Tony Bynum - Montana Photographer - Big Stories through his lens
Montana Photographer Tony Bynum at work, photographing a fly fishing guide and outfitter on Montana’s Missouri River.
Tony Bynum - Montana Based Photographer
Outdoor photographer, commercial outdoor advertising, conservation, political campaign, nature photographer.
“Don’t just love something, do something for it.”
Tony Bynum - Montana Photographer
“This Lens Tells Big Stories.” A short video describing one of Tony’s photographic passions. Human stories in big places. This video takes place in Tony’s home state of Montana on the world-famous, blue-ribbon trout stream, the Missouri River.
Tony is photographing local guide and outfitter, Alger Swingly. Alger is a member of the Blackfeet Tribe and operates, Blackfeet Outfitters. Alger is a licensed Montana Outfitter.
This short feature was produced in partnership with SmugMug, a first-class online photography website for sharing, storing, and delivering photographs.
Tony Bynum - Montana Conservation Photography - Interview
Historically, policies and perceptions were changed by photographs, but that’s not enough. It combines a business and a service with intent. I intend to help things, not make things worse, dilapidated, or go backwards.
A herd bull elk with his harem in a recent burn. © Tony Bynum
Tony Bynum, the Montana-based Conservation Photographer, was please to talk to Wild Montana’s new Communications Director about conservation and conservation photography. Read the full interview with Tony Bynum and Sarah Ryan of Wild Montana (formerly Montana Wilderness Association) at the Tony Bynum Interview link below.
Tony Bynum - Montana Photographer - Helena IR story by: Tom Kuglin
Tony Bynum - photo courtesy of Rod Sinclair
Tony Bynum - Montana-based Photographer interview
Tom Kuglin and Thom Bridge of the Helen Independent Journal kindly spent a few hours with me at my home. We discussed photography, life, art, and conservation. Read the entire article and listen to our discussion on Thom’s podcast.
Snap a picture of the qr code below, or click on it to go to the full story.
Greater Sage-Grouse the Sagehen
Photographs and video of the Greater Sage Grouse on a lek in Central Montana. © Tony Bynum
Two male sage grouse fighting for dominance over the lek. © Tony Bynum
The Greater Sage-Grouse is the largest grouse species in North America. The Sage-Grouse occupies the arid, sagebrush prairies from southeast Alberta and southern Saskatchewan, Canada, south through Montana, Wyoming, northern Nevada, northern Utah, southern Idaho, and western Colorado. The video below is a short clip of the real live action you can expect to see on a sage grouse lek during the spring.
Sage Grouse are shy and do not like to be disturbed while on the Lek. for the following video and photographs, Tony Bynum was carefully camouflaged inside a “hide” or “blind.” Movements from humans or even other animals like coyotes or antelope can scare the birds off their lek. Tony enters the blind the night before the morning of the shoot and does not move the blind until the birds have completely left the lek. The blind is placed so as to not disrupt the lek area and the natural breeding of the birds.
