Queen Mary 2 and Fireflies

Laura and I hoofed it up to Shoal Point, Friday July 10, the present location of what is known as the Chebucto Head Lighthouse. Chebucto Head is actually located about one half kilometre to the south just past the cluster of homes on the rocky knoll. During World War 2 the lighthouse was relocated to its present location to make room for harbour defence installations at Chebucto Head. A couple of the homes are built right on top of gun battery/search light/visual observation bunkers.

We were at Shoal Point to observe the passing of the Queen Mary 2. Unfortunately due to all the celebratory activity at the Halifax Harbour the Queen Mary 2 did not arrive until about 10PM which was fortuitous as it turned out. The celebrations were due to the 175the year that Cunard Lines has visited Halifax.

The Queen Mary 2 is the only ocean liner in the world, faster and stronger than any of the cruise ships that tend to calmer coastal waters, although cruise ships will make occasional world cruises in fair weather. Only the Queen Mary 2 can make all season Atlantic Ocean crossings.

Samuel Cunard the founder of Cunard Lines was born in Halifax.

Sunset Over the Coastal Barrens

Chebucto Head Lighthouse

By the time the Queen Mary 2 reached Shoal Point all of her display lighting, the funnels, the name plate, were switched off and she was moving in cruise mode.

Queen Mary 2

Queen Mary 2 Queen Mary 2 Queen Mary 2

It was just before the arrival of the Queen Mary 2 that we started to notice the fireflies. By the time we were trooping down the hill the barrens were alight with their flashes and light trails. I recognize a challenge when I see one so photographing these guys was my next project.

The next evening was very windy which kept the mosquitoes away but most of the fireflies were grounded. I had little luck. I tried again last evening again with little success but I am getting closer to photographing the fireflies successfully. My first two tries were made with a 15-30mm wide angle zoom which captured all the fireflies just fine but they turned out as light spots on the frame, barely visible, with a few exceptions. I will try again with a longer lens.

Fireflies

This photograph is interesting! Note how three fireflies enter the frame(or leave) on the left and then do identical loops before proceeding on a random roller coaster ride.

Fireflies

The bright light in the frame is a ship anchored in the outer harbour.

Fireflies Fireflies Fireflies

The key to this photography is to capture the fireflies without lighting up the landscape since long exposure times are required.