Episode 12
Ron Hayes Ron Hayes

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.

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Episode 11
Ron Hayes Ron Hayes

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.

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Episode 10
Ron Hayes Ron Hayes

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.

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Episode 9
Ron Hayes Ron Hayes

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.

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Episode 8
Ron Hayes Ron Hayes

Episode 8

In this episode, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft are joined by guest Tim Irvin, a guide who refers to his adventures more as expeditions than trips. The the main topic of this episode is coastal wolves and guest Tim Irvin shares his passion for these elusive creatures and his experiences photographing them in the Great Bear Rainforest along with another rare creature, the spirit bear. The discussion highlights the challenges of finding and capturing images of coastal wolves in their natural habitat, as well as the excitement and awe of encountering them in the wild. The conversation explores the unpredictability and excitement of wildlife photography and guiding in the Great Bear Rainforest. Tim emphasizes the importance of patience and accepting the unknown when it comes to encountering animals in their natural habitat. He shares stories of close encounters with wolves and the emotional impact of being in the presence of these magnificent creatures. The conversation also touches on the changes in the spirit bear population and the cultural experiences available on the trips, providing a well-rounded and immersive experience for guests.
The hosts discuss the benefits of mirrorless cameras in shortening the learning curve and improving photography skills. They also acknowledge the overwhelming volume of images that can be captured with modern cameras and the need for efficient culling and editing processes. The conversation touches on the use of AI software to assist in image selection and the potential for third-party lens manufacturers to create lenses for the Canon RF mount. The hosts also discuss the advancements in camera technology and the importance of patience and preparation in wildlife photography. They conclude by highlighting the joy and satisfaction that comes from capturing great images and the importance of enjoying the moment in nature.

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Episode 7 (Special Episode)
Ron Hayes Ron Hayes

Episode 7 (Special Episode)

ALASKA BEAR CAMPS WITH SCOTT STONE

In this episode, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft are joined by guest Scott Stone , a bear viewing guide in Alaska, and they discuss the unique bear viewing experience in Katmai National Park. Scott explains the advantages of staying in a camp rather than doing day trips, including the opportunity for better lighting and more time on the ground with the bears. Scott also highlights the safety measures and permits required for bear viewing trips. He shares stories of close encounters with bears and the challenges of flying in unpredictable weather conditions. Scott announces a giveaway in partnership with Beyond the Wild podcast, where one lucky winner will have the chance to join a bear-viewing camp experience.

Scott Stone also discusses the importance of patience in wildlife photography and bear-viewing trips. He emphasizes that flight services in Alaska are dedicated to ensuring a successful experience for visitors and that waiting is sometimes necessary. The conversation then shifts to the upcoming wolf trips and the unique experience they offer. Scott explains that while the success rate may be lower compared to bear trips, the focus is on observing and photographing wolves in their natural habitat. He also highlights the importance of patience and the potential for incredible interactions with wolves. The hosts and Scott discuss the rewards of getting to know individual bears and the privilege of witnessing their life cycles. They also touch on the risks and rewards of wilderness adventures and the therapeutic nature of being in the present moment in the wild. The conversation concludes with a reminder to enter the giveaway for a chance to experience a bear-viewing trip in Alaska.

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Episode 6
Ron Hayes Ron Hayes

Episode 6

FALL POLAR BEAR BONANZA!

In this episode, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft are joined by guest Cole Waltner as they recount their adventure to Churchill, Manitoba, targeting Polar Bears in a unique Autumn setting. The group talks about the timing of the trip and the unique opportunities it provided. They also discuss the logistics of traveling to Churchill, including the smaller planes and limited carry-on space. The conversation ends with a discussion about packing gear and the precautions they took to ensure its safety. The conversation in this segment revolves around the experiences of the photographers during their trip to Churchill. They discuss the challenges of traveling with camera gear, the excitement of arriving in Churchill, and the incredible sightings of polar bears and the Northern Lights. They also touch on the importance of checking camera settings and the disappointment of shooting in JPEG instead of RAW. Overall, the segment highlights the unique and awe-inspiring moments they encountered during their trip. The conversation in this part focuses on the experiences and encounters with polar bears and beluga whales in Churchill. The group discusses the behavior and habits of polar bears, including their presence along the coast and their hunting patterns. They also talk about the beluga whales and their curious nature. The conversation highlights the excitement and joy of being in close proximity to these animals and the opportunities to capture amazing photographs and videos. The guides are praised for their knowledge and expertise in ensuring the safety of the group while providing memorable wildlife encounters. The conversation revolves around the experiences and encounters during a trip to Churchill, Manitoba. The participants discuss the behavior of polar bears, the beauty of fall colors, and the unique wildlife sightings they had. They also highlight the importance of respecting the animals and prioritizing their welfare over getting the perfect shot. The trip was filled with incredible experiences and opportunities for photography and videography. The participants express their gratitude for the trip and the chance to share their experiences with others.