A typical greater sage grouse lek with several males and a couple of females. The males will strut on the lek to gain the attention of the female. After mating the females fly away to build a nest. © Tony Bynum
A fully plumed male Greater Sage Grouse displays his pin feathers, and gular sacs duging the spring mating season. This bird was photographed from a blind, in central Montana. The large white “bag” that looks like a neck collar is called a gular sac. © Tony Bynum
From the back side of the Greater Sage Grouse the pin feathers are beautiful and unique. The males will slowly lose some of the feathers during the mating season due to the aggressive nature of the fights. Other males work to pluck the tail feathers while protecting their own. © Tony Bynum
Male Greater Sage Grouse with its gular sacs inflated. The male sage grouse “struts” on the lek to attract the females. There is a single female right of male in this photograph. © Tony Bynum
Male Greater Sage Grouse with its gular sacs inflated. © Tony Bynum
A male Sage Grouse stutting on a Lek in Central Montana. © Tony Bynum
A male greater sage grouse struts on a lek trying to attract females, in Central Montana. © Tony Bynum
The warm sun lights of the unique and stunning tail feathers, called “pin” feathers, and gular sac of the male greater sage grouse. © Tony Bynum
A tired warrior male greater sage grouse gets a rest after a fight. © Tony Bynum
Male greater sage grouse often spend a great deal of time paying attention to each other while strutting on the Lek. © Tony Bynum
Male Greater Sage Grouse with its gular sacs inflated try’s to get the attention of the female, left. © Tony Bynum
Two male greater sage grouse work to get the attention of a female. The one that the female likes the most will mate. © Tony Bynum
A pair of male greater sage grouse prepare to fight. © Tony Bynum
Two male greater sage grouse size each other up. Males are very aggressive and territorial while on the lek. Whichever male can get the attention, and hold it, of the females will get to mate. Research shows that a single dominate male will breed about 80% of the females on a single lek. © Tony Bynum
Two male greater sage grouse fighting on the lek in Central Montana. © Tony Bynum
Two male sage grouse fight on a lek in central Montana. © Tony Bynum
A single female greater sage grouse on the lek. © Tony Bynum
A male greater sage grouse is selected by the female after which mating can commence. © Tony Bynum
A male sage grouse fly’s from the lek soon after the sun rises. He will return in the evening or later the next morning. Sage grouse begin showing up on the lek in late February and early April in Montana. © Tony Bynum
The best all around headlamp - Fenix HM65R Rechargeable Headlamp
I replaced my go-to light with the Fenix HM65R - here’s why.
I’ve tried them all, The Fenix HM65R headlamp stands out as the best among it’s competition.
I’m just going to jump right in and tell you, after using this light for three months, I replaced my go-to headlamp with the Fenix HM65R.
Why? Because every time I needed a headlamp I wished I had the Fenix HM65R. It just works in every situation I have had that needed light.
The headlamp world is full of options but the Fenix HM65R is truly impressive and a step above the competition. From the fit and feel to its function, it’s a worthy device. Fenix did what no other headlamp maker has been able to do, make a headlamp that does everything well.
While the price may seem a little high, MSRP is $94.95 it’s worth it (I’ll provide a link to where you can get one cheaper). So, while it is a tad more expensive than most, what it offers justifies the cost.
Consider also how much people (maybe even you) spend on a Patagonia hat, a Yeti tumbler or water bottle, a North Face parka, and camo hunting clothes from Sitka gear, a headlamp (arguably more important than any of those items) that does it all for under $100, is okay with me.
Headlamps are a must!
One of the most indispensable items in all of my bags is a headlamp. Since my first mountaineering expedition back in the late ’80s, I’ve probably tried at least one headlamp from every popular brand. Black Diamond, Prince Tech, Energizer, Petzl, Torch, Rayovac, you name it, I own it or have tried it.
I use headlamps for everything from hiking, cooking outdoors, even at home when it’s dark outside - we have lots of short days during the long northern Montana winters - to hiking to my favorite photography spot, to working under the house, and finding items in my camera bags/boxes. A good, high-quality headlamp is one of the most important products I own. I do not travel without one!
I used this light for 3 months before I completed this review. My commitment to you is to make sure the products I write about are sound meet my standards, do what it claims, and are reliable - that takes time.
Fenix HM65R
Cameron sent me the Fenix HM65R, it’s the top end of Fenix offerings. Super bright, waterproof, drop-proof, super-bright, rechargeable, or disposable battery-operated, and super bright when needed. I say when needed because it can operate pretty dim if that’s your pleasure.
Not too long ago, I would not go to the mountains with a rechargeable anything, let alone a headlamp. But Fenix changed that. This Fenix HM65R rechargeable light is ready for prime time.
I suppose as technology changes so do I, especially with products like this. I think battery technology and LED lights are the keys.
Two buttons on the top of the light operate the two independent lights. One is for beam the other is for flood. The light uses a usb type 3 port and the blue lights indicate charging capacity.
Over the past year, I’ve been carrying a Mophie Powerstation Pro battery with me. I can use it to charge my phone, a camera, and now a headlamp! In other words, recharging is no longer a risk or deficit in the backcountry. The Fenix light uses the new USB type 3 connection.
