How to Photograph Fireflies

Nature can be one of the most challenging subjects to capture successfully in photographs. Taking pictures of fireflies can be even more challenging, since they are small and move quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Camera
• Aperture lens
• Honey

Instructions

1. Take the pictures at close range. Pictures of fireflies glowing over a pond from afar are almost always created digitally. It is impossible to pick up that amount of detail in the dark from a distance.

2. Find the largest aperture lens to use that you can. This helps regulate how much light exposure is allowed in.

3. Choose film with the right amount of sensitivity. Sensitivity also means shutter speed. High sensitivity film has a rapid shutter speed and does not allow much exposure.

4. Shoot the photo at night, and digitally enhance the fireflies to appear as though they are glowing with photo manipulation software like Photoshop.

5. Photograph a glowing firefly upclose by finding a male firefly about to die. When fireflies are dying, they glow continuously. This allows you to take their picture at your pace.

6. Capture a firefly, and place it in a jar with diluted honey. When the insect drinks the diluted honey, its life extends and its glow is prolonged. It moves much slower and gives you time to capture the perfect snapshot.