In this episode of Beyond the Wild, hosts Ron, Jason, and Mark welcome Cam Scott, a nature photographer and guide from South Africa. The crew explore Cam's journey into nature photography, the life changes he made to pursue his passion, and the profound impact of nature on personal growth. Cam shares his experiences with a wide range of animals, including mountain gorillas, jaguars, leopards, lions, elephants and shoe-billed storks. Cam shares his views on the art of guiding and the challenges he faced in launching his own business during the pandemic. The discussion emphasizes the importance of a positive attitude and the joy of wildlife encounters.

Cam and the crew delve into the intricate relationships between humans and wildlife, particularly focusing on gorillas and the impact of tourism on conservation efforts. They share personal anecdotes of memorable wildlife encounters, discuss the importance of understanding animal behavior, and highlight the unique experiences offered by locations like Mana Pools National Park in northern Zimbabwe.

Sound Bites

"I was up at 3 a.m. I thought I would look like a car wreck."
"I never looked back."
"You have to go through it."
"I want to photograph early morning lights."
"You can see it the moment you lock eyes."
"It's a phenomenal experience."
"I just want to go back to Rwanda."
"Tourism has saved these gorillas."
"It's not just seeing a gorilla."
"The lighting is absolutely phenomenal."
"Anything's possible in Africa."
"It's a beautiful day to be alive."

Chapters

03:04 Cam's Journey into Nature Photography
06:12 Life Changes and Career Shifts
08:48 The Impact of Nature on Personal Growth
12:11 Experiences with Mountain Gorillas
15:00 The Art of Guiding and Manifesting Experiences
18:02 Challenges and Triumphs in Business
20:48 The Power of Positive Attitude
24:05 Wildlife Encounters and Photography
26:59 The Fascinating Shoe-Billed Stork
38:00 Confrontation and Respect in the Animal Kingdom
39:01 Understanding Gorilla Behavior and Communication
39:49 The Connection Between Humans and Nature
41:13 The Importance of Gorilla Tourism for Conservation
42:06 The Role of Tourism in Supporting Local Communities
42:48 Experiencing Wildlife: The Thrill of Close Encounters
46:09 The Sounds of Nature: A Sensory Experience
51:00 Memorable Outdoor Encounters
57:51 Exploring Monopools: A Photographer's Paradise
01:05:02 Accommodations and Immersive Experiences in Africa
01:12:55 Planning Your African Adventure

LINKS

Cam Scott
@CamScott_Wild

The Best Of Authentic Zimbabwe
Tour Opportunity: September 22-30th 2025
https://itineraries.safariportal.app/The-Best-of-Authentic-Zimbabwe/1338943500867078002

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.

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.

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.

Once again, our listeners, who are also outstanding photographers in their own right, have provided some incredible questions for Ron, Jason and Mark. Wide-ranging topics, from improving the odds of wolf and counters to computer gear and culling images from your portfolio, test the crew and draw out new wisdom from these seasoned wildlife aficionados.

Takeaways

Overshooting can be beneficial due to the unpredictability of wildlife.
Memory storage is cheap, allowing photographers to keep more images.
Editing techniques evolve, allowing for better results from older images.
Past success is a powerful tool for advertising workshops.
Engaging with clients is essential for successful workshops.
Networking and word-of-mouth are key for workshop success.
Understanding animal behavior enhances photography opportunities.
Technology advancements improve the quality of wildlife photography.

Sound Bites

"You have to know when to leave."
"Memory is cheap, so overshoot!"
"You need to work the scene."

