BetcherBottomPhoto
FollowViews
1339
Likes
Awards
Zenith Award
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
Top Shot Award 21
Featured
Contest Finalist in Pro Macro Shots Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Love it
Top Ranks
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken among the Fort Ord ruins in Monterey Bay, CA. Fort Ord was one of my favorite places to explore when I was out in California. In the fall time, the ground would be moist from the morning dew so amazing mushrooms such as this one would pop through the ground all over! I base my business off of portraiture but detailed shots like this are my favorite. I love focusing in on the folds and intricate details of mushrooms. They are all so unique!Time
I believe I shot this in the early morning, maybe around 8 or 9. I remember seeing dew on the fallen leaves while I was walking through the low hanging cypress trees covered in beautiful spanish moss.Lighting
Since it was in the morning when I shot this, the lighting was golden! I wanted to really focus in on the gills of this mushroom and to achieve that, I was basically standing on my head to get as low as possible!Equipment
I rarely bring a tripod because I can be forgetful and often times don't need it. All I used for this shot was my Nikon D5200 with my 35-55mm lens. I believe I also used a macro lens attachment so i could focus in closer.Inspiration
During this time frame, I was obsessed with finding mushrooms and photographing them. This day, I had stumbled upon, what seemed like, a grove of different mushrooms poking through the dirt. It was like a mad easter egg hunt. Dashing around capturing the variety of species and once I came upon this one, I knew I had the shot I was looking for that day.Editing
I do some post-processing. I enhance the whites and shadows of each image just to give it a little extra oomf! I also adjust the clarity and contrast.In my camera bag
I, of course, always have my Nikon D5200! I also carry my flash, back up camera and flash batteries, back up memory cards, my lens filters, and my zoom lens!Feedback
If you are looking to capture the beauty and uniqueness of mushrooms and fungus, do it during the wet season in your area and make sure to get out in the mornings! Lighting is always better and that's when mushrooms are at their peak!