Beyond the Wild

In this episode, Jason Loftus recounts his experiences at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, highlighting the bird migration phenomenon and stunning photography opportunities available there. Mark and Ron reflect on their experiences with waterfowl migration, the impact of weather patterns on waterfowl migration, and the beauty of bird gathering locations. Jason discusses the photography and video techniques he used to document the massive gathering of snow geese and sandhill cranes, and he also details the lenses and techniques he used to capture inspiring images of birds in flight.

Sound Bites

"Every image looks better in print."
"Why are we doing this crazy thing?"
"Instagram is just not that tool."
"It's still great content."
"DJI drones dominate the market."
"High ISO performance is improving."
"Mark took 80,252 photos in 10 weeks."
"The days are getting longer."
"Make it happen if you can."
"I loved hearing about Bosque."
"It's amazing to witness."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
08:56 The Value of Printed Memories
14:53 Reflections on Social Media and Photography
20:51 Navigating Instagram's Changing Landscape
30:00 Exciting News in Photography Gear
36:12 Drones and Their Impact on Photography
41:54 High ISO Performance and Photography Techniques
48:00 Experiences at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
54:14 Reflections on Migration and Timing
56:12 Weather Patterns and Their Impact on Wildlife
58:01 The Beauty of Bird Migration
01:00:05 Photography Techniques and Opportunities

Links

www.bayphoto.com
Photo Books

@JamieBWild
IG Porcupine video

Chiara Talia
@ChiaraTalia_Birds
Social Media Challenges for Photographers

Winners of the Guess Mark’s Musk Ox Trip Image Tally Contest

Todd Yankauskas
hightrailphotography

Deborah (YouTube)
@BearTalkDeborah

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.

In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, the hosts introduce guest Jay Grunig, a law enforcement officer and wildlife photographer, who shares the therapeutic benefits of photography for mental health. The conversation explores the importance of family in outdoor activities and the sense of community within the wildlife photography world. Jay offers valuable tips for capturing wildlife images, emphasizing the significance of understanding animal behavior and being aware of surroundings. Jay discusses the intricacies of wildlife photography, focusing on understanding animal behavior, the excitement of the bison rut, and the joy of outdoor experiences.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
03:04 The Northern Lights Experience
06:00 Meet Jay Grunig: The Photographer's Journey
11:58 The Importance of Family in Outdoor Activities
17:59 Photography as a Coping Mechanism
24:00 Building Community Through Photography
29:58 Tips for Wildlife Photography
30:58 Understanding Animal Behavior for Photography
32:27 The Bison Rut Experience
34:58 Favorite Subjects in Wildlife Photography
37:34 The Joy of Outdoor Experiences
39:34 The Connection Between Photography and Nature
40:33 Camera Equipment and Evolution
43:01 Capturing Intimate Moments with Wildlife
45:57 Anticipating Future Wildlife Photography Adventures

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.

It’s that time of year for the BTW Crew’s favourite annual session: reflecting on memorable wildlife encounters from the past year. Two thousand twenty-five was a big year of photography accomplishments and phenomenal luck. Ron, Jason and Mark discuss their favourite moments and share personal stories about wildlife encounters and photography techniques. Special thanks go out to our supporters for helping make 2025 such an amazing year of new experiences, and thanks for sharing the thrill of wildlife photography, the joy of sharing experiences with friends, and the surprises that nature brings.

Sound Bites

"The morning that the moose stood still."
"Go out when the conditions are bad."
"Incredible wolf encounters this year!"
"Life is about making time for experiences."
"Wildlife photography is 95% waiting."
"Personal milestones make the best memories."
"Nature always surprises us in the best ways."

Chapters

03:10 Reflecting on 2025: Highlights and Experiences
06:04 Sponsorship Appreciation and Community Engagement
08:50 Personal Highlights from the Year
11:58 Photography Adventures and Techniques
18:02 Wildlife Encounters and Memorable Moments
27:02 Looking Ahead: Future Photography Opportunities
28:49 Incredible Wolf Encounters
34:20 Memorable Wildlife Photography Experiences
40:56 The Dynamics of Wildlife Behavior
49:31 Introduction to Drone Photography
55:24 Reflections on Life and Wildlife
01:03:01 Capturing Unique Moments in Nature
01:10:20 Personal Milestones and Family Moments
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.

In this episode of Beyond the Wild, hosts Ron Hayes and Mark Raycroft welcome guests Tristen Vega Moffett and Neil Simmons, the owners of Roam Wild Photo Tours. Tristen and Neil are professional photographers and run tours in Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Park. They tell of an epic snow coach trip where they witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime wolf-pack attack on a bull bison. Although this natural occurrence is vital and has been happening for thousands of years, photographing it is difficult and confounding. This is just one of the unique opportunities these National Parks provide to peer into the wonders of the wild.

Links

Website: www.roamwildphototours.com

Instagram: @roamwildphototours

Tristen’s Instagram: @wildly.tristen

Neil’s Instagram: @neilsimmonsphotography

Mollie’s Pack Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv2vjwwZznA

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.

In this episode of Beyond the Wild, hosts Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus welcome host and guest, Mark Raycroft and his wife, Pili, to discuss their recent adventures in Nunavik, leading a tour to photograph musk ox in the stunning northern landscape. This epic trip to photograph these unique creatures during the rut is filled with amazing stories and adventures. They also discuss the unique accommodations, travel logistics, the beauty of fall colours, and the behaviour of musk ox during the rutting season. With plans for future trips already in motion, the hosts express their excitement for more adventures to come.
Chapters
00:00 Reunion and Exciting Travels
03:15 Adventures in Nunavik
10:00 The Journey to the Camp
12:35 First Impressions and Musk Ox Sightings
16:30 The Beauty of Northern Colors
21:02 Understanding musk ox Behavior
25:12 Photographic Opportunities with musk ox
34:45 First Encounters with Musk Oxen
37:01 Observing Herd Dynamics and Behavior
39:36 The Prehistoric Connection: Musk Oxen and Their Environment
42:04 Capturing Stunning Wildlife Photography
44:54 Exploring the Vast Northern Landscape
48:14 Day Two Adventures: New Herd Discoveries
52:05 Unexpected Encounters: Bears and Other Wildlife
55:57 Weather Challenges and Adaptations
59:49 Comforts of Camp Life
01:03:01 Future Trips and Conservation Efforts
Links

Website: https://www.markraycroft.com/p/musk-ox-photo-tours

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.