UPCOMING DATES 2024 (TO BE NOTIFIED AT SHORT NOTICE)
2024 TBA advised when outcrops are found (but likely to be in April or May. Since these last only a few days, it may be necessary to conduct the workshop mid week
In this field workshop (limited to a maximum of three participants only, I will guide you to fruiting outcrops of the Ghost fungus (Omphalotus nidiformis) which appear in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle areas typically at the end of Summer in March, April and May.
The Ghost fungus is a bioluminescent fungus that emits a lime tree light that can be captured in cameras.
Because I can't anticipate when the fungus will appear as this depends on a number of factors including the weather, I cannot specify a date.
The fungi generally last up to about 4 - 5 days at most and so timing is of the essence in imaging them. Participants will be asked to pay a 50% deposit to go on a list, first in first served with the first sightings. I will need you to provide your contact details so at short notice I can arrange a meeting point with you to meet at to start our session. This could potentially be during the week given the short duration of the outcrops and the idea is we would commence just on dusk and shoot for about 3 hours finishing no later than about 9 pm. If you do not attend a course at the end of the season, the deposit will be refunded to you less any administrative costs (eg PayPal fees) or you can apply the credit to use against any of my other courses).
To do the workshop, you will need a tripod, a camera (eg mirrorless or single lens reflex (DSLR) and an intervalometer.
When you register, I will provide you by email with a more detailed guide as to the equipment and other items that you should bring to the workshop in order to maximise its value, some basic information about camera settings (although these vary depending upon the brightness of the clump) and to ensure safety such as insect repellents and the like).
I am excited to launch this new workshop after having located and shot the Ghost fungus in a number of different sites in recent years.
I look forward to meeting you!
Ian Williams