Beyond modeling, the cave-diving buddy is often
responsible for one or more off-camera strobes. These
may be mounted on equipment, increasing the profile and
requiring extra care, or handheld, requiring an extra hand.
Off-camera strobes provide that essential third dimension
of light. On the other hand, an off-camera strobe pointed
directly at the camera at close range will ruin an otherwise
perfect picture. A model who can hold the strobe at the
perfect angle in relation to the rock structure behind him
(
without looking) while hovering motionless in the sweet
spot for the lens and smiling for the camera should be
applauded for his skill.
Focus on Safety
Cave diving is a sport that already involves extensive
task loading. As divers move through a cave they need to
calculate and monitor their air supplies, consider mounting
decompression obligations and navigate a maze of passages.
Surfacing requires a long swim in the right direction, and
a quick ascent is not an option when there’s a roof in the
way. Cave divers carry redundant equipment in case of gear
failure, and all this takes brainpower to manage. Taking
photographs on a cave dive adds exposure calculations,
strobe positioning, image composition, maneuvering a large
camera rig and more to this mix.
Before adding all these tasks, cave divers must be
proficient and comfortable in their diving. After adding
so many tasks to the list, it makes sense to spread the
load among the brains present. While each diver must
monitor his own air consumption and be ready to call
the turnaround, buddy pairs might agree before a dive
that the nonphotographer will periodically signal for
both divers to check and communicate their gas supplies
before continuing. This regular reminder can free the
photographer to immerse himself in the hunt for the
perfect picture. A trusted and experienced buddy enhances
both the photographs and the experience of taking them.
With all these essential roles undertaken by the
nonphotographers in the group, it’s important for
photographers to avoid prima donna behavior. In the end,
you and your friends are most likely diving together for fun.
If the diving becomes less fun because of your photographic
demands, you might end up with fewer friends. Be nice to
your models, buy them beers now and then, say thank you,
and share the photographs of them looking cool underwater.
Beyond the basics of lights and models, there’s a whole
world of great cave-diving photography. Darkness and crystal-
clear water can be used to produce creative images that
can’t be taken anywhere else. Caves offer a more controlled
environment than the ocean and allow for experimentation —
free from worries about such things as being bitten because
you set down a strobe on a well-camouflaged critter. Take
advantage of these unique characteristics, and showcase the
beautiful world below our feet. Above all else, dive safely.
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Crystal-clear water, multiple
off-camera strobes and
great diving skills from
buddies showcase the
rock formations in this
tunnel in Tank Cave.