Hello,
Soon I will be visiting Luray Caverns, VA, for the first time. There are
many online collections of photos. I was wondering if anyone who has been
there, or other caves, would comment on useful camera settings. What are
the most effective shutter speeds, apertures, ISO, exposure or other
settings? I have a Canon S2 IS camera. Flash or no flash?
> Soon I will be visiting Luray Caverns, VA, for the first time. There are
> many online collections of photos. I was wondering if anyone who has been
> there, or other caves, would comment on useful camera settings. What are
> the most effective shutter speeds, apertures, ISO, exposure or other
> settings? I have a Canon S2 IS camera. Flash or no flash?
Firstly, do not use the in-camera flash as it will flatten the scene.
You need offset lightling to throw the surface features into relief.
Most commercial caves are artistically lit so that visitors can
appreciate them and you should really try and use this lighting
as otherwise the amount of kit you'd have to port in to
adequately light the scene would require a small team of pack
mules. If the caves are lit then ideally you should take a tripod
as this gives you pretty much free range on aperture but if you
feel a bit self-concious and insist on handholding then you need
to crank the ISO up to use the internal lighting. I've handheld
at 1600 ASA/f16 before and the images have come out OK,
much better than using a flash. You'll have to give yourself a bit
of time when you fist get in to practice and see which speeds/DOF
settings offer you the best chance of getting a reasonably sharp
image.
In article <g1QOh.30990$GI.21423@newsfe2-gui.ntli.net>, Chris Gilbert
<christopher.DELETEgilbert@virgin.net> wrote:
> Neil Patterson wrote
>
> > Soon I will be visiting Luray Caverns, VA, for the first time. There are
> > many online collections of photos. I was wondering if anyone who has been
> > there, or other caves, would comment on useful camera settings. What are
> > the most effective shutter speeds, apertures, ISO, exposure or other
> > settings? I have a Canon S2 IS camera. Flash or no flash?
>
> Firstly, do not use the in-camera flash as it will flatten the scene.
> You need offset lightling to throw the surface features into relief.
> Most commercial caves are artistically lit so that visitors can
> appreciate them and you should really try and use this lighting
> as otherwise the amount of kit you'd have to port in to
> adequately light the scene would require a small team of pack
> mules. If the caves are lit then ideally you should take a tripod
> as this gives you pretty much free range on aperture but if you
> feel a bit self-concious and insist on handholding then you need
> to crank the ISO up to use the internal lighting. I've handheld
> at 1600 ASA/f16 before and the images have come out OK,
> much better than using a flash. You'll have to give yourself a bit
> of time when you fist get in to practice and see which speeds/DOF
> settings offer you the best chance of getting a reasonably sharp
> image.
Also, check ahead of time to see if they DO allow tripods (many caves
don't, due to concerns about clumsy people scarring up the cave
features) or flash (again, many don't allow flash photography for one
reason or another ["it disturbs the bats" was the pathetic excuse at
the Oregon Caves - they even make you turn off your flashlights when
the bats are around]).
--
You need only reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a
reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating
the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the struggle for
independence.
-- Charles A. Beard
Ken Lucke wrote:
> In article <g1QOh.30990$GI.21423@newsfe2-gui.ntli.net>, Chris Gilbert
> <christopher.DELETEgilbert@virgin.net> wrote:
>
>
>>Neil Patterson wrote
>>
>>
>>> Soon I will be visiting Luray Caverns, VA, for the first time. There are
>>>many online collections of photos. I was wondering if anyone who has been
>>>there, or other caves, would comment on useful camera settings. What are
>>>the most effective shutter speeds, apertures, ISO, exposure or other
>>>settings? I have a Canon S2 IS camera. Flash or no flash?
>>
>>Firstly, do not use the in-camera flash as it will flatten the scene.
>>You need offset lightling to throw the surface features into relief.
