Positioning The Camera

Once you have found an interesting fungus to photograph the fun really starts. Some thought needs to go into how to get the best results and make use of available light.

Framing

Frame the subject to suit your end purpose if this for entry into competition then the rule of thirds comes into play or as in my case, for my web site then fungi are usually centred in landscape mode. If for printing then ether landscape or portrait orientation works fine.

Obstructions

So often plants, trees, large branches, rocks or similar lie between you and the fungus. You also need some room to sit and look into your view finder. Plants and leaf litter can be moved or pined back out of the way. If trees or rocks then you will have no choose but to move the camera.

Sloping Ground

Even the slope of the ground can cause problems I have on a few occasions found myself hanging on for dear life as I try to position myself and the tripod on a step bank. Hoping I don't lose grip and end up down a steep gully head first! On the other hand positioning the camera down from a fungus and looking up allow you show some of the under side of the fungus which can be an advantage.

Damage

Unfortunately photographers are not the only ones who like fungi its not uncommon to find chunks missing out of them after been eaten by insects. Or damaged by leaf litter or branches having fallen on them. Photographing them from a different direction can cover this or simply move on and hope to find a better specimen.

Angle of View

The angle to position the camera depends on what features you wish to show and species to been photographed. Ground Level Taken from ground level shows well the shape of the fungus and any features on the stalk and if you are lucky the gills. For the club and coral fungi this is usually the best but for agarics its not the case as there is often detail in the cap that cant be seen. Above From this angle the cap of an agarics is shown off well but gives you very little idea as to what it is you are looking at. This angle does work well for many of the cup fungi that don't have stalk or the woody bracket fungi that grow from the sides of dead trees. An Angle This is the direction I chose most often for agarics showing well the both the cap and some of the stalk. Its still a bit of a compromise as you are still left not been able to see the gills.or the top of the stalk .

Two Sides

Keep in mind fungi have two sides. If one side looks a little boring then check out the other. Trying to get the camera underneath can be a problem. If you are lucky it might be on wood which can be turn other wise try using a mirror.

Closer

Don't be shy about moving in close to show fine detail or interesting patterns or colours. This can also help with showing fine detail needed for identifying the fungus.

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