Episode 43

Ron, Mark and Jason meet with some of the key individuals behind Focus Photo Tours to discuss the innovative approach to their organization and how they provide enriched wildlife experiences. Guests Dee Web, Traci Sepkovic, and Jackie and Scott Stone share their experiences and passions for wildlife photography, outdoor adventures, and the beauty of nature. They discuss their personal journeys, the importance of community in conservation efforts, and the transformative power of photography. They discuss their experiences guiding individuals through wildlife encounters, the joy of witnessing personal growth in their clients, and the need for education in wildlife photography. Sound Bites"Costa Rica is one of my number one desired destinations.""I don't want this big house. Let's sell all this stuff.""It's about that interaction you get with nature.""You're my eyes. I don't get to know what's going on outside.""The moments they give us are worth more than any dollar.""They go from terrified of bears to wanting to learn more.""It fills my soul to watch people get that experience.""We need to get them in contact with what they're going to lose.""The separation from the natural world is a big problem.""We thought there was a way to do this just a little bit better.""Education comes from reaching out to the best people we can.""We wanted to make sure that those people were taken care of.""It starts at all ages. It really does."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Spring Adventures02:49 Exploring Costa Rica's Biodiversity05:52 Personal Journeys and Outdoor Passions09:07 Wildlife Photography Beginnings11:56 The Connection to Nature and Conservation14:59 The Role of Community in Wildlife Photography18:00 Life Changes and Intentional Living20:57 The Art of Photography and Personal Growth24:04 Memories Captured Through Photography27:08 Education and Sharing Experiences30:08 The Impact of Wildlife Photography on Lives39:14 The Joy of Wildlife Encounters41:00 The Natural Educator's Journey44:00 Connecting Generations Through Nature45:00 The Role of Education in Wildlife Photography50:00 Building a Community of Passionate Photographers51:57 Focus: A New Approach to Wildlife Tours01:00:00 The Importance of Education in Wildlife Experiences01:04:01 Welcoming New Photographers to the Community01:07:01 The Impact of Shared Experiences in NatureThanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Remember to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.