Chapters

06:59 Wildlife Encounters: Stories from the Field
13:57 Giveaway Announcement and Opportunities
17:05 Listener Questions: Wildlife Photography Insights
31:02 Technical Gear and Photography Equipment
42:41 Choosing the Right Equipment for Photography
44:00 Transitioning from PC to Mac for Photographers
48:13 The Art of Editing and Color Calibration
51:27 Capturing Wildlife: Tips and Experiences
01:00:10 Marketing Photography Workshops Effectively
01:09:21 Culling and Managing Your Photography Portfolio

This Episode’s Questions and Mentions

1. If you could relive one of your first wildlife encounters now, what would it be?
@KMaxPhotography_

2. How do you know when to leave one area and head to the next with wildlife
@ThroughAPilotsLens

3. What's your home computer gear, especially monitors?
@Photography.rks (Bob Stiens)

4. Have any of the crew had any cool wolf encounters or tips for photographing them?
@JoshShandera

5. What is the best way or ways that you all have found success in advertising your photography workshops?
@JonathanGillinghamPhotography

6. How do you guys cull shots for critters you already have a great catalog of content for?
@MtMiller.Montana

Thanks for the hat, Mike!
@FairFxMike (Michael Fahey)

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.

Our hosts, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft, butt heads in a lively game of Photo Feud, debating unpopular opinions in wildlife photography. Through a point-counterpoint format, each host must support a designated “for” or “against” position and delve into the pros and cons of each topic, providing insights into the evolving landscape of photography. Exploring the implications of affordable zoom lenses, the debate over the best camera to have on hand, the surge of new photography businesses following the holiday season, conservation photography and the modes of transportation used, as well as the ongoing discussion of whether shooting in RAW is necessary in the age of advanced camera technology. The conversation is lighthearted yet insightful, encouraging listeners to think critically about their photography practices and the tools they use.

Takeaways

Affordable zoom lenses have changed wildlife photography dynamics.
Smartphones have become essential tools for capturing moments.
New photographers need to build portfolios before starting businesses.
Photography requires more than just owning a good camera.
The quality of a photograph is influenced by the photographer's skill.
Editing plays a crucial role in the final image.
The photography industry is becoming increasingly competitive.
A strong portfolio requires thousands of good images.
Cameras are evolving tools that require skill to use effectively.
RAW files offer more editing flexibility than JPEGs.
The camera's AI can make decisions that reduce the need for RAW.
It's important to enjoy the process of photography.
Lighthearted debates can lead to deeper insights.

Sound Bites

"This might be the most unpopular episode we've ever done."
"Reasonably priced zooms are the worst thing to wildlife photography."
"There are now 2,000 new photography businesses."
"You have to train your eye for composition."
"Cameras are tools, and like all tools, they evolve."
"The tools have improved significantly."
"It's a win-win-win when you ride your bike."
"Riding a bike is silent compared to other forms."
"For most uses, RAW is totally unnecessary."
"The camera is making great decisions, perfect decisions."
"You can’t rework a JPEG as far as RAW."
"It's nice to stop and think some of these things through."
"Get out in the field with your best camera."

Chapters

00:00 Unpopular Opinions in Wildlife Photography
14:57 The Impact of Affordable Zoom Lenses
29:59 The Best Camera: The One You Have
44:54 The Rise of New Photography Businesses
34:55 The Importance of a Strong Portfolio
36:20 Tools of the Trade: Cameras as Instruments
38:21 Environmental Photography: Modes of Transportation Debate
51:11 The RAW vs JPEG Discussion
57:44 Lighthearted Conversations and Future Topics

Special thanks to Andrew Hearne for the idea for this podcast. @AWHearne

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 and Canon USA.

In this flashback episode, Ron, Jason and Mark look back on the past calendar year of photo trips and share the good, the bad and the childish humor that makes the BTW who they are. The conversation is filled with laughs, insights into the challenges of nature, and the pure joy and rejuvenation that come from going beyond the wild. Thanks for a great 2024, everyone. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Lighthearted Banter
05:30 Reflections on the Year in Wildlife Photography
17:10 Highlights and Memorable Experiences
28:35 Challenges Faced in 2024
32:40 Looking Ahead to 2025
35:02 Adventures in the Antarctic
36:02 Survival Stories and Literature
37:14 Celebrating Book Success
40:07 The Importance of Direct Support for Authors
40:53 Humorous Moments in the Field
46:58 The Joy of Wildlife Photography
54:53 The Stance: A Fun Field Tradition
01:00:57 The Power of Laughter and Friendship

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 and Canon USA.