Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

17th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Eastern Firefly luminescence reflection on boxwood

I really enjoy that the lightning bugs luminescence is indirect in this photograph. A single boxwood leaf is reflecting light back towards the camera from the bugs abdomen. I like that the luminescence does not bloom into a circle of light but is a realistic capture of what your eye sees. Capturing a good photo of a lightening bug was a goal this summer so I was very happy after capturing this photo.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2019
Date Uploaded: 08.2019
Photo Location: Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
Camera: ILCE-7M3
Copyright: © Chad Arnold