Capturing the Buzz: A Photographer’s Guide to the 2024 Cicada Double Brood

The rhythmic hum of millions is about to fill the air!  This year, we witness a rare natural phenomenon – the dual emergence of two periodical cicada broods. Millions of these fascinating insects will swarm specific regions, offering a unique opportunity for photographers / videographers to capture stunning close-ups, quirky behaviors, and the sheer mass of this event. Let’s unlock the secrets to creating cicada masterpieces!

Understanding the Subject:

• Know Your Subject: We’re dealing with Brood X (17-year cycle) and Brood XIX (13-year cycle). Their emergence starts in mid-April across several states, peaking in May-June.  Identify broods in your area using online resources like cicadasafari.org.
• Life Cycle Drama: Capture the entire story – nymphs crawling out of the ground and transforming into winged adults. Adults molt, mate, lay eggs, and die within weeks. Use timelapse for condensed narratives or capture individual stages for a detailed documentary.

Essential Gear:

Photography:

• Macro Magic: Get close-up and personal with a dedicated macro lens (e.g., 90mm, 105mm) or extension tubes to capture details like compound eyes and vibrant wings. Explore focus stacking for stunning sharpness across the entire subject.
• Telephoto: Capture wider shots of swarms, mating flights, or environmental context. Consider a 70-300mm or similar zoom lens for flexibility.
• Flash & Diffuser: Control light in shade or create dramatic effects. A diffuser softens harshness for more natural results.
• Tripod Stability: Ensure sharp images, especially crucial for macro work and low-light telephoto shots.

Videography:

• Filming Gear: DSLR, mirrorless, smartphone or dedicated video cameras work well. Stabilize footage with a gimbal or tripod.
• External Microphone: Capture the vibrant cicada chorus clearly. Lavalier mics for interviews or directional mics for specific sounds add depth.
• LED Video Light: Supplement natural light when needed, maintaining a natural look.

Creative Composition:

Photography:

• Background Harmony: Choose contrasting backgrounds (leaves, bark, sky) to make your subject stand out. Blurring with bokeh adds another layer of interest.
• Slow Shutter Speed: Capture the blur of movement during flight, creating a dynamic sense of energy.
• Multiple Exposures: Experiment with HDR for high-contrast scenes or focus stacking for extended depth of field.
• Panning: Follow a flying cicada with your camera to create a dynamic image.

Videography:

• Camera Angles: Play with perspective – ground-level footage for an immersive view, slow-motion close-ups for dramatic detail, panning shots to follow movement.
• Sound Design: Capture the soundscape naturally, then layer in specific cicada calls or ambient noise for emphasis.
• Timelapse Magic: Condense the cicada emergence or life cycle into a captivating sequence. Hyperlapse adds motion blur for a dynamic feel.

Assignment Ideas:

Photography:

1. Portrait of a Singer: Capture a male cicada in full song, showcasing its “tymbals” and vibrant colors. Experiment with lighting and background textures.
2. The Transformation: Photograph a cicada emerging from its nymphal shell, focusing on the dramatic peeling action and details of the new adult.
3. Circle of Life: Capture a mating pair or egg-laying process, highlighting the unique interaction and behavior.
4. The Transformation: Capture the dramatic emergence of a cicada from its nymphal shell. Use macro and flash to showcase the details.
5. Swarm Symphony: Capture a wide shot of a massive cicada congregation on a tree, conveying the sheer scale of the event.

Videography:

1. Soundscape Symphony: Create a short video focusing solely on the sounds of the cicadas – individual calls, overlapping choruses, and interactions with the environment.
2. A Day in the Life: Document the 24-hour cycle of a cicada, from emergence to singing, mating, and even predation if possible.
3. Beyond the Bug: Document the impact of the cicadas on the environment and community. Capture people’s reactions, fallen shells, or even animal predation.

Bonus Tip: Respect the environment. Avoid harming the cicadas and minimize disturbance. Research local regulations and be mindful of sensitive ecosystems.

Beyond the Basics:

• Connect with fellow enthusiasts: Share experiences and techniques online with the community.
• Explore cultural connections: Research the history and cultural significance of cicadas to add depth to your narrative.
• Post-processing magic: Edit your photos and videos creatively, adjusting exposure, color, and adding subtle effects to enhance the story.

Remember, capturing the cicada double brood is about more than just documentation. It’s about capturing the essence of this unique natural phenomenon, its impact on the environment, and the human connection to it. So, grab your gear, embrace the creative buzz, and create images and videos that resonate long after the cicadas have gone.