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.

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 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 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
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 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 Page
https://bit.ly/3DdC0pq

SNL Close Encounter Skit
https://bit.ly/3OT9TON

Thanks to SNL for creating the ideal scenario to describe our experiences with the all-new Canon R5 Mark II.

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)