Episode 107

Beyond the Wild Podcast co-hosts Mark Raycroft and Jason trade unnerving, funny, and unexplained stories from wildlife photography trips, from bears rocking their trucks to close encounters with moose and a cliffside decision that put safety ahead of the shot. Join us for these spooky stories that are definitely beyond the wild. Chapters00:00 A first Halloween episode and field-story setup03:34 A bear rocks Jason’s truck while he sleeps09:14 Mark’s bear-country truck precautions13:20 Breathing in the dark at Algonquin Park18:13 Moose at camp and how animals see at night20:48 Turning back from a dangerous cliffside27:27 The unexplained gathering of hundreds of ravens37:28 A ptarmigan nearly gets a blast of bear spray43:21 Animal trails and a bluff-charging grizzly50:09 A bear passes close, while watching all along55:41 A cow wakes Jason with a face-lick58:06 A black bear meets Mark’s dog at home01:01:30 A curious bear stands face-to-face with Mark01:05:37 The cemetery’s green orb and ball lightning01:11:13 Bigfoot teaseLinksPictureline: https://www.pictureline.comCanon USA: https://www.usa.canon.comThanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

This must-watch episode features Ron Hayes, joined by special guest Stu Sharpe, as he shares his trip to the Great Bear Rainforest.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Life Changes03:00 The Spirit Bear Trip Begins05:58 Travel Experiences and Encounters09:02 Meeting New Friends and Guides12:01 First Encounters with Spirit Bears15:01 Photography Challenges and Triumphs18:00 Reflections on Wildlife Photography21:02 Stu's Photography Journey23:55 Travel Adventures and Future Plans28:57 Adventures in the Arctic: A Journey with Bears31:36 Military Background and Transition to Ecotourism33:07 Wildlife Encounters: Wolves and Bears36:02 The Art of Wildlife Photography43:16 Ecological Education and Cultural Insights48:20 Weather Challenges and Their Impact on Wildlife54:30 Gear Challenges in the Wild55:35 Gear Challenges in the Rainforest56:51 Whale Encounters and Nature's Spectacle01:00:07 Bear Sightings and Wildlife Photography01:03:33 Learning Through Experience in Nature01:07:35 Memorable Outdoor Experiences and Bear Encounters01:11:49 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsLinksPictureline: https://www.pictureline.comCanon USA: https://www.usa.canon.comInstagram: @Stu_Sharpe, @rovingwild.photosExpeditions: https://www.timirvin.com/tours-expeditions/Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Ron Hayes, Mark Raycroft, and Jason catch up after recent field trips and trade stories from the Great Bear Rainforest and elk rut. The conversation mixes wildlife photography lessons, travel mishaps, and practical field advice, with a strong focus on staying safe, staying dry, and making the most of unpredictable conditions. We discuss the realities of photographing in wet, remote, and high-pressure wildlife settings, from border crossings and gear choices to bear, elk, and caribou encounters. We also share a few memorable near-misses, some hard-earned travel tips, and a lot of appreciation for how these trips reset your head. 00:00 - Reeling from recent field trips and catching up after time apart 02:20 - Upload issues, remote recording, and swapping image stories 03:28 - Jason’s rough drive home and the safety problem of fatigue 04:38 - Border crossing trouble and a half-hour vehicle search 06:25 - First close elk charge and the lesson about distance 08:39 - How the elk encounter unfolded in slow motion 10:12 - Mark’s field-safety read on animal behavior and evasive awareness 12:15 - Switching to the Great Bear Rainforest and rain gear failures 14:19 - Just how wet the rainforest really was 15:18 - The Great Bear Rainforest as a living ecology classroom 17:35 - Maggots, carcasses, nutrient cycling, and forest regeneration 18:55 - Why waterproof bags and batteries need better protection 20:37 - Drying out wet camera lenses with rice and a ziplock bag 22:09 - A strange sound in the alders on the caribou hike 24:50 - Travel tip: never set gear down and walk away 27:37 - Jason’s elk-country packing lesson and overloading the car 32:10 - Handheld bear-fishing video and stabilizing with body position 35:30 - Why the 100 to 300 mm lens became the hero lens 36:37 - Controlling breathing for video and audio while filming 39:07 - ISO choices in the rainforest and what software changes now allow 43:22 - Trying intentional motion blur on birds in flight 48:42 - Weather, fog, and nearly getting turned around at Prince Rupert 51:05 - A wolf running the runway and how wild it gets near