Fireflies light up a Mexican forest

江苏姜堰第二中学 刘晨峰

When an editor called to ask if I could photograph a story about fireflies in Mexico,I didn't check my schedule before I said yes.I'd seen these insects light up the forests in Tlaxcala once before,and I jumped at the chance to go back.

I had three nights to capture the magical scene in the forest.Tripod in hand,I hiked with my colleagues into the misty forest at dusk.I set up,and we waited.Our banter(打趣)stopped as the sun set and tiny specks of light appeared.

According to our guides,visitors are usually not allowed to photograph the fireflies because the presence of artificial light from electronics can affect their habits.As I started shooting,I adjusted my exposures constantly to account for the fading light.In order to get the composition that I wanted,I placed my tripod on a steep,rocky path and had to steady it during the long exposures.Normally this wouldn't be a big deal,but the fireflies were very interested in the camera and,by extension,in me.I stood completely still while they crawled all over me—my arms,my hair,my face—and tickled my nose and cheeks.From what I observed,peak firefly presence happens for only about 20 minutes each night,so I had time for just a few tries.

On the last night everything came together.The weather cooperated.I had improved my method for focusing and composing in the dark with quick flashes from a powerful flashlight—and I'd grown accustomed to insects on my face.

I was rewarded with the image you see here.Each speck of light is one of several bursts that a firefly makes as it travels within a 30-second exposure.You can trace the insects'paths.Some make small loops,like those in the bottom center of the frame,while others move steadily in one direction or another.

The first time I visited the fireflies,I didn't have the pressure of trying to capture and convey this beautiful scene.I was just immersed and completely enchanted(陶醉的).That will always be my favorite experience with these luminous(发光的)creatures.

阅读检测

1.Why are visitors forbidden to take pictures of the fireflies?

A.Because fireflies have their own light.

B.Because strong light can kill the fireflies.

C.Because fireflies are extremely afraid of light.

D.Because light from the cameras can influence their habits.

2.What did the author do when fireflies crawled all over him?

A.He didn't move at all.

B.He adjusted his exposure.

C.He took photos very quickly.

D.He couldn't help tickling his nose.

语言学习

难句分析

When an editor called to ask if I could photograph a story about fireflies in Mexico,I didn't check my schedule before I said yes.当一位编辑打电话来问我是否可以为一个关于墨西哥萤火虫的报道拍照时，我没查看我的时间表就答应了。

本句是一个复合句。I didn't check my schedule是主句，before和when引导的都是时间状语从句，if引导的是宾语从句。