Beyond the Wild

In this episode of Beyond the Wild, Ron Hayes, Mark Raycroft, and Jason Loftus sit down with the co-founders of the Photographer’s Mindset Podcast to discuss their journeys into photography, particularly wildlife photography. Both Seth Macey and Aaron Manis explore the importance of motivation, mindset, and community in pursuing their passion. The conversation highlights the significance of patience, observation, and the learning process in capturing stunning images. The guests share personal anecdotes about their experiences and the challenges they face, emphasizing the value of small successes and the role of authenticity in their work. Ron Hayes and his guests explore the multifaceted world of wildlife photography, emphasizing the importance of mindset, presence, and the joy of unexpected moments in nature. They discuss the thrill of capturing images, the significance of perseverance, and the learning journey that comes with each outing. The dialogue highlights the unpredictability of wildlife photography, the necessity of letting go of expectations, and the value of enjoying the process rather than fixating on outcomes. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, they illustrate how photography can be a rewarding and enriching pursuit, akin to the game of golf, where the focus should be on the experience rather than the score. Takeaways It's okay not to be motivated all the time. Wildlife photography offers solitude and a deeper understanding of nature. Community and collaboration can enhance creativity and motivation. Patience and observation are key in wildlife photography. Small successes should be celebrated, regardless of the subject. Learning from others can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Focus on honing skills in your local environment. Mindset plays a crucial role in navigating challenges in photography. Authenticity in guests can lead to relatable and inspiring conversations. Photography is a journey of continuous learning and growth. A day in the field is a success, regardless of outcomes. Failure is often a misperception in photography. Delayed gratification enhances the joy of wildlife photography. Every outing offers something valuable, even if not a photo. Mindset is crucial for enjoying the photography experience. Learning something new each day is essential for growth. Enjoying the journey is as important as the results. Being present in the moment enriches the experience. The unpredictability of wildlife adds excitement to photography. Enjoy the process and let go of the pressure.  Sound Bites "I feel privileged in a sense." "Watching animals is just genuinely interesting." "You can make some really nice pictures." "You gotta stop chasing, man." "You have to adjust to the curve balls that come." "Focus on what's in your backyard." "A day in the field is a success." "Failure isn't the right descriptor." "Delayed gratification is addicting." "Always leave with something." "None of these outings are failures." "You can learn something new every day." "Enjoy the journey, enjoy the learning curve." "Photography is about being present." "Enjoy the process, don't pressure yourself." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 02:51 The Journey into Photography 05:59 Wildlife Photography: Passion and Learning 09:14 Motivation and Mindset in Photography 12:07 The Role of Community and Collaboration 15:00 Finding Inspiration and Staying Engaged 17:57 The Importance of Patience and Observation 21:03 Navigating Challenges in Photography 24:10 Guest Selection and Authenticity 26:57 Celebrating Small Successes 30:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 38:11 Embracing Nature's Joys 41:21 The Thrill of Unexpected Moments 43:16 Mindset and Presence in Photography 46:39 Letting Go of Expectations 49:08 The Law of Averages in Photography 51:55 Setting Goals and Learning 54:48 The Journey of Improvement 56:15 Intentional Photography Practices 01:00:17 The Unpredictability of Wildlife Photography 01:02:44 Finding Fun in the Process 01:04:38 Golf and Photography: A Life Analogy Links: Guest’s Podcast https://thephotographermindset.com [https://thephotographermindset.com] Seth Macey @sethmacey https://www.instagram.com/sethmacey https://www.sethmaceyphotography.com Aaron Manis @mantis_photography https://www.instagram.com/mantis_photography https://www.amantisphotography.com 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 [http://Pictureline.com] and Canon USA.

Time flies when you're having fun. We've had a great first season and met some amazingly talented photographers along the way. Before our second-season journey begins, let's take a quick look at some highlights from season one. Special thanks to our foundational sponsors, pictureline.com [http://pictureline.com] and Canon USA. Doing what you do and your continued support is greatly appreciated. We are pumped for 2025! Wishing all our listeners a happy and prosperous New Year. 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 [http://Pictureline.com] and Canon USA.

