Tiny Green Worlds

[Wicked Dark]

Ok, so I'm fascinated with moss, fungus and lichen and have begun seriously photographing them, albeit with minimal equipment. Honing technique is part of the fun, figuring out what works and what doesn't. Here are two from the other day...

This first one was in muted light - mostly shade. The individual fronds are quite tiny and are probably twice life size in this jpeg.



This next one was in a bit of sun, but not so harsh as to really ruin the shot. It looks like a miniature jungle to me.



Anyway...I'll take anything green at this time of year and this is about all we have right now. Both taken with my manual Olympus 90mm macro on the E-30.

[casil403]

Nicely done WD. I have a slight preference for #2 I can imagine little tiny animals in there for sure!

[Wicked Dark]

As the season progresses I'll keep an eye out for critters in the moss. If I'm lucky maybe I'll spot a newt!

[masp]

Well done!

I like the second one better as well. The lighting is better and there's more of a sense of depth.

[QuietOne]

I vote for the first one. I like the touch of brown from the leaves.

I've taken photos of both kinds of moss - there are a number of places where it doesn't get mowed, pulled up, or otherwise disturbed. The type in your second photo eventually grows long stalks. They start out as brown threads, then open up into orange-gold blades. It get really striking when the sun's behind them. Have you seen something similar?

[Marko]

I like these WD and I also really enjoy the way you write about the images in general. It's like a quiet photo-introspection that you are allowing us to see.

[Wicked Dark]

I vote for the first one. I like the touch of brown from the leaves.

I've taken photos of both kinds of moss - there are a number of places where it doesn't get mowed, pulled up, or otherwise disturbed. The type in your second photo eventually grows long stalks. They start out as brown threads, then open up into orange-gold blades. It get really striking when the sun's behind them. Have you seen something similar?

Thanks, those are fallen hemlock needles and I do like them being there, too.

I'm going to have to keep an eye out for changes in moss, I don't know that I've seen what you describe, but it sounds wonderful. The moss with stalks do remember seeing wasn't as dramatic. I agree that sunlight is probably the best way to capture them, but it's also the hardest. All part of the learning curve.

And thanks Marko...I hoped I wasn't typing too much. Part of sharing photos is sharing the hows and whys.

[Mad Aussie]

Moss and lichen always get my attention. I also take loads of photos of it when I see it.
Nice shots and I also, like Marko, like the commentary you give with your shots.