Beyond the Wild

Dec 12

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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Dynamics 02:11 The Great Deer Debate: Whitetail vs. Mule Deer 04:09 Understanding Whitetail Deer 07:08 Exploring Mule Deer Characteristics 12:14 Fieldcraft for Photographing Deer 19:18 Antler Comparisons: Whitetail vs. Mule Deer 27:54 Sales and Marketability of Deer Photography 32:33 Intelligence of Whitetail vs. Mule Deer 37:00 Imagining the Perfect Deer Shot 42:01 Autumn's Beauty and Wildlife Dynamics 43:44 The Role of AI in Photography 46:06 Debating Deer: Whitetail vs. Mule Deer 51:25 Calling in the Wild: Vocalizations of Deer 58:34 A Friendly Competition: Snort Wheeze Showdown 01:01:48 Conservation and the Future of Deer Species 01:04:58 Exploring the Aurora Season in Churchill Links Drew Hamilton www.discoverchurchill.com ​ ⁨@drewhh⁩ Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Dec 5

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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:05 Wildlife Photography Beginnings 03:58 Experiences in Churchill 06:50 Polar Bear Encounters 09:54 Evening Activities and Aurora 13:03 Guided Tours and Bear Sightings 15:52 Julia's Journey in Wildlife Photography 18:58 Guiding in Yellowstone 20:50 Summer Adventures and Outdoor Experiences 21:45 Memorable Wildlife Encounters 22:58 The Elusive Wolverine 26:00 Grizzly Bears: A Passion for Photography 28:09 First Encounters with Grizzly Bears 29:34 Safety in Bear Country 30:25 Research and Photography in Katmai 31:51 Understanding Bear Behavior 37:40 Citizen Science and Bear Identification 39:43 Upcoming Projects and Workshops 45:00 Conservation Efforts and Breeding Programs 48:27 Wildlife Encounters and Personal Experiences 50:28 Future Wildlife Adventures and Aspirations 53:56 Wildlife Photography and Unique Sightings 57:58 Traveling for Wildlife and Cultural Experiences 01:01:59 Reflections on Wildlife and Community Engagement Links Instagram: @juliacookwildlife Website: www.juliacookwildlife.com Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Nov 29

In this week’s episode, we are off to the coast of Alaska to photograph the Coastal Brown Bears during the epic seasonal salmon run. For Ron, this is his first trip to witness this spectacular natural event. For Jason, this is his second trip, but with new equipment and a new shot list. Listen in as Ron and Jason share some heart-pounding experiences from the trip, provide some tips from their lessons learned, and compare and contrast how Canon’s latest equipment performed in the Last Frontier. Sound Bites "I had broken my foot just prior to us going." "It was the perfect tool, in my opinion." "Take a polarizer." "It's magical stuff, truly." "You hope for good weather, you guys had it." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 02:55 Bear Camp Experience Overview 05:49 Weather and Wildlife Observations 09:10 Photography Techniques and Strategies 12:04 Equipment Insights and Lens Choices 14:50 Challenges and Adaptations in the Field 34:47 The Perfect Gear for Wildlife Photography 36:05 Essential Photography Tips for Wildlife Trips 39:09 Capturing Bears and Other Wildlife 41:20 Experiencing Wildlife Up Close 44:01 Navigating Challenges in the Wild 46:10 Camp Life and Socializing 55:19 Memorable Moments in the Field 01:06:09 Pro Tips for Wildlife Photography 01:12:01 The Importance of Community in Photography Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Nov 23

We are excited to have Colin Bigelow from Pictureline on the show this week. We’ve been wanting Colin to join us on the show since the launch of Beyond the Wild, and well, it finally happened. Colin is not only the key contact at Pictureline for anything related to wildlife photography, but also one of the most passionate photographers out there. His backstory is inspiring, and this episode is dedicated to learning more about his passion for capturing wildlife images and how he transitioned from a baseball career to pursuing a full-time career in the photography industry. Join us to hear about Colin’s journey and his enthusiasm for adventure, along with some sneak peeks into what new camera technology is on the horizon. Chapters 0:00 Introduction and Episode Context 03:16 Welcome to Colin Bigelow 10:49 Colin's Journey into Photography 20:38 Passion for Wildlife Photography 22:44 Exploring Other Passions 23:44 Passions and Hobbies 29:21 The Magic of Moose 41:38 Wildlife Photography Adventures 42:43 The Journey of a New Instagram Page 44:43 Building Connections in Photography 50:01 The Philosophy of Customer Service 01:00:44 Elevating the Photography Experience 01:01:10 Memorable Outdoor Experiences 01:06:20 Passion for Wildlife and Photography 01:08:02 Future of Camera Technology 01:12:01 Lens Quality and Performance 01:16:01 Rumors and Innovations in Camera Gear 01:19:59 High-Resolution Cameras and Their Impact Links @ColinCBigelow.1 @ColinBigelowPhoto Pictureline.com Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Nov 6