Lumen output: max 1400 lumens; floodlight to 16 m, spotlight to 75 m
Rechargeable: Micro-USB hosing a 3500 mAh Fenix 3.6v 12.6Wh battery
Burn time: 40 hours on low, 3.5 hours on high
Weight: 3.4 oz.
Pros
Can be recharged, or replace the rechargeable battery with 2 x CR123 batteries. Recharges with a USB C. This is genius.
Bright!
Dual Beam (wide and focused bean)
Durable
Waterproof
Cons
A bit bulky
Have to wear your hat backward, but Fenix now has the same light with a different headband style.
Weight can be an issue if you’re going ultra-light but for a light in this category, it’s perfect.
Buttons are a little challenging to operate with bulky gloves on
Now sure how it holds up in super cold weather.
I would 100% recommend this light to a friend, and yes, this light found a permanent place in my camera box and pack.
Where to buy it.
MSRP
$95 - but you can get 20% off. Here is where you can buy the Fenix HM65R headlamp.
This is not a paid endorsement
Just so we’re clear, this is not a paid endorsement. When I receive products to try, I always offer to return them when I’m done - whether I like the product or not. There is never a financial incentive for me to suggest you buy something. I always tell those who ask me for a review that I only tell the truth. My policy is that if I don't like something I won't write about it, but I also will only ever tell the truth about a product when asked.
On the other hand, if I like it, I’ll shout it from the bleachers.
Who needs a Commercial Film Permit in a National Park - Still Depends
Filmmaker and producer Tom Opre films a hunting scene in central Montana. Tony Bynum Photography
Commercial Film Permits in National Parks and other Public Lands. Tom Opre Filmmaker. Tony Bynum Photography
Who needs a commercial film permit in a National Park? Well, for now, no one, concludes one federal judge, and now the National Park Service (NPS). As of February 11, 2021, the NPS website (confirmed by me in a message left on my phone by a representative of the NPS) no one needs a permit.
As of January 22, 2021, the National Park Service is no longer collecting application or location fees, or cost recovery for filming. NPS Website (confirmed by the NPS in a message left on my phone on February 11, 2021).
Remarkably, as of today, the NPS is NOT issuing or even asking for you to fill out a permit application. Wow. I’ll say it again, Wow!
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly Rulling
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia declared that the statute and enacting regulations that require those engaged in “commercial filming” to obtain permits and pay certain fees are unconstitutional. The court also found that the permit rules restrict speech in public forums, including the many National Park locations that are already considered traditional public forums such as the National Mall. The court found that the rules were content-based restrictions on speech, subject to strict scrutiny. Likewise, she found, the regulations and underlying reasons offered by the government—namely obtaining a “fair market” payment on top of any administrative costs—do not meet that scrutiny. “The government may not impose a charge for the enjoyment of a right granted by the federal constitution, including the First Amendment right to free expression.” Judge Kollar-Kotelly wrote.
"Mr. Price’s filmmaking at these parks constitutes a form of expressive speech protected by the First Amendment," she writes in the opinion, adding "the creation of a film must also fall within the ambit of the First Amendment’s protection of freedom of expression. To find otherwise, would artificially disconnect an integral piece of the expressive process of filmmaking."
The Judge said that her ruling applies to National Wildlife Areas and public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Her final statement leaves room for a new permit and fee system possibly based on other criteria.
In issuing this injunction, the Court observes that a more targeted permitting regime for commercial filming, which is more closely connected to the threat posed by large groups and heavy filming equipment, may pass constitutional muster in the future.
You can the entire decision here: Judge rules film bill unconstitutional.
How does this apply to the Department of Agriculture - Forest Service?
This is a hard question to answer directly. I can tell you that after my recent call with a Forest Service supervisor they told me “we’re looking into it, and are not sure how it’s going to affect our permit program.” My guess is that the USFS special use permit program WILL be affected and will be reworked.
What NOW?
Going forward:
I recommend anyone engaged in commercial filming call their local park service, BLM or National Fish and Wildlife Service office for the latest. I suspect at some point there will be a new permit system for commercial filming in National Parks and other federal public lands.
