Essential Tips for Fungi Photography

In this week's video, we'll explore 4 essential tips for Fungi photography.
If you've enjoyed the video, I'd be delighted if you'd like to browse further images, read blogs and watch more videos via my website:
My Website: jimmymcdonnell.ie
Photography Equipment Used in My Videos:
Nikkor Z8
Nikon Z 14-30mm f4
Nikon Z 24-120mm f4
Nikon Z 100-400mm f4.5-5.6
Nikon 400MM f2.8 FL ED and F mount TCs (1.4, 1.7,2.0)
Nikon 105mm MC 2.8
Sony RX 100V
Nikon D810 IR Conversion 720nm and 24-120mm f4
Benro Rhino FRHN@4C (Light, Tall and Sturdy Enough)
Vlogging:
Osmo Pocket 3
DJI Mic 2

[@snowmanninja2]

It's usually best to not open your aperture all the way up for macro stacks in my experience. Go down about two stops and your images will be sharper.

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Hi Snowmanninja2, Thanks for the sharing your experience. I've never found an issue with sharpness relating to aperture in macro - in so far as getting images that are sharp enough for me. Technical charts will show the Nikkor 105mm Z sharper at f4 but 2.8 is very, very sharp. It's just not a consideration for me in the field. Or is your experience just related to stacked images ? Aperture linked to bokeh is of more interest to me. It would be great if you could share your work . Thanks for watching. Jimmy

[@snowmanninja2]

​@@jimmymcdonnell9435 It's just for stacking- I almost always do stacks. When I was starting out macro I always shot wide open. I did some research to improve and using your lens' sharpest aperture was just a piece of wisdom I picked up along the way. I think it was from an Allan Walls video. Your photos look plenty sharp, but I've found that when stacking images in Helicon Focus at least, sharpness is key for getting the best results. I noticed some of your stacks have "halos" or blurry rings around intersecting edges. It may help with that- or at least since I started doing it, those have been less of an issue (you can also manually touch them up in the software sometimes). But I'm still learning! As for bokeh, I get nice pleasing blurred backgrounds when I'm shooting at or close to 1:1 at f5.6 on my canon ef-s 60mm lens. I don't have a website or anywhere to share my work yet but artists like you inspire me to put myself out there, so maybe sometime soon!

[@noelhewitt7434]

Fab vid Jimmy. Very bad year for fungi locally to me.. nothing fir some strange reason. I've had my eye on 3 local woodlands that usually have a carpet of mushrooms but unfortunately nothing this year. Great pics as always.

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Hi Noel, Same in Wicklow. But I’ll be ready for next year - got me hooked. Fascinating and beautiful. Jimmy

[@KeyserTheRedBeard]

Impressive video, Jimmy Mc Donnell. Looking forward to your next upload from you. I smashed that thumbs up button on your content. Keep up the fantastic work! Your insights on perspective in macro photography are invaluable. How do you think varying light conditions affect the way we should approach composition in woodland settings?

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Hi Keyser, Thanks for watching and your encouraging words. I tend not to go to the woods unless its overcast and there is an even light. There is enough colour and texture contrast without direct light to contend. Thanks for subscribing. Jimmy

[@mariamullin4031]

Great tips and beautuful images

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Thanks Maria for watching - really appreciate the comment. Jimmy

[@kelvinwhite2901]

I really enjoyed this video especially as I have taken an interest in fungi photography in the past 12 months.

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Hi Kelvin, Thanks - I’m glad you found the video useful. We’re all learning. I’d highly recommend browsing the images and articles of Robert Thompson Photography whose work inspires me. Thanks, Jimmy

[@MarkRomine]

Nicely presented and wonderful images Jimmy!

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Hi Mark, Thanks again for posting a comment - glad you enjoyed it Jimmy

[@MarkRomine]

@@jimmymcdonnell9435 I always enjoy your films Jimmy.

[@davidwalker2402]

Fantastic Jimmy , thank you for the tip’s . Great video👏

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Thanks David, The last of the fungi for this year. Back to landscaoe photography in next Sunday’s video. Jimmy

[@shanebrennan7856]

Great tips Jimmy and lovely images. What is the name/model of the light you're using?

[@jimmymcdonnell9435]

Hi Shane, It's a Nanlite Litolite 5C. berminghamcameras.ie/nanlite-litolite-5c.html. However I find the menu a little confusing and the lowest setting is still very bright. Jimmy Thanks for watching

[@shanebrennan7856]

@jimmymcdonnell9435 thanks Jimmy!