Underfoot

[FrankMi]

Did you ever take a stroll off the beaten path through a peaceful forest and admire the streams, birds, foliage and perhaps a squirrel or two frolicking from tree to tree?

If so, have you thought to look down and see what you might be stepping on as you meander in the dappled sunlight streaming through the lacework pattern of leaves rustling in the breeze?

What you might find could surprise you if you look closely. There could be an entirely different world in miniature going about its daily routine right under your feet.

Double-click the scene and delve into exploring the detail and wonder of the forest floor that is 'underfoot'.



My goal with this image is to entice you, the viewer, to become immersed in exploring life's existence on the forest floor and perhaps posting some of your own underfoot images.

C&C is always welcomed.

[Wavelength]

This is awesome... Before reading, i could not have guessed it is a miniature world there!!!

[Mike Buckley]

Parks in the desert of Utah and other areas make a huge point of requiring that visitors stay on the trails. That's because walking off-trail kills vitally important micro-organisms thriving on top of the soil.

[Kaye Leggett]

Frank - I love this shot. Such humble plants but so so beautiful. You've captured them beautifully. And thanks for the challenge........
Shall we add our 'underfeet' pictures to yours or start again - never want to hijack a post?

[FrankMi]

This is awesome... Before reading, i could not have guessed it is a miniature world there!!!

Thank you Nandakumar. Seeing things 'differently' can be, at the same time, both challenging and rewarding.

[FrankMi]

Parks in the desert of Utah and other areas make a huge point of requiring that visitors stay on the trails. That's because walking off-trail kills vitally important micro-organisms thriving on top of the soil.

How true Mike. There is often much more underfoot than we realize.

[FrankMi]

Frank - I love this shot. Such humble plants but so so beautiful. You've captured them beautifully. And thanks for the challenge........
Shall we add our 'underfeet' pictures to yours or start again - never want to hijack a post?

Thank you Kaye! I would be honored to have you and others post their Underfoot images here if they are so inclined.

[Kris V]

Quite a challenge, Frank!
I live in a heavily wooded area, a lot of it still pretty much undeveloped, so when it stops raining (should be tomorrow), I'll definitely go traipsing around and see what I can find "underfoot".

[tbob]

This was November of 2011 so it's cheating a bit to say it's still underfoot. At least it's seasonal for me



And this is pushing it even further as it is July 2013. By the way, the tiny blue dot is actually an insect. Always amazes me that the closer you look the more there is to see. Never even saw it until I cropped and enlarged the image

[FrankMi]

Quite a challenge, Frank!
I live in a heavily wooded area, a lot of it still pretty much undeveloped, so when it stops raining (should be tomorrow), I'll definitely go traipsing around and see what I can find "underfoot".

Neat Kris! I'm looking forward to seeing your neck of the woods, so to speak!

[FrankMi]

This was November of 2011 so it's cheating a bit to say it's still underfoot. At least it's seasonal for me



And this is pushing it even further as it is July 2013. By the way, the tiny blue dot is actually an insect. Always amazes me that the closer you look the more there is to see. Never even saw it until I cropped and enlarged the image

I find the same thing Trevor! You often don't realize what you have until you're home and looking close. I was surprised that I didn't see any insects in my shot but with all the detail there, there could be more than one that I missed!

Thank you for contributing. It's amazing that you were able to capture even the delicate antenna on your little blue friend. Now that is a really sharp capture!

[FrankMi]

Continuing with the Underfoot theme, we sometimes find a lonely flower with a fuzzy neck amidst the greenery.



Anyone else have an 'underfoot' image they would like to post?

[IzzieK]

You've just opened up a very interesting thread, Frank...hope to see many more contributors.

[John 2]

If you don't look, you don't see. I shall be looking - if this rain ever stops!

[dabhand]

A small rock pool - about 9inches across.

No little beasties but a variety of 'vegetation'.



steve

[NorthernFocus]

This is a great theme, Frank. I've always loved contemplating the little details in nature. Just pausing to sit and study a mossy log or a patch of forest floor reveals amazing little details. In high latitudes and/or high elevations, the tundra provides a whole world rendered in miniature. In early summer there is a plethora of tiny flowering plants that must complete the annual cycle in a matter of a few days. Due to the short growing season and severe weather conditions, everything has adapted by being very small thereby requiring few nutrients, growing low to the ground thus wind resistant, and able to sprout, bloom, and go to seed in a very short time span.

Due to being interested in this sort of thing and before I got serious about shooting wildlife I fancied that I'd get into macro. I've put that on hold but once in a while poke about a bit. Here are a couple of shots from over the years that I'm at least not ashamed of.

I believe this is bog rosemary. This shot came at some expense. It was drizzling rain, I was lying on my side on wet moss, and the Alaska mosquitoes were living up to their fierce reputation.



This mountain harebell was taken during a hike in the mountains near my home under much better conditions than the shot above.

[TonyW]

This was taken about 10 years ago, long before I had a DSLR. It is part of my collection of photos which are just textures.

+128-2842_IMG by tonyw36, on Flickr

It is a "turbal", a peat bog, right at the bottom of Argentina in Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia.

[Kris V]

These little blue wild flowers are literally popping up everywhere.

[flashback]

Frank,
Great idea, and in accordance with your invite/challenge, I offer up these:
This was a mound of moss that rose above the leaf litter.


A crocus coming up in late winter.


An interesting play of light on the forest floor.

[Kris V]

This was taken a few years ago.
"Underground Life"