Shared Light

We were on our way back from the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike, just before reaching the end, when I spotted this trio of mushrooms on the other side of the levada. It immediately pulled my attention and I knew there was a shot there.
What really stood out was how they all seemed to grow from the same spot, naturally forming a V shape. It felt simple, but visually strong. Since darkness was coming quickly, I didn’t have much time, so I quickly set up my composition by placing the camera slightly lower than the mushrooms and shooting upward to reveal the gills underneath the caps.

[SCENE SETUP]
A trio of mushrooms growing along the levada on a darker forest background. The scene was cleaned by removing a few distracting leaves around the subject and slightly in the background to create better separation.

[LIGHT PLACEMENT]
(1) amaran Ace 25c + Grid (background)
Placed behind the subject, slightly angled and filtered through dead leaves to mimic sunlight from the top left and create specular highlights.
(2) Flexible LED Light (left side - diffused)
Placed on the left side with a diffuser to create a soft base light shaping the mushrooms.
(3) Flexible LED Light (left back / rim)
Positioned slightly behind (2), aimed at the side of the mushrooms to create subtle rim light and enhance separation.
(4) Flexible LED Light (right back)
Placed further back on the right to create a soft halo on the caps and separate them from the background.

[KEY SETTINGS]
f/2.8 · 1/100s · ISO 400
~50 images (focus stack)

[INTENT]
Keep the composition simple while using light to create depth, separation, and guide the viewer’s eye naturally through the scene.

[KEY IDEA]
Underexpose slightly, then build the light to shape the scene.

Explanation

This image works because of the natural V shape created by the trio, which gives structure and direction to the composition. The light coming from the top left reinforces that movement, while the darker right side helps keep the viewer inside the frame.
The specular highlights in the background add depth without becoming distracting, and the subtle rim and halo lighting help separate each mushroom while keeping them visually connected.

Gear Used

– amaran Ace 25c + Grid
– Adaptalux Flexible LEDs
– Canon R5 + RF 100mm Macro

Settings

Camera: Canon R5
Lens: RF 100mm Macro
Aperture: f/2.8
Shutter Speed: 1/100s
ISO: 400
Focus stacking: ~50 images

Breakdown

I started by placing the camera slightly below the mushrooms and pointing upward to reveal the gills and separate the trio from the background.
Since the background was a bit too bright, I underexposed by about 1 to 2 stops to keep it under control.
I removed a few dry leaves around the subject and slightly in the background to clean up distractions and create better separation.
I placed light (1) behind the mushrooms and filtered it through dead leaves to mimic sunlight coming from the top left and create natural specular highlights.
Then I added light (2) from the left side with a diffuser to create a soft base light shaping the mushrooms.
I introduced light (3) slightly behind to create a subtle rim light and help separate the left side of the trio from the background.
I placed light (4) further back on the right side to create a soft halo on the caps and balance the overall light direction.
I adjusted the intensity carefully to avoid blowing highlights since the mushrooms were slightly reflective.
I refined the composition by making small adjustments until the background highlights supported the subject without becoming distracting.
I captured around 50 images at f/2.8 and stacked them in post to keep the subject sharp while maintaining a soft, dreamy background.

Quick Tip

Take a moment to look at your scene on the back of your camera and ask yourself if anything is pulling more attention than your subject. If it is, either remove it or control it with light.

Final Thoughts

It’s a simple subject, but it really felt like unity… and that’s what I like about this one. It just brings me back to that moment on the hike.

Watch the process