Anyone else photographing fungi?

**Geoff F** · 5th November 2014, 07:44 PM

I recently mentioned that when insects begin to disappear during our northern autumn weather, fungi make suitable replacement subjects.

Well here are a few examples; but I'm still learning the techniques, so I expect other people can do better!

Honey Fungus

Showing the stem and underside often helps with identification.

This looks like a group of Mycena to me. Possibly Mycena inclinata?

And a really chunky totally different fungus. Probably a Birch Polypore.

So if anybody else is photographing fungi - let's see some photos.

I will add some totally different 'designs' shortly. After I finish with the editing.

**Kris V** · 6th November 2014, 12:54 AM

Over the years, I have photographed hundreds of fungi. I can probably fill a photo book with these pictures.

Here are a few from last week - taken with a P&S in jpg only. Very little editing.....just too lazy today

**Ziggy** · 6th November 2014, 01:24 AM

Nice shots by both. Like #3 Geoff.

I can add a few when I have time.

Jim

**Shadowman** · 6th November 2014, 01:26 AM

Originally Posted by Geoff F

I recently mentioned that when insects begin to disappear during our northern autumn weather, fungi make suitable replacement subjects.

Well here are a few examples; but I'm still learning the techniques, so I expect other people can do better!

Honey Fungus

Showing the stem and underside often helps with identification.

This looks like a group of Mycena to me. Possibly Mycena inclinata?

And a really chunky totally different fungus. Probably a Birch Polypore.

So if anybody else is photographing fungi - let's see some photos.

I will add some totally different 'designs' shortly. After I finish with the editing.

Nice series, looking forward to seeing more.

**Shadowman** · 6th November 2014, 01:27 AM

Originally Posted by Kris V

Over the years, I have photographed hundreds of fungi. I can probably fill a photo book with these pictures.

Here are a few from last week - taken with a P&S in jpg only. Very little editing.....just too lazy today

Nice images.

**killwilly** · 6th November 2014, 08:04 AM

IMG_0352.JPG 7D by killwilly, on Flickr

**Geoff F** · 6th November 2014, 06:53 PM

Some good images being added. Let's see if we can keep this thread running for a while.

Anybody else willing to attempt putting names to the fungi?

Here are some more from the same day as my previous posts. Trying to find some totally different looking subjects.

Gymnopilus hybridus (possibly)

Hypoxylon nummularium which doesn't look like a typical fungus

Stereum hirsutum I think. An encrusting fungus which I found to be tricky to photograph

Xylaria hypoxylon. Just one inch high and bright white with a black base. Something which I have attempted to photograph several times but have never been really happy with the results.

**AlwaysOnAuto** · 6th November 2014, 07:14 PM

Geoff, could you please describe your macro setup if that is what you're using.

**deetheturk** · 6th November 2014, 07:47 PM

Lovely captures Geoff!

**Geoff F** · 6th November 2014, 08:03 PM

Two options depending on the subject.

For insects, I normally shoot with a 7D plus Sigma 180 macro lens, often with a 1.4x converter for those really small subjects. Obviously on a tripod and frequently with flash.

But for a lot of fungi, flash just creates too much 'hotspot' issues, and because they aren't going to run away, I can cope with long exposures. Avoiding strong sunlight often works best for the same reasons. Cable release and sometimes mirror lock up are useful options. And being a little larger I don't need the converter.

However, for a lot of flower and fungi work I prefer my Tamron 24-70 lens, still with tripod. This lens, which will get to around 8 ins from the subject, produces a deeper area of sharp focus which is handy, but sometimes I still have to take a couple of shots with different focus points then do a merge.

Exposure is tricky when you get a fairly light coloured subject in deep shadow. Taking a bracket of exposures can help if you manage to get your tripod stable. Otherwise I often produce a couple of Raw conversions with different settings and merge them. It is nice to show something of the background and that can help with identification

I usually try to work with an aperture between F11 and F14, trying to keep the Iso at 400 or less, but occasionally I need to increase to 800.

Taking a Custom White balance is useful as it gives a fairly accurate starting point for editing. Otherwise, selecting one of the pre set WB options is better than relying totally on auto in these difficult lighting conditions. Another reason for shooting Raw.

And, of course, manual focusing nearly all the time.

**AlwaysOnAuto** · 6th November 2014, 09:11 PM

Thanks!
I'm just starting out in macro myself so this input is appreciated.

**Geoff F** · 6th November 2014, 09:23 PM

Just remember the old warning. 'Macro photography can be addictive and may seriously damage your wealth'.

**AlwaysOnAuto** · 6th November 2014, 10:21 PM

Addictive yes, damaging...well I've kept myself in check on getting a macro lens for some time now. My son recently gifted me an old 55mm Nikkor I'd found on Craigslist so that is taken care of in respect to my D7000. I have an extension for my old LTM's that I'm using in conjunction with my Nex 7, so I think I've got enough 'exploring' to do without spending any money for quite a while.
We shall see what the future holds CLOSEUP!

**marlunn** · 6th November 2014, 11:20 PM

was in Lincoln a few weekends and took these at Whisby nature reserve
Possibly brown Roll Rim - Paxillus involutus but not convinced

Cep - Penny Bun - Boletus edulis

Possibly Inonotus radiatus but was on live birch so does not fit well

The Blusher - Amanita rubesence

And a long standing favourite Fly agaric - Amanita mucaria

**FrankMi** · 7th November 2014, 02:03 AM

I am impressed with how many great fungi images are in this thread, and from a wide group of shooters as well! I'll need to get off my posterior and see what fungi I can find based on this fine encouragement! Thanks one and all for posting!