>>Most commercial caves are artistically lit so that visitors can
>>appreciate them and you should really try and use this lighting
>>as otherwise the amount of kit you'd have to port in to
>>adequately light the scene would require a small team of pack
>>mules. If the caves are lit then ideally you should take a tripod
>>as this gives you pretty much free range on aperture but if you
>>feel a bit self-concious and insist on handholding then you need
>>to crank the ISO up to use the internal lighting. I've handheld
>>at 1600 ASA/f16 before and the images have come out OK,
>>much better than using a flash. You'll have to give yourself a bit
>>of time when you fist get in to practice and see which speeds/DOF
>>settings offer you the best chance of getting a reasonably sharp
>>image.
>
>
> Also, check ahead of time to see if they DO allow tripods (many caves
> don't, due to concerns about clumsy people scarring up the cave
> features) or flash (again, many don't allow flash photography for one
> reason or another ["it disturbs the bats" was the pathetic excuse at
> the Oregon Caves - they even make you turn off your flashlights when
> the bats are around]).
>
You beat me to it... I've been to Luray and I'm 99% sure that they do
not allow flash photography. Not sure about tripods, but I'd guess that
you're correct that they won't allow those either.
In article <MqSdnRQSpIKWspHbnZ2dnUVZ_s7inZ2d@comcast.com>, BRH wrote:
> Ken Lucke wrote:
> > In article <g1QOh.30990$GI.21423@newsfe2-gui.ntli.net>, Chris Gilbert
> > <christopher.DELETEgilbert@virgin.net> wrote:
> >
> >
> >>Neil Patterson wrote
> >>
> >>
> >>> Soon I will be visiting Luray Caverns, VA, for the first time. There are
> >>>many online collections of photos. I was wondering if anyone who has been
> >>>there, or other caves, would comment on useful camera settings. What are
> >>>the most effective shutter speeds, apertures, ISO, exposure or other
> >>>settings? I have a Canon S2 IS camera. Flash or no flash?
> >>
> >>Firstly, do not use the in-camera flash as it will flatten the scene.
> >>You need offset lightling to throw the surface features into relief.
> >>Most commercial caves are artistically lit so that visitors can
> >>appreciate them and you should really try and use this lighting
> >>as otherwise the amount of kit you'd have to port in to
> >>adequately light the scene would require a small team of pack
> >>mules. If the caves are lit then ideally you should take a tripod
> >>as this gives you pretty much free range on aperture but if you
> >>feel a bit self-concious and insist on handholding then you need
> >>to crank the ISO up to use the internal lighting. I've handheld
> >>at 1600 ASA/f16 before and the images have come out OK,
> >>much better than using a flash. You'll have to give yourself a bit
> >>of time when you fist get in to practice and see which speeds/DOF
> >>settings offer you the best chance of getting a reasonably sharp
> >>image.
> >
> >
> > Also, check ahead of time to see if they DO allow tripods (many caves
> > don't, due to concerns about clumsy people scarring up the cave
> > features) or flash (again, many don't allow flash photography for one
> > reason or another ["it disturbs the bats" was the pathetic excuse at
> > the Oregon Caves - they even make you turn off your flashlights when
> > the bats are around]).
> >
>
> You beat me to it... I've been to Luray and I'm 99% sure that they do
> not allow flash photography. Not sure about tripods, but I'd guess that
> you're correct that they won't allow those either.
>
> Best to call ahead to make sure....
One remedy might be to take one of the Gorillapod tripods. Then you
can attach to almost anything (like hand railings, etc.). The
"Gorillapod SLR+Zoom" model can support 6.6 lbs. according to its
advertising. <http://www.joby.com/>
--
You need only reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a
reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating
the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the struggle for
independence.
-- Charles A. Beard
Neil Patterson wrote:
> Hello,
> Soon I will be visiting Luray Caverns, VA, for the first time. There are
> many online collections of photos. I was wondering if anyone who has been
> there, or other caves, would comment on useful camera settings. What are
> the most effective shutter speeds, apertures, ISO, exposure or other
> settings? I have a Canon S2 IS camera. Flash or no flash?
>
> .../neil
Try both ways if permissible.
