10 Recording the fungus world with lenses

Over the past fifteen years, I have recorded over 500 mushroom species through lenses, providing thousands of scientific photos for academic research, and guiding countless beginners to avoid common pitfalls of photography recordings.This guide will share these experiences to help you create mushroom photography records that are both artistic and scientific.

Practical case: Last fall, I discovered an unfamiliar amanita in the redwood forest in Northern California.Through the seven angle photos taken by the system, I was able to work remotely with three experts and finally confirmed that this was a variant that has not been officially documented yet.Without those detailed photos, this discovery is almost impossible.

Human memory is selective and distorted over time.I thought I clearly remembered the smell and texture of a mushroom, and I didn’t realize that my memory was biased until I compared the photos and notes.

Scientific basis: Research shows that people forget about 70% of the details of observation after 48 hours.Photos capture subtle features that you thought weren't important at the time but later found key.

Professional Insights: With platforms like iNaturalist, photos of amateurs are changing mycology.In 2019, a photo of a Washington state hiker led to the discovery of a new bolete.Your records may have scientific value that you would not expect.

Specific contributions include:

Real Story: In 2018, a family in Colorado mistakenly ate poisonous mushrooms, and their photos helped the poison control center determine the species within minutes and guide the correct treatment.

On the legal level, clear photos can:

Mushrooms are inseparable from their environment.Many species form mycorrhizal relationships with specific tree species, and growth matrix (soil, wood species) is the key clue for identification.

Common errors: Focusing too much on mushroom close-ups and ignoring the environmental background, losing ecological related information.

Fungal folds, holes or tooth-like structures are the main basis for mushroom classification.Their color, density and attachment provide decisive evidence.

Experts suggest: This is the most often overlooked but often the most important angle.The identification characteristics of many lethal poisonous mushrooms are at the base.

Internal color, texture and structure are the decisive characteristics of many genera, such as Lactobacillus.

Scientific basis: Without reference objects, it is difficult for the human brain to accurately judge the size.The scale provides objective data.

Professional Insights: Spore color is a decisive feature of identification in many genera, such as Amanita.

The latest flagship phones can produce scientific-grade photos in good light.The macro modes of devices like the iPhone 14 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are impressive.

When to upgrade: When you start to study hard or need publishing-grade picture quality, investing in a dedicated camera is a reasonable choice.

In macro photography, the depth of field is measured in millimeters.f/16 may only provide a clear range of a few millimeters.

1. Fix the camera on a tripod

2. Take multiple photos from the nearest to the farthest point

3. Synthesize using Helicon Focus or Photoshop

4. Obtain a completely clear image from front to back

First complete all scientific recording angles to ensure that the identification needs are met, and then create artistic photos.

`YYYYMMDD_LocationGenus_species_Number_View.ext`

Practical examples:

`20231015_RedwoodPark_Amanita_muscaria_01_habitat.jpg`

`20231015_RedwoodPark_Amanita_muscaria_02_cap.jpg`

`20231015_RedwoodPark_Amanita_muscaria_03_gills.jpg`

```

Mushroom_Photos/

├── 2023/

│ ├── 10_October/

│ │ ├── 15_Redwood_Park/

│ │ │ ├── Amanita_muscaria/

│ │ └── Boletus_edulis/

│ └── 22_Maple_Forest/

│ └── 11_November/

└── Species_Library/

├── Amanita/

│ ├── muscaria/

│ └── phalloides/

└── Boletus/

└── edulis/

```

1. RAW format shooting retains maximum information

2. Basic adjustments are made by Lightroom or similar software

3. Export as high-quality JPEG for sharing

4. Keep the original file and never modify it

Problem: Only shoot "beautiful" angles, missing out on key identification features.

Solution: Use standardized checklists to develop system shooting habits.

Problem: Base features such as fungal tracts are key identification points for many deadly poisonous mushrooms.

Solution: Carefully dig out the mushrooms intact, specifically to take close-ups at the base.

Problem: Can't accurately judge the size and reduce scientific value.

Solution: At least one photo contains professional scales, and multiple photos are better.

Problem: Hard shadows cover details, wrong colors mislead identification.

Solution: Wait for the right light or use fill light equipment.

Problem: Beautiful photos become unusable isolated images.

Solution: Create a field recording system with photos containing data tags.

Problem: Rare records are lost due to equipment failure.

Solution: Complete multiple backups on the same day, following the principle of 3-2-1.

Problem: Distorted colors and features lead to misidentification.

Solution: Establish ethical boundaries and keep scientific records true.

Quality mushroom photography is much more than technical skills – it is a combination of observation, scientific method and artistic sense.Through the systematic approach of this guide, you will be able to create fungal records that are both scientifically valuable and aesthetically charming.

1. Systematicity over chance: Establishing standardized workflows

2. Details determine identification: Each angle has its purpose

3. Data gives meaning: Photos without background are limited in value

4. Technical Services for Purpose: Selecting the Right Tools and Methods

5. Ethical guidance practice: True records, honest handling

Next time you step into the forest and observe the fungal world with a new perspective.Not only are you looking for beautiful specimens, but you are also thinking about how to tell the story of each mushroom through your lens.Starting today, build your personal fungal illustrations in a systematic way - this is not only a valuable resource for personal learning, but also a real contribution to science and nature conservation.

Remember, the best camera is the one you know how to make the most of it.Technology will advance, but keen observation and systematic methodology are eternal professional assets.

I wish you a smooth shooting, rich records and continuous discoveries!

*The author of this article is a professional mycologist and nature photographer, with 15 years of outdoor experience and thousands of mushroom shooting records.All recommendations are based on actual field testing and professional application verification.*

1. Life safety first: There are inherent risks in the identification of wild mushrooms.Many toxic mushrooms look very similar to edible mushrooms, and accidentally ingesting them can lead to serious illness or even death.

2. Professional identification required: Before eating any wild mushrooms, 100% confirmation must be performed by a professional mycologist or certified mushroom identification expert.Photos, text descriptions and personal experience are not sufficient to ensure safety.

3. Individual Differences: Even recognized edible mushrooms may cause adverse reactions due to factors such as personal constitution, allergic reactions, consumption method or mushroom growth environment.Try in small quantities when eating a new variety for the first time.

4. Geographical differences: There are huge differences in mushroom species and toxicity in different regions.The information mentioned in this article may not apply to your region.Please consult local mycology experts and authoritative organizations.

5. Professional Responsibility: The author and the publisher shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damage, disease or loss arising from the use of the information in this article.