I saw a photograph by Susannah (@lulannah) on Instagram of lichen on an American Holly tree within Nags Head Woods Preserve.  The lichen was bright red and spread in patches of varying intensity over the light gray bark of the tree.  It was amazing!  I was instantly drawn to Susannah for her eye and her interest in the natural world.  And I couldn’t wait to get into Nags Head Woods to find this lichen for myself.  

This is one of those subjects that is on my list of “return and retry.”  I’ve photographed the bark rash lichen with mostly a medium macro (60mm).  I’m wondering if it would be better to try a telephoto lens and a tighter crop, or to go wider and include more surrounding context.  Either way, the future will hopefully see a better frame from me!  And thank you, Susannah for the inspiration.

Camera:  Nikon D810
Lens:  Nikkor 60mm micro f2.8 @ 60mm
Tripod:  Really Right Stuff TVC-33

Date taken:  February 27, 2021
Settings:  f8.0, 1/50 second, iso-250