| Wildlife Conversations Podcast Season1, Episode 6 |

Scott Stone, Jackie Stone, Cassie Noel, and Josh Gesmundo of Alaska Bear Camps

My guests this episode are Scott and Jackie Stone and their Alaska Bear Camp team, Cassie Noel and Josh Gesmundo!

If you’re a wildlife photographer on Instagram, you’ve probably seen Scott and Jackie and their team leading people in immersive bear camps in Alaska, specifically Katmai National Park and Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Almost twenty years in the making, their bear knowledge puts conservation and safety as top priority. Their commitment to client experience is top-notch, and it’s evident that sharing these wild spaces with clients brings them tremendous joy.

We discuss camp logistics, their backgrounds in photography and nature, conservation and community responsibility, bear safety, and best practices on tour. We also talked about building a community and deep relationships with clients, empowering women wildlife photographers, and soulful experiences out in nature.

If you love bears, wildlife, experiences in nature and you want to hear from leaders in the field, this is the episode for you!

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WHERE TO FIND THEM

Website: https://www.scottstonephotography.com/

Email: info@scottstonephotography.com

Instagram

Scott: @sstone_images

Jackie: @akreelgirl

Cassie: @cassienoelphotography

Josh: @wildwatchtower

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RESOURCES

Canon EOS R5 Mark II https://amzn.to/3Zj2yOQ

Canon EOS R5 https://amzn.to/4fVzgej

Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Lens https://amzn.to/3ARVsaA

Shine Turbine https://shineturbine.com/

If you'd like to help support Wildlife Conversations, I put together a list of my favorite things from stocking stuffers to gear: https://jenlritchie.com/a-few-of-my-favorite-things/

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting the podcast.

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www.jenlritchie.com⁠

Instagram:⁠ @jenlritchie and @wildlifeconversationspodcast

Join my email list and grab my free guide --- 10 Tips for Beginner Wildlife Photographers to Up Your Creativity & Confidence: ⁠ https://jenlritchie.com/freeguide/⁠

You can see my gear list here: https://jenlritchie.com/photographer/

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#alaska #bears #podcast #wildlifephotographypodcast ⁠#wildlifephotography #wildlife #photography #youtuber

On Episode 4 of Wildlife Conversations, I'm joined by Utah photographer Lydia Ripplinger (lydebug)! Lydia is known for her beautiful owl photography and hilarious captions. She also travels, loves big cats, works with non-releasable rehab birds, teaches conservation, hosts a vibrant community on Instagram and TikTok, and is the owner of the popular Instagram hub, @best_birds_of_ig. She shares about joy and humility and being teachable in wildlife photography, and she also shares some of her gorgeous images and some of her editing tips. We also touch on social media and the tricks she's learned about Instagram. We have a wonderful discussion, and I hope you enjoy the episode! Lydia's Instagram: / lydebug ___________________________________________ www.jenlritchie.com Instagram: / jenlritchie Join my email list and grab my free guide --- 10 Tips for Beginner Wildlife Photographers to Up Your Creativity & Confidence: https://jenlritchie.com/freeguide/

On this episode, recorded on October 8 with a live virtual audience, Jen welcomes Idaho photographer Jennie Cannon and Utah photographer Maureen Matsen to Wildlife Conversations. Both spend a lot of time photographing in the Grand Teton National Park ecosystem and found themselves on the same Alaskan Bear workshop this past summer.

We recapped our Alaska workshops, the differences between the types of Alaska workshops, tips for packing for Alaska, and our dreams of going back again. We also shared pro tips on what to take on trips and how to approach a weekend excursion plus Jennie and Maureen's favorite images. If you know Jennie and Maureen on Instagram, you know they are supportive and generous. We discussed ethical, kind practices and how to treat other photographers and our animal subjects.

This was a really rich discussion about the magical nature of wildlife photography, the special friendships it brings, how we touch others' lives with it, and the hopes of adventures to come.

Follow Jen Ritchie on⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ for Wildlife Conversations news and on⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠ for a video version of the podcast.

Keep up with Jennie Cannon on ⁠Instagram⁠, and you can find ⁠Maureen Matsen⁠ there, as well.

Wildlife Conversations exists to share more voices in the genre and to build community outside of social media. Its goal is to be a space where creatives who are passionate about wildlife photography can share their stories, wisdom, adventures, and tips in a fun, welcoming place. I can't wait for you to join us!

In our 2nd episode of Wildlife Conversations, Jen welcomes Utah photographer Shauna Hart. Shauna shares how photography was healing for her and gave her a purpose to make lasting change for the wildlife and wild spaces around her. She discusses Utah wildlife initiatives and some of the ways she is using her photography with conservation groups to make a difference. Shauna talks about mentoring young photographers and passing on the love of the craft, plus she tells us about her trip to Washington DC with the Utah Wildlife Federation. We have fun with the speed round and share her future endeavor in 2025 of winter guiding in Yellowstone National Park.

Follow Jen Ritchie on ⁠Instagram⁠ for Wildlife Conversations news and on ⁠YouTube⁠ for a video version of the podcast.

You can keep up with Shauna on Instagram, as well. Wildlife Conversations exists to share more voices in the genre and to build community outside of social media. Its goal is to be a space where creatives who are passionate about wildlife photography can share their stories, wisdom, adventures, and tips in a fun, welcoming place. I can't wait for you to join us!

On the launch episode of Wildlife Conversations, Jen welcomes Minnesota wildlife and landscape photographer, Michelle Osterhus. In a recorded live chat, they discuss Michelle's incredible owl photography, Alaska adventures, her soul-filling obsession with whales, and her recent trip to the Badlands. Jen and Michelle also answer audience questions about how to find wildlife to photograph and how to get feedback on your images. We also do the speed round, and Michelle tells us the gear she can and can't live without, her favorite snack while editing, a moment in wildlife photography that has made her laugh and cry, and a moment that has touched her soul. Michelle shares a lot of joy and wisdom in the first episode!

Follow Jen Ritchie on ⁠Instagram⁠ for Wildlife Conversations news and on ⁠YouTube⁠ for a video version of the podcast.

Keep with Michelle on ⁠Instagram⁠ or her⁠ website⁠.

Wildlife Conversations exists to share more voices in the genre and to build community outside of social media. Its goal is to be a space where creatives who are passionate about wildlife photography can share their stories, wisdom, adventures, and tips in a fun, welcoming place. I can't wait for you to join us!