What’s so fascinating about fungi?

[jaybie]

Now I have your attention this is a serious question but just a bit of background.

A couple of years ago I took up photography as a hobby again after a few years relapse. I can’t walk too far but fortunately there are quite a few small reserves etc. close by in Nottinghamshire I can visit. This has meant that quite a bit of my photography is of local wildlife and is something I really enjoy.

Having been drawn to WAB as a browser I recently joined and have been looking through the various forums and of course the fungi forum hence the question. I think I only have one shot of fungi in my collection and that is because I stumbled on it one day and thought “that’s pretty colours” but they are not something that I have actively sought out.

As a result of my browsing I find myself being fascinated by colours, variation, species (varieties?) within this forum/Gallery. There also seems to be a core of dedicated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic members here where I struggle to identify the mushrooms in Sainsbury’s and they’ve got labels.

I suppose my question should really be rephrased to “what is it that you find so fascinating about fungi?”

Sorry for rambling (no pun intended), JohnB

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by jaybie

Now I have your attention this is a serious question but just a bit of background.

A couple of years ago I took up photography as a hobby again after a few years relapse. I can’t walk too far but fortunately there are quite a few small reserves etc. close by in Nottinghamshire I can visit. This has meant that quite a bit of my photography is of local wildlife and is something I really enjoy.

Having been drawn to WAB as a browser I recently joined and have been looking through the various forums and of course the fungi forum hence the question. I think I only have one shot of fungi in my collection and that is because I stumbled on it one day and thought “that’s pretty colours” but they are not something that I have actively sought out.

As a result of my browsing I find myself being fascinated by colours, variation, species (varieties?) within this forum/Gallery. There also seems to be a core of dedicated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic members here where I struggle to identify the mushrooms in Sainsbury’s and they’ve got labels.

I suppose my question should really be rephrased to “what is it that you find so fascinating about fungi?”

Sorry for rambling (no pun intended), JohnB

Where does one start to answer a question such as this!

An easy start is perhaps to welcome you to WAB … Welcome John, I hope you enjoy!

You can find fungi at any time of the year and the sheer variety is amazing.
They can differ in Size, shape, colour, texture, smell and taste. For anyone wishing to photograph them they are much easier than other wildlife. They don’t move, you can’t frighten them away and you can find them almost anywhere … woodlands and forests. Grassland, meadows, scrub land, bogs, road verges, gardens, cemeteries, parks, nurseries, sand dunes … to name a few!

You have only got to view the Gallery to appreciate the true beauty of fungi. Apart from this, some are edible too and providing you are 100% of your identity you should enjoy them far more than the plain supermarket types.

Yes, there are several people on WAB who are indeed ‘dedicated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic’ and this number is increasing all the time. This fact alone should indicate the level of fascination, passion and the ever need to learn more.

I’m sure others will add their comments but if you need further proof just visit Clumber Park one day and have a very short stroll down Lime Tree Avenue or Clumber Lane. You wouldn’t have to walk very far and I can assure you of a better understanding of the fascination of fungi!

Enjoy!

John

[ron1863]

Welcome to WAB jaybie. I think John has given you an excellent answer to your question.
I too became hooked on fungi just over a year ago but my god, they are difficult to ID even fungi of the same species can look so different, though there are a few you can identify fairly easily. Iregualrly find myself lying face down photographing fungi and getting some strange looks from passers-by, but as John says, they don't move or go anywhere and they are beautiful.

[jaybie]

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

I’m sure others will add their comments but if you need further proof just visit Clumber Park one day and have a very short stroll down Lime Tree Avenue or Clumber Lane. You wouldn’t have to walk very far and I can assure you of a better understanding of the fascination of fungi!

Funnily enough my best (only) fungi shot was taken by the lake at Hardwick. Next time I'm in Clumber I will try Lime Tree Ave.

Originally Posted by ron1863

I regualrly find myself lying face down photographing fungi and getting some strange looks from passers-by, but as John says, they don't move or go anywhere and they are beautiful.

I have had the same problem with butterflies etc. but not half as bad as when I try to get up - poor old knees

John