#053 The Hidden World of Fungi with Catherine Marciniak and Stephen Axford

Following rain has shaped much of Stephen Axford’s life in recent years. What began as a fascination with photographing fungi gradually unfolded into something far larger, carried by curiosity, collaboration, and a growing awareness of how deeply fungi shape the living world. Alongside documentary film maker Catherine Marciniak, Stephen has spent years documenting organisms that most people walk past without noticing, yet which quietly underpin forests, ecosystems, and even human health.Their partnership began during an ABC community project that paired personal stories with images. Catherine, working at the ABC at the time, came across Stephen’s extensive online fungi photography and invited him to take part. That collaboration led them to the Border Ranges of New South Wales, where they attempted their first time-lapse at Pinnacles Lookout near Mount Warning. Without specialised equipment, they manually pressed camera shutters for hours in stormy conditions. The resulting footage became the starting point of both a creative partnership and a long-term collaboration that continues today.Following Rain has shaped much of Stephen Axford’s life in recent years. What began as a fascination with photographing fungi gradually unfolded into something far larger, carried by curiosity, collaboration, and a growing awareness of how deeply fungi shape the living world. Alongside documentary film maker Catherine Marciniak, Stephen has spent years documenting organisms that most people walk past without noticing, yet which quietly underpin forests, ecosystems, and even human health.Their partnership began during an ABC community project that paired personal stories with images. Catherine, working at the ABC at the time, came across Stephen’s extensive online fungi photography and invited him to take part. That collaboration led them to the Border Ranges of New South Wales, where they attempted their first time-lapse at Pinnacles Lookout near Mount Warning. Without specialised equipment, they manually pressed camera shutters for hours in stormy conditions. The resulting footage became the starting point of both a creative partnership and a long-term collaboration that continues today.Together they made the excellent documentary film:Follow the rain – a magical journey into the kingdom of Fungi screening.Which is available to watch on Netflix here:https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81903044#:~:text=Watch%20Follow%20the%20Rain%20%7C%20Netflix,EnglishThey released a coffee table book in 2025 called:Planet Fungi a photographers foray.Which is available from their website here:https://www.planetfungi.movie/planet-fungi-a-photographers-forayMore Informationhttps://www.planetfungi.movie/https://www.youtube.com/@PlanetFungihttps://fungimap.org.au/https://www.spun.earth/about/teamhttps://www.merlinsheldrake.com/imax-movieIf you enjoy this podcast, please like and subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts.Leave us a comment and share this show with your friends.It really helps us to reach more citizen scientists, like you.Contact the ShowWe are always looking for more guests to tell us about interesting citizen science projects, research and events.You can email us at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.