Wild And Exposed Podcast

Derek shares the evolution of bear research in Alaska, the history of bear viewing and the unique characteristics of the coastal brown bear populous that made it the perfect place for individuals from around the globe to observe and document bear behavior.

What About Used Gear? In this episode, the team tackles a listener-submitted question. Bob wants to buy a 600 mm lens, but the price is steep...should he consider a used one? Find out what criteria our co-hosts use to answer that question for themselves, what kind of research they do on used gear and sellers they don’t know, and why the answer for a glass purchase might be different than a camera body. Plus, how having a solid network helped Ron get a $12,000 lens for $3,000, how “refurbished” differs from used, and other options you might not have considered.

Eye Tracking or Single Point Focus? Dawn Wilson, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft tackle another listener question in this short episode. With newer mirrorless cameras, do you still use single point autofocus and anticipate the location of the animal’s eye? Hear which mirrorless cameras have the best eye tracking functions and in which situations it works best. Plus, find out why Mark is a late adopter of new technology and what even the mirrorless users in this group are doing in high risk/high reward situations in the field. You’ll also hear about a Canon April Fools’ Day joke that actually came to fruition.

The Wild and Exposed crew is joined by accomplished and award winning photographer Hector Astorga. Hector leads photography tours around North, Centeral and South America for a wide variety of wildlife. In this weeks episode Hector discusses trips to Argentina, Costa Rica and setting up a photo and wildlife friendly property at the Santa Clara Ranch. Join us for a species rich episode this week on Wild and Exposed.

Our most popular guest to date, family man Scott Wilson, rejoins the Wild and Exposed Crew to update us on his work in the field and the opening of Gallery 6 in Denver.

Michael, Mark, Ron and Jason discuss new camera tech and when it might be released as well as Jason's super successful lizard photography expedition.

Two of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet in the field, Gary and Mitch‘s enthusiasm for photographing the wildlife of the Rocky Mountain West is Infectious to those around them.

Conservation photographer Clay Bolt tells Dawn, Ron, and Mark how he learned about the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee and why he got involved in efforts to get it added to the Endangered Species list. Find out how this bee stopped the Atlantic Coast pipeline, what you can do in your own community to support native pollinators, and which SNL Weekend Update joke hit close to home for Clay. Plus, hear what happened when Clay and Eli Wyman went to Indonesia in search of Wallace’s giant bee—a species that hadn’t been seen in more than 35 years—and why your mobile phone may be the best conservation tool around.

Imagine starting your photography career as a professional. That is exactly how it worked out for this week’s guest. Join us as Michael and returning guest host Doug Gardner sit down with Taylor Gray while on assignment in the Southern US. Taylor explains how it feels when the pieces simply fall into place and your career launches itself.

Why does Mark Raycroft keep saying there’s no better time to be a nature photographer than right now? Because in this short episode, the crew answers a question about how to find locations to photograph a particular subject in a specific timeframe.

Jason, Mark and Ron are joined by landscape photographer Ryan Dyar. Ryan’s images are stunning but the truth behind them provides the real inspiration. Ryan, a master post processing instructor, shares his workflow from shot to frame but the real story lies in what bright him to a career in photography. Overcoming obstacles this week with Ryan Dyar on Wild and Exposed Podcast.

You, our fantastic Wild and Exposed Podcast audience recently sent in an entertaining variety of questions for your hosts! The Team answers, rapid-fire style, for another fun and informative episode!

Imagine filming Dancing Grebes in California, then on to the vibrantly colorful Puffins along the emerald coast of Ireland, followed by a trek into the highlands of Scotland…not all in one day mind you, but Yes, in one podcast!

Jason and Ron are entertained this week by Lydia Ripplinger, a Utah photographer who enjoys life and her craft to the fullest. 

2021 NANPA Lifetime Achievement Award winners Joe and Mary Ann McDonald have been studying, photographing, and writing about wildlife together for nearly 35 years. They've photographed the Seven Big Cats of the World four different years, and both have won in the prestigious BBC Wildlife PHotographer of the Year competition.