The first glow! Behind the scene of glowing mushroom photography.

“Even the smallest light can transform the darkest woods.”

How I Discovered the Magic of Glowing Mushrooms.

I still remember the moment I stumbled upon Daniel Laan’s Instagram feed. His moody woodland photographs felt like something out of a forgotten fairytale—misty paths, ancient trees, and most memorably, glowing mushrooms that seemed to pulse with quiet magic. I was instantly captivated.

It wasn’t just the images that drew me in—it was the way Daniel generously shared his process. From capturing the mushrooms in soft, surreal light to editing them in Lightroom and Photoshop, he offered a step-by-step guide that made the impossible feel within reach. That was the spark.

Inspired by his work, I set out to create my own glowing mushroom. I didn’t know exactly how it would turn out, but I knew I had to try. This article is the story of that first attempt—the challenges, the experiments, and the quiet thrill of watching something ordinary transform into something extraordinary.

From Curiosity to Obsession

When something catches my attention, I don’t just admire it—I dive deep. I want to understand it fully: what it needs, when it thrives, and how I can capture its essence. Glowing mushrooms were no exception. I spent weeks researching everything I could—lighting techniques, seasonal conditions, forest microclimates. I wanted to be ready.

But learning is only the beginning. The real challenge is putting theory into practice.

I invested in a macro lens—the Tamron 90mm f/2.8—for my Canon 5DSR. It felt like unlocking a new dimension of photography. Suddenly, the tiniest details became worlds of their own. I waited patiently for the right time of year, when the forest floor would be damp and alive with fungal growth. Autumn in Czechia is perfect for this—cool, quiet, and rich with decay and rebirth.

Then came the fieldwork. I ventured deep into the dark woodland, guided only by instinct and a flashlight. I was chasing something small, fragile, and elusive. Tiny mushrooms hidden beneath moss and leaves—each one a potential subject, each one a test of everything I’d learned.

Waiting for the Right Moment

My first visit to the forest didn’t go as planned. I walked for hours, scanning every patch of moss and fallen log, but the ground was too dry. Not a single mushroom in sight. It was frustrating, but I knew nature doesn’t follow our schedules—it rewards patience. So I waited.

I checked the weather forecast daily, watching for signs of moisture. A few days later, the conditions finally shifted. Rain had softened the forest floor, and the air felt heavy with promise. I packed my gear again and headed out.

The First Find

This time, I didn’t have to go far. Right on the edge of the forest, nestled in a quiet patch of moss, I spotted it—my very first tiny mushroom. It was delicate, almost shy, with a translucent cap that caught the soft light perfectly. The scene was simple and minimalistic, just the way I like it.

I set up my tripod, mounted my Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro lens on the Canon 5DSR, and began shooting. Exposure after exposure, I applied everything I had learned—from Daniel Laan’s tutorials to my own experiments. I adjusted the light, refined the angle, and let the mushroom speak for itself.

Each frame felt like a conversation between me and the forest.

The Joy of Creation

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your images on the back of the camera after a long shoot. That quiet satisfaction, knowing you’ve captured something special—it’s addictive.

When I got home, I made myself a cup of coffee (a ritual at this point), sat down at my desk, and began editing. It’s one of my favorite parts of the process. I love the warm feeling in my stomach when the final image starts to take shape—when the colors, the light, and the mood all align with what I imagined in my head.

Using techniques I learned from Daniel Laan’s tutorials, I carefully enhanced the glow, refined the shadows, and brought out the atmosphere I felt in the forest. Each image became a little story—a quiet moment of magic.

Once finished, I proudly uploaded them to my website, under a new gallery I’ve titled "Glowing Mushrooms". It’s more than just a collection—it’s the beginning of a new chapter in my creative journey. Some of these images I’ve even submitted to photo competitions, hoping they’ll resonate with others the way they did with me.

"Here are three fresh entries in my newly launched Glowing Mushrooms gallery."

"The Luminous Fugitive"

"Forest’s Lantern"

"Wing and Whisper"