As a backup position, buy a bunch of slides at the gift shop.
They are professionally shot with optimum lighting and exposure.
Scan them or have them scanned.
The results will probably be better than any you can take yourself.
OK. So ther is not much of a challenge there but you will still have
your personal shots to play with too.
Bob Williams
In article <Xns990264405E153neiluwaterlooca@129.97.128.186> ,
Neil Patterson <neil@uwaterloo.ca> wrote:
> Hello,
> Soon I will be visiting Luray Caverns, VA, for the first time. There are
> many online collections of photos. I was wondering if anyone who has been
> there, or other caves, would comment on useful camera settings. What are
> the most effective shutter speeds, apertures, ISO, exposure or other
> settings? I have a Canon S2 IS camera. Flash or no flash?
>
> .../neil
I've been on other cave tours before. The lighting should already be
done for you. There's nothing to do but snap pictures. Bring a
miniature tripod that can be strapped to the railing. Don't expect much.
If you want good photos, as the rangers if they have tours where you can
take photos at your leisure. The normal tour is probably going to force
through large crowds at a fast pace.
In article
<mcmurtri-5A02A4.23290229032007@sn-radius.vsrv-sjc.supernews.net>,
Kevin McMurtrie <mcmurtri@dslextreme.com> wrote:
> In article <Xns990264405E153neiluwaterlooca@129.97.128.186> ,
> Neil Patterson <neil@uwaterloo.ca> wrote:
>
> > Hello,
> > Soon I will be visiting Luray Caverns, VA, for the first time. There are
> > many online collections of photos. I was wondering if anyone who has been
> > there, or other caves, would comment on useful camera settings. What are
> > the most effective shutter speeds, apertures, ISO, exposure or other
> > settings? I have a Canon S2 IS camera. Flash or no flash?
> >
> > .../neil
>
> I've been on other cave tours before. The lighting should already be
> done for you. There's nothing to do but snap pictures. Bring a
> miniature tripod that can be strapped to the railing. Don't expect much.
>
> If you want good photos, as the rangers if they have tours where you can
> take photos at your leisure. The normal tour is probably going to force
> through large crowds at a fast pace.
VERY good point - that works in lots of situations, too. Especially if
you look and act as if you are responsible and know what you are doing.
It's not gonna work if you are using a $39.95 P&S or a cell-phone
camera ("I are a perfeshional! Let me take some pixtshures!"), but if
you walk up with a serious looking camera, a photographer's vest on
(even if all it contains are your snacks), a tripod, and a little bit
of self-assurance, many people ***/u/me that you ARE a "professional".
As a matter of fact, just carrying a tripod makes you look far more
professional, no matter what your skill level is - add a few other
"pro" looking goodies, and many people won't even bother you, no matter
what you are doing - well, except to get in your shots at all times, of
course, but that's a given...
I've had lighthouse operators or tour guides allow me up inside the
lenses (or allowed me in with my tripod when they are not normally
allowed), gone on cave tours by myself, been allowed to stay after dark
in parks that normally close at dusk, and gotten into some other areas
normally closed to the public in several places simply by asking and
talking to the tour guides/operators/owners/rangers, etc., for a little
bit to allow them to judge your character and professionalism, then
simply asking.
If it's a really important deal to you, sometimes an offer of a
moderate donation [i.e., an "above board bribe"] to their volunteer
program or whatever will get you personalized service, too :^).
A call ahead of time doesn't hurt, either - and remember to write down
who you talked to and when, so that if anyone else asks or gives you a
hassle, you can say "I spoke with Director Jones on April 12th, and he
gave me specific permission to do this - perhaps you could check with
him to confirm that? Here, you can use my phone - I have his number
right here." If it's far enough in advance, ask for confirmation in
writing to be mailed to you [or a note on the spot, if it's while you
are there] and carry it with you.
<related aside>
BTW, anyone have any Must See spots that fit into the "Ancient or
Medieval Sites" category that I can add to my itinerary in England,
Scotland, Wales, Ireland, or Northern Ireland (ones that are not on the
normal tourist routes, please)?
