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Moth Dance

White moths, their wings signaling in the longer exposure, try to enter the Light. The problem is, the light is just a streetlight... and they're still alive......
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White moths, their wings signaling in the longer exposure, try to enter the Light. The problem is, the light is just a streetlight... and they're still alive... ;)
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COOLPIX P610

settings

Aperture f/4.5 ISO 1000 Shutter 100/100 Focal Length 143/10

upload_date

Jul, 2015

Views

143

Likes

+10

Awards

People's Choice in butterflies flying at night Photo Challenge

Peer Award

Outstanding Creativity

Top Choice

Superb Composition

Behind The Lens

Location

The shot was made from the street level, near my home where this streetlight is positioned.

Time

Date/Time of the shot was 09-Jul-15 00:40:49

Lighting

Shutter took a full 1 sec, and here is the rest of the elements: f/4.5, ISO 1000 at 0.00 eV. Metering Mode was Pattern, Flash did not fire (Off). Focal Length 14.3 mm, and White Balance set at Auto.

Equipment

Nikon COOLPIX P610, shopt out of hand, leaning against the wall for stability. Not bad, huh? ;)

Inspiration

That year there was a lot of those white small butterflies or moths to see; some say these were "imported" with some palm trees, but it's only a rumor. However, they were abundant for one summer season, and then gone forever - or at least it looks that way. As the moths gathered around any lightsource, it was easy to see them... and this was one way to photograph them, too.

Editing

I raised a contrast and did some add-on sharpening. The photo also needed some cropping to get at the better layout of elements, but that was all. The camera did a pretty good job by itself.

In my camera bag

To me it is easier to carry a photo vest than any photo bag. So I load my photo vest with whatever I might need for my photo session, walk or trip. My photo bags usually keep the equipment I'm not using at the moment. The vest's many pockets usually contain two cameras, spare batteries, ND and CPL filters, and one small photo clamp instead of a tripod. Sometimes I'll include a small action camera, mainly for its wide field of view and resistance to water and weather. The vest has large-lens pockets that holds a small water bottle, a sandwich, or a bar of chocolate if I plan on being out for the whole day. There is about three meters length of paracord or similar strong, thin rope, one hefty pocket knife, and a lighter. With these, much can be "mcgyvered" along the way, so that's all I need. Recently I make it even more comfortable for me, and take the essentials along in a waist pouch. Simplicity and comfort; two best ingredients in most situations!

Feedback

Experiment! You might try using the flash, but in this case these photos were not very attractive. After several flash photos, I decided to go for long exposure, as there was enough light available. Still, experimenting is the key, since in long-exposure shots you never know what the final photo will look like. If the situation is sure to take long enough, do use the tripod; it's easier than trying to freeze for a full second. And make many photos! Whatever you do, enjoy!

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LookSee

Moth Dance

White moths, their wings signaling in the longer exposure, try to enter the Light. The problem is, the light is just a streetlight... and they're still alive...... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow LookSee

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White moths, their wings signaling in the longer exposure, try to enter the Light. The problem is, the light is just a streetlight... and they're still alive......
Read more

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.