Fly on Parasol Mushroom

The fly was a nice bonus on top of this amazing fungus in my back

yard. The biggest challenge was to get everything in focus, since

the center is quite a bit closer than the edges here; it's only a

few inches across. Always attracted to interesting fungi, I

particularly liked the strange texture and the soft color and shading

of this one.

Impressive semi-abstract. Looks like an impact crater. Unfortunately the fly doesn't add much since it is almost mimetic (perhaps not without reason) on this background. I would like to know more details of this double exposure technique aimed to extend the depth of field; I know it is used in macro photography, but I am not sure I have understood how you combine the shots.

I just took two exposures, focusing on the central, higher section and the outer, lower part. These were combined in separate layers in Photoshop with a mask to blend them where they are both in focus. It's similar to doing this with different exposures to extend dynamic range -- expose for shadows and highlights and combine them afterward. Turns out the fly moved between the exposures, but appears only once here.

I would say that the fungus is a "Macrolepiota Procera"... beautifully photographed. Well done!

Thanks! It's always nice to get a positive ID. Here's another photo of the same specimen from the side (and minus the fly).

I have to agree about the fly. This is about a most lovely geometric progression. The fly detracts...