Our thanks to Rebecca Miller for judging the 2014 WPMC Photo Contest.

Documentary

For single photographs especially suited as illustrations in a field guide, or for use in a lecture. Emphasis is placed on portrayal of key morphological characteristics such that the usefulness of the image as an identification aid is maximized. Subjects may be shot in the field, laboratory or studio and the photographer has complete freedom to process, manipulate, or orient the specimen in any manner to achieve the goal. Close-ups of single features and photomicrographs are acceptable. Judging criteria will be the same as in the Pictorial category but they will be of secondary importance to the overall mycological utility of the photo. Accurate identification of the subject will be a consideration.

1st Place   Michael Yeh: Omphalotus olearius in North Park
2ed Place   Cecily Franklin: Flammulina velutipes
3rd Place   Steve Leninsky:  Laccaria amethystina (amethyst deceivers)

Pictorial

This division is for single photos that illustrate the beauty and variety of fungi in form and color. The objective is a photo suitable for display or illustration in a fine book. Judging criteria include consideration of both technical (focus, depth of field, exposure, lighting, color, absence of distracting elements) and artistic (composition, color, background, lighting) aspects.

1st Place   Loukas Savvidis: Pleurotus ostreatus in North Hills
2ed Place   Maria Proakis: “Lacy”
3rd Place   Richard Jacob: Amanita muscaria var. guessowii

Judge’s Option

For photos which do not fit into the Pictorial or Documentary divisions. Examples include fungi in an interesting situation, fungi with animals, people enjoying fungi. Nearly anything goes, so long as fungi are a key element of the photograph.

1st Place   Richard Jacob: Hygrocybe punicea or Mycena acicula
2ed Place   Joe Lee: sulfur shelf
3rd Place   Steve Leninsky: Fuzzy Britches –  Lentinus strigosus

 

And here are all the of the entries: