Welcome to the world of slime mould.
These images, captured by photographer Barry Webb, provide a close-up view of single-celled slime mould organisms. A view that would not be possible with the naked eye.
Using a high-powered macro lens, and a composite of stills, Barry is able to reveal the tiny structures, which can grow anywhere from forests to deserts.
Barry has won awards for his work, which is mainly focused west of London, including the recent people's choice award in the macro section of the British Photography Awards.
When Barry was photographing this slime mould, he thought it had dust on the top. It wasn't until he started to create the composite image at home that he realized he had captured two tiny mites reaching skyward.
Barry said he didn't know they existed before he was introduced to the world of slime mould in 2019. A gardener by trade, but a keen hobby photographer - the Covid lockdown saw Barry spend more time outside hunting for these organisms.
His photography focuses on the fruiting bodies of the slime mould, where color and drama are most intense, and from where spores are released. Barry explains how the slime mould feeds off bacteria, algae, and types of fungi, making it an important part of the ecosystem.
Slime mould has been used in some incredible practical applications, including urban transport mapping simulations and in the search for dark matter.
Barry explains that taking photos of slime mould is a complex process that technology has simplified in recent years.
Using a technique called focus bracketing, where dozens of photos are taken, Barry captures the intricate details of these remarkable organisms, ultimately creating stunning composite images.
