I used to be attacked in a bamboo forest in South Korea. I nonetheless keep in mind how briskly I needed to run.

We chat to Agorastos Papatsanis, an expert photographer primarily based in Thessaloniki in northern Greece. He’s gained quite a few awards in main photographic competitions, together with European Nature Photographer of the Year, Asferico, Big Picture and MontPhoto. His pictures have additionally been revealed in National Geographic

Your work focuses on fungi. Why fungi?

Fungi are symbols of our creativeness and of every little thing I really like: fairy tales, inspiration and thriller. Mushrooms are available a variety of shapes and hues, and have robust ‘personalities’. They actually stir our fancy.

What’s been your most difficult species to {photograph}?

The bridal veil stinkhorn. I’ve been to South Korea 3 times to {photograph} it. There are two species – one with a white ‘veil,’ which is widespread and edible, and one other with a yellow veil, which is uncommon and poisonous. South Koreans seek advice from the latter because the ‘holy mushroom’, and anybody who finds it’s thought-about fortunate. I’ve had many encounters with the white bridal veil, however I’ve solely discovered the holy mushroom as soon as. 

Have you ever had an elaborate inventive imaginative and prescient that didn’t work?

Yes. I’ve spent the previous two autumns attempting to seize the spore launch of the big clusters of fly agaric mushrooms that I’ve been seeing for greater than 20 years. But since I began attempting to {photograph} them they’ve stopped showing…   

Have you had any memorable wildlife encounters whereas photographing fungi?

In December 2007 I used to be in a combined pine and cypress forest, photographing parrot waxcaps. I heard footsteps, raised my head and noticed a wolf simply 5m away. He circled me and left. I felt like I used to be a visitor in his home. It was one of many strongest emotions I’ve ever skilled within the woods.

Any not-so-fond reminiscences?

I used to be as soon as attacked by a swarm of wasps in a bamboo forest in South Korea. I nonetheless keep in mind how briskly I needed to run.

What’s your favorite species of fungi?

It’s between parrot waxcap for its spectacular emerald color and porcelain fungus for its superb texture.  

What location would you wish to revisit?

A backyard in Austria. It was blanketed in fallen ivy leaves that had been lined in leaf parachute mushrooms. I might love to return in time and {photograph} them once more.