I'm currently working on a major trip (about 4 months) planned for
three years from now to tour castles & ruins in the British Isles, and
am currently getting permission from several castle/tower/fort/ruins
owners, borough officials, property managers, etc., to access
properties that are not normally open to the public. Several of them
have been quite receptive to the advance requests. Several have not -
that's the way it goes.
--
You need only reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a
reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating
the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the struggle for
independence.
-- Charles A. Beard
> BTW, anyone have any Must See spots that fit into the "Ancient or
> Medieval Sites" category that I can add to my itinerary in England,
> Scotland, Wales, Ireland, or Northern Ireland (ones that are not on the
> normal tourist routes, please)?
Hmmm, in a small crowded island like this one pretty much
anything worth seeing is done to death but there's a few places
that tend to be quiet because they're perhaps less well known
or really out of the way. Off the top of my head I'd metion;
Uffington Castle/Waylands Smithy near Wantage
Maiden Castle
Haddon Hall near Bakewell (Vernon family seat)
Tissington Hall
White Castle (Welsh Marches)
Dunstanburgh (for the dramatic position and before it collapses
completely)
Traquair House (Scottish borders)
Callanish on Lewis (although this is *the* most popular
destination on Lewis it's remote location means that there's
times of day even at the height of the tourist season when
its quiet).
Scara Brae on Orkney (if you're feeling adventurous)
St Kilda (on a calm day)
In article <VPpPh.84$B54.82@newsfe2-win.ntli.net>, Chris Gilbert
<christopher.DELETEgilbert@virgin.net> wrote:
> Ken Lucke wrote
>
> > BTW, anyone have any Must See spots that fit into the "Ancient or
> > Medieval Sites" category that I can add to my itinerary in England,
> > Scotland, Wales, Ireland, or Northern Ireland (ones that are not on the
> > normal tourist routes, please)?
>
> Hmmm, in a small crowded island like this one pretty much
> anything worth seeing is done to death
Yeah, I know. I don't mind "done to death", as *I* haven't done them
to death yet, but I would like to find some less-frequently seen
(scene) ones :^)
> but there's a few places
> that tend to be quiet because they're perhaps less well known
> or really out of the way. Off the top of my head I'd metion;
>
> Uffington Castle/Waylands Smithy near Wantage
Got that one on the list already, along with the nearby White Horse.
> Maiden Castle
Which one? Cheshire, Dorset, Yorkshire or Durham?
> Haddon Hall near Bakewell (Vernon family seat)
My notes show this as the Manners family home. Are we talking the same
one, or did I miss another one of the same name?
> Tissington Hall
Plans to be there on Ascention Day for the well-dressing.
> White Castle (Welsh Marches)
Ooo.. there's a new one. Thanks. I had the White Castle hill fort in
East Lothian (Scotland) listed in my notes, but not that one.
> Dunstanburgh (for the dramatic position and before it collapses
> completely)
Yeah, I've seen some impressive images of it perched up on its cliff.
> Traquair House (Scottish borders)
I'll reconsider this one, but photos I've seen of it make it look
almost "too modern" for what I'm looking for. They've certainly
commercialized the hell out of it. Have you been there? Is the
interior architecture of any note?
> Callanish on Lewis (although this is *the* most popular
> destination on Lewis it's remote location means that there's
> times of day even at the height of the tourist season when
> its quiet).
OK, that's a new one for me. Just Googled it. Don't know HOW I missed
that one. That's precisely one of the kind of things I want to visit -
it looks as good or better than Stonehenge. Thanks!
> Scara Brae on Orkney (if you're feeling adventurous)
Already on the list.
> St Kilda (on a calm day)
Ah, another new one.
>
> I'm sure others will offer more suggestions
>
> Chris
Yours were welcome - not only did you reinforce several I had already
looked at, but you geave me at least three new ones. Thanks!
--
You need only reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a
reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating
the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the struggle for
independence.
-- Charles A. Beard
Photographing caverns 
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