, hosts Mark Raycroft and Jason Loftus continue their conversation with wildlife photographer Nick White, diving deep into the ethics of wildlife photography, cultural differences in practices, and the importance of community and discussion in the field. They explore Nick's new wildlife photography club initiative, balancing work and passion, and his exciting van build project for wildlife adventures. The episode emphasizes the significance of ethical practices, community engagement, and the joy of exploring North America's diverse wildlife.
Episode 79
In this two-part episode of Beyond the Wild, hosts Mark Raycroft and Jason Loftus are joined by guest Nick White. They explore Nick’s unique experiences living and working in Scotland, including his stint as a lobster fisherman in the North Sea. The conversation delves into the dangers at sea, the beauty of wildlife encounters, and the state of ecosystems in the UK, all while highlighting Nick’s journey from a hobbyist to a passionate wildlife photographer. The crew discusses the differences between conservation models in North America and the UK, and the beauty of photographing wildlife. Nick shares personal experiences photographing red stags and the tranquillity of the Highlands, emphasizing how nature provides a sense of calm and connection to the environment.
Episode 78
In this episode, Jason Loftus recounts his experiences at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, highlighting the bird migration phenomenon and stunning photography opportunities available there. Mark and Ron reflect on their experiences with waterfowl migration, the impact of weather patterns on waterfowl migration, and the beauty of bird gathering locations. Jason discusses the photography and video techniques he used to document the massive gathering of snow geese and sandhill cranes, and he also details the lenses and techniques he used to capture inspiring images of birds in flight.
Episode 77
In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, the hosts introduce guest Jay Grunig, a law enforcement officer and wildlife photographer, who shares the therapeutic benefits of photography for mental health. The conversation explores the importance of family in outdoor activities and the sense of community within the wildlife photography world. Jay offers valuable tips for capturing wildlife images, emphasizing the significance of understanding animal behavior and being aware of surroundings. Jay discusses the intricacies of wildlife photography, focusing on understanding animal behavior, the excitement of the bison rut, and the joy of outdoor experiences.
Episode 76
It’s that time of year for the BTW Crew’s favourite annual session: reflecting on memorable wildlife encounters from the past year. Two thousand twenty-five was a big year of photography accomplishments and phenomenal luck. Ron, Jason and Mark discuss their favourite moments and share personal stories about wildlife encounters and photography techniques. Special thanks go out to our supporters for helping make 2025 such an amazing year of new experiences, and thanks for sharing the thrill of wildlife photography, the joy of sharing experiences with friends, and the surprises that nature brings.
Episode 75
In this episode of Beyond the Wild, hosts Ron Hayes and Mark Raycroft welcome guests Tristen Vega Moffett and Neil Simmons, the owners of Roam Wild Photo Tours. Tristen and Neil are professional photographers and run tours in Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Park. They tell of an epic snow coach trip where they witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime wolf-pack attack on a bull bison. Although this natural occurrence is vital and has been happening for thousands of years, photographing it is difficult and confounding. This is just one of the unique opportunities these National Parks provide to peer into the wonders of the wild.
Episode 74
In this episode of Beyond the Wild, hosts Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus welcome host and guest, Mark Raycroft and his wife, Pili, to discuss their recent adventures in Nunavik, leading a tour to photograph musk ox in the stunning northern landscape. This epic trip to photograph these unique creatures during the rut is filled with amazing stories and adventures. They also discuss the unique accommodations, travel logistics, the beauty of fall colours, and the behaviour of musk ox during the rutting season. With plans for future trips already in motion, the hosts express their excitement for more adventures to come.
Episode 73
In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, hosts Mark Raycroft and Jason Loftus engage in a lively debate moderated by Drew Hamilton of Discover Churchill Tours, discussing the differences between whitetail and mule deer. They explore various aspects such as habitat, behavior, fieldcraft for photography, antler characteristics, marketability of images, and the intelligence of both species. The conversation culminates in a fun challenge where both hosts attempt to mimic deer calls, leading to a light-hearted conclusion that leaves the debate open to audience interpretation. You likely don’t want to miss this one.
Episode 72
In this episode of Beyond the Wild, host Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus welcome wildlife photographer Julia Cook. Julia has accomplished more in five years than many wildlife photography enthusiasts, and she shares her journey into wildlife photography, her experiences in Yellowstone, and the differences in bear behavior between Yellowstone and Katmai. Jason and Julia discuss their recent trip to Churchill, Canada, where they experienced incredible polar bear encounters. The conversation also highlights Julia’s personal experiences with wildlife photography projects, including the release of black-footed ferrets. Join us for this enjoyable episode and see how fast Julia became “hooked” on wildlife photography.