Meet Mary Jacquel, a multifaceted photographer making her mark, capturing the wild beauty of Alaska’s Southern panhandle.  In discussion with Mary, the hosts dive deep into Mary’s photography, cinematography and drone work, discussing the balance between external and internal perspectives and the importance of intentionality in capturing moments. Mary’s humpback and orca content has garnered millions of views on Instagram, and her unique location has allowed her to follow nesting bald eagles throughout the seasons. Recently, she has taken a step back to experience the nostalgia and limitations of film photography, and the conversation looks back at the evolution of the craft.  Mary reflects on the storytelling aspect of photography, the community it fosters, and the unique experiences that come with wildlife photography, particularly in Alaska. The dialogue emphasizes the joy and challenges of content creation, the value of patience, and the personal connections formed through shared passions. Takeaways Patience is a valuable trait in the photography process. The joy of capturing a moment remains, regardless of the medium. Photography fosters community and connection among enthusiasts. Understanding the subject's behavior is crucial for wildlife photography. The experience of photography is as important as the final image.  Balancing external views with personal storytelling enhances engagement. Storytelling in photography adds depth to the viewer's experience. The transition from film to digital has changed the photography landscape. Intentionality in photography leads to more meaningful images. Chapters 03:10 Mary Jackal's Journey to Alaska 06:59 The Allure of the Inside Passage 11:02 Favorite Outdoor Experiences and Drone Photography 16:57 Challenges of Drone Photography on the Water 21:00 Capturing Marine Wildlife: Techniques and Tips 30:01 The Art of Capturing Moments 32:31 The Shift to Video Content 34:07 Navigating Social Media Dynamics 36:36 The Value of Authenticity in Content Creation 38:04 Experiencing Alaska Through a Lens 40:06 Personal Relationships with Social Media 41:09 Exploring YouTube as a Platform 44:11 The Balance of Storytelling in Photography 46:57 Humanizing the Photography Experience 56:43 The Journey to Photography Passion 58:33 The Journey into Photography 01:02:29 The Shift from Digital to Film 01:08:00 Intentionality in Photography 01:13:01 The Evolution of Photography Equipment 01:18:59 Reflections on the Art of Photography LINKS @MarysMark [https://www.instagram.com/marysmark/] Instagram Thanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast. To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel. 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 [http://Pictureline.com] and Canon USA.

