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Machel Spence sees the beauty in mushrooms
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Machel Spence is passionate about mushrooms. Not to create a guide, or for cooking or any other purpose than one.
She seeks them for their beauty.
Originally from Florida she is a stay at home mom, with a little girl and a husband now, but her background includes a masters degree in zoology, and she worked for the Seattle Aquarium as a Beach Naturalist. Spence explained, "My passion for mushrooms and other fungus started in late 2008, but really became an obsession in Fall of 2009 when I was hiking in the woods of Mt. Rainier with my daughters class on a camping trip, and discovered a bolete species. It was the largest mushroom I had ever seen."
This ignited her curiosity about all things mushroom related and, "Since the day I photographed the first bolete I have documented over 300 different species in Lincoln Park, Schmitz Park and Me-Kwa-Mooks Park."
Though mushrooms do have a season, in the fall, she heads out almost every day seeking new images, sometimes taking her daughter with her. Her efforts have been posted on Flickr.com (see the link above) and she has written and self published a book called A Photographic Journey of the Forest Floor which you can purchase online.
Her online images have drawn a large audience of over 500 contacts who, like Spence, love mushrooms for their wondrous variety and primeval beauty. "I'm not a mycologist (mushroom expert)," Spence said, " I can't write a book about identifying mushrooms. I'm just really interested in their beauty. I'm not into harvesting them either. I'm not really sure about that, I don't want to die!" She urges people not to try and forage for mushrooms to eat, "unless you've had training and know exactly what you're doing."
"It thrills me that I have connected people with fungus in so many ways through my Flickr photos and that people are learning to appreciate not only the beauty of mushrooms but learning the role that they play in our environment," Spence said. She explained that some mushroom species have what is called a mycorrhizal relationship with trees and plants where there is a symbiotic association between the fungi and the roots. The fungi provides nutrients to the roots and while the plant provides sugars in return. Without fungi in our woods there would be no decomposition of dead trees, leaf litter and other organic matter."I like to think of them as the recyclers of the forest. Fungi comes in all shapes and sizes and once you get what I call the "mushroom eyes" you will start to see them everywhere," she said.
Spence shoots her photos with an Olympus e-510 digital camera using a macro (close-up) lens. "I'm not into the technical aspects of photography," she said, " but I've pretty well mastered the light. Filtered sunlight is great and sometimes when you see a mushroom you might not think the light looks very good but it looks great to me." Her photographs reveal an incredible range of color, texture, pattern and elegance that if you just took a casual walk through the park, you would likely miss completely. To take photographs like this requires not only dedication and talent but a willingness to climb around in the woods and get into the underbrush if necessary. "Mushrooms don't need light to grow," Spence pointed out,"so often you'll see them in places you might otherwise overlook."
Her fascination with the fungi has spread into her home life of course. "I have people sending me mushroom things, and yes, it's true I have mushroom knick knacks," she said laughing.
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Wow....nicely done
Quite nice....and all in our own town, huh?
I like to shoot similar, natural landscapes and I can say that it's not quite as easy as it looks.
Good work here..
Machel's earthy friends
Congratulations Machel...this is really nice
S
I have the honor of having
I have the honor of having Machel as one of my Flickr contacts & I have to say that I am constantly in Awe of her photographs. You can feel the emotion of love in each one of them. She not only photographs them, she almost becomes one with them.
Congratulations Machel, I'm so happy for you.....Well deserved!
Truly inspiring & one of a kind.
I love Machel's mushrooms !
I have been a contact of Machel's for almost a year. I am always in awe of her photo's - she is an amazing photographer as you can tell from this article and video. She is not only is an excellent photographer - all of us here on Flickr call her our friend - congrats to you Machel, you deserve this honor so much :) Hugs, Nana
Machel Spence
What a wonderful article about Machel Spence and her passion for fungi/ mushrooms. I discovered her amazing images on the website "Flickr" and have been a huge fan ever since. Her images are so well done, I decided to purchase her books on the subject [ and others] so I can thumb thru them and get inspired every time I do. Thanks for publishing this excellent article about her.
machel
machel's work is incredibly astounding.
the images she has brought to us on flickr and the knowledge she has shared along with the images is thorough and interesting.she has quickly become a good friend and a great flickr contact. her books are wonderful and I encourage everyone to buy at least one.
you won't be disappointed.
beautiful write up..thank you for shining the spotlight on this wonderful woman.
