Mushroom Shield

[best appreciated at full size against black]

I was busy taking a picture of the Common Chickweed flower I posted yesterday when I looked down, and right in front of me, poking through the oak leaves, was this amazing mushroom! I cleared away the excess leaves and started taking pictures. I had trouble illuminating the gills underneath and I realized that I wasn't taking pictures of what was special about this mushroom. I moved closer and peered down over it and immediately smiled. YES! This cap is amazing!! With different colors and textures, cool details and even a place where you can see through the cap to the gills below! I was gently reminded that you must always stop and ask yourself what it is about the subject that drew you to it. Almost always, that's what you should be taking a picture of!

This image was taken in April, 2012.