town 54:12 - Upcoming travel, more trips, and the mental reset of the field 58:24 - Ron’s move to northwestern Wyoming and closer access to Yellowstone 60:07 - New grandbaby Callum and family updates 61:00 - Halloween episode ideas and spooky stories to save for later 62:17 - Gary Kramer’s new bird migration book and an upcoming episode 66:21 - Closing thanks, sponsor shoutouts, and what is coming next Links Pictureline: https://www.pictureline.com Canon USA: https://www.usa.canon.com Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, hosts Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus join Vern and Amy Sharp to discuss their recent experiences at Bear Camp in Alaska. The conversation covers the excitement of the wilderness, the challenges of the weather, and the unforgettable moments of encountering bears in their natural habitat. The guests discuss the joy of witnessing wildlife, the challenges of capturing the perfect shot, and the importance of group dynamics in creating a positive experience. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage03:01 Experiences at Bear Camp05:51 Weather Challenges and Camp Life09:03 First Encounters with Bears12:05 Reflections on the Experience12:43 The Joy of Wildlife Encounters14:47 Observing Bear Behavior17:57 Capturing the Perfect Shot22:07 Memorable Moments in Nature26:03 The Impact of Weather on Photography29:57 The Importance of Group Dynamics34:01 Learning from Each Other39:57 Building Connections Through Photography41:32 The Value of Mentorship in Photography42:00 Taking the Leap: Investing in Adventure50:12 Memorable Outdoor Experiences: Stories from the Field56:03 The Thrill of the Chase: Capturing Wild Horses01:00:13 The Joy of Adventure: Inside Jokes and Lasting Memories01:01:44 Connecting Through Social Media: Sharing the JourneyLinksPictureline: https://www.pictureline.comCanon USA: https://www.usa.canon.comAmy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amelya_3Vern’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vagabondvern1Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Join Mark and Pili as they debrief a recent photo tour of Nunavik, Canada, with wildlife expert and photographer Mark Norman. You are bound to gain a new appreciation for the vast, untouched world of the far north and the herds of musk oxen that thrive in the harsh environment. Discover the stories behind stunning images of rutting musk oxen, the northern lights, and Arctic landscapes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Arctic Photography Trip00:04 Journey to Nunavik and Camp Setup00:33 Wildlife Management and Photography Background01:02 Arrival and First Impressions of the Camp01:31 Photographic Gear and Kit Selection01:56 Northern Lights and Night Photography02:14 Wildlife Behavior and Action Moments02:15 Muskox Herds and Rutting Behavior02:17 Environmental and Cultural Insights of Nunavik02:45 Reflections and Lessons from the TripLinksPictureline: https://www.pictureline.comCanon USA: https://www.usa.canon.comTour Website: https://www.markraycroft.com/p/musk-ox-photo-toursInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/marklnormanThanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Storyteller Tanner Haver discusses his journey in wildlife filmmaking. He highlights how skills such as drone operation and camera trapping have revolutionized the field. Interestingly, Tanner emphasizes the importance of patience and effective media management for success as a blue-chip wildlife filmmaker. His work is featured in the recently acclaimed film The American Southwest, and this fall, Tanner will lead wildlife filmmaking workshops in Yellowstone. Chapters00:00 Updates from Ron and guest background02:01 Tanner's recent work and projects03:56 Building a wildlife archive and storytelling focus06:10 Filming in Colorado and the American Southwest07:56 Wildlife behavior and the importance of patience10:14 Conservation stories and filming techniques12:12 Using drones responsibly in wildlife cinematography15:57 Camera trapping and its role in storytelling20:04 Skills development and continuous learning24:04 Lessons learned and media management tips28:57 Memorable outdoor experiences with wildlife35:05 Upcoming wildlife filmmaking workshops in Yellowstone39:07 Final thoughts and closing remarksLinksPictureline: https://www.pictureline.comCanon USA: https://www.usa.canon.comProfessional Website - https://www.roaringmountainmedia.comWorkshop Website - https://www.skylinesafari.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/tannerjhaverThanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

