Scout Composition
1 hourScout formations respecting rigging paths and no-touch zones.
Intermediate2-4 days
Cave Photography Guide
Master cave photography with techniques for flash placement, long exposures, and documenting formations in total darkness.
cave photographersconservation educators
Workflow
Place Off-Camera Light
2 hoursPosition slaved flashes or light painters away from formations.
Expose and Shoot
2 hoursShoot multiple exposures for blending if high dynamic range.
Review Leave No Trace
30 minVerify no mud tracked onto formations and gear removed.
Tools Used
Checklist
0 / 5 completedLoading your checklist…
Planning
Preparation
Safety
Execution
Reference Materials
Cave Photography StandardStandard
Standard practices and recommended approaches for cave photography.
Cave Photography FormulaFormula
Key formulas and calculations for cave photography.
Cave Photography DataTable
Reference table for cave photography.
| Passage | Flashes | ISO |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 1 | 400 |
| Large | 3+ | 800 |
No Touch
One finger oil stain stops formation growth forever — never touch.
Mud Transfer
Clean boots between zones — mud stains white formations permanently.
Light Pollution
Light painting from wrong angle flattens — test before final shot.
Safety Notes
- Wet caves — electrocution risk with flash gear — waterproof housings.
- Trip hazards in dark — move slowly with backup light.