MAGICAL FIREFLIES
G'day folks,
These are something I'd like to see and photograph.
Something
magical happens during summer nights in Japan. Cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and
Hiroshima hold firefly festivals where people gather to see the hotaku or
fireflies light up the evening skies.
Around
the country, photographers visit the magical forests in remote areas from the
months of May and June; all for an opportunity to photograph these glowing
insects in action. Fireflies thrive in damp environment with the ideal time for
them to glow being between 7am to 9pm.
These
shutterbugs have to be very patient to get their desired shots of the fireflies
as the insects will hide from other light forms. Another challenge that comes
with photographing fireflies is knowing when to take the photo as the nocturnal
insect use their lights intermittently. Scientists believe the female emits
flashes to communicate with males.
This time of year is also
mating season for fireflies.
There are
many species of fireflies in Japan. The two common ones are the genji-botaru
and heike-botaru. The little bugs were named after rivalling clans during the
Heian period which lasted from 794 to 1185.
Fireflies hold a special place in Japanese culture. It has served both as a symbol of love and war. Some believed fireflies were the souls of soldiers who lost their lives during battle.
Fireflies live anywhere
from seven to 10 days.
Photographers
will use a long exposure shots to catch the intermitten bioluminescence.
Clean streams, no wind, and humidity are the perfect spot to find fireflies. Sometimes the female and male will light up in unison.
Female heike-botaru will flash more often once she has found a male she wants to mate with.
There are
approximately 45 types of fireflies in Japan. Although, only about 14 actually
light up.
Many of the photographers start setting up their equipment during the day.
Aside
from shying away from other light forms, fireflies are known to like being
around quiet and tranquil areas.
The fireflies give off a
glittering light show of yellow, green, and even red colours.
Shutterbugs
will wait hours as well as days to get the perfect shot.
Time-lapse photos are layered together during production to make it appear like there are thousands of fireflies. This allows people to see the beauty of the fireflies through the naked eye.
Clancy's comment: Amazing nature, eh?
I'm ...
