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Macrophotography / Microphotography of Fungus or Fungi; 80 Macrophotographic Images of Fungus or Fungi

Updated on January 27, 2012
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When we made our journey through the macrophotographic world of the lichen, I spoke of a magical kingdom padded with the existence of lichen. If lichen makes a woodland environment magical, it is the fungus, especially the mushroom that truly brings it to life.

Through the macrophotography of fungi, we will again travel into a breath-taking magical kingdom that the woodland fairies, sprites and nymphs secretly inhabit. We will take a magical journey up close and truly personal. We will find ourselves awe-struck with the beauty that lies before us. The beauty that the woodland fairy, nymph and sprite take for granted will be made visible for us mere humans to enjoy through the magic of macrophotography.

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These mushrooms were actually the size of an eraser on the end of a pencil. There is so much texture and detail to be appreciated in this small beauty.
These mushrooms were actually the size of an eraser on the end of a pencil. There is so much texture and detail to be appreciated in this small beauty. | Source
This lovely fungi almost looks like a butterfly perching on the log.
This lovely fungi almost looks like a butterfly perching on the log. | Source
To give you a reference for how small these fungi really are - the stick looking object is a pine needle. These are very interesting.
To give you a reference for how small these fungi really are - the stick looking object is a pine needle. These are very interesting. | Source
A great shot of a truly gorgeous orange mushroom.
A great shot of a truly gorgeous orange mushroom. | Source


As we step deeper into the world of the fungi, we will find colors, textures and forms that we may have not known existed. We will become entranced with the beauty that we discover as macrophotography brings the fungi and its characteristics into focus allowing us to see as we have never seen before.


I have always been intrigued by the beauty of the mushroom, and how they seem to miraculously appear out of nowhere. The colors and textures that they exhibit are phenomenal. Macrophotography allows us to take our time fully dissecting the beauty caught by the eye of the photographer. So search the images that are presented to you carefully, looking for the fairy, sprite or nymph. They are elusive, but the photographer might have gotten lucky.


As we journey into the world of fungi, which also contains the mushroom, you will not see many lichen although they are also fungi. To view more macrophotographic images of lichen, visit: Macrophotography of Lichen; 67 Macrophotographic Images of Lichen.


So come and take a magical journey through the macrophotographic world of the intriguing fungi.


(Note: Clicking on most images will allow you to view a larger version of that image.)


