How to photograph a cave ?

[crysjanmom]

I went to Crystal cave at Sequoia National Park with my 40D, I used 10-22mm lens and the 28-135mm, no external flash during that time yet. I don't think it's good with flash, I think if I used AV, no flash and use Tripod the pictures will come out better but there's a lot of people and there's really no room for tripod.

 

[jchoate]

ecoh:

If your niece is associated with a university or conservation organization, I may know her. It is a small world.

Jerry
--
http://jchoate.zenfolio.com/

 

[f22shift]

those are pretty good

Here are some shots I took about 15 years ago in Carlsbad Caverns NP.
I used a Canon 35mm camera, a 20-35mm wide zoom, a tripod, a remote,
and an external flash. I can’t remember whether I used mirror
lock-up. I am fairly sure they were shot around f5.6 to f8 to get the
most depth of field. I used 400 ISO Kodak Royal film.

http://BillPPW350Z.smugmug.com/gallery/3262626_iZx8t/1/189511651_NbMeW

Depending on the light, the IS on the 17-85 and/or a monopod probably
won’t cut it. I’d go with the 10-22, a tripod, a remote, and an
external flash unit.

Hope this helps, and please post some pictures when you get back!
--
Bill
I’m no expert; I just like to take pictures and share them with
strangers
http://billppw350z.smugmug.com/

--
http://hamandcheese.smugmug.com

 

[Ecoh]

Which lens did you find more useful ?

 

[billppw350z]

billppw350z - Very nice, I hope I can take some photos as good as yours.
Most people are agreeing on the 10-22 so that will be my lens in the
cave

Thanks for the kind words. I look forward to seeing yours.

--
Bill
I’m no expert; I just like to take pictures and share them with strangers
http://billppw350z.smugmug.com/

 

[billppw350z]

those are pretty good

Thanks for the kind words.

--
Bill
I’m no expert; I just like to take pictures and share them with strangers
http://billppw350z.smugmug.com/

 

[crysjanmom]

http://crysjan.smugmug.com/gallery/6049224_bKju2/1/379042649_8kQap#379042649_8kQap

Here's my share guys.

 

[sghoughton]

You always have to light the cave from locations other than your camera for the most impressive cave shots.

If you're going with someone and can get a second strob in their hand you'd be way better off than doing it all from one location.

I tried that in this underwater cave but the second strobe failed so i didnt get the shots i wanted.

Underwater cave:
http://www.divepics.ca/documents/mayanriviera2.html

--
http://www.stevehoughton.com

 

[Shyam Kumar]

Some Cavern systems are artificially lit in select locations just for photography e.g. Luray Caverns. You are allowed to take a tripod, but its going to be hard to do long exposures as they do the tours in groups and there are little kids running about intent on ruining your shots . A wide fast prime or the fastest mid range zoom is my recommendation. Rent one with IS, if necessary.
Cheers,
Shyam