Machel
I have been lucky enough to see Machel's work on a daily basis over the past six months as one of her flickr contacts. Her work is truly amazing and it is always evident that she puts her heart and soul into every image she produces. She is a wonderful photographer but her images of mushrooms truly encompass the wonder that is Machel Spence.
Bravo to the West Seattle Herald for showcasing such a true and talented artist.
Machel Spence
This was such a wonderful article and beautiful slide show. I have been a huge fan of Machel's work for quite some time now. The magic that she brings to her photographs is truly inspiring. I have thoroughly enjoyed the wealth of knowledge and amazing images she has so generously shared with all of us. No only are her photographic talents inspirational but her love of nature and animals is as well. Thank you so much for showcasing this amazing talent. Congratulations Machel!!!
Machel Spence
I'm really delighted to see the West Seattle Herald feature this wonderful local artist. I, too, have enjoyed Machel's amazing mushroom photographs for many months as one of my Flickr contacts. Who would have known the treasures that lie literally right under our noses in our regional parks? I can't say enough about her skill at locating and photographing these tremendous specimens. Her work is breathtaking and her passion for the subject infectious. And her books – oh, my – they are works of art. Thank you for this delightful feature.
Machel Spence
This is a fabulous article. Machel is a beautiful person. Her photography is magical. I am honored to be a Flickr Friend.
This is a well deserved recognition of this awesome person and artist... Kudos to the West Seattle Herald for this article...
Machel Spence
The acticle is wonderful and really says what Machel is all about.A brilliant photographer who I have had the pleasure of getting to know through being a contact of hers on Flickr.
With her images she shares the tiny world on the forest floor finding profound beauty in fungi and mushrooms and shares her knowledge about sea life and some amazing shells with a perspective I've not seen before.
A truely inspirational and talented lady.Congrats Machel!
machel mushroom mama
Machel is a new contact of mine & I am completely blown away by her amazing photography & knowledge of all things mushroom. Her passion
for nature & the beauty in {nature} mesmerizes & enlightens people who maybe aren't privy to such an amazing world under such a careful eye for such gorgeous details to be found through a macro lens
such as hers. We all are delighted with every image she posts of such gorgeous photography
of what seems to be a world fit for fairies..........
this article & video slide show is just a wee peek
into such a gifted artist's view of her very own backyard, that she shares so generously with all of us. {lucky us}
Machel has been a friend of
Machel has been a friend of mine on flickr for well over a year. Her photography is outstanding and the lighting is fabulous. We are very well educated from Machel's journeys into the forest and the mountains. I am thrilled for her to have such a wonderful article written about her creative work. Being a photographer is not as easy as it looks. The lighting has to be just right and Machel has got it down perfectly. She has inspired me so much~ Congratulations Machel!
Machel Spence..Mistress of the Mushrooms!
Machel is by far the most amazing photographer I have had the pleasure to meet. Her macro captures of mushrooms is beyond compare. I have purchased a copy of her book...and am happy I did. It is filled with outstanding imagery and also contains poetry that she has composed.
Congrats Machel..for this latest achievement!
Machel Spence
I have never experienced such jaw dropping awe as I have viewing Machel's photographs... They are amazing! Her images have so fascinated me that I find myself walking into wooded areas wondering what she would find there... She has an amazing eye for light and beauty! I have been honored by her friendship on Flickr!
The Mushroom Queen
I have the great pleasure of being one of Machels flickr friends, and have to say that her mushroom, or shroomie shots as we affectionately call them, are in a class of their own!
Machel sees the beauty in something that most people would overlook, but fungi really are outstandingly pretty in their own right, and this talented photographer is able to capture this for all of us to share!
Not only that, but Machel photographs them in a unique way, not your everyday record shot, but turns them into a piece of art.....
I find this so fascinating
I find this so fascinating -- it's wonderful to see what creative people can do! I love how these photographs take something so ordinary and manage to make them into art
Mushroom Photos...