These gorgeous mushrooms would add a bit of oriental flair to any woodland fairy party.
These gorgeous mushrooms would add a bit of oriental flair to any woodland fairy party. | Source
If I were a fairy, I would choose to spend a day among the stems of these mushrooms, looking up into the canopy above me, enjoying the play of light shining through the mushroom caps.
If I were a fairy, I would choose to spend a day among the stems of these mushrooms, looking up into the canopy above me, enjoying the play of light shining through the mushroom caps. | Source
Such a wonderful shade of red.
Such a wonderful shade of red. | Source
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Mature fruiting bodies of slime mold, Ceratiomyxa Fruticulosa. Notice the spores on these cilia-like fruiting bodies.This is a very unusual looking bright orange coral looking fungus.Underneath a MushroomSlime Mold Fruiting BodiesA close-up view of a rather bristly looking fungus.Fungus Beetles eating fungus while mating.I bet you can guess why this fungi is called Bird's Nest Fungi.A gelatinous fungi. Notice all the different colors that blend together so beautifully.The contrast between the hard textures of the tree and the soft textures of the fungus make for a very interesting composition.
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Mature fruiting bodies of slime mold, Ceratiomyxa Fruticulosa. Notice the spores on these cilia-like fruiting bodies.
Mature fruiting bodies of slime mold, Ceratiomyxa Fruticulosa. Notice the spores on these cilia-like fruiting bodies. | Source
This is a very unusual looking bright orange coral looking fungus.
This is a very unusual looking bright orange coral looking fungus. | Source
Underneath a Mushroom
Underneath a Mushroom | Source
Slime Mold Fruiting Bodies
Slime Mold Fruiting Bodies | Source
A close-up view of a rather bristly looking fungus.
A close-up view of a rather bristly looking fungus. | Source
Fungus Beetles eating fungus while mating.
Fungus Beetles eating fungus while mating. | Source
I bet you can guess why this fungi is called Bird's Nest Fungi.
I bet you can guess why this fungi is called Bird's Nest Fungi. | Source
A gelatinous fungi. Notice all the different colors that blend together so beautifully.
A gelatinous fungi. Notice all the different colors that blend together so beautifully. | Source
The contrast between the hard textures of the tree and the soft textures of the fungus make for a very interesting composition.
The contrast between the hard textures of the tree and the soft textures of the fungus make for a very interesting composition. | Source
This fungus could almost be mistaken for a flower in full bloom.
This fungus could almost be mistaken for a flower in full bloom. | Source
Wouldn't this make a lovely umbrella for a fairy?
Wouldn't this make a lovely umbrella for a fairy? | Source
This fungus has an amazing variety of colors and textures.
This fungus has an amazing variety of colors and textures. | Source
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Tiny little bright dots of color among the delicate green woodland floor. it is obvious these mushrooms are very small because the moss appears to be so large.This fungus looks like a mushroom that has rolled up on itself. One thing that came to mind is that this mushroom was trying to "think thin"!The color separation on these fungi is very interesting. Also notice the underside of the front leading mushroom.A Carbon Ball FungusThe texture on this fungus is very interesting.Here is an amazing photograph of fungi covered with dew.This fungus looks like it has been sprinkled with small pieces of chocolate. It looks good enough to eat!
Tiny little bright dots of color among the delicate green woodland floor. it is obvious these mushrooms are very small because the moss appears to be so large.
Tiny little bright dots of color among the delicate green woodland floor. it is obvious these mushrooms are very small because the moss appears to be so large. | Source
This fungus looks like a mushroom that has rolled up on itself. One thing that came to mind is that this mushroom was trying to "think thin"!
This fungus looks like a mushroom that has rolled up on itself. One thing that came to mind is that this mushroom was trying to "think thin"! | Source
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The color separation on these fungi is very interesting. Also notice the underside of the front leading mushroom.
The color separation on these fungi is very interesting. Also notice the underside of the front leading mushroom. | Source
A Carbon Ball Fungus
A Carbon Ball Fungus | Source
The texture on this fungus is very interesting.
The texture on this fungus is very interesting. | Source
Here is an amazing photograph of fungi covered with dew.
Here is an amazing photograph of fungi covered with dew. | Source
This fungus looks like it has been sprinkled with small pieces of chocolate. It looks good enough to eat!
This fungus looks like it has been sprinkled with small pieces of chocolate. It looks good enough to eat! | Source
Click thumbnail to view full-size
These fungi look like they have been cooked on the grill. Notice the root-like appendages on the front fungus, and the multi-colored stem on the back fungus.Can't you just imagine a small fairy perched on top of this gem? or maybe tucked under it for shelter in a storm?Observe the irregular texture and colors of this fungi.Grey Morel - prized by chefs especially for French cuisine. This morel was 4" tall.There are so many different colors and textures in this photo ... just enjoy!Ink Cap Mushroom. The ribbing is very apparent on the top side of the mushroom cap.This is a very interesting specimen - so perfectly round, and extremely small.A very yellow specimen with an unusual growth on top.This lichen, which is also a fungus, is less than 1/2" tall.The fuzzy surface causes this fungi to appear soft to the touch. The layers of colors is truly beautiful.
These fungi look like they have been cooked on the grill. Notice the root-like appendages on the front fungus, and the multi-colored stem on the back fungus.
These fungi look like they have been cooked on the grill. Notice the root-like appendages on the front fungus, and the multi-colored stem on the back fungus. | Source
Can't you just imagine a small fairy perched on top of this gem? or maybe tucked under it for shelter in a storm?