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Episode 5
Ron Hayes Ron Hayes

Episode 5

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURES WITH DAWN WILSON!

In this episode, the hosts engage in small talk before introducing their guest, Dawn Wilson. Dawn shares her recent trip to Peru, where she went on a riverboat tour along the Amazon River and photographed various wildlife, including birds, primates, and caimans. She also discusses her upcoming trip to Belize, where she expects to encounter diverse species of birds, reptiles, and primates. The conversation covers various topics related to the Amazon rainforest, including climate and weather, humidity, wildlife sightings, daily routines on the boat, interactions with local communities, daylight hours, photography experiences, simplicity and happiness in remote communities, the Iditarod race in Nome, Alaska, life in Nome, and upcoming trips to photograph bald eagles, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Galapagos Islands. In this conversation, Dawn Wilson discusses her experiences with night photography and wildlife encounters. She shares tips for capturing the Milky Way and emphasizes the importance of planning and timing for successful night photography. Dawn also highlights the unique sensory experience of being in the dark and encountering wildlife. She recommends essential equipment and apps for night photography and discusses the benefits of using wide-angle lenses. The conversation concludes with updates on the Beyond the Wild podcast and upcoming photography trips.

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Episode 4
Mark Raycroft Mark Raycroft

Episode 4

PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR TIPS & MORE!

In this episode, your hosts of Beyond the Wild Podcast, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft, share and discuss some of their most important tips for capturing their best-selling wildlife photography and the key gear and tools that helped make the image. The team discusses their editing workflows and the time spent refining each image. This episode covers various camera gear topics, including using the Nikon 800mm f6.3 lens, its minimum focal distance, and the advantages of telephoto zoom lenses. The hosts also discuss their anticipation for Canon's new R1 camera and the benefits of shooting in 8K video. Mark recommends using a small flexible camera tripod with your smartphone to capture fantastic timelapse videos. The team share pro tips on adjusting camera settings and being aware of thermals and vehicle heat. Various aspects of wildlife photography, including image quality, the value of tours, the importance of being prepared, the impact of outerwear on photography, ISO preferences, the role of denoise software, the workflow of image processing, the advancements in post-processing software, the impact of editing on image quality, the versatility of GoPro cameras, and tips for filming with GoPro cameras are ALL discussed.

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Episode 3
Jason Loftus Jason Loftus

Episode 3

Workshops and trips provide unique opportunities to capture incredible wildlife images and learn from experienced photographers.

Understanding the behavior and personalities of wildlife can lead to more successful and meaningful photography experiences.

Choosing the right gear and approach for wildlife photography depends on individual preferences and desired shots.

Conserving and protecting habitats is crucial for the survival and well-being of wildlife species. Take advantage of upcoming wildlife photography opportunities, such as tours to photograph Loons, Musk Ox herds, Woodland Caribou, and more.

Consider visiting Northern Canada with Mark for the chance to capture unique images of the Northern Lights.

Explore bird photography opportunities in Minnesota with Ron, where you can capture behaviors and proximity not easily found elsewhere.

Stay updated on the latest camera releases and consider investing in gear that suits your photography needs.

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Episode 2
Mark Raycroft Mark Raycroft

Episode 2

A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY FOR CARIBOU, CAMERA GEAR UPDATES, AND MORE !

Listen in or watch on Youtube as Ron and Jason catch up with Mark’s travels of the past year! Mark covers his adventures photographing the iconic Woodland Caribou of Newfoundland, Canada. He also discusses what he loves about guiding his very popular photo tours for autumn Caribou, the Elk rut, and his latest expedition, Musk Ox in the far north of Nunavik, Canada.

If you watch the show on YouTube you’ll enjoy the added videos and photos that our talented editor, Tyler Burr, has woven into the episode.

Please make sure to subscribe to our YouTube page and follow along for our upcoming episodes! We have some wonderful content in the works!

BEYOND THE WILD Podcast is sponsored by www.pictureline.com

Your source for Everything Photography!

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Episode 1
Photography, Travel, Wildlife, Hobbies Ron Hayes Photography, Travel, Wildlife, Hobbies Ron Hayes

Episode 1

SPECTACULR SVALBARD!

Welcome to the first episode of BEYOND THE WILD PODCAST!

Ron, Jason, and Mark are thrilled to be launching this new show to share their photographic field adventures and insights with you!

We look forward to conversations with guests from across the scope of wildlife and nature photography.

For our inaugural episode here’s a tale about an epic adventure across the planet to the frozen land of polar bears and so much more!

Listen in, or better yet, watch on YouTube as Ron and Jason share all of the incredible details about their adventure to Svalbard, Norway.

Ron and Jason outline how the expedition came to be, the required planning, what gear they took, how they loved Norway, and the many surprises that happened while they were out exploring the northern sea!

If you watch the show on YouTube you’ll enjoy the added videos and photos that our talented editor, Tyler Burr, has woven into the episode.

Please make sure to subscribe to our YouTube page and follow along for our upcoming episodes! We have some wonderful content in the works!

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