I also recommend that if you’re planning a shoot on Department of Interior lands (BLM, NPS, FWS), you do your level best to follow all other rules and regulations. I would avoid filming in popular/busy locations and I would do everything I could to avoid displacing wildlife, other people, damaging any resources, and absolutely DO not trespass!
Call your senator and representative and tell them you heard about the ruling and you would like to know what they plan to do. Ask them to please look into it, and better,
I can’t tell you what to do if you have content already in the can that you captured without a permit.
Current Film Permit Podcast - Tony Bynum and Brian Call a.k.a, “Gritty.”
Tony Bynum and Brian Call discuss Filming on federal Public lands and the recent federal judge’s ruling that current film permits and fees are unconstitutional and issued an injunction.
Other sources
The National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) has been leading the legal charge on changing the federal permit program. I found its article helpful and interesting to read. And the Kurt Repansheck over at the National Parks Traveler sight did a great write up as well.
Midnight Forest Bourbon
Midnight Forest bourbon whiskey created in the name of Jim Posewitz, Teddy Roosevelt, in partnership with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and Spotted Bear Spirits.
“Midnight Forest” bourbon started as an idea and was born in Montana in November of 2020. A collaboration between Spotted Bear Spirits and the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, “Midnight Forest,” was crafted in honor of two great conservation heroes, Teddy Roosevelt and Jim Posewitz. (skip to a short portfolio of images from the Midnight Forest shoot.)
The Story of Midnight Forest:
“In early 1907, special interests in the U.S. Congress forced a political showdown, revoking President Theodore Roosevelt’s authority to create new national forests. But the Bull Moose was not deterred. With only a few days before the new law took effect, Roosevelt worked day and night creating twenty-one new national forests and expanding eleven existing forests. TR’s action was bold, and he ultimately created and conserved sixteen million acres of new public lands. These are the Midnight Forests.Raise your glass in celebration of The Bull Moose and the gift of public lands and waters. Now it’s your turn, take your best shot, be bold and carry on the legacy of American conservation.—Jim Posewitz—Biologist, Hunter, Author & Legendary Conservationist”
Combining great conservation movements, Montana business’s and the great outdoors with an America first theme and the leadership of two of conservation heavy’s. . . #priceless
Jim Posewitz - “Poz”
Jim Poswitz, or “Poz” as we knew him, had a long career in conservation. He’s the author 5 books, including an auto biography. He’s best known for his style and character. Easy going, smart, tactful, always clever and dedicated to helping people better understand the history, and the importance of conservation. He was relentless.
“Poz’s” rules for conservation.
1. If you think you want to be a leader and you’re not at the head of the parade, don’t worry. You can lead from anywhere within an organization. All you have to do is know where you are going, and never take your eye off the goal. Choose your goal well and the parade will follow.
2. Never let your critics take your time or energy. Learn from criticism, but don’t let it distract you from your goal. You are never going to please any adversary or all your friends.
3. Never, never, never stray from your grassroots constituents. Be one with them and among them and they will never fail you. I have met with a handful of conservationists at Trixi’s Saloon in Ovando, Montana, an testified before committees of Congress. The former is clearly more important. Martin Luther King and Lech Wales never left the streets.
4. Never let your opponent’s appraisal of your chances influence you. If they say you can’t win, or they will kick your butt, show up anyhow. Surrender nothing; make your opponent take it from you. Just standing there makes a big difference.
5. When you talk to your people, preach hope and possibility. Eric Hoffer said revolution is built on hope, not despair. The conservation community is terrible for wailing on the peril of things - that inspire no one.
6. Make everything work for you, the good and the bad. The best example is how the conservation movement used James Watt to rebuild their movement.
7. Don’t let fear hold you back. This is especially applicable to bureaucrats who too often conclude for the selves what they can and cannot get away with. As Churchill said: Play for more than you can afford to lose and you’ll learn to play the game.
8. Trust your intuition and don’t take yourself too seriously. Cling to your sense of humor. Learn to laugh at troubles and you’ll never run out of things to laugh at. Humor allows you to bite the forbidden truth. Besides, it will drive your enemies nuts. (Borrowed from Ben Long - Twitter: @benlong1967).
