Rebecca Miller was the judge for the annual WPMC photo contest and the winners were announced at Octobers meeting. Here they are, in the order in which they were announced.
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 Richard Jacob: Chanterelle species
2ed Place Sarah Banach: Lactarius Volemus
3rd Place Dick Dougall: Retiboletus grieus – Mug Shot
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 Fluff Berger: Exsudoporus frostii – Frosts Bolete
2ed Place Cecily Franklin: Xerula furfuracea – Root
3rd Place Jerry Sapp: Omphalotus illudens – Jack O’Lantern Mushroom
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 Joe Lee: Amanita muscaria var. guessowii – Fairy Land
2ed Place John Baltrus: Harvest
3rd Place Lynn Gill: Sarcoscypha austriaca – Scarlet Cup
Photos only a Mycologist could love
This year there were plenty of entries and Rebecca added an extra category for the more unusual species.
1st Place Richard Jacob: Cordyceps militaris
2ed Place Patty Houck: Geastrum triplex – Collared Earthstar
3rd Place John Stuart: Stereum gausapatum – Bleeding Sternum
Bonus Spot the critter competition
The winning entries
All entries
Dose anyone know wich forest the photo of the Amanita Muscaria was taken? I would love to see them in person this season.
I would have ask Joe Lee the photographer. Probably just north of Pittsburgh. I’ll ask.