This episode is overdue, but due to technical difficulties, the Beyond the Wild crew was unable to reach a consensus on the performance of Canon's new R5 Mark II camera bodies. Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus discuss their initial experiences with the latest cameras, and their observations landed at opposite ends of the spectrum. After Canon Professional Services determined that Ron's R5 MKII body had a motherboard issue, Ron could finally experience the latest Canon tech with new internals installed. The crew discussed the Mark II autofocus system, colour performance, and overall improvements compared to the original R5. They share personal anecdotes about their photography experiences, the challenges they faced with the camera, and the support they received from Canon Professional Services and Pictureline. The discussion highlights the significance of customer service in the photography equipment industry and the importance of reliable gear for wildlife photography. The hosts discuss various aspects of photography, including the challenges and wonders of camera technology, battery life, colour quality, and the evolution of photography tools. They share personal experiences in the field, emphasizing the importance of reliable equipment and the excitement surrounding new camera models. The conversation also touches on the growth of their podcast and the joy of connecting with their audience and fellow photographers. Takeaways The Canon R5 Mark II has significant improvements over the original R5. Autofocus performance is a standout feature of the R5 Mark II. Customer service from Pictureline and Canon Professional Services is crucial. The pre-record feature is beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects. Color performance has improved, but some users may need to adjust saturation in post-processing. The camera's new sensor offers richer colors and better performance. The R5 Mark II's autofocus system is reliable for wildlife photography. User experiences can vary significantly based on equipment and settings. Firmware updates can resolve initial issues with camera performance. Investing in reputable retailers ensures better customer support. Camera technology can sometimes fail unexpectedly. Battery life improvements are noticeable in newer models. Color quality is a significant factor in photography. The evolution of camera technology is rapid and exciting. Field experiences can be unpredictable and challenging. Trust in your equipment is crucial for photographers. Feedback on new camera models is essential for the community. Podcast growth reflects the support of the photography community. Meeting listeners in the field enhances the podcast experience. It's important to enjoy the journey and not sweat the small stuff. Sound Bites "It's good to be back." "This has been overdue." "I was not having the same experience." "It's a good testimonial though." "Everybody was loving the camera." "It's a completely new system." "It was focusing on birds in flight." "It's worth it, you know." "Battery life seems to be just fine." "It's always a joy to meet people." Chapters 01:00 Introduction and Camera Release Discussion 07:04 Experiences with the Canon R5 Mark II 13:09 Autofocus System and Performance Improvements 18:58 Color and Sensor Enhancements 30:42 Camera Technology Challenges 31:30 Battery Life Insights 33:06 Color Quality Comparisons 34:24 The Evolution of Photography Technology 37:40 Field Experiences and Challenges 40:16 Trust and Reliability in Equipment 41:20 Feedback on New Camera Models 44:07 Podcast Growth and Community Engagement 52:31 Memorable Encounters in the Field LINKS Links Canon USA R5 Mark II Pag [https://bit.ly/3DdC0pq]e https://bit.ly/3DdC0pq [https://bit.ly/3DdC0pq] SNL Close [https://bit.ly/3DdC0pq]Encounter S [https://bit.ly/3OT9TON]kit https://bit.ly/3OT9TON [https://bit.ly/3OT9TON] Thanks to SNL for [https://bit.ly/3DdC0pq] creating the ideal [https://bit.ly/3OT9TON] scenario to describe our exper [https://bit.ly/3DdC0pq]iences with the all-new Canon R5 Mark II. [https://bit.ly/3OT9TON]

In this engaging podcast episode, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, Mark Raycrof and guest Amy Harris share their experiences from a recent trip to Brazil's Pantanal. They discuss the challenges and joys of wildlife photography, the beauty of jaguars, and the importance of managing expectations while traveling. The conversation also touches on travel tips, culinary experiences, and the camaraderie formed during their adventures. In this engaging conversation, Ron and Amy delve into their experiences and photographic adventures in the Pantanal. They discuss the impressive features of the extensive native wildlife, share valuable photography techniques, and emphasize the importance of sun protection while out in the field. The conversation also touches on the use of technology in photography, particularly the benefits of pre-recording, and reflects on the overall experience of the trip, highlighting the learning and growth that comes from such adventures. Takeaways We saw as many jaguars as we did in a short timeframe and had high-quality wildlife encounters every time we went out. The heat was a significant challenge during the trip. Best wildlife encounter was with a jaguar and her cub. The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland. I was glad I tried piranha soup, but it wasn't my favorite.  Cayman can grow up to ten feet long and weigh over a hundred pounds. Photography requires careful attention to depth of field and focus. Sun protection is crucial when photographing wildlife in hot climates. The Pantanal offers diverse wildlife and beautiful accommodations. Pre-recording features in cameras can help capture fleeting moments. Experiencing new environments enriches personal growth and learning. Taking a break from the pressure of capturing the perfect shot can enhance enjoyment. Sharing experiences with friends builds camaraderie and enhances the adventure. Local cuisine in the Pantanal is fresh and diverse, enhancing the travel experience. Traveling with the right gear and knowledge can significantly improve the experience. Sound Bites "This is going to be the most comfortable podcast" "It's good to be back together" "I had wonderful friends accompany me" "I tried really hard not to set expectations" "We are lucky to have seen as many as we did" "The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland" "We had them every time we went out" "I was glad I tried it" "Their teeth are much more impressive than an alligator." "You have to have a deeper depth of field than you think." "You want to blur out everything behind it." "Take lots of memory cards. Tons." "You can see how she did wonderfully on this trip." "This was a trip for me to experience something new." "Take your eye out of the camera, just soak it in." Links Amy Harris (adventure.amy [https://www.instagram.com/adventure.amy/reels/#])