In his striking large-format images, British photographer Barry Webb captures the ethereal and sculptural qualities of slime molds. One example, Stemonitis, resembles slender wires with colorful wax-tipped ends. Despite their intricate appearance, these slime molds are typically no taller than two centimeters. Webb’s macro photography unveils this ordinarily hidden, stunningly beautiful microcosm.
Researchers have cataloged hundreds of slime mold species, which are uniquely distinct from plants, fungi, animals, or molds. They are more akin to amoebas and are continually being studied with new findings emerging regularly. Webb documents the vast variety of colors and forms, from gray bulbs resembling snow-dusted trees to coral-like pink tendrils. He consistently contributes his high-resolution images to local and national botanical records, aiding scientific research.
Webb’s photograph of Lamproderma scintillans, partially enveloped by a water droplet, won the Botanical Britain category at the British Wildlife Photography Awards. His works are displayed in large format at the Mythos Wald exhibition at Gasometer Oberhausen in Germany, open until the end of the year. In the U.K., his award-winning images are featured in the 2026 International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Find more on his Instagram.
