About this episode
It's not every day that you get to meet such a diverse and knowledgable wildlife photographer like Eli Martinez. We are blessed in this episode to have Eli share his thrilling and unique experience of capturing a large mating group of sperm whales near Dominica Island. This rare occurrence was captured just weeks ago on Jan. 29, 2025, and Eli describes how lucky he was on this recent trip. But that's not all. Eli discusses many of his approaches to photographing the broad range of dangerous predators in water and on land, and you'll be surprised to hear and see what he and his tour company are able to achieve and the level of interaction he has with these potentially dangerous animals. Eli discusses the challenges of photographing shy creatures like anacondas and the importance of debunking many of the myths surrounding predatory animals. Eli also reflects on his upcoming adventures and the significance of sharing these experiences with the world. In this engaging conversation, Eli Martinez shares his thrilling experiences in wildlife photography, transitioning from underwater adventures to capturing land predators. He discusses the challenges of high-altitude photography, the importance of respecting wildlife, and the invaluable role of guides in spotting elusive animals. The conversation also touches on the excitement of marine life encounters and the significance of time spent observing wildlife. Eli emphasizes the joy of unique experiences and the connections formed through his adventures while also providing practical advice for aspiring underwater photographers. Sound Bites "It's a privilege to work with these animals." "Witnessing a mating group of whales is magic." "Mating behavior is extremely rare to see." "Anacondas are very shy and prefer to hide." "The water clarity is a challenge for good images." "Capturing a photo of a tapir underwater is my dream." "I want to share the other side of these animals." "I hope someone deserving wins the bear camp giveaway." "It was a phenomenal experience to see those animals." "We saw the cats four out of nine days." "The guides are priceless in finding those cats." "The recovery in Tonga is going really well." "You don't really get to know them in a week." "People get tattoos of our logo, it's so special." "A GoPro is perfect for underwater photography." Chapters 00:00 Reflections on the Pandemic and Travel Adventures 02:56 Eli's Unique Experiences with Sperm Whales 06:01 The Significance of Mating Behavior in Sperm Whales 09:08 Exploring the Mystique of Anacondas 11:55 The Challenge of Photographing Shy Creatures 15:09 Debunking Myths About Predatory Animals 18:01 Capturing the Beauty of Nature's Giants 20:54 Upcoming Adventures and New Experiences 40:36 Exploring New Adventures Together 42:05 The Shift from Water to Land Predators 44:57 Photography Techniques: Underwater vs. Land 47:43 Challenges of High-Altitude Wildlife Photography 50:51 Success in Capturing Snow Leopards 54:40 The Importance of Social Media in Wildlife Photography 56:44 Recovery in Tonga: A Personal Touch 01:00:21 The Thrill of Marine Life Encounters 01:01:38 The Value of Time in Wildlife Observation 01:03:23 Cherishing Unique Experiences and Connections 01:05:12 Essential Gear for Underwater Photography Links Instagram: @SDMDiving Web: www.sdmdiving.com Facebook: facebook.com/sdmdiving Bear Camp Giveaway https://www.instagram.com/p/DFWXG04y8TY/ Thanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Remember 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.