Beyond the Wild

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/#])

In this Beyond the Wild podcast episode, host Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft sit down with naturalist extraordinaire Russ DeFusco while shooting together in Colorado. Russ shares his remarkable life journey, professional achievements, and passion for wildlife photography and education. Russ’s childhood fascination with nature evolved into a passion for wildlife photography and art, leading him to become an ornithologist and wildlife biologist, where he built a storied career in military and civil aviation bird strike prevention. His work included developing predictive models to mitigate bird-aircraft collisions, saving lives and resources. Russ emphasizes connecting with nature, inspiring curiosity, and educating others. He believes understanding wildlife behavior enhances both conservation efforts and photography. His motto: “If you can name it, you own it,” highlights the value of knowledge in fostering environmental stewardship. 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.

In this episode, Ron and Jason shift focus away from wildlife photography and welcome Chris Dickinson, a Western lifestyle photographer, to discuss the heart behind photography and the stories that drive his work. Ron and Jason first met Chris at a pictureline.com PhotoX event and were inspired by his talk. Chris’ photography is nearly cinematic, and his ability to capture the emotion of ranch life is breathtaking. In this episode, he breaks down elements of his process when entering a chaotic environment, remaining calm and capturing incredible images that tell the story in almost more detail than what is apparent to the naked eye. Chris and the BTW crew explore the importance of building relationships within the ranching community, the significance of giving back through photography, and share personal outdoor experiences that have shaped their perspectives. Chris emphasizes the emotional connection to ranch life and the value of capturing moments that tell a story while highlighting photographers’ need to do good with their craft. Takeaways - Your passion comes through your images. - Ranch life is a broader sense of family to me. - Cattle branding events are a unique sensory experience. - You have to be a self-starter, self-motivator. - There's no happy accidents in great images. - Always do good with your camera. - It's not about you, it's about them. - Building relationships is key in photography. - You have to look at the larger picture. - Do good with your camera, whatever that looks like. Sound Bites "It's not about you, it's about them." "Always do good with your camera." "You done good up there." Chapters 01:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 03:55 The Heart of Photography: Chris's Journey 07:14 Understanding Ranch Life and Its Stories 10:04 The Passion Behind the Lens 13:14 Building Relationships in the Ranching Community 16:11 Capturing the Essence of Brandings 18:49 The Importance of Storytelling in Photography 22:07 Navigating Challenges in Ranch Photography 24:49 Finding the Picture Within the Picture 33:13 Exploring the Art of Photography Retreats 39:04 Building Relationships Through Photography 42:12 The Importance of Giving Back 55:25 Memorable Outdoor Experiences and Cowboy Traditions Chris Dickinson Links WEB: www.CDPhotog.com IG: @CDPhotog.com 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.

In this engaging conversation, host Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft play icebreaker games and delve into their recent photography adventures. They discuss the importance of spontaneity in wildlife photography, the challenges of capturing elusive subjects, and the gear they use. The episode also features listener questions about photography techniques, equipment preferences, and the joys of being in nature. The camaraderie among the hosts shines through as they share laughs and insights, making for an entertaining and informative episode. Takeaways - The unpredictability of wildlife photography keeps the passion alive. - Engaging in icebreaker games can foster camaraderie among friends. - Shooting in different modes can affect the quality of images. - Having a good network can enhance photography experiences. - Quality equipment can save money in the long run. - Personal stories can add depth to conversations about photography. - The importance of being opportunistic in capturing wildlife moments. - Different lenses serve different purposes in wildlife photography. - Experiencing nature can be fulfilling beyond just capturing images. - Sharing experiences with friends enhances the joy of photography. Sound Bites "I was the break-dancing champion of Northwest Wyoming." "I can still pop and lock a little bit." "I hear crickets. I could hear crickets when that happened." Chapters 01:00 Introduction and Icebreaker Fun 04:00 Two Truths and a Lie: Personal Stories 07:00 Listener Questions and Hobbies 10:59 Photography Adventures and Experiences 19:55 Wildlife Photography Techniques and Tips 26:03 Equipment Talk: Tripods and Lenses 41:08 Shooting Techniques: Full Frame vs. Crop Mode 59:03 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans Listener Questions @Karla.Cox.Images - What keeps the wildlife-photography passion alive for each of you? @SimonWrayPhoto - Do you all go on trips with a list of desired images, or just go with the flow? @FairfxMike - What tripods are you using and why? @JonathanGillinghamPhotography -What's better: the 400 F/2.8 with a 1.4x teleconverter or 600 f/4? Who pre-ordered the R5 Mark II? “Anonymous” Question  -Jason L., would you ever get the Canon 100-300 f/2.8? @Keith_A_Douglas - What song did Mark "North of Smooth" Raycroft sing when he won Canada's Got Talent? -Is using a 1.6x crop on the R5 giving the same result as the full frame? 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.

Guest Lisa Connor discusses her experiences capturing the beauty of nature in her local area of Ontario with hosts Mark Raycroft and Jason Loftus. Her stunning range of flora and fauna captured from a highly populated area of the province is nothing short of incredible. Lisa has used photography to learn more about the species she is photographing. Throughout her journey, she has gained a high level of interest in ecology and is now completing a degree in horticulture. She also discusses her passion for educating others about wildlife and the importance of inspiring the next generation to appreciate the outdoors. The conversation also touches on the emotional connections formed through nature experiences and the significance of conservation efforts. Takeaways Lisa Connor's photography journey began in childhood with a Kodak camera. She rediscovered her passion for photography in her 20s, focusing on local landscapes and wildlife. Bird photography became a significant part of her work, driven by her love for nature and exploration. Lisa emphasizes the importance of being present in nature, even without a camera. Her macro photography showcases the intricate details of insects and plants in her backyard. She encourages others to educate themselves about the subjects they photograph. Lisa's family plays a crucial role in her outdoor experiences, fostering a love for nature in her children. She aims to inspire others to appreciate and protect the environment through her photography. Lisa is pursuing a degree in horticulture to learn more about plants that support pollinators. The emotional connection to nature is a recurring theme in Lisa's experiences. Sound Bites "I love your work; I love the close-to-home component." "Photography has been a huge thing for me like a life-changing." "I just want people to enjoy what they shoot." Chapters 04:43 Lisa's Journey into Photography 07:37 Exploring Bird Photography 12:41 Equipment and Techniques for Bird Photography 18:34 Diving into Macro Photography 22:47 The Beauty of Insects and Nature 25:34 Capturing Flora and Fungi 31:01 Inspiring the Next Generation 33:00 Future Aspirations and Travel Plans 40:31 The Emotional Connection to Nature Lisa’s Instagram Pages: Wildlife @YMustang5 Plants and Landscapes of Ontario @ON_Explored 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.