Ducks Unlimited

Dr. Shotyk’s Elmvale, Ontario Homestead and Wetland

In late August 2022, Ducks Unlimited asked us to travel to Elmvale, Ontario to meet Dr. William Shotyk at his generational family homestead. He has been spending summers there, revitalizing the landscape by building a wetland area. Ducks Unlimited has partnered with him to create the proper habitat, encouraging native species to thrive. When we arrived he did not come to the door, but rather summoned us to ‘come on in!’ from deep within the century old farm house. Perhaps that accurately describes Bill. He is friendly, curious, and engaging.

Upon arrival, the Ducks Unlimited team joined us for a tour around the property. Bill eagerly lead us to the back wetland he has worked so hard to develop.

Things get META. A picture of Bill taking a picture of OOAK taking an aerial pic to match the 1938 picture of Bill’s farm.

Indirectly promoting an organization by telling a story about one of their supporters is a great way to make the content more relatable. We aren’t creating an advertisement about Ducks Unlimited, we are sharing a story about a man who is honouring the legacy of his family by transforming the land to incorporate and support nature. Bill’s story makes us think about what we might leave behind, and what we could do to better protect species with which we share our land.

For the interview, we found a spot overlooking the Wye River, and despite the sound of the stream below us, it was just too beautiful a spot to pass up. With the sun behind Bill’s head, a simple white bounce provided enough fill to offset the shadow.

Interview Setup: Sony FX6, Sony FX3, G Master Lenses, Rode NTG4

The passion of Ducks Unlimited to seek out land owners, support their conservation efforts, and then tell their stories, is something we are very proud to be a part of. Please take a few moments to follow Ducks Unlimited, watch the story below, like, share, and subscribe. The more this story travels, the more Bill’s effort will inspire others to think about conservation opportunities on their own lands.