I need some advice

fltsfshr

Senior Member
We're entering the Smoky Mountain National Park lottery to see the synchronous firefly mating season light show. I've never shot something like this before but I'm going to try. I'll have my Z7II and/or my D5100. What settings should I consider? I'll have a tripod along. Here's a pic I found on google.
a58c19c9-2959-494b-aa73-c46abe0fb2f8-Fireflies_Smokies_2019_021.JPG
 

BF Hammer

Senior Member
Judging from the fireflies that have photobombed my astrophotography sessions, I would say be prepared to change that shutter speed to the 1-5 seconds range. Even at 15 seconds exposure I get squiggly glowing lines if the bugs are flying around. But I don't know firefly behavior when mating. If they are more stationary on the ground and plants, then long exposure may be right. Turn up your ISO also, 1600 would be a good starting point and adjust as test photos dictate.
 
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