It’s usually just after sunrise or before sunset, when the light is soft and warm. Try shooting from a low angle, almost at ground level, so the sun filters through the canopy and hits the caps directly. A bit of mist on the forest floor adds that dreamy glow too. Just keep an eye on the shadows and move slowly—nature doesn’t stay still for long.

I’ve been chasing the silver fir’s “pinecone” mushroom, but the summer chanterelles also light up beautifully. They love the early mist, so aim for a damp, mossy spot and keep the lens focused on the cap’s edge. The quick bracketing will let you pick the shot where the light and color hit just right. Good luck!