About this episode
In this engaging conversation, the hosts Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft reconnect with fellow pro photographer Joe Subolefsky and delve into their experiences with wildlife photography, travel adventures, and the personal connections formed through their journeys. They discuss the challenges and joys of photographing wildlife in various locations, including the Pantanal, and share stories about naming animals and the emotional ties that come with it. The transition to full-time photography is explored, highlighting the richness of relationships built through shared experiences in nature. Joe shares numerous practical tips for traveling, including navigating language barriers and the responsibilities that come with guiding clients in foreign countries. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share humorous anecdotes from their wildlife photography experiences, discuss the importance of understanding animal behavior, and provide insights into managing group dynamics during photography trips. They also explore the challenges of wildlife photography, the evolution of camera technology, the significance of educating others about wildlife ethics, and they reflect on their favorite wildlife encounters. Sound Bites "You can do it with any smart TV." "I'm richer than I've ever been." "It's a magical place down there." "I named it after my father." "It can be stressful at times." "A sweaty guy naked at the door?" "Life's about choices sometimes." "It's not just identifying the tracks." "We need to put the animals first." "It's a balancing act if you have a mix." "It's life's full of diversity." "It's a small world in photography." "It's a lot tougher than people think." "Doing it right is not cheap." "The focus system is unbelievable." Chapters 02:59 Photography and Travel Experiences 06:05 Wildlife Encounters and Unique Locations 09:05 The Pantanal and Its Challenges 11:59 Naming Wildlife: A Personal Connection 14:51 The Transition to Full-Time Photography 17:51 Building Relationships Through Travel 20:56 Navigating Language Barriers in Travel 27:00 Funny Stories from the Field 29:59 Camera Gear Mishaps and Hacks 33:59 The Importance of Animal Behavior 40:06 Educating Others in Wildlife Photography 46:10 Balancing Expectations in Group Photography 50:48 Favorite Wildlife Photography Experiences 01:02:33 Navigating the Challenges of Photography Tours 01:06:10 The Evolution of Camera Technology 01:12:12 New Developments in National Park Photography Regulations 01:15:02 Looking Ahead: Future Adventures and Collaborations Links JOE SUBOLEFSKY @joe_subolefsky Special thanks to @FroKnowsPhoto - Hiding AirTags in your camera bodies https://youtu.be/7v5rC2S4000?si=vUvyC6Y8Y1Ja2Lwy&t=419 FILM ACT IS NOW LAW https://nanpa.org/2025/01/16/the-film-act-is-now-law-a-win-for-all-nanpa-members/ 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.