The Meeting
When I was asked if I wanted to get together with Spotted Bear Spirits and the Back Country Hunters and Anglers to talk about the project I was honored and excited to learn more and help however possible.
A couple weeks later, we met outside, along a river, kept our distance as best we could, talked about the goals and purpose, shared a meal of wild game, flung a few arrows, casted a few flies, and shared the spirit of conservation by toasting our hero’s Jim Posewitz and Teddy Roosevelt.
I may have made a few images during those hours just to preserve the experience and memorialize the time.
If you’re in Montana or know someone here, or you’re planning to visit, “Midnight Forest is available at these locations:
Whitefish Liquor (Whitefish, MT)
O'Brien's Wine and Spirits (Columbia Falls, MT)
Montana Liquor and Wine (Kalispell, MT)
Murphy's Liquor (Kalispell, MT)
Grizzly Liquor (Missoula, MT)
Lolo Liquor (Lolo, MT)
Polson Liquor (Polson, MT)
Bigfork Liquor Barn (Bigfork, MT)
Montana Wine & Spirits (Bozeman, MT)
The Cave (Big Sky, MT)
Visit the “Midnight Forest” web page at this link.
Visit Backcountry Hunters and Anglers here.
And listen to Host Hal Herring at the Back Country Podcast here.
Wild Sheep - YETI presents "Wild Sheep" Table Top Book
Yeti Presents “Wild Sheep” a brand new oversized, full-color tabletop book about wild North American sheep and the people who pursue them. 150 plus pages of stories and incredible photography by Tony Bynum, Adam Foss, and many more.
One of Tony Bynum’s many images published by YETI in the book, “Wild Sheep”
On Friday, November 13, 2020, YETI released “Wild Sheep,” an inspiring dive into the life and times of the North American wild sheep and the people who peruse them. 150+ pages of stories, drawings, and photographs, this table-top book is certain to find a top tier spot among the annals of sheep hunting literary history. #yetipresentswildsheep
From YETI -
“Sheep hunting is the most pinnacle big mountain hunting pursuit. It is the aspiration of any mountain hunter to get an opportunity to one day hunt wild sheep. This activity is aspirational for a few reasons. First, wild sheep are extremely rare. Many species of wild sheep were near extinction in the early 1900s. However, through the efforts of conservation and primarily hunters, wild sheep populations have dramatically rebounded. Another reason this pursuit is held in such high regard is that wild sheep live in some of the most remote and beautiful places in the world. So the experience of hunting a wild sheep is not only incredibly beautiful, but also incredibly challenging. Sheep hunters backpack hunt for 7-10 days in extreme remote wilderness with limited access to the outside world. If you go on a sheep hunt, you will be put through some of the most adventurous mountain experiences humans can be involved with. This book is meant to encompass everything sheep hunting is about – an incredible species, incredible places, and extremely unique people conserve both of those rare elements. Books are for sale on YETI.com as well as an extra 250 Limited Edition books that are currently available through the Wild Sheep Foundation, with all proceeds benefitting their efforts. All purchases made at wildsheepfoundation.org enter you for a chance to win a sheep hunt guided by Midnight Sun Outfitting and photographed by Adam Foss. The winner of the Hunt Giveaway will be announced during the virtual 2021 Sheep Show which will take place from January 11th-16th, 2021.”
The YEIT “Wild Sheep” book will forever find a special place in my library of published works. YETI chose to use about a dozen of my images. From Dall sheep to desert sheep hunting and beautiful landscapes, the photography in this book is up there with the best. Probably as important to me as having my images in the book is being a part of the early discussion about how the book should look and what it should contain. The credit for the heavy lifting goes to Adam Foss for staying focused on its production even while he would have rather been out hunting or photographing sheep hunts.
YETI’s contribution, along with the commitment of the Wild Sheep Foundation together made this one-of-a-kind book, sure to be a collector’s item, possible. Thank you to YETI and the Wild Sheep Foundation for bringing these stories to life. Putting and keeping sheep on the mountain. Proceeds from the book will go to benefit wild sheep.
Tony