Another composite image of fireflies in my backyard. This time with a telephoto lens at f/13 to try to get a deeper depth of field effect. As before, the camera was set up to take 25 second images, and the resultant 110 images combined using the Startrails program.
Backyard Fireflies. Early Summer in New Jersey. Image taken with a Nikon D3s and 600 mm f/4 lens (ISO 2500, 600 mm, f/13, 25 sec). Images processed with Capture One Pro, Startrails (used to stack 110 images), and Photoshop CS5.
Author: David Mathre
I am a scientist by training (Eckerd College, BSc; Caltech, Ph.D.). I worked for 27 years as a Chemist in the Pharmaceutical Industry developing processes to manufacture medicines for human and animal health. I now spend my time as a photographer and world traveler. My interests include the natural world, wildlife, landscapes, sky, and seascapes, travel, and astrophotography. I look for unique ways of viewing the world and presenting my images. I have traveled to over 55 countries in six continents, often on Semester at Sea voyages. While at home in New Jersey, I spend time on home renovation and expansion of a wildflower garden/meadow.
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2 thoughts on “Sunday (26-June-2011) — New Jersey”
David,
Thanks for the question. I hadn’t really thought about it, so found a reference that “Dark-active North American fireflies emit green bioluminescence and dusk-active species emit yellow.” in the linked scientific paper Ecology of Colors of Firefly Bioluminescence . This set of images was from later at night so I would have a nearly black background. I’ll have to try it again at dusk to see if I can detect a more yellow color. The hard part will deciding on the best white balance.
DJM
Hey Dave:
Why are they green?
David,
Thanks for the question. I hadn’t really thought about it, so found a reference that “Dark-active North American fireflies emit green bioluminescence and dusk-active species emit yellow.” in the linked scientific paper Ecology of Colors of Firefly Bioluminescence . This set of images was from later at night so I would have a nearly black background. I’ll have to try it again at dusk to see if I can detect a more yellow color. The hard part will deciding on the best white balance.
DJM