Beyond the Wild

Join Jason Loftus as he shares his recent adventures in night sky and landscape photography, including Milky Way shoots, permit processes, and lessons learned in capturing stunning desert landscapes. Discover practical tips, tools, and the joy of exploring the universe through a camera lens.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
07:28 Milky Way Photography Adventures
18:00 Planning and Techniques for Night Sky Photography
30:22 Reflections on the Night Sky Experience
32:16 The Joy of Photography and Nature
36:56 AI in Photography: A New Frontier
40:26 Type Two Fun: Challenging Yourself
48:51 Exploring Antelope Canyon: A New Adventure
55:04 Youth Camp: Inspiring the Next Generation
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.

LINKS
2026 Lessons Through the Lens - https://secure.qgiv.com/for/utahwildlifefederation/event/lttlkfcc/
Pictureline.com - https://www.pictureline.com
Canon USA - https://www.usa.canon.com
PhotoPills App - https://www.photopills.com/
OnX Map App - https://www.onxmaps.com/
Canon RF 14mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens - https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/rf14mm-f1-4-l-vcm
Pictureline - https://www.pictureline.com/
Photo-X Outdoor Events - https://www.pictureline.com/photox

Today’s episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast welcomes photographer Mike Bons, who shares his journey into waterfowl photography. Mike, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft delve into the intricacies of waterfowl photography, sharing personal experiences and techniques for capturing birds in flight. They discuss the challenges of tracking fast-moving ducks, the importance of camera settings, and the evolution of photography gear, including the latest lens innovations. Mike discusses the challenges of photographing in water and the setup of his floating blind, emphasizing safety and technique. This episode is full of valuable tips for aspiring wildlife photographers and the therapeutic aspects of photography.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
03:13 Mike's Journey into Photography
06:04 The Allure of Bird Photography
08:47 Capturing Moments in Nature
11:59 The Importance of Mental Health for First Responders
14:57 Developing a Unique Photography Style
17:55 Safety and Techniques in Waterfowl Photography
21:01 The Floating Blind Setup
24:06 Challenges and Risks in Water Photography
36:09 Safety First: Navigating Risks in Outdoor Photography
39:20 Designing the Perfect Floating Blind
40:39 Embracing the Elements: The Joy of Challenging Conditions
45:07 Capturing Unique Perspectives in Wildlife Photography
49:42 Memorable Moments: Stories from the Field
55:04 Essential Gear: The Right Kit for Waterfowl Photography
01:02:16 Tips for Aspiring Wildlife Photographers
01:07:21 Chasing Waterfowl: The Art of Photography
01:12:11 Techniques for Capturing Birds in Flight
01:17:07 The Evolution of Camera Gear and Technology
01:23:05 Rumors and Innovations in Photography Equipment

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.

LINKS
Pictureline.com - https://www.pictureline.com
Canon USA - https://www.usa.canon.com

Mike Bons
Instagram: @MikeBonsOutdoors
Website: https://www.mikebons.com

In this episode, Jason Loftus shares his recent adventure in Milky Way photography. He describes the meticulous planning involved, using tools like PhotoPills to scout locations and plan shots. Jason highlights the excitement of experimenting with new techniques, such as using light panels for low-light foregrounds and capturing the Milky Way core during optimal conditions. His enthusiasm for learning is evident, as he is now inspired to try new gear, such as the Canon RF 14mm lens that was just announced. Nonetheless, Jason captured stunning night-sky images with his current gear, as well as some incredible drone photography. This is a great episode that explores new photographic challenges and the satisfaction of creating unique visual art. The crew also discusses a wide range of other wildlife photography topics, including the impact of social media and other outdoor adventures.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Catch-Up on Wildlife Photography
03:04 Spring Wildlife Updates and Social Media Changes
06:01 The Ethics of Sharing Wildlife Locations
11:46 Milky Way Photography Adventures
21:00 Editing Techniques and Equipment for Night Photography
33:19 Exploring Night Photography Techniques
35:08 Innovative Photography Ideas and Challenges
37:52 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
39:07 Sage Grouse Photography Adventures
46:02 Pro Tips for Wildlife Photography
48:41 Maximizing Comfort in the Field
54:49 Youth Camps and Community Outreach
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.
Links
Pictureline.com - https://www.pictureline.com/Canon_RF_14MM
Canon USA - https://www.usa.canon.com

Pictureline.com - https://www.pictureline.com
Canon USA - https://www.usa.canon.com
Lensrentals.com - https://www.lensrentals.com
Mark Raycroft Photo Tours - https://www.markraycroft.com

Yes, this episode is dedicated to grouse: the sage and the sharp-tails, and most importantly, spring. Sprinkled in and around the team's technical challenges in this episode, they also manage to get sidetracked discussing golf incidents, audio equipment for capturing wildlife sounds, a listener question about an upcoming bear photo adventure, latest rumours of technological advancements in photography gear, and their excitement about the upcoming PhotoX expo at pictureline where all three of our hosts will reconnect in person and interact with fellow photographers in talks and workshops. That’s a really long sentence, but I think you get the picture that there is a lot of fun jammed into this “quirky” episode.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
02:56 Golfing Experiences and Family Connections
06:01 Grouse Adventures
09:52 Audio and Equipment Lessons
12:56 Upcoming Events and Gear News
20:00 Technological Advancements in Photography
23:52 Photo Expo and Workshop Details
29:49 Exciting New Show Launch
30:10 Listener Question: Preparing for McNeil River
32:25 Photography Gear Recommendations for Remote Locations
38:57 Weather Preparedness and Packing Essentials
46:44 Field Experiences: Grouse Photography Adventures
53:12 Client Experiences and Wildlife Encounters
01:02:43 Wrap-Up and Future Plans

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.