Can't you just imagine a small fairy perched on top of this gem? or maybe tucked under it for shelter in a storm? | Source
Observe the irregular texture and colors of this fungi.
Observe the irregular texture and colors of this fungi. | Source
Grey Morel - prized by chefs especially for French cuisine. This morel was 4" tall.
Grey Morel - prized by chefs especially for French cuisine. This morel was 4" tall. | Source
There are so many different colors and textures in this photo ... just enjoy!
There are so many different colors and textures in this photo ... just enjoy! | Source
Ink Cap Mushroom. The ribbing is very apparent on the top side of the mushroom cap.
Ink Cap Mushroom. The ribbing is very apparent on the top side of the mushroom cap. | Source
This is a very interesting specimen - so perfectly round, and extremely small.
This is a very interesting specimen - so perfectly round, and extremely small. | Source
A very yellow specimen with an unusual growth on top.
A very yellow specimen with an unusual growth on top. | Source
This lichen, which is also a fungus, is less than 1/2" tall.
This lichen, which is also a fungus, is less than 1/2" tall. | Source
The fuzzy surface causes this fungi to appear soft to the touch. The layers of colors is truly beautiful.
The fuzzy surface causes this fungi to appear soft to the touch. The layers of colors is truly beautiful. | Source
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Click thumbnail to view full-size
A gorgeous heart-shaped fungi.This mushroom has many interesting names: Shaggy Ink Cap, Lawyer's Wig, or Shaggy Mane.Pink Mop MushroomVery interesting colors, textures and edges.
A gorgeous heart-shaped fungi.
A gorgeous heart-shaped fungi. | Source
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This mushroom has many interesting names: Shaggy Ink Cap, Lawyer's Wig, or Shaggy Mane.
This mushroom has many interesting names: Shaggy Ink Cap, Lawyer's Wig, or Shaggy Mane. | Source
Pink Mop Mushroom
Pink Mop Mushroom | Source
Very interesting colors, textures and edges.
Very interesting colors, textures and edges. | Source
Click thumbnail to view full-size
The lines, textures and colors of this fungus makes a very interesting subject to study and analyze.Notice how thin the tops of these bright yellow mushrooms are.It's hard to believe this is one plant. It looks like something has been deposited on top of this red fungus. Amanita (Fungus)What a wonderful picture to display the delicate ribbing found under the cap of a mushroom.What a beautiful display of the chocolate-y colors of brown.An example of a gorgeous yellow fungi.Almost looks like a "gummy" fungi.Here is an interesting specimen growing on this tree.Here is a fungus that has been touched by Jack Frost himself! The ice crystals are phenomenal. A very tiny pink mushroom. If you look closely, you will see a fuzz on these mushrooms, especially the one closest to the front.
The lines, textures and colors of this fungus makes a very interesting subject to study and analyze.
The lines, textures and colors of this fungus makes a very interesting subject to study and analyze. | Source
Notice how thin the tops of these bright yellow mushrooms are.
Notice how thin the tops of these bright yellow mushrooms are. | Source
It's hard to believe this is one plant. It looks like something has been deposited on top of this red fungus. Amanita (Fungus)
It's hard to believe this is one plant. It looks like something has been deposited on top of this red fungus. Amanita (Fungus) | Source
What a wonderful picture to display the delicate ribbing found under the cap of a mushroom.
What a wonderful picture to display the delicate ribbing found under the cap of a mushroom. | Source
What a beautiful display of the chocolate-y colors of brown.
What a beautiful display of the chocolate-y colors of brown. | Source
An example of a gorgeous yellow fungi.
An example of a gorgeous yellow fungi. | Source
Almost looks like a "gummy" fungi.
Almost looks like a "gummy" fungi. | Source
Here is an interesting specimen growing on this tree.
Here is an interesting specimen growing on this tree. | Source
Here is a fungus that has been touched by Jack Frost himself! The ice crystals are phenomenal.
Here is a fungus that has been touched by Jack Frost himself! The ice crystals are phenomenal. | Source
A very tiny pink mushroom. If you look closely, you will see a fuzz on these mushrooms, especially the one closest to the front.
A very tiny pink mushroom. If you look closely, you will see a fuzz on these mushrooms, especially the one closest to the front. | Source
Click thumbnail to view full-size
This mushroom looks like it has been sprinkled with pollen, or maybe even star dust.The photographer called this a Yankee Mushroom.An amazing photo of the underside of a fungus.Birdnest Fungus, Cyathus stercoreus - This fungus looks like porcelain and the right one has a chip in it!Green Shelf FungusBrown Curly Shelf FungiStereum sanguinolentumA very frilly fungus is shown in this image.A gorgeous red shelf fungus.Notice all the great texture and color variations that are exhibited by these fungi.
This mushroom looks like it has been sprinkled with pollen, or maybe even star dust.
This mushroom looks like it has been sprinkled with pollen, or maybe even star dust. | Source
The photographer called this a Yankee Mushroom.
The photographer called this a Yankee Mushroom. | Source
An amazing photo of the underside of a fungus.
An amazing photo of the underside of a fungus. | Source
Birdnest Fungus, Cyathus stercoreus - This fungus looks like porcelain and the right one has a chip in it!
Birdnest Fungus, Cyathus stercoreus - This fungus looks like porcelain and the right one has a chip in it! | Source
Green Shelf Fungus
Green Shelf Fungus | Source
Brown Curly Shelf Fungi
Brown Curly Shelf Fungi | Source
Stereum sanguinolentum
Stereum sanguinolentum | Source
A very frilly fungus is shown in this image.
A very frilly fungus is shown in this image. | Source
A gorgeous red shelf fungus.
A gorgeous red shelf fungus. | Source
Notice all the great texture and color variations that are exhibited by these fungi.
Notice all the great texture and color variations that are exhibited by these fungi. | Source
Dryad's Saddle's Clinging
Dryad's Saddle's Clinging | Source
Dryad's Saddle - Notice the drop of liquid cupped on the cap of this mushroom.
Dryad's Saddle - Notice the drop of liquid cupped on the cap of this mushroom. | Source
Dryad's Saddle
Dryad's Saddle | Source


