Cave diving photography

Neil Vincent · Issue 10, Dec/Jan 2002 · pp. 46–53

Products mentioned: Nikonos 5, Nikonos 4, Ikelite SS200, Nikonos 105 strobe, Sigma 14mm Rectilinear lens, Subal Housing, Nikon F4, Nikon F3, Aquatica Housing, Nikkor 24mm lens, Nikkor 15mm lens, Aquasea 140 strobe, Velvia 50, Ektachrome 100, Kodachrome 200

Before attempting Cave Diving photography, divers should be trained, certified and experienced to the level of the cave being attempted. Taking photos in cave presents a number of problems that are specific to caves. I will attempt to address some of these and explain how I have overcome or minimised their effect. ASSISTANTS AND MODELS Cave Diving photos benefit from having a person included in the photo to give the scene a sense of scale. Lighting large passages, again to show the size of the caves requires multiple strobes and multiple people to hold or position them. Having other people in the water is necessary, however it may cause great complication to the dive if planning and familiarity with what is required is not discussed and understood before the dive. Each divers’ role and position in relation to the photographer should be established prior to the dive. Common hand and light…