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.