Photographer Attacks Fungophobia with His Camera

Mendocino, California, June 2007 – What is fungophobia? Fear of mushrooms. If you think mushrooms are dark, slimy, dirty, and even poisonous, your mind is about to be changed...by a photographer. Taylor Lockwood has dedicated his career to capturing unique and gorgeous images of mushrooms, and now he’s focusing on educating people about the wonders of these earthy delights.

Why should we understand and embrace mushrooms? Not only are they one of the largest kingdoms of life forms on earth, their vital relationship with trees and other plants and their role as recyclers is essential to sustaining life on this planet. Many mushrooms have medicinal qualities, some of them are great to eat, and they are fun to hunt. They inspire people to get outdoors and be close to nature. They are good for the body and the soul.

Lockwood has launched his campaign against fungophobia on these fronts:

• He regularly tours the U.S. with his lively digital slide shows of beautiful and exotic mushroom images from all over the world.

• He maintains three websites that feature his photos, videos, and mushroom art products: www.KingdomofFungi.com, www.TaylorLockwood.com and www.FungiPhoto.com.

• In 2001 he published his first book, Treasures from the Kingdom of Fungi, to widespread international acclaim.

• In 2002 he produced a DVD by the same name featuring his photos set to baroque and classical music.

• In 2005 he released an educational DVD entitled The Mushroom Identification Trilogy that was welcomed by educators, poison control centers, amateur mushroom enthusiasts, gardeners, and nature lovers of all ages.

• In 2006 he produced of a series of educational video shorts called The Mushroom Minute.

• In September 2007 he will release his second book, Chasing the Rain: My Treasure Hunt for the World’s Most Beautiful Mushrooms. It captures the essence of his passionate hunt and gives us insight into the diversity and love of fungi around the world.

“Wherever he goes—from the Amazon to Tibet, from New Zealand to Nigeria, from the fringe of urban parking lots to remote nature sanctuaries—Taylor Lockwood brings back the most welcome and most ancient of news: that the world is rich in miraculous beauty that will astound the mind as well as dazzle the eyes,” writes Malcolm Margolin of Heyday Books.

Lockwood is commencing on a nationwide digital slide show and book tour with the release of Chasing the Rain in September. More information is available upon request, 707-937-2004, or www.TaylorLockwood.com.

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