How to take photos of fungi

So you're becoming interested in fungi, that's fantastic!

Here are 5 tips to taking photos of fungi I wish I had when starting out:

take photographs from different angles. Get close and photograph the fungus from above, the side and most importantly, from below. This will help show the different features and make it easier to identify
use a mirror or smartphone to get photos from below (of the gills or pores) without disturbing the fungus
use a flash or light to get good photos in focus. Photos from too far away, or that are blurry are hard to ID
take a photo of the surrounding habitat for context - was the fungi on a log, in the soil, by itself, or with others
most of all, have fun!

The most important thing I can suggest is getting a photo from below. Fungi can have all sorts of different structures, like gills, pores and spines. Take the example below. You would be forgiven for thinking these are the same mushroom from above, but after seeing a photo from underneath, it is easy to see they are completely different species. This is why photos from different angles can help you and others identify your photos.