• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Ruhlman
  • About Michael
  • My Books
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • From Scratch

Mushrooms: Capturing Natural Design

Published: Oct 26, 2009 · Modified: Oct 26, 2009 by Michael Ruhlman · 11 Comments

Photo Post by Donna

Oyster Mushroom
OK—so with a subject like this you might think, how can a photographer not make a good shot? This shot was achieved with a strong back light as well as a strong side light to create shadows in the creases. The photo below is the same mushroom with a back light and a soft front light. Without the strong shadows the natural design that makes these mushrooms so beautiful is not featured. Lighting makes all the difference—so keeping playing with it even after you think you've got the shot.

Blog example

Previous Post: « How To Cook Mushrooms
Next Post: Question to Chefs and Cooks: Favorite Uncommon Tools »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bbq Dude

    October 26, 2009 at 11:27 am

    These are some of my favourite photos of yours. Really fun.

    Given what great photos you can get with real food, it boggles the mind that food stylists feel it necessary to use varnish and various other nasties to take photos of "food".

    Reply
  2. Liz

    October 26, 2009 at 11:34 am

    Gorgeous! I am really enjoying the added photo element to Michael's blog. Thanks Donna!

    Reply
  3. WanderingFoodie

    October 26, 2009 at 11:56 am

    Why am I more interested in the photography posts than the food posts? A picture is truly worth a thousand words. Those are awesome, Donna!

    Reply
  4. Kevin D

    October 26, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    Wow... I think these are some of your strongest pictures yet, Donna... almost abstract. Very beautiful.

    Reply
  5. Kim

    October 26, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    This photo is amazing. It captures every nuance of the mushrooms. I feel privileged to view your work. Kim

    Reply
  6. utenzi

    October 26, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    The effect of the shadowing is incredible. Just beautiful.

    Reply
  7. Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite

    October 26, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    Stunning!

    Reply
  8. EB

    October 26, 2009 at 9:42 pm

    So architectural!

    Reply
  9. sharon

    October 26, 2009 at 9:46 pm

    absolutely point taken. Interesting too, because as a food person, and a forager, I would have taken them from above, because that's how you find them. Or straight on. You would never find oysters with their bellies open to any kind of light.
    Not to say I don't adore the photos, perhaps because I seldom see oysters that way.

    Reply
  10. Katie

    October 27, 2009 at 1:00 am

    Lovely shots, as always, Donna. The top one seems to create more intrigue, but there's something about the softness of the bottom one that I love -- I want to crawl in and take a nap in one of those lovely, light-filled crevices.

    Reply
  11. carri

    October 28, 2009 at 2:19 am

    Georga O'Keefe would have loved these photos, I could paint them as well as eat them...it's almost as though they were two different subjects! I am learning so much...mostly that I think I need a new camera. and what can I make an impromptu light box out of at work...hmmm?!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Bbq Dude Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • 12/26 Newsletter (Hope You'll Subscribe!)
  • Newsletter Holiday Cookie Recipes
  • Ga-Ga's Eggnog
  • Friday Cocktail Hour: The Penicillin
  • French Onion Soup

Recent Comments

  • Health Mentor on Newsletter Holiday Cookie Recipes
  • tee on Friday Cocktail Hour: Amaretto Sour
  • Jayce Osinski on 12/26 Newsletter (Hope You'll Subscribe!)
  • slot maxwin on 12/26 Newsletter (Hope You'll Subscribe!)
  • Stephon Kozey on 12/26 Newsletter (Hope You'll Subscribe!)

Copyright © 2026 Ruhlman on the Foodie Pro Theme