Chasing Alaskan Dreams in the Wild: Evan's Journey from Bush Pilot to Wildlife Film Crew

In this episode, Evan Vacek, a young filmmaker and wildlife enthusiast, joins the podcast to discuss his journey and experiences in the industry. Evan shares his passion for wildlife and birding, as well as his transition into the film world. He talks about the challenges of camp management on film shoots. Evan also highlights his time on the Summer Arctic shoot and the valuable lessons he learned from the team.

The Story Behind The Image: Caribou Headshot

Caribou Headshot

This conversation discusses a unique photography experience in Denali National Park, where Michael had the opportunity to capture a rare image. The conversation covers the photography permit program in the park, the relationship between bus drivers and photographers, and the discovery of a caribou kill. The arrival of wolves and bears at the kill site is also discussed. In this conversation, Michael describes the perfect situation he encountered, where a mama bear and her cubs were feeding on a caribou carcass near Sable Pass. The location provided a safe and accessible spot for wildlife photography. The mama bear created an island of safety by digging gravel in the river, protecting her cubs from potential threats. Michael discusses the equipment he used and the challenges he faced. He also reflects on the permit system and the impact of the experience. In this part of the conversation, Michael shares his recommendation for exploring Denali National Park with a bike. He also discusses the resources he used in the past to find photography inspiration, such as photo clubs and magazines. The conversation then shifts to lessons learned from early photography trips, including the importance of never stopping shooting and the challenges of planning and preparation. The hosts also discuss the idea of creating a merchandise store and upcoming photography trips. In this conversation, Brandon and Michael discuss the process of creating a short film and how to capture the essence of a trip or conservation message. They also explore the idea of collaborative storytelling and the benefits of working with a group of people. They conclude with some housekeeping and future plans for their projects.

Navigating Color Grading Challenges, Bighorn Sheep Encounters, and the Thrills of Bear Filming in Our Latest Adventure

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of color grading and editing wildlife footage. We explore different approaches to color grading and share our experiences with editing and selecting footage. The conversation then shifts to their recent biking and wildlife adventure, including encounters with bighorn sheep. We discuss the influence of human presence on wildlife behavior and the importance of protecting these animals. The episode concludes with reflections on our experiences and the potential for future projects. In this part of the conversation, we discuss comparing footage from different cameras, the process of editing a podcast, meeting new people on their trip, and announcing the dates for our upcoming bear trips. We also talk about the experience of filming bears and wildlife, learning from a National Geographic photographer, using drones responsibly, and the use of ham radios for communication. The conversation concludes with a discussion on storm chasing.

Exploring Wildlife Photography, Bigfoot, and Filming Eagles in Alaska - Episode 3

The conversation covers various topics related to bird sounds, birding experiences, and YouTube channel growth. The chapters include discussions on bird calls and displays, the Merlin app and eBird, rare bird sightings, the Big Year competition, the intersection of birding and photography, and the anxiety and excitement of posting YouTube videos. The conversation also touches on the process of editing videos and the importance of feedback and critique. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the challenge of finding what's interesting to viewers and how to capture it on film. 

Navigating the Wilderness of Filmmaking, from Audio Challenges to Wildlife Tales - Episode #2

In this podcast, we discuss various topics related to camera equipment, audio challenges, YouTube videos, and the challenges of filming wildlife. We discuss the importance of audio in videos and the difficulties we face in capturing high-quality sound. We also share our experiences with creating YouTube videos and the learning curve involved. Finally, they talk about the challenges of telling stories in natural history filmmaking and the limitations of capturing wildlife behavior.

Adventures Behind the Lens: Bears, Moose, and GoPros - Episode #1

The Truth and Legend Podcast is introduced as a companion to the hosts' YouTube channel. The hosts discuss their backgrounds and transitions to wildlife photography and cinematography. They share their experiences using GoPro cameras as camera traps and the success they had capturing moose behavior. The current stage of the moose rut is also discussed. In this conversation, Michael and Brandon discuss the challenges they face while filming in remote locations, including clearance issues and last-minute jobs with tight deadlines. They also talk about the importance of reliable gear in changing conditions . The conversation then shifts to the challenges of editing videos and the importance of storytelling in creating engaging content. They share highlights from filming during the moose rut and discuss the importance of preparation and attention to detail. They also touch on the challenges of shooting scenic shots and the rewards and challenges of portrait photography. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of editing your own work and the challenges of hiring reliable crew members. They emphasize the importance of sharing behind-the-scenes stories and engaging with the audience to seek feedback.