Kip’s Comments - November 11, 2025

Working a Scene (and more)

When I was not able to find a photo subject I was looking for, I decided to go for a walk with a receptive spirit to photographing whatever I might find. It did not take long before I found a tree covered from the ground to twenty or thirty feet up with turkey tail fungi. How should I compose an image to illustrate how the fungi had covered the tree? What must my composition look like to appear different than most other turkey tail fungi images?

First I composed a couple of images at close range with enough depth-of-field to clearly show the fungi. Both pictures are technically acceptable and clearly show turkey tail fungi. But neither image is unusual or showing the height the fungi cover.

Turkey Tail Fungi - Image 1043733

Turkey Tail Fungi - Image 1043756

Then I moved very close to the tree and shot nearly straight up, capturing the underside of so many fungi. This image does show the expanse of the fungi in a manner not commonly seen.

Turkey Tail Fungi - Image 1043765

On my hike I did see other things of interest. The first was ironic timing. I was hiking on Veteran’s Day and found toy soldier that has been standing post in a conifer for at least a couple of years. I had forgotten about this oddity until I saw it again after so many months.

Toy Soldier in Tree - Image 1043854

The remaining two images were scenic images I found pretty or inviting.

Pin Oak Leaf in Autumn - Image 1043839

Park Bench and Tree in Autumn - Image 1043837

I am going to include an image I photographed last week while exploring Yellow River State Forest. Something is impacting (likely killing) these conifers. As they undergo whatever is happening, their color scheme is very interesting.

Yellow and Green Conifers - Image 1043212