Janolan Caves (Australia) Help

Hi

For the long weekend in June, friends with family are going to the caves. I've not been there before but I am told, the caves are lighted but not sure what type or how powerfull.

I am thinking of bringing my 40D, Sigma 17-70 and 430ex flash. I do not intend to bring along my tripod as I cannot be spending too much time and keep friends and family waiting for me, hence tripod is out of the question. It's compose, settings and shoot

With the gear I have, should I just forget about taking any photos? If gear is ok, anyone with the caves experience and assist in what settings should I use, CWB?, flash no flash.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Rgds
Patrick

Patrick,,,the lighting in the Caves is dull to say the least,,,,kind of moody to give an effect...Your flash will kill that effect..I'd take my 3pod but expect long exposures..

I second that. You'll definitely need a tripod. There are railings in the caes, if you have a clamp you may be able to attach your camera to the rails, but that will be seriously limiting. Take your pod and speak to the tour organiser to see if it is okay. At least you'll be prepared, even if you can't use it.

BTW, there's a huge arch with a road running through it, so you'll be able to use the pod for that at least.

Tiberius47 wrote in post #5496598
I second that. You'll definitely need a tripod. There are railings in the caes, if you have a clamp you may be able to attach your camera to the rails, but that will be seriously limiting. Take your pod and speak to the tour organiser to see if it is okay. At least you'll be prepared, even if you can't use it.

BTW, there's a huge arch with a road running through it, so you'll be able to use the pod for that at least.

There will be tour organiser there? i'm going there with 5 other families. I think the plan is to go in on our own. I may be wrong as I've not been there before and not sure what the gang plans to do.

I am concerned about the time I need to take pictures with the tripod. I can't spend too much time fiddling whilst others are waiting for me Nor can I disappear on my own

I am pretty sure though I would be asked to take pictures of my friends and their families as well as my wife and kids. Then I have no option but to use the flash, correct? How about bounce flash?

Thanks
Pat

In a cave? Lotsa' luck with that!
The best shot would be to experiment with your flash at lowest power, or put a ND gell or white paper over it if you can't adjust the power. Test it at 8', f/2.8 or f/4, & see what you need to get the exposure right.
For the group shot in the cave, use that f-stop & adjust the shutter speed to get a good background exposure.

Read through post #6 & see if it helps:
Function Jitters

PhotosGuy wrote in post #5664895
In a cave? Lotsa' luck with that!
The best shot would be to experiment with your flash at lowest power, or put a ND gell or white paper over it if you can't adjust the power. Test it at 8', f/2.8 or f/4, & see what you need to get the exposure right.
For the group shot in the cave, use that f-stop & adjust the shutter speed to get a good background exposure.

Read through post #6 & see if it helps:
Function Jitters

Thanks