Kip’s Comments - August 6, 2025
A Very “Macro” Morning - Including Mayflies as Art
What began as a test of my GoPro to shoot still pictures quickly transitioned to a morning of macro photography with my Nikon. One opportunity after another was found, some requiring walking in the river or in long grass for the pictures. But, I think the results were worth the effort.
As I am writing this I am struggling to decide whether I prefer to lead with the oyster mushroom images or the “Mayflies as Art” photos. Both intrigued me as I varied my camera settings in search of the “best” picture to document the view. I think I will begin with the fungi photos.
When I found a moss-covered log hosting so many oyster fungi I knew there was a photo or two ready to be made. I really like the limited depth of field visible in the first image.
Oyster Mushrooms - Image 1008867
Oyster Mushrooms - Image 1008821
In several locations I found spider webs that had trapped mayflies by the dozens. Where the breeze had not pushed the mayflies together the insects appeared as art. When the mayflies were clumped together all I could think of was the spiders should not go hungry for a while. Who would have imagined mayflies might appear pretty? Even dead mayflies?
Mayflies in Web - Image 1008777
Mayflies in Web - Image 1008769
Mayflies in Web - Image 1008646
As I explored the shoreline of the Wapsie I found white obedient plant blossoms. At first I thought it was an anomaly among one plant. Then I noticed several white obedient plants in the same area and pulled my camera out.
White Obedient Plant - Image 1009068
Since I had my macro gear out and ready it seemed as if I “saw” plenty of possible close-up pictures. Even an elongate stilt spider made for a macro image.
Elongate Stilt Spider - Image 1008501
My final image features a cardinal feather looking fine. Since I was in the muck I invested the energy needed to access this plant with a nice out-of-focus background.
Cardinal Flower - Image 1008457
