Cave photography may seem like an easy hobby to take up but it actually requires a lot of thought, knowledge and planning. Taking pictures is easy, but taking good pictures is often a little hard for the untrained eye. Cave photography requires special equipment, knowledge and a desire to learn the craft.
First, you have to decide where you want to go for your cave photography trip. The good news is that there are interesting caves throughout the world, just waiting for you to come take their pictures. From stalagmites to hieroglyphics, the world of cave photography truly is fascinating. So, whether you decide to visit a cave in Texas or Arizona, you are guaranteed to find some amazing photo opps throughout the world. Do your homework before you set off for your trip so that you'll be completely prepared before you even leave your house. One of the first things you should do is research a list of caves that you'll want to visit. Next, you will need to inquire as to whether visitors are even allowed to hike in them. It’s also a good idea to take a guided tour, so call your local travel agent and see what cave photography trips are offered. You can also check out some of the different tourist sites on the internet for more ideas of where you should go. Cave photography pros will tell you that the most rewarding trip will be one that includes the finding your own cave; one that isn’t on a map or hasn’t been discovered at all. But, you have plenty of time for that and it's usually best for amateurs to start off with a guide.
Make hotel reservations before you get to your desired location to ensure you'll have a place to stay. Some cave photography fans often camp out in the area of the cave they will be visiting, so decide which route you'll opt for and plan accordingly.
Remember that along with the excitement of cave photography, there is risk too, especially if you’re going out on your own. Who knows who or what might be living in the cave you're visiting, so be very careful. It is advised to bring a knife or a gun along with you, but only if you have a permit.
Keep in mind that cave photography is challenging because caves are often cramped and foggy. Caves draw moisture in and can make it hard to get a clear shot for the photographer. Since you will also be engulfed in darkness, you probably won’t see much when you look through the viewfinder. But, rest assured, it’s out there and you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you get the pictures back.
To take really good cave photography pictures, you might want to invest in an electronic strobe. Though it won’t truly light up the cave, it will provide you with enough to see what you would like to take a picture of. You can buy other types of strobes for your camera so even more light will make the cave even brighter. Multiple flashes are a great way to get that perfect picture and so is a tripod. Set up your tripod on a level surface and start shooting!
Some cave photography spots will be guided and are lit from an outside source, so you won’t have to worry about lighting at all. Others will be completely dark and it will be up to you to provide enough light for fantastic pictures. So, visit your local photography store and stock up on film, strobes and maybe even a tripod for your upcoming cave photography trip and you'll be good to go!
