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Inspiration

6

Moss is Boss – An Exercise in Observation

by Warren Krupsaw

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Moss. Now that doesn’t sound like much of a subject (or at least an exciting one), but HERE is to be found a perfect example of the rewards of close observation.

While there may be patches here or there or anywhere damp, stable surfaces occur (and some species live only in water), mosses are present in most terrestrial habitats including deserts. Generally however, mosses are common in wooded areas and at the edges of streams as they require abundant water for growth and reproduction. They also prefer low light.

Appearing pretty lowly (literally) and insignificant, most folks pass them by unless they stand out by being a color other than green or exhibit some other unusual characteristic (e.g. fruiting).

For trees and other surfaces dripping with moss, you can’t go wrong with The Olympic Peninsula (Hoh Rain Forest) where a number of these wetter variations were done.

So the next time you’re out with your camera and come across some moss, take a closer look; with sufficient enlargement, some species (at least to this eyeball) look like ferns or evergreens; and while it might not be “boss,” it might just be a subject worthy of your attention.

Warren Krupsaw, a one-time student (and house guest) of Ansel Adams is a nature photographer concentrating on landscape & detail. After participating in the first year of a new graduate program in Photography at M.I.T. with Minor White, he earned his M.F.A. in Photography under Harry Callahan at the R.I.S.D. in 1968.
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/thekrupgallery
Book: Portraits of Passion and Other Dalliances

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6 Comments

• 

  Art of Concept said:

  Great post! Indeed, a subject worthy of our attention! These photos look eerie somehow! Love them!

• 

  Erika said:

  Love them, its good to be part of a site like this – shows me I’m not the only getting down on my hands and knees to take pics of moss hehe.

• 

  Theresa A Johnson said:

  Love the examples contained in this article. You’ve done a great job with the colors in the tree-dwelling mosses, too!
  Some of my favorite personal shots with the P&S I started out using, was macro shots of moss!
  I’m so glad I’m not the only one :)

• 

  D said:

  Wow. Great textures on all these photos. Good collection!

• 

  katie said:

  I love moss!

  http://m.flickr.com/photos/kpizzel/4988540773/

  http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/kpizzel/4989144880/

• 

  Logo said:

  I have never thought that moss can be beautiful like this.. Great photography.

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