Hugh Erle Smith
Photographer
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Favorite Forays

Mycological Society of San Francisco General Meeting & Photo Contest
February 22, 2006

I went to San Francisco Tuesday to the Mycological Society's meeting in San Francisco. This was the first meeting I had ever been to along with one foray (I live 2 hours from The City). And I've got to tell you, I have a great time with these people! They are very sociable and VERY informative whenever I have questions concerning fungus. What spirit! 

This meeting was to feature a Photo Contest with 10 photographs from any member who wanted to enter.

One of my photos was judged to be the best photo of all of the entries, and I am honored. I really didn't think I had a chance against some of the work that I have seen with this group and, quite frankly, I am still a bit shocked.

I would like to thank you, David Rust, who encouraged me to enter this Photo Contest.

Not so long ago, Dr. Michael Kuo wanted to add some of my pictures to his website, mushroomexpert.com and recently put some of my photographs, including one of my granddaughter, Eden, in his last book, "Morels". I was honored.

Michael Kuo will be putting out another book soon, "100 Edible Mushrooms". He's asked to use some of my photos again.

Then Mike Wood and Fred Stevens asked if they could use some of my shots on MykoWeb.com. WOW!

Next, Herman Brown taunted me to start a web site, now in operation as hughsmith.org

I am truly honored by all of this.

And, I'd like to thank all of you, David, Debbie, David, Fred, Larry, Michael, Herman, Mike, and so many others for sharing all of your experiences and knowledge with enthusiastic spirit.

But most of all, I want to thank my Mother, who got me interested in the Natural World and the Macro World with Marine Biology, growing up in the tide pools. Without my Mom, I wouldn't be where I am, or here at all! And my best friend, my brother Bert, now deceased, for taking me on my first mushroom hunt. And of course, my wife Sandi, for all of her encouragement, who loves the hunt as well. Not for the edibles, but for The Hunt!

I am honored, and humbled.