Photographing Fungi

[Ukwildlifeo]

Im dont have much experince photographing fungi but one tip I have picked up on WAB meets is to make sure dave walks around and not over the fungi

[matt_xyz]

I tend to use reflectors rather than flash and also use a diffuser on occasions. But I would be uncomfortable with digging up fungi - I use focus stacking as an alternative way of getting a cleaner background. Take a shot at f4 or thereabouts to get a clean background and then merge with a shot (or shots) at whatever aperture is required to get enough DOF in the subject. These shots can then be merged in photoshop.

Matt

[FungiJohn]

Sun light, especially the harsh low light during the main fungi season is the last thing you want when photographing fungi. Give me a cloudy overcast day anytime!

I find it is better to shield the subject and surrounding area (within the frame) and where necessary filling in areas with the aid of a LED head torch. This can also be worn or positioned to allow hands free.

I will use on-board flash to determine any 'post' processing required in CS and occasionally the image taken this way may be fine. It all depends on the size, texture and position of the fungus.

Reflectors / Diffusers IMO are not really necessary for the majority of 'fungal' situations and only add to the carry cost! They are also very cumbersome in setting up and easily damaged in typical woodland scenarios.

Horses for Courses and it's whatever works for you really.

John

[billybob99]

I made a homemade snoot with diffuser at the end out of a catfood box and flashwipe as a diffuser for my hotshoe flash will be trying it tomorrow which should in theory lessen the harshness of the flash went to try it out damn batteries flat in flash

[FungiJus]

Well I spent some time trying a few different things (settings, light etc) at the weekend and ended up with this one which I'm quite pleased with.



Thanks for the inspiration!
J.