A unique outdoor photo experience
Into the Forest
Wild Mushroom Macro
Photography Workshop
Find, observe, and photograph wild mushrooms in their natural habitat — guided by a mycologist and a macro photographer.
What’s included
A day in two acts
This workshop is a rare combination of mycology education and hands-on photography instruction — all in a stunning forest setting. No classroom. No pressure. Just curious people, beautiful fungi, and great light.
Guided Forest Walk
Your guide and mycologist will lead you through the forest, teaching you how to spot, identify, and ethically observe wild mushrooms in their natural environment. You’ll come away with a genuine appreciation for the hidden world beneath the trees.
Macro Photography Instructor
Once we locate our subjects, we get to work. You’ll receive hands-on guidance on camera settings, lighting techniques, and composition — everything you need to capture stunning close-up images of mushrooms in the wild.
Lighting & Gear Setup
We’ll help you set up and use your gear effectively on location, with lighting setups tailored to the forest environment. No need to be a technical expert; we’ll walk you through it step by step.
The day
Two sessions, one forest
Choose the session that works best for you. Each session is capped at 6 participants to ensure you get personal attention.
Morning Session — 9 a.m.
Start your day surrounded by soft morning light. Ideal for catching dew on mushroom caps and that magical early-light atmosphere.
Afternoon Session — 3 p.m.
Enjoy the warmth of the afternoon and the rich, directional light that works beautifully with our intended subjects.
Where to find us
McCarthy Woods
A green oasis tucked within the city — McCarthy Woods offers rich, diverse forest terrain and a surprising abundance of wild fungi, making it the perfect backdrop for a day of exploration and photography.
McCarthy Woods
3320 Paul Anka Dr
Ottawa, ON K1V 0J9
Free parking is available on site. We recommend wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven forest terrain. Layers are always a good idea — the forest can be cooler than the open air, especially during the morning session.
Open in Google Maps →Before the workshop
Come prepared,
not stressed
Sunday, April 26th, 2026, at 7 p.m., join us for a pre-workshop online session. This is your chance to ask questions, get specific advice on the gear you already own, and know exactly what to bring so you can focus on the experience.
Think of it as a quick, friendly briefing, where nothing is left to chance.
Knowing what to pack and what to expect makes all the difference. You will arrive ready to shoot.
Who should join
Made for every photographer
Beginners curious about macro photography for the very first time and looking for a welcoming, guided experience.
Intermediate photographers who want to improve their technique and explore a new genre in a real-world setting.
Nature lovers and mushroom enthusiasts who want to combine a passion for the outdoors with a new creative skill.
Anyone who wants a small-group, hands-on experience away from the screen and into the forest.
Your guides
Meet your instructors
You’ll be in expert hands from your first step into the forest to the last shot of the day. Guin and Seb bring deep knowledge of both the natural world and the art of macro photography.
Mycologist & Forest Guide
Guinevere Dickson
Guinevere of Guin’s Funguides is a nature guide and educator based in Ottawa. Often noted for their enthusiasm about the mystical world of mycology, as their name suggests, they can offer many forms of avenues to share knowledge, experience and practical skills on identifying the many varieties of mushrooms found in our area. They also offer interactive workshops, customizable private tours, and sell wares at both brick and mortar store and vendor markets.
Macro Photographer & Workshop Instructor
Seb Duper
One of Ottawa’s premier commercial photographers, Seb Duper has been creating nature and macro photographs for the past 5 years. As a photography workshop leader, Seb focuses on helping participants slow down, observe, and translate what they see into compelling images. His teaching style is hands-on and encouraging — whether you’ve never used your camera’s manual setting or you shoot professionally, he’ll meet you where you are and help you level up.
Investment
⟡ Only 6 spots per session — reserve yours before they fill up
Only 12 spots available.
6 per session. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Don’t miss your chance to explore
the forest through a completely new lens — register today.