Photographing Mushrooms
Mushrooms Are Fascinating Photo Subjects
A friend called me a "camera nut" and I guess you could say that I'm crazy about photography.
Several summers ago in New Hampshire, it was particularly rainy which restricted some of our usual activities of kayaking and other sunny day pursuits. Due to the excessive rain, conditions were perfect for mushrooms and they were popping up everywhere. There were all colors and sizes of mushrooms.
That's when I discovered I had a passion for mushrooms. Capturing these with my camera became my new summer hobby. I don't know all their names yet, but gradually I'm learning more about mushrooms, lichens and related fungi.
Photo by Virginia Allain
Wander Through the Woods to Find Mushrooms - Photo by Virginia Allain
They usually like shade and soil that's rich in leaf mold or like the ones in this photo, they cluster on decaying wood.
Finding Names for the Mushrooms - guides available from Amazon
You can like mushrooms just for their looks, but I like to know their names and more about them. Here are guides for that. The one I'm recommending here is the National Audubon Field Guide. You can't go wrong with them.
There are many other reliable guides, so check out the ones at the public library. Decide which one suits you best and buy your own copy for home use.
An Unusual Mushroom (the coral mushroom)
Caution - Use Care
Don't Handle the Mushrooms, Some May Be Poisonous
- List of Poisonous Mushrooms & Poison Mushrooms Pictu...
A full list of poisonous mushrooms including the most poisonous mushroom will be provided to you in this article. Some basics on identifying and avoiding these poisonous mushrooms will also be provided, along with poison mushrooms pictures.
Odd Puffball in New Hampshire
I love photographing nature. I am out walking daily in the summer and love seeing mushrooms especially when they are attached to fallen logs. I love the smell of mushrooms especially when its damp and the leaves are on the ground.
Red Mushroom in New Hampshire
Get Down Low to Take Pictures from More Angles
Identified Mushrooms to Match to the Ones You Photograph
- Name the New Hampshire Mushrooms
I've taken hundreds of photos of mushrooms in New Hampshire. Trying to identify them can be tricky. Join me in seeking the right names for these fungi. I'll share the photos I have and see what names are suggested by visitors to this page. Once we... - Pictures of Mushrooms in Western New York
The State of New York has a beautiful array of mushrooms and other fungi growing among the oak, maple, and beech forests. This photo gallery of orange and yellow mushrooms was taken in Frewsburg, a town in the
Mushroom Photo Series by V. Allain - Click on each photo to see it larger and read the caption
Tuck a Plastic Grocery Bag into Your Pocket
If it rains, you can use it to shield your precious camera. Actually you might want a couple of these. They protect your knees from damp ground when you kneel to take a close shot.
The bags are handy if you bring home discoveries from your photo walk too like an interesting pinecone or a pretty rock.
More of My Mushroom Photos -
Wow, Here's Someone Else Who's a Mushroom Photographer
This is a nice interview with this Canadian photographer talking about his passion for photographing mushrooms.
This Is the Camera I Used for All the Photos Shown Here
Do You Take Mushroom Photos?
Vote in the Poll
A Demonstration of Taking Mushroom Photos
He recommends various equipment and demonstrates taking mushroom photos.
Photography Tips for Fungi
Gear to Help You Get Great Mushroom Photos
The tripod or the bean bag are great for steadying the camera. With macro photos, any little shakiness shows up.
You might want a photographer's vest if you carry much equipment with you on your photo walks. These have lots of pockets to hold lenses and other gear that you might need.
The Most Important Things for Taking Mushroom Photos
Get in close & keep the camera still.
An Overhead Shot Looking Straight Down
Sometimes It's Too Shady for Good Photos
You don't want to use the flash if you can help it. That washes out the subject and gives it a flat look.
A Disc Reflector Is the Solution for Lighting Problems
Offset the Mushroom Slightly in the Photo
How to Tote Your Photography Gear
Khaki Vest with Many Pockets
More Photography Tips from Virginia Allain
- Heart of the Flower by Virginia Allain
I love macro photography and particularly enjoy taking close-ups of flowers. Enjoy my pretty pictures and I hope it inspires you to take some yourself. - Take a Fall Photography Walk
Autumn has perfect weather for a walk with your camera. There's plenty of colorful subjects to photograph. Here are tips for making the most of your fall photo walk.
Cluster of Mushrooms
Others Who Take Mushroom Photos
- Wild Mushrooms, Photographs
A Vivid Photo Gallery of Wild Mushrooms. These professional freelance Images of Mushrooms have been shot in their natural environment in Napa Calif. You will find unique story lines accompany some of the authors favorite Mushroom Pictures. - Photographing Mushrooms
Photographing mushrooms is perhaps one of the last things you may think of, but you'll get hooked on it. Read on...
© 2010 Virginia Allain
