[best appreciated at full size against black]

There's nothing like a macro shot for the surprise factor when you see it on your computer for the first time. Bokeh plays a huge role in the success or failure of these images, aside from getting that sweet spot of focus. I nearly missed this little mushroom growing out of a rotting tree trunk while on a photo walk along our ridgeline. When I took this picture, I had no idea that the bokeh would turn out looking so ethereal and other-worldly! I could imagine this image was taken on Mars! :D

This image was taken in February, 2012.