Wild Mushrooms, Photographs
Abstract Muchroom Poster
The Beauty of an Ugly Napa Mushroom (Fun-Guys to Photograph!)
I was perfectly unaware that mushrooms made such interesting photography subjects until I spied them growing with wild abandon in the late Fall of 2010 in my new home-town of Napa, California. Since that time, I have found fascination with these beautifully ugly and Uniquely Wild Mushrooms of Napa.
What's in a Name; a Scientific Mushroom Name That is?
I am not aware of their scientific names or even those attached as a nickname, but for me, none of this matters when it comes to taking their picture. Usually, I am one to get caught up in the intricate details of a subject and must know the secret information unknown to others. However, with this series of photographs, "mushroom" was seemingly enough. Their rustic beauty and odd formations were scientific enough for my curious mind. And so, what you find here today is a number of Beautifully Ugly Photographs of Napa Mushrooms that have been named to simply suit my perception of each image.
Mushroom on the Ground
Winged Fungus
A fanned out rib caught my attention among the pine and leaf litter. In this photograph we witness what looks to be the spreading of a singular, yet powerful wingspan. This wild mushroom, Winged Fungus, appears to be expanding a broad wing from its fleshy body. The intricate row of ribs flex out and back from a fit muscular trunk, showing the perfect imperfections of this 3 inch tall mushroom being framed in lace-like light. It is as if we have peered secretly from behind the tiny near-by ground branches to see what no one has viewed before.
Mushroom Grouping
Semper-fi Mushroom
Ready for battle, this itsy-bitsy mushroom is wearing what could be a protective war helmet. Proudly displaying the dings and scars of the battlefield, this Napa Mushroom, Semper-fi Mushroom, brings a grimace of facial expression when looked upon. The sheen of moisture across its brow and a uniform that shares the frayed edges of survival. This warrior stands tall (2 inches tall) on what appears to be its frail last leg. As any good soldier would, it displays as much strength as it can muster while exuding an impressive measure of battle pride. Reminiscent of an old war-torn soldier, this image brings me a moment of pause. I am inspired with honor for those who wear the uniforms of freedom. A Hardy salute to this little war hero; Semper-fi!
Secure Mushroom Family
This grouping of very tiny Napa mushrooms (the tallest only measuring in at a minuscule 1 inch in height) offered an almost fairytale story as I caught site of how they were nestled together. I could imagine the commonly occurring tiny dirt spattered youngster hovering under the safe harbor of the mother mushrooms umbrella. She and her partner bend slightly to gain a clear view of the youthfully mud-smudged youngster. The rest of the family is shuffled in close to one another as if seeking out the warmth found within the crowd.
The surrounding ground is covered with the cousins and acquaintances of the mushroom family, found in the form of petite moss and finely growing sprigs of grass and clover. Together each layer of this image has its own beauty and natural value. But for me, the Secure Mushroom Family was the main attraction I couldn't take my eyes from.
Little Brown Mushroom
Mushroom in the Wild
Captive Napa Shroom
This image brings with it the feeling of capture and abandonment. The mushroom, Captive Napa Mushroom, appears to be entwined in restraints and somewhat hidden behind the bright green leaves of its captors. Its clearly naked torso holds up the abused wafer-like body of a frail starving prisoner. The skeletal ribbed structure emitting from tightly drawn flesh is visibly disturbing. Tilted by the weakness incarceration brings, it struggles to find its freedom, only to shyly reseed into the damp dregs of its fated captive existence.
Tiny Mushrooms
Mushroom Scout Troop 716
Strolling through my property, I happened upon what appeared to be a traveling troop of (1 inch at their tallest) Mushrooms. The descending size brought back mental images of a long ago scout troop as they hiked through the forest, the smallest hikers trailing off toward the end of the line. This Mushroom Scout Troop 716, thoroughly intrigued me as I cast my memories aside to shoot their portrait. I was certain that campfire stories and smores were in their very near future.
Soft Mushrooms
Marshmallow Mushrooms
This tidy little trio of mushrooms looked velvet soft and golden brown, reminding me of those cool fall nights sitting fireside. Their coloring and protruding stick edged me to recall campfire toasted marshmallows. We always knew the most important tool was the perfect roasting stick. Wrestling one another to grab that one slightly curved but sturdy twig for poking our marshmallows. Constant turning over the flames would render a beautifully golden brown creamy smooth marshmallow for enjoying. These Marshmallow Mushrooms were the image that motivated me to add sugary melted goodness to my dessert plate that evening. I can still taste the soothing sweetness.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
NEVER EAT A WILD MUSHROOM THAT YOU FIND. IT TAKES YEARS OF STUDY TO DETERMINE WHICH WILD MUSHROOMS ARE SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION. ONLY EXPERTS CAN MAKE A SAFE ASSESSMENT OF WILD MUSHROOMS.
Want to learn a quick and easy way to grow edible mushrooms at home?
Unique Mushroom Photographs
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeMore Fascinating Mushroom Photo Fun!
- Pictures of Mushrooms and Fungi - Wild ones!
Take a look at all the many interesting photos that my cousin Bill and I took of mushrooms and fungi growing in our respective areas of the country. Not only are they beautiful but they serve various purposes which I found to be very interesting whe - 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 "Southern Tier" of Western New York. Man
What do You See When You Look Through Your Camera Lens?
Find your own every day object and turn it into an image that shows just how unusual, usual can truly be. These beautifully ugly photos of Napa mushrooms offer an interesting look at what we normally would walk past or kick into the street. When taking your own pictures, slow down a bit and SEE the things around you. Possibly you will find something very special among the mundane.
Mushroom Poster
What You Think Really Does Matter
Have you taken pictures of wild mushrooms before?
K9KEYSTROKES © 2011