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Wild Mushrooms, Photographs

Updated on November 21, 2012

Abstract Muchroom Poster

Napa Mushroom Psychedelic poster
Napa Mushroom Psychedelic poster | Source

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
Winged Fungus | Source

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

Secure Mushroom Family
Secure Mushroom Family | Source

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

Semper-fi Mushroom
Semper-fi Mushroom | Source

Mushroom in the Wild

Captive Napa Shroom
Captive Napa Shroom | Source

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
Mushroom Scout Troop 716 | Source

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
Marshmallow Mushrooms | Source

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-size
Tree Invading MushroomsTilted ShroomInvasion of the Mushrooms Mushroom FanMushroom HillMushroom SubwayStepping Stone fungusTurkey Tail ShroomPine rider ShroomPooling Mushroom RainStairway to Mushroom HeavenCottonball ShroomsFans of MushroomClinging MushroomsShroomy Festival SeatingBowing MushroomNear end MushroomFungus HighwayFleshroomMushroom Chalice
Tree Invading Mushrooms
Tree Invading Mushrooms | Source
Tilted Shroom
Tilted Shroom | Source
Invasion of the Mushrooms
Invasion of the Mushrooms | Source
Mushroom Fan
Mushroom Fan | Source
Mushroom Hill
Mushroom Hill | Source
Mushroom Subway
Mushroom Subway | Source
Stepping Stone fungus
Stepping Stone fungus | Source
Turkey Tail Shroom
Turkey Tail Shroom | Source
Pine rider Shroom
Pine rider Shroom | Source
Pooling Mushroom Rain
Pooling Mushroom Rain | Source
Stairway to Mushroom Heaven
Stairway to Mushroom Heaven | Source
Cottonball Shrooms
Cottonball Shrooms | Source
Fans of Mushroom
Fans of Mushroom | Source
Clinging Mushrooms
Clinging Mushrooms | Source
Shroomy Festival Seating
Shroomy Festival Seating | Source
Bowing Mushroom
Bowing Mushroom | Source
Near end Mushroom
Near end Mushroom | Source
Fungus Highway
Fungus Highway | Source
Fleshroom
Fleshroom | Source
Mushroom Chalice
Mushroom Chalice | Source

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

Napa, California Mushroom Poster
Napa, California Mushroom Poster | Source

What You Think Really Does Matter

Have you taken pictures of wild mushrooms before?

See results

K9KEYSTROKES © 2011

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