In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, the hosts reconnect after a long time apart. They share highlights from their recent field adventures, personal updates, and tease some future episodes. Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting After Time Apart 02:51 Field Adventures and Experiences 05:59 Photography and Creative Projects 08:58 Celebrating Personal Milestones 11:56 Wildlife Encounters and Family Moments 14:54 Photography Gear Insights 17:57 Community Engagement and Support 20:59 New Ventures and Merchandise 23:54 Exploring Muskox and Unique Landscapes 30:21 Capturing Nature's Beauty: The Journey Begins 35:11 The Thrill of Wildlife Photography 40:12 Embracing the Unexpected in Nature 44:22 Youth Photography Camp: Inspiring the Next Generation 49:42 Tech Talk: The Future of Photography Gear 54:14 Looking Ahead: Future Adventures and Content Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Oct 31

Beyond the Wild, hosts Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus reconnect with guests Kate and Adam Rice to discuss the transition to their full-time photography business. Kate and Adam discuss their move to Alaska, their new Gallery and how life has changed since leaving the corporate world behind. The conversation covers various topics, including recent bear camp trips, the Patagonia trip for puma, and the importance of having knowledgeable guides in the field. Sorry, folks, some audio anomalies couldn't be avoided in this episode. Sound bites "We don't live in a van anymore." "Every year is so different." "I'm so in love with living in Alaska" "A terrible day is a great day down here" "We want to see other people be happy" "We weren't going to do a tour up there" "It's just so much fun all the time" "We definitely have our wheels turning." "We approach everything as a team." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 05:52 Alaska Adventures and Bear Photography 12:06 Bear Behavior and Fishing Patterns 14:57 Patagonia Trip Insights 17:52 The Importance of Guides in Wildlife Photography 21:05 Life in Alaska and Photography Opportunities 22:46 The Balancing Act of Tours and Photography 27:18 Upcoming Adventures: Churchill and Kenya 35:39 The Art of Guiding: Insights from Experience 48:17 Exploring the Untamed Wilderness 51:21 Balancing Video and Photography 54:51 The Art of Collaboration in Photography Links Website https://www.karphotography.net Instagram https://www.instagram.com/KARphotography Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Oct 23

This conversation has gone to the birds! We are stoked to share our explorations in the world of bird photography, discuss tips and techniques for capturing stunning bird images, explore the fascinating migration patterns of various species, and discuss the importance of conservation. Ron, Mark and Jason share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the joy and challenges of photographing birds in their natural habitats. Sound bites "Bird life is ubiquitous; they're everywhere." "Hummingbirds are fast, a photography challenge." "The Arctic tern performs the longest bird migration." "Get low for the best bird photography angles." "The migration and the numbers of them are mind-blowing." "I just think they're just an incredible bird." "Eagles are a lot easier in cloudy light." "It's a totally new experience to undertake." "The bird life there was incredible." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Seasonal Changes 06:03 Bird Photography: Tips and Techniques 11:47 Migration Patterns and Bird Behavior 17:58 Waterfowl Photography Insights 24:06 Conservation and Passion for Birds 33:07 Exploring the Fascination with Owls 39:29 The Majesty of Sandhill Cranes 41:20 The Allure of Waterfowl Photography 46:29 Eagle Encounters and Photography Tips 01:00:52 Birding Adventures in Australia and Beyond 01:10:37 Innovative Gear for Bird Photography Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Oct 10

In this remarkable episode, hosts Ron and Jason are joined by special guests Jason and Karla Cox for a thrilling comparison of their photo expeditions in the Pantanal region of Brazil. What makes this conversation truly captivating is that their journeys occurred a year apart, offering unique perspectives on this breathtaking wilderness. They dive into fascinating differences in wildlife, animal behavior, weather, travel hurdles, gear, and the guides who bring each adventure to life. Lively stories abound—especially heart-pounding encounters with elusive jaguars, glimpses into their mating rituals, and revelations about just how crucial expert guides are for unforgettable wildlife photography. The hosts and guests recount the adrenaline rush of spotting creatures in their element, the bond formed by shared travel, and the unforgettable lessons each trip provided. Their conversation is a vivid celebration of Brazil’s wild beauty, the pure delight of discovering dazzling biodiversity, and an invitation to Northern Hemisphere listeners to experience a world that feels nothing short of magical. You'll want to watch this one to the end on YouTube to fully experience it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 02:59 Travel Challenges and Experiences 06:07 Wildlife Encounters in Brazil 08:57 Lodge Life and Accommodations 12:13 Food and Dining Experiences 15:02 Photography Adventures and Techniques 18:11 Reflections on the Trip 20:56 Final Thoughts and Future Plans 31:59 Cultural Nuances in Travel 33:09 Jaguar Encounters: First Impressions 39:36 Mating Behaviors of Jaguars 45:26 The Importance of Experienced Guides 51:57 Wildlife Interactions: Capybaras and More 01:03:21 Wildlife Photography Challenges 01:06:15 Memorable Encounters in Nature 01:08:55 Capturing Unique Moments 01:10:53 The Thrill of the Hunt 01:12:48 Reflections on the Trip 01:16:07 Equipment Insights for Wildlife Photography 01:20:24 Navigating the Wilderness 01:22:20 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA. Special thanks to contributors Karla Cox, Jason Cox and Amy Harris. https://www.instagram.com/karla.cox.images/ https://www.instagram.com/elksongs_images/ https://www.instagram.com/adventure.amy/