One of my favourite 'fungi photographers' is Guy Edwardes, and this really has a 'Guy look' to it. The low, worm's eye perspective, shallow depth of field, and beautiful bokeh combine to create a lovely seasonal image. The use of a telephoto macro helps make the subject 'pop' from its surroundings. A classy shot - well done.
When using a shallow depth of field to isolate your subject, it is helpful to find mushrooms growing close together, and (effectively) on the same focal plane. It is easier to record them all sharply in focus this way. This is a lovely little group, and their progressive sizes really add interest to the shot. I love the use of negative space here. This is a beautifully simple and striking shot.
This is a gorgeous shot, expertly composed, illuminated, and captured. I remember seeing this photo after it won its category in IGPOTY a few yers ago. The motion of the spray adds interest, texture, and energy to the photo. Backlighting highlights the subject's form and also the intricacy of the fungi's delicate gills. A visually stunning image. Well done.
When shooting macro and close-ups, it's tempting to always fill the frame with your subject. However, results can look predictable, generic, and lack a sense of scale and place. I love this environmental portrait - the result conveys so much more about the subject and its habitats than a simple close-up. The misty woodland adds atmosphere and mystery. This is a well composed and balanced image.
So many fungi images are ruined due to messy backgrounds, distracting debris, twigs, and clutter. Have you heard of the KISS principal? It is an acronym for 'Keep it simple, stupid!'. Simplicity is often brilliantly effective. In this instance, backlighting highlights the subject, and the mushrooms standout boldly from their dark surrounds. A really striking and successful shot - simple!
You can be creative with fungi, and I was pleased to see some slightly more arty, unconventional entries like this. I love the shallow depth of field in this instance, which really directs the eye to the subject's detail and texture. The clean, diffused background and lighting help produce a really pleasing result.
This is such a wonderfully autumnal scene. Background choice is really important when photographing fungi - and the warm, clean backdrop in this instance really enhances the shot. Stacking has enabled the photographer to capture the mushroom sharply throughout, but maintain a diffused background. I like the placement of the little leaf - it adds interest and scale.
There were a number of nice lichen photographs, such as this one, entered into the contest. Although not fungi in the traditional sense, lichen is the result of a symbiotic partnership between fungus and alga. Therefore, I believe any photographs of lichen still quality under the theme. I love the texture and contrast found within this close-up.
I've seen this photo previously and I really like the innovation - it is a well constructed and captured image. To win awards, photographs need to standout and be both good technically and aesthetically. The wisps of incense really add interest and mystery to the shot. The composition, depth of field, and lighting are excellent too. A well executed shot - well done.
This 'environmental portrait' style might not have the instant impact of a frame-filling close-up, but I think this is a beautifully captured shot - thoughtfully composed, nicely balanced, and with a great sense of place. Fly agaric are often found close to silver birch trees, so this photograph really does provide context. The warm seasonal colours create a perfect backdrop for the dominant red, 'fairytail' toadstool.
It is always good to see a different take on a well-photographed subject. It's a shame the photographer didn't share the story behind this image. I love the context created by using a wide-angle lens, and the water's motion adds interest and beauty. I wonder if the photographer used a torch to illuminate the fungi and help them standout? It is an interesting shot, although I do find that spot of light in the background a distraction.
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This fascinating group of organisms is a favourite subject of photographers, and often the biggest challenge is simply finding them in the first place. They have a habit of remaining unseen until looked for! Photography gives us a reason to get out and explore, and what better way than to go on a fungi forage, and capture what you find.
This might be accidental, but it's important to never pick or intentionally damage mushrooms and toadstools for the sake of photography. Flowering and non-flowering plants should always be photographed in situ. Feel free to gently remove debris using a brush, or do a spot of 'gardening' to produce a cleaner background, but always avoid damage - nature photographers have a responsibility to their subject.