The Dryad’s Saddle mushroom (Polyporus squamosus), also known as the pheasant’s back mushroom, has a shape and stem that simulates a saddle that can be ridden by a woodland spirit, the dryads. You may be asking yourself, what is a dryad? In Greek mythology, the dryad is a tree-dwelling nymph. These nymphs are also known as tree sprites. Look at the pictures carefully; you may actually spot the ever elusive nymph!

Although the Polypous squamosus is quite common, this mushroom is unusual in that it smells like a watermelon rind. The Dryad’s Saddle develops and thrives on the lower portions of dead and living hardwoods, especially elms. It can most often be found in Eastern North America. This fungi can be located in both the spring and the fall. The Dryad’s Saddle usually grows in the same location year after year until its food source has been totally consumed.

Many fruiting fungi have medicinal properties and many are edible. The Dryad’s Saddle is no different. The full-grown Dryad’s Saddle mushroom is very tough, leathery and bitter; however, the tender, young mushroom cap is edible.


Click thumbnail to view full-size
Dryad's Saddle Spore Secretion - An amazing macrophotographic image of the spore discharge of this mushroom.The lens cover gives you a good idea just how large this fungi is!Dryad's Saddle Seepage - An amazing image! Notice the textured surface from which the drops are hanging.
Dryad's Saddle Spore Secretion - An amazing macrophotographic image of the spore discharge of this mushroom.
Dryad's Saddle Spore Secretion - An amazing macrophotographic image of the spore discharge of this mushroom. | Source
The lens cover gives you a good idea just how large this fungi is!
The lens cover gives you a good idea just how large this fungi is! | Source
Dryad's Saddle Seepage - An amazing image! Notice the textured surface from which the drops are hanging.
Dryad's Saddle Seepage - An amazing image! Notice the textured surface from which the drops are hanging. | Source
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Fungus, such as the Dryad’s Saddle has been used to craft art paper by making very thin slices. Much the same way that cellulose fibers can be utilized to create standard paper, these fungi can be used.


Dryad's Saddle
Dryad's Saddle | Source
Notice the size of this fungi compared to the lady's hand. A mature Dryad's Saddle can become quite large, 2-3/8 to 24" across.
Notice the size of this fungi compared to the lady's hand. A mature Dryad's Saddle can become quite large, 2-3/8 to 24" across. | Source


Through the macrophotography of fungi, we have traveled into an amazing and magical world of splendor and wonder. We have viewed fungi from a whole different perspective - one of endless beauty. As we walk through the woods, we may overlook the smaller fungi, and be truly amazed by the larger fungi. However, through the use of macrophotography and the skill of the photographer, we were able to enter into the wondrous places that the fairies, sprites and nymphs have been said to inhabit. As we journeyed into the amazing world of the fungi, we found a truly amazing world we had only previously dreamed of.

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Copyright © 2011 Cindy Murdoch (homesteadbound)


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The mottled coloration and the lighter colored edges creates a truly beautiful specimen.
The mottled coloration and the lighter colored edges creates a truly beautiful specimen. | Source
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