Night Photography -Fireflies

[dave.gt]

Wow!

Talk about a challenge! Last night around 9pm, I noticed fireflies in the back yard. They are known by children around these parts as "lightning bugs", and I cannot remember the last time I saw them. I presumed they were pretty much gone forever. I grabbed the studio gear and set up thectripod in a minute or so and spent the next 45 minutes failing to capture a single firefly.

This is going to be a challenge!!!:banghead:

Has anyone tried to do this?

National Geographic:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/relay....y/photo-tips/fireflies-in-the-dark-richardson

 

[dave.gt]

So, now, I am researching Fireflies. It seems that The Great Smoky Mountains National Park puts on quite a show!!!

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/group/fireflies/

I have a feeling that video may be my only hope. Has anyone tried to catch these flashy bugs in MFD, still photo or video?:bugeyes:

 

[Craig Stocks]

I've taken a few photos of fireflies, some on purpose and some inadvertently.

I did this last year in my back yard. It's a composite of a number of stacked frames at ISO 1600, 30 seconds, f/4.5 with the Phase One 55mm on an IQ 3100.

This was less intentional. I was testing the Rokinon 14mm on my Sony a7r2 when a lightning bug flew over my head and straight on toward Jupiter. ISO 3200, f/2.8 for 15 seconds.

They also frequently show up uninvited in night photos. I did this star trail photo a few days ago on vacation and caught numerous fireflies in the process. Sony a6000, ISO 500, 30 seconds @ f/8.0, around 100 consecutive frames stacked to create the star trails.

 

[tcdeveau]

Hey Dave,
I’ve done a few but never on purpose, the fireflies just happened to be there. Helps to have a wide lens and it’s going to be trickier with the 80mm. Just keep trying!
-Todd

Some examples of mine from North Georgia, all with aperture wide open, ISO3200-6400 and 30ish seconds

From a Nikon D800E and 24mm f1.4 nikkor:


With the X1D and 21mm XCD

 

[dave.gt]

Thanks, guys! Great images.

I reviewed the shots from last night. Ugh... may try again tonight. But most likely, I will just sit on the terrace and enjoy the evening.

Father's Day does come with a couple of privileges, right?:thumbup:

 

[dave.gt]

Hmm... okay, do I did manage to grab a couple of shots the other night. But the images are merely interesting for me to study, not share!

So it has been back to researching:

http://www.fireflyexperience.org/photos/

I have a renewed sense of inspiration!

 

[viablex1]

Those are pretty darn cool!!! Initially I wasn't sure what the trails were..

 

[jdphoto]

This was taken right after a storm. There were literally thousands of "Glow Bugs" lighting it up... Each one has a unique signal to attract a mate.

This was taken with a Leica M Monochrom, but I consider it a digital 4x5.

 

[TimothyHyde]

Greg Crewdson made a wonderful book about fireflies a few years ago.

http://www.photoeye.com/bookstore/citation.cfm?catalog=DP673&i=&i2=

Here is a bit about his process: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/22/nyregion/gregory-crewdson-fireflies-in-the-bronx.html

tim

 

[dave.gt]

Greg Crewdson made a wonderful book about fireflies a few years ago.

http://www.photoeye.com/bookstore/citation.cfm?catalog=DP673&i=&i2=

Here is a bit about his process: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/22/nyregion/gregory-crewdson-fireflies-in-the-bronx.html

tim

Thanks for the links, Tim!!!

Great reading, and the photos were made on FILM!!!

Maybe there is hope for me!