First Fungi Shots

[Rebel]

I spotted these on the side of a country road while driving yesterday. I have never seen fungi like this before, so have no idea what it is?

EDIT: I have done a bit of research and they are Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria), quite common apparently.

http://www.first-nature.com/fungi/amanita-muscaria.php

As for the shots, I would love some C&C because I don't normally do this sort of photography. And the Tamron 90mm lens is still pretty new to me. I don't feel I've focused in the right places and struggled with the highlights.

#1


#2


#3

[marlunn]

Look pretty good to me, yep Fly Agaric, the wet surface wont have helped with highlights but nice shots that show the habitat as well as the gills and ring so most of the required ID features included. its been a good year for fungi

[John 2]

It's been terrible around here. I have been out a few times and not seen a one. Your right Matt, the wetness has done you no favours but they were worth capturing. Well nibble but I think that to us at least, they are relatively toxic. I wonder what eats them.

[Rebel]

Cheers both, I can't remember the last time it didn't rain!

[marlunn]

I wonder what eats them.

I have seen slugs tucking in to them, they are used by laplanders for 'recreational trips' but they are toxic to the point that they can kill so its a dangerous game, not one I would be tempted with

[bnnrcn]

My best is #2

[Geoff F]

The only thing I would say, Matt, is that at F3.5 you are lacking in focus depth. But if shooting handheld you don't really have much option. That is always a hazard when shooting in dull light conditions. Flash is an option but it often causes over exposure problems on damp or shiny surfaces.

For this sort of scene I would be looking at F11 or narrower; and possibly two or three shots with different focus points which could then be merged together using suitable software.

However, I would be shooting on a stable tripod and with relatively long exposures.

[Shadowman]

Nice images.

[IzzieK]

I have never seen anything in person like these mushrooms. It looks like one that came from Disneyland. Very pretty. Ours here are either white or orangy in colours. If I have to choose a favourite here, I'd choose #2 and #3 from #1.

[Rebel]

Thanks for the comments guys, its not a subject I'll take many shots of, but they were so unusual to me.

[BrianA61]

Like what others have said, a greater DOF would've made these shots better. That said, based on what you've got with these, I would increase the temp and "warm" these up slightly. It would make the colors pop a little more. To me, they appear a little on the blue side. I like the composition of #3. The only drawback is the shallow DOF. Other than that, they are very good shot. Like you, I've never seen these and just happened to discover them(and others) on a trip to Alaska this past August. Here are my examples of fungi shots.

Here's looking at you!