About this episode
Summary In this episode, Ron Hayes and Mark Raycroft reflect on their separate but memorable trips to Churchill, Manitoba, in search of iconic arctic wildlife. Ron’s September trip focused on the Autumn colors, and he discusses his experiences with Aurora photography, beluga whales, and polar bears. He shares insights on the beauty of autumn colors, cultural engagement with the local community, and the planning of future trips to this unique destination. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of wildlife encounters and the joy of capturing stunning images in nature. Mark Raycroft shares his contrasting experiences from his first snowy November trip to Churchill and his unique wildlife photography opportunities, particularly with a wide range of polar bear behavior. He discusses the journey to Churchill, travel tips, gear selection, and the emotional connections formed during wildlife encounters. The conversation highlights the thrill of capturing moments with sparring boars and the importance of community and fun in photography adventures. Takeaways The trips to Churchill are both memorable and educational. Aurora photography requires the right equipment and techniques. Beluga whale interactions can vary year to year. The beauty of autumn colors enhances the wildlife experience. Cultural insights from local communities enrich the trip. Wildlife encounters are unpredictable but rewarding. Planning future trips can help manage expectations. Photography in RAW format yields better results. Engaging with local artists and their work is inspiring. The camaraderie among travelers enhances the experience. The journey to Churchill offers stunning aerial views. Choosing the right gear is crucial for wildlife photography. Packing efficiently can enhance your travel experience. Wildlife encounters create emotional connections. Sparring bears provide unique photography opportunities. Community and fun are essential in photography trips. Planning ahead can lead to better experiences. Understanding animal behavior enhances photography. Capturing moments in nature is a rewarding experience. Editing photos multiple times can yield different results. Sound Bites "We hit a home run with the Aurora." "I shot the Aurora in RAW." "There were a ton of whales this year." "The colors really hadn't popped." "We had a good tour." "We saw several bears every day." "It was a great collection of people." "I zero regrets about the trip." "It was a different experience walking around." "We can share some information." "What an interesting view from the plane." "Know when you're planning these trips." "I was so aware of the baggage for the carry-on." "You can never hear a ptarmigan pee." "I am in bliss. I don't need anything more." "It helps us to bring this together." Chapters 00:00 Memorable Trips to Churchill 02:05 Aurora Photography Techniques 10:00 Beluga Whales and Polar Bear Encounters 18:14 The Beauty of Autumn Colors 26:13 Cultural Insights and Community Engagement 34:48 Planning Future Trips to Churchill 39:01 Journey to Churchill: Aerial Perspectives 42:54 Travel Tips: Packing and Equipment Management 45:56 Choosing the Right Gear for Wildlife Photography 49:21 Capturing Unique Wildlife Moments: Ptarmigan and Arctic Hare 52:46 The Thrill of Polar Bear Encounters 56:38 Sparring Bears: A Photographer's Dream 01:01:55 The Emotional Connection with Wildlife 01:06:48 Experiencing the North: The Life of Polar Bears 01:10:10 Planning Future Adventures: Upcoming Trips and Opportunities 01:12:59 The Importance of Community and Fun in Photography Links Jason Gibody’s Instagram Page jgwildphoto Sergius Hannan’s Beluga Underwater Footage https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkxl0oE3X-x8JOOYHgkoJ-jhTP0ABY6b8dJ?si=oYGxylTuTb5uwnah Thanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.