Fly Agaric

Until last week I had never seen a Fly Agaric in the flesh as they just don't seem to grow in many sites that I'm aware of. However, I recently received a tip-off of a local site where they do grow and I was very pleased to find a few there when I visited. The biggest challenge seems to be to find one that hasn't been eaten by slugs (or squirrels?) and to find one that is vaguely accessible with a camera.

This one isn't exactly in pristine condition but I liked it's classic 'toadstool' shape. To keep the background relatively clear I shot at f5.6 and focus stacked the actual mushroom from 4 individual frames.

Canon 5D with Sigma 150mm, 4 frames each at f5.6 and 1/5 sec, ISO 50, tripod, MLU, cable release.

Here's a 1000 pixel version.

All C+C welcomed.

Matt

The large version is fantastic Matt, love the depth of field and general setting and colours

Simon

It may be just me Matt but feel the subject needs to jump out a little more from its surroundings. Pehaps a little adjustment whilst isolating the main subject?

Major

A smidgen off the bottom to reduce the OOF area would make it for me. I like the subject, makes a change from the usual perfect specimens. I hope to see some at Dunham Massey tomorrow.

thanks Simon, Major and David.

I'm wondering from Major's comment whether the image could do with a contrast boost? To my eyes it looks broadly OK in that regard but I'd welcome other opinions. The lack of comments suggest people aren't taken by this image so all constructive criticism gratefully received!

Matt

More comments than my last post, you can please some of the people........