Chasing fungi in the forest: Mushroom photography with the Hobolite Micro
The crisp autumn air, the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, and the ethereal beauty of mushrooms pushing through the damp earth — these are the hallmarks of a magical time for photographers, especially those drawn to the mysterious world of macro photography. But capturing these delicate wonders often presents a unique challenge – low light.
This year, I embarked on a mushroom photography adventure, armed with my trusty camera and a secret weapon: the Hobolite Micro. This compact, versatile LED light proved to be the perfect companion for illuminating my subjects without disturbing the tranquillity of the forest. This little 8W pocket power was the perfect companion.
Size Matters: Lighting Up the Macro World
Traditional lighting setups can be bulky and cumbersome, especially for delicate macro photography. The Hobolite Micro, however, is a game-changer. Its pocket-sized design fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, making it easy to manoeuvre through the undergrowth and position the light precisely for targeted illumination.
Unveiling the Details: Colour Temperature Control
Mushrooms can come in a breathtaking array of colours and textures. The Hobolite Micro’s adjustable colour temperature allowed me to fine-tune the light to perfectly showcase these details. Whether it was the warm, earthy tones or the cool of Jack-o’-Lantern mushrooms, the Hobolite Micro ensured each subject was bathed in the most flattering light.
Unleashing Creativity: Diffusion & Light Shaping
The Hobolite Micro’s included frosted dome diffused the light beautifully, creating a soft, even glow that eliminated harsh shadows on the delicate mushroom caps and stems. Additionally, the light’s magnetic barn doors allowed me to further control the light spread, shaping it to highlight specific features or create dramatic pools of light.
Endurance is Key: Capturing the light
Autumn light can be fleeting, and the last thing you want is your light source dying on you mid-shoot. The Hobolite Micro boasts an impressive battery life of up to 50 minutes at full brightness, allowing me to capture a variety of mushrooms without interruption. It actually comes with three mini batteries, each lasting at least 15-20 minutes each. Even longer f you turn it off between shooting. I used a single battery on this single 1.5-hour trip. This reliability was crucial in capturing the fleeting beauty of these wonders. Especially when many are found on the show sides of trees or undergrowth.
Beyond the Light: A Perfect Match for Macro Photography
The Hobolite Micro’s versatility extends beyond its impressive lighting capabilities. Its compact size makes it ideal for minimalist macro setups, eliminating unnecessary bulk and allowing for a more natural approach. Additionally, the light’s intuitive controls ensured adjustments could be made quickly and efficiently, keeping pace with the ever-changing light in the forest and it fits neatly in your pocket or bag too.
My recent mushroom photography adventure was a resounding success, and the Hobolite Micro played a pivotal role. Its portability, adjustable light, and long battery life made it the perfect companion for exploring the world of fungi. Whether you’re a seasoned macro photographer or just starting your journey, the Hobolite Micro is a great option for capturing the magic of the forest. I’m just starting to play with this light and will do a full review shortly.