In this episode, the hosts share personal travel stories, practical photography tips, and insights on responsible wildlife photography, including the impact of AI and social media on the industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Travel Stories03:18 Pro Tips for Photography Gear and Safety08:25 Using Mobile Devices for Underwater and Tide Pool Shots11:00 Protecting Your Phone and Data in the Field13:00 The Impact of AI on Wildlife and Nature Photography18:03 Storing and Managing Your Images Effectively21:56 The Value of Authentic Experiences and Responsible Sharing28:58 Preparing for Trips with Checklists and Packing Tips38:08 Creative Techniques: Shooting into the Light and Environmental Portraits43:04 The Importance of Patience and Staying Past the Moment49:58 The Power of Sharing Progression and Learning from Mistakes57:03 Encouraging the Next Generation and Responsible PhotographyThanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.LinksPictureline: https://www.pictureline.comCanon USA: https://www.usa.canon.comGavin McCue: https://www.instagram.com/gavinmccuephotoMichio Hoshino’s ’Moose’ book: https://www.amazon.ca/Moose-Michio-Hoshino/dp/0877014949Vote for thoughts on thermamonoculars: https://www.beyondthewildpodcast.com/opinions

Join us as we celebrate a milestone of 100 episodes of Beyond the Wild Podcast. We share behind-the-scenes stories, memorable moments, and the passion that keeps us going in wildlife and nature photography. Celebrating 100 episodes of wildlife and nature photography insights, community stories, and future plans. Join us as we reflect and look ahead to new adventures.Chapters00:00 Introduction and milestone celebration01:00 Reflecting on the start of the podcast in 201801:59 The journey from Wild and Exposed to Beyond the Wild03:01 Memorable guests and impactful episodes04:01 The role of community and camaraderie05:05 Partnerships with brands and sponsors05:59 The importance of visuals and video in storytelling07:02 Future plans and ongoing passion for wildlife photography08:07 Closing remarks and gratitude to listenersSpecial Thanks To:Jens NielsenColin BigalowPictureline.comCanon USACreekbed Guys (Gary)And Our Awesome Guests:Dawn Wilson (Episode 5)Cole Waltner (Episode 6)Scott Stone (Episode 7)Tim Irvin (Episode 8)Nehemiah Ray (Episode 9)Madi Clark (Episode 10)Kelly Elmer (Episode 11)Kevin Konitshek (Episode 13)Jules Jacobs (Episode 14)Deirdre Rosenberg (Episode 17 & Episode 51)Lisa Connor (Episode 22)Chris Dickinson (Episode 24)Mary Jacquel (Episode 28)The Photographer's Mindset Podcast Hosts (Episode 30)Eli Martinez (Episode 35)Joe Subolefsky (Episode 36)Cam Scott (Episode 37)Taylor Thomas Albright (Episode 47 & Episode 52)Colby Brown (Episode 49)Danny Coyne (Episode 53)Drew Butterwick (Episode 57)Mitch DeCock (Episode 60)Ben Masters (Episode 61)The Nature Photo Guys (Episode 64)Kate & Adam (Episode 68)Colin Bigelow (Episode 70)Julia Cook (Episode 72)Pili  (Episode 74)Jay Grunig (Episode 77)Nick White (Episode 79 & Episode 80)Scott Keys (Episode 81)Gerrit Vyn (Episode 84)Mike Bons (Episode 88)Nick Boris (Episode 92)Alycia Scheidel (Episode 94)Mahdi Outdoors (Episode 95)Sebastian Kennerknecht (Episode 98)

Join us as Mark and Jason compare notes on their recent transcontinental adventures. Mark touched down in Australia for some family time and a few wild adventures, while Jason retells stories from his most recent and longest African safari, delving into wildlife encounters, conservation efforts, and the incredible experiences of travelling in Africa. There are insights and stories behind tracking leopards, the beauty of nature, and even updates on new poaching-prevention technology. Jason shares insights on wildlife photography, gear choices, ethical wildlife viewing, and the unforgettable experiences that make safaris so special.Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.LINKSPictureline — www.pictureline.com Canon USA — www.usa.canon.com

Ron Hayes talks with Sebastian Kennerknecht of Cat Expeditions about his path from biology to conservation photography, the business lessons he learned working under National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting, and the long-term project of photographing every wild cat species on Earth. They also dig into camera trapping, field logistics, and what it takes to build trust with biologists and wildlife in the field.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest02:00 Sebastian's Journey into Conservation Photography06:05 The Business of Photography and Mentorship11:09 The Project: Photographing All Wild Cat Species14:56 Logistics of Photographing Elusive Cats20:15 Networking and Building Relationships in Wildlife Photography25:43 Favorite Outdoor Experiences and Species to Photograph30:02 Challenges in Capturing Rare Cat Species34:52 Conclusion and Where to Follow Sebastian's WorkThanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.LINKSPictureline — www.pictureline.com Canon USA — www.usa.canon.comCat Expeditions — www.catexpeditions.comYouTube — Cat ExpeditionsTVInstagram — @CatExpeditionsInstagram — @PumaPix