Any spelunkers out there?

About 3-4 years ago I had the pleasure of being shown a wild cave in southern KY that is quite long, and covers several different types of geological makeup throughout. This was before the actual jump into photography when my prized possession was my trusty Canon S3IS. It was actually quite a capable little camera; I still have it and it works great.

Here are some snaps from the trip...
http://www.flickr.com …s/sets/72157622​416835873/

I'm going back in a couple of weeks and I want to shoot this cave with my 40d or 5d2 but there are several challenges...

One characteristic of this cave system is it's humidity. I know most caves are humid, but this humidity carries a very fine sand-like substance that slowly coats you as you traverse throughout the cave. When I took the S3IS, I put it in a very good waterproof box (primarily because you can easily find yourself up to your shoulders in water) and it was very carefully used only in very safe situations spending maybe 5 minutes total out of the box. Ever since it's worked fine but it's always had a bit of a grinding noise in the lens zoom mechanism, I'm assuming from the "dust" in the moisture in the air. That will be a challenge, transporting the camera & lens (yeah, I won't be trying to change lenses in there), and some sort of lighting.

This takes me to my next challenge; lighting. I have a 580EXII with a stand and remote triggers, and a good diffuser, etc.. but I don't know it that would be optimum or even recommended for this. My other thought is using led or some sort of heavier-duty trouble lights or something and go longer exposure, putting lighting behind rocks or corners, illuminating the place. ??

My third challenge is transportation. I have no problem transporting(carrying) the equipment, whatever it might be. It must be noted, though, that it may have to be dragged behind me, float in water (or be water-tight if dunked), and durable. The beginning of the cave treats you to a 60 yards or so waterway that you can pretty much only crawl on all fours to traverse. There is also a section you crawl through where you are literally on your belly, and the overhead is close enough that you can't keep a back pack on.

Definitely some challenges to do this, but I think I'll be able to get some great results. I think the biggest concern is the fine dust in the air. I have a "rain coat" for my camera and lens. The sad thing is, my wide angle doesn't take front filters, so I'm going to either have to borrow or rent a wide that will, cause I certainly don't want that crap on the lens element. Hell, I'm sure I'll be picking up the UV filter just to throw away as I'm sure it will be shot after wiping it off just a couple of times.


Anyone have any experience with any of this or have any suggestions? Would love any feedback!
Thanks!

nice shots, what did you light these with?

Awesome stuff. I used to do a lot of abandoned mine exploration with a volunteer fire department when I lived in Silverado, CA. We also did some mines out near Calico.

It was always fun stuff, especially the gas filled mines. (there was a mine affectionately called the "blue" mine, which was filled with gas). We'd only go in with a buddy system and you could only stay for 30 minutes or less. If anyone got tired or sat down, we'd immediately push for the exit.

Many of those mines were filled with water, and in many places you'd have to submerge under one wall to come out into the chamber on the other side. Sounds very similar to what you're doing. Although, this was many years ago and I wasn't into photography then, I sure wish I had been, because we saw some amazing sites.

Your photos look great and make me want to go again.

As for the container, I think I would skip the DSLR and just bring a nice P/S carried in a water tight pelican case.

rick_reno wrote in post #14398231
nice shots, what did you light these with?

Actually, that was just the S3IS and it's on-board flash.. purely just snaps... that's why I want to get down there with some decent gear...