In this episode, Mark Raycroft, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus take on another round of exceptional listener questions head-on. The crew shares wisdom on "THE wildlife lens" for both Canon and Nikon shooters, as well as tripod head preferences. Questions also explore image printing and the guys share their preferred labs in both Canada and the U.S. And our team shares their experiences and recos for the "not-so-sexy" part of wildlife photography, but ever so important, out-of-country travel insurance and managing mobile phone charges while abroad. Enjoy the episode—the laughs are always free.

Sound Bites

"There is no statistical measure for how fast I would lose a SIM card."

Chapters

03:09 Experiences with the Dragonfly Decoy

12:01 Listener Questions and Wildlife Photography

12:59 Choosing the Best Lens for Wildlife Photography

21:03 Tripod and Gimbal Preferences

27:03 Travel Insurance for Photographers

36:10 Out of Country Phone Networks

44:53 Printing Photos and Preferred Methods

Questions and Links

@ColinBigelowPhoto

What is the number one lens for wildlife photography—if we had to choose?

@RobWaddellPhotography

What is your go-to tripod head—Gimbal or Fluid Head?

@FairFXMike

What do you guys do for out-of-country travel insurance?

What about out-of-country phone networks?

@MitchDeCock

What is your preferred way to print photos: white board or mats, type of frame, metal?

www.artbeatsstudio.com

www.bayphoto.com

www.posterjack.ca

www.gallery6denver.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.

This week, Ron, Jason and Mark go BEAR-ZERK, delving into key pro tips for bear photography. The crew shares their experiences and preparations for bear photography, with a particular focus on the upcoming trip to Alaska. The conversation also explores the challenges of photographing bears, including the need for patience and the significance of preparing ahead of time to capture the right moments. The crew scratches the surface as they explore the bare necessities of bear photography.

Sound bites

"You are a brave soul."

"It's a good pro tip."

"You can wear those."

Chapters

01:00 Introduction to Bears and Personal Experiences

05:10 Pro Tips for Visiting National Parks

06:41 Mark's Experience at the Toronto Indy

13:14 Preparing for Alaska: Gear and Weight Management

25:39 Planning for Bear Photography Adventures

26:57 Packing for Adventure: The Essentials

37:55 The Thrill of Wildlife Photography

46:30 Understanding Bear Behavior and Photography Tips

53:08 Bear Behavior and Mating Season

56:16 Challenges of Wildlife Photography

01:01:00 Planning for Future Bear Trips

01:04:00 Gear Considerations for Wildlife Photography

01:09:01 Celebrating Wildlife Experiences

01:10:57 Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

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.

This week’s guest is Drew Butterwick, an experienced safari guide and wildlife photographer. Drew admits he is a big predator person, specifically a big cat person, and much of his focus while guiding in Africa is on finding these elusive creatures. The episode explores Drew's adventures in Africa, sharing stories of wildlife encounters, conservation efforts, and the challenges of capturing stunning photographs in the wild. The conversation highlights the beauty and unpredictability of nature, the importance of responsible wildlife tourism, and the profound impact of experiencing Africa firsthand. Drew shares insights into the expectations of first-time safari-goers and reflects on his journey to Africa, emphasizing the rich experiences that await those who venture into the wild.

Sound bites

“I’m a big predator person, big cat person.”

“We drive right passed the ducks to go to the next thing with claws and teeth and the big stuff.”

"You just made that up."

"It's a magic place."

"It's living, right?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

03:03 Travel Experiences and Challenges

06:12 Wildlife Encounters in Africa

09:00 Conservation Efforts and Anti-Poaching

12:07 Close Calls with Wildlife

14:56 The Thrill of the Wilderness

18:11 Hippos and Their Behavior

21:03 The Circle of Life in Nature

37:45 The Harsh Realities of Nature

43:24 Unique Safari Experiences

47:10 The Allure of Africa

51:31 Expectations of First-Time Visitors

57:39 Drew's African Adventures

01:01:13 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Links

Voyager Safari Tours

https://www.voyagersafari.com/

Epic Wildlife Photos

https://www.epicwildlifephotos.com/

SNL Landshark

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_NS2H55dxI

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.