Beyond The Lens with Richard Bernabe

A passionate campaigner for the plight of wolves, Marc Cooke is the President and Board Member of Wolves of the Rockies. Founded in 2011, the organisation uses advocacy and education to protect and defend the wolves of Yellowstone National Park and the Rocky Mountains while also trying to enact positive change for all wolves.

Together, Richard and Marc discuss the importance of the Wolves of the Rockies’ grassroots strategy to act as their voice, especially when up against inadequate state legislation, lobbying by the unethical hunting community, and bounty bills set to kill wolves.
Marc’s insightful knowledge reveals why man-made “safe protection areas” are not working and the official number of the wolf population today does not add up.
Anticipating a better future where the public understands that wolves are essential to the local ecosystem, Marc expresses why he’s grateful for a new generation of thought on cohabitation. He explains the importance of safe alternatives for wolf management, outlining all of the ways we can all help today.

To find out more visit www.wolvesoftherockies.org
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Hey folks, Richard Bernabe here. If you’re looking for that next-level boost to your creativity and photography skills, you’ve got to check out my Beyond The Lens Newsletter on Substack.

It’s like having a backstage pass to everything I explore with my guests here on the podcast - delivered straight to your email inbox. Think practical photography tips, mind-expanding ideas for personal vision, and real-world tactics to level up your craft. Plus I’m sharing my thoughts on travel, conservation, creativity and more.

It’s straight to the point, super actionable, and it shows you how to see the world in an entirely new way.

If that sounds like your jam, head on over to the Beyond The Lens Newsletter and prepare to take your creative game to new heights!

Check it out now

Rick Sammon is an American photographer of many decades. He's a tireless, prolific and inspirational image maker and one of the most active photographers working today. He divides his time between creating images, leading photo workshops, making personal appearances, and writing books - always educating, creating and inspiring people. He's also incorporated smartphone photography into his professional work, which is the primary topic of the conversation.

Topics Richard and Rick discuss:

• Embracing smartphone photography? The pros and cons.
• Why the conversion?
• Rick's recent projects and travels exclusively using the phone as an imaging tool.
• The stigma of a professional photographer using a phone as an imaging tool.
• Image quality
• The biggest problem with phone photography
• Post processing with phone images. How is it different?
• Phone apps and software.
• Apple and Samsung are driving imaging innovation.
• Elitist thinking
• Phones and AI art

And much more.

Notable Links:

Rick Sammon Photography Website
Rick Sammon on Instagram
Rick Sammon on Twitter/X
Rick and Susan Sammon's iPhone Photo Experience
Rick Sammon's Online Classes

Rick's Phone Apps for Photography:

Snapseed
Distressed FX
REEHELD - for hand-held long exposures
EvenLonger - for even longer hand-held exposures
PS Express
PS Camera
Dramatic BW
Lightroom

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This episode is brought to you by Kase Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I've tried all of them, but in recent years I've landed on Kase Filters.

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And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit.
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Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.

An activist for marine life conservation, Ellen Cuylaerts is an award-winning underwater and wildlife photographer. Ellen educates on the challenges our oceans are facing and has addressed heads of state at the UN General Assembly to highlight the plight of filmmakers engaging in the protection of the oceans. Since 2018, Ellen has also been diving in the silence of caves and in 2019 was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame. Today, her work is on display in exhibitions around the world.

In this conversation, Richard investigates what it takes to photograph successfully in unpredictable underwater conditions, especially when face to face with sharks. Ellen talks of her methodology, inspiration and unique mindset. She explains how her images bridge a deeper connection between humanity and nature, which is vital when we are faced with pollution and climate change.
Content warning: a mention of suicide occurs from 45 minutes 16 seconds to 46 minutes 29 seconds.

Founded in 1991, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators is a member organization that advocates and promotes the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to Antarctica. Their member companies provide logistic and scientific support to National Antarctic Programs and Antarctic organizations. With more than 200 annual departures to Antarctica, tour vessels offer an essential opportunity for researchers and science programs.

In this episode of Beyond The Lens, Richard sits down with the Executive Director at the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), Gina Greer. During their conversation, she explains how the organization was founded by a group of seven operators and their mission. She delves into the Antarctic Treaty, which upholds that Antarctica will only be used for peace and scientific purposes, and how IAATO works to support this agreement. She highlights how she got involved in the marine conservation industry after initially training as an accountant. Together, Gina and Richard discuss why this enigmatical continent always exceeds the idealized expectations when one visits, thanks to light reflections and colorful scenery. Gina touches on Antarctica's unique and unpredictable nature and shares why her advice to “go with the flow” of nature will ensure visitors have an amazing experience. Finally, they discuss how tourism benefits Antarctica – the biggest misconceptions people have about the country, and much more!

To find out more about IAATO, visit: www.iaato.org

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This episode is brought to you by Kase Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I've tried all of them, but in recent years I've landed on Kase Filters.

Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, with zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.

And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit.

beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10

Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.

As one of the most prolific explorers and mountaineers, Conrad Anker has summited Mount Everest three times. In 1999, Anker discovered the body of George Mallory, one of the two British climbers who died attempting to climb Everest in 1924, helping to shed more light on one of mountaineering’s most famous mysteries. He has made many notable first ascents, from Alaska, through the Himalayas, to Antarctica, not only choosing the highest peaks but the most difficult ones.

In this conversation, Conrad shares how climbing helps him feel more connected to other people through cooperation and sharing the same goals. He looks back on some of his most significant climbs including the Kichatna Spire in 1987 and discovering George Mallory's body on Mount Everest in 1999, explaining how this was a humbling experience for him. Together, Conrad and Richard remember photographer Galen Rowell, and Conrad shares some of his favourite memories. Finally, he touches upon the dangers of climbing and expresses the importance of having different experiences, as it is those moments that make life sweet.

To find out more about Conrad visit www.conradanker.com