Machel Spence is not only a great photographer, but also a teacher, artist, helper, friend, and mother; an all around truly great human being who brings attention to the beauty of the world around us.
queen of mushrooms
Beyond documenting all these species of mushrooms her images take you to a magical world that we don't really pay attention to; they show you the beauty that you find in the details, when you stop and pay attention to the details.
She is the queen of mushrooms because of that - she the ordinary, reveals the magical and creates art.
It is an awesome thing to see her dedication to the world of mushrooms recognized through this article, and I sure hope to see more like it.
Great Article
Fantastic article...its is very rare to find someone so talented that is so passionate about something. I love the idea of educating people thru social media tools like flickr.
Machel's mushrooms!
I have also had the pleasure of being one of Machels flickr contacts, and am constantly in awe of her beautiful mushroom images! I have learned so much, and have that "mushroom eye" as she calls it! :) I also purchased her book, which I recommend to anyone who appreciates nature, and great photography!
Congratulations Machel!!
Machel Spence
I'm so happy that the West Seattle Herald did this feature on Machel. She is such a talented photographer and deserves attention such as this. I've been blessed to be associated with Machel for almost a year now and she continues to astound me with her knowledge and passion she has for all things beautiful. Congratulations Machel!
Machel Spence's mushroom photography
Machel Spence's work is a revelation. At a time when we are trying to change deep-set habits that threaten our world and are too busy to stop and look at small things, Machel reminds us of the importance of both. Without saying a word, Machel's photos speak volumes, offering the editorial perspective that the world is worth noticing and treating with care. It's advocacy through love of the specific--each little mushroom. Thank you, Machel.
machel spence
i've been an uber fan of machel's photography for quite some time. i follow her on flickr. she is a special person in that she has a connection with nature. and especially with fungai. she gets right down in her work and in the forest. brilliant. thank you for doing this article on her
Machel's photography never
Machel's photography never ceases to amaze me. Her photos take us to magical places where mushrooms rise from the damp earth with an array of colors and textures. Yes, beauty lies in the eye of the beholder ... and Machel has opened my eyes up to a world that few of us take the time to see. The forest floor is full of life and I appreciate the beauty of nature and mushrooms... a little bit more... because of Machel. I look forward to each of her posts in Flickr and encourage everyone to visit her photostream. Thank you, Machel!
~Tracey Tilson
Wet Knee Photography
Machel Spence
Some of Machel's Flickr friends call her the "Mushroom Queen". She has such a talent for setting up perfect photographs of the mushrooms she manages to find on her almost daily outings.
She has so many other talents, no surprise here--I think her best skill is that of a mother. She would make a perfect role model for anyone wanting to instill in their children a sense of adventure and appreciation for nature. I also love that she volunteers at her daughter's school on a regular basis--in my book, she has a big red "S" on her shirt (for Super Mom)!
The article was great! Congratulations Machel!
Machel's Photos
Great article! And well deserved praise, in my opinion. Machel takes care and captures beauty in all kinds of photos...not just the fungi! i've enjoyed so many of your photos, Machel. Your photos inspire me, they really do.
Congrats on this much deserved praise and attention!
Machel Spence
I have been a contact friend of Machel for a year or more on Flickr. Every shot she posts is an artistic adventure. She loves what she see through her lens and it comes throug in her images. I have also purchased her book, A Photographic Journey of the Forest Floor. An inspiration and pure delight to peruse. She is so knowledgable of her subject matter and loves to share. I look forward to her new posts and indulge myself in her older ones too. Thank goodness for Machel and people like her to take care of our forests and world. Thanks Machel =]
Machel Spence
I have long been familiar with Machel's work through her amazing flickr photostream and i can tell you that not only is she the most incredible photographer, but her knowledge of nature and the passion with which she tends to the world around her is inspiring beyond measure.
congrats machel on a job so well done!
Machel
It's so great to see our dear Flickr friend Machel and her fabulous work featured. This was a wonderful article!! Her work speaks for itself but she is also a wonderful person - a great friend and inspiration!
Congrats
Congrats on the Article!
Well deserved and nice to read more about you.
I have always enjoyed looking through your stream and look forward to more!
shrooms!
