蛍 Fireflies ほたる

Once a year, right before the rainy season, the night time is graced by the gorgeous luminescent glow of fireflies.

SmugMug Gallery

As if to compensate for their short, two-week mating season (as opposed to America's summer-long season), the fireflies come out in full-force for only a few days. So, timing is crucial.

Unfortunately, this year, the first time I went, it was a bit late in the evening and it had started to drizzle, causing the fireflies to retire early for the night. The second time I went was following a cold, breezy day, and quite possibly already past their prime mating period. But, I was still happy to see them.

Much like the cherry blossom season, the firefly season reminds me of how brief and transient life is, but also how beautiful and graceful such a transient life can be.

And, of course, now that I have my new toy, I had to attempt some photography.

Photographing fireflies is much like photographing the stars; one must find a pleasant balance of composition, of exposure, and of luck.



Once I got a few pictures I was proud of, I sat back and enjoyed the last of the fireflies of this year.