I always love finding them.... So awesome you have a article about your shrooms and you! I've learned way more about mushrooms from just walking out there, and I now know the REAL name of the mushrooms that are the 'fairytale' mushrooms... Awesome article.... awesome books and pics!
8D
Mushroom Philosophy
Machel is a zooper mushy macro philosopher!
Wondering what that means? Well, for one her photography offers a great insight into the world of mushroomology, making the most unimportant shots stand out like there was no better subject! Secondly, her photographs offer a subtle yet overwhelming romance with nature, with mushrooms, not to mention the love and respect for life!
I genuinely feel that her photography goes a step further in healing the mind and caressing the heart!
She is an inspiration hard to follow or imiatate! I am sure the mushroom family would be softly whispering to her in gratitude with every shot she takes of them! :)
Needless to say, she is a beautiful human being and a great support to her friends everywhere! :)
Well Done
Having known Machel all her life, I knew from the beginning she was destined for wonderful things. This is just a small view into her passions.
She puts her heart and soul into her photographs. I’m so very proud of her accomplishments. Way to go Lady.
Yay for Fungi!
It takes someone like Machel to really pull your attention to the finer details of what grows in our forests. With keen eyes and a wonderful relationship with light, she has been able to capture the unique and intricate beauty of these mushrooms. I'm glad that she has because it has allowed many of us to slow down a little bit more when walking in our local parks. Yay for this article and YAY for fungi!!
Fabulous article
What a wonderful article, Machel. Thank goodness you found that one large species several years ago - so grateful it ignited this current passion. Think of the thousands of people who have grown to appreciate mushrooms all the more because of your association with flickr. Wow! Congratulations on the great article.
Thanks Patrick for giving
Thanks Patrick for giving this much deserved spotlight to Machel and her mushrooms. I too am one of those who on a daily basis follow her photos on Flickr and as such consider myself blessed.
M, as we like to call her, has the unique ability to take us on a journey into a whole new world that at times seems magical and mysterious but is in fact 100% real.
Its important to note that most of us just pass these mushrooms by, we hardly pay any attention to them, but to borrow the line from the movie Avatar, "Machel sees them" and captures their splendor with breathtaking photos.
I am inspired by Machel's story. It never occurred to me that she wasn't actually a scientist or a mycologist, but I guess it just goes to show that when you are passionate about something, there really is no stopping you from being great at anything.
Thanks for a great article
Thanks for a great article about one of West Seattle's treasures--Machel Spence.
Machel's Fungus Fetish
Thanks Herald for bringing Machel into the light! I already knew she was an awesome photographer, but it was great to see her get some well deserved recognition.
I am continually amazed by your depth of energy and the joy you have for taking pictures in nature, anytime, anywhere.
inspirational
I am so happy to see that Machel is getting some of the recognition that she deserves. Her talent and images are truly inspirational. I look at many photo's and Machel truly stands out and continues to blow me away with her creativity, perspective, and her fantastic eye for light and detail. She has taught so many already through her images and her relationship with nature and mushrooms. I know she will continue to inspire thousands of other people as she is a true artist and educator. Great article and thanks Machel!
Machel is a miracle of a
Machel is a miracle of a photographer and a great flickrmate!!!!! :)))))
(:
Thank you for this great slide show and information on Machel Spence. I can tell you as someone who knows her personally she is a very talented woman in many aspects of her life. She is always creating something beautiful and interesting or taking inspiring pictures of it. I have watched her grow into a very knowledgeable and skilled photographer. Thanks for shinning a spot light on a person who truly deserves it.
Yay...
Machel - that is so awesome - the video is outstanding - congrats on all of this recognition - you are truly the QUEEN of mushrooms - and a wonderful person, too - have a great Saturday, my friend :) !
Wonderful!
Crazy about your mushroom shots! Enjoyed reading the article.
Beautiful...
Found it! :-) My gosh..really enjoyed reading the article and viewing
the video ( love the music he picked too) It must be so much fun getting interviewed and such a thrilled to be on paper, Machel. You must be so proud of yourself as you should be!!!!
Thank you for sharing the link! and thank you for sharing your beautiful work with us. Really appreciate your photography and we all have learned so much form you about the mushrooms as well. :-) Huge congrats again!!!
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