More Grand Caverns, a photo from Virginia, South

Photographer's Note

We're back in Grand Caverns in Grottoes, Virginia. Again this is America's oldest show cave and it has been open since 1806. This is the cave that is so old that a lot of stalactites and stalagmites were broken off over time however I don't remember much of a problem in this area. The formation that is roughly in the middle of the picture is somewhat rare apparently, according to the guide. This cave tended to only use conservative natural white light which isn't always the case. The vibration reduction in my lens was a good thing to have here.

ISO 1000 1/3rd second hand-held shot

PJE, john_c, ChrisJ, sabyasachi1212, ramesh_lalwani, fayeulle, cunejo200, plimrn, papagolf21, jhm, cam, Emile heeft deze opmerking als nuttig gemarkeerd

Critiques | Translate

PJE (20758) 2007-02-25 21:22

Well Good Evening Stephen. I have to say that lens of yours seems to benefit you as a tripod substitute in this cave. Excellent details in this low lighting situation.

The rock formations are very interesting to see from the spotlights. Wonderful results.. excellent image1

sabyasachi1212 (19779) 2007-02-26 1:35

Hi Stephen,
Exceptional colours from the caverns. The stalactites and stalagmites look wonderful.
With Greetings from India
Sabyasachi

ramesh_lalwani (3213) 2007-02-26 2:32

Hi Steve
Golden colors and shadows make it a great shot.
No blur despite 1/3 sec exp.
TFS
ramesh

feather (51130) 2007-02-26 4:51

I can well imagine your difficulty here, looking at the exposure details and at 1000 ISO there must have been hardly any light at all. Very well done
Kath

jemaflor (147046) 2007-02-26 5:39

Hi Stephen,
A nice place well captured, warm light and good effect, perfect sharpness.

ChrisJ (171818) 2007-02-26 7:26

Hi Stephen

Looks very similar to the Jenolan Caves west of Sydney. This type of low light shooting in a cave is difficult, & this is a good result. Tfs!

john_c (24666) 2007-02-26 10:47

Hi Stephen,
A crisp clear shot, where your vibration reduction mechanism was serving you well. I like the perspective here, with the shadowy areas to the side and the well lit areas not over exposed. There is molten light to the left, as if it is an entrance to a secret place. I am reminded of some scenes from Lord Of The Rings. Very well captured...later.
John

fayeulle (27827) 2007-02-26 10:47

Hi Stephen
Again a sharp shot despite the low speed. The lens VR device is really outstanding. Interresting to show us it's the first cave opened for vistors. Yet 200 years ! But it's a short time if you compare with the age of the cave !
Cheers
JP

Cormac (26565) 2007-02-26 10:53

I've never been a big fan of caves, but some of your recent shots have really got me thinking about them - really beautiful stuff. The shapes and patterns are wonderful, and the lighting gives a really warm glow. Great work considering the darkness of the subject!

danyy (0) 2007-02-26 17:29

Bonjour Stephen,
j'aime ce genre de couleurs dont l'association ne se retrouve pratiquement que dans les grottes. Pas toujours facile de prendre des photos dans des éclairages artificiels, souvent des surexpositions comme ici à gauche et quand on utilise un flache, on a souvent aussi des ombres trop fortes.
Bravo pour l'audace et le résultat.
Regards.
Daniel.

PixelTerror (0) 2007-02-27 0:20

Hi Steve,
Another nice one from the underworld, agree with others it came out well given the shooting speed, this lens is a must have for a nikonist, the formations are very nice.
Have a nice day,
Jean-Yves

cunejo200 (7281) 2007-02-27 8:25

Hi Stephen,
Image quality is very good considering the low light and the cam hand-held. And well composed showing details of the cave. Thanks for posting this as it gives me ideas as to where to go on w/e this coming summer. Regards. Danilo

plimrn (21344) 2007-02-27 17:31

Hi Steve,
Hi Steve,
You have framed the shiot well, that cenet formation is a stunner!! You have also managed the noise well for ISO 1000 with your PP magic. The VR really lets you handhold down a lot further, Although I try to keep it to 1/30; Larry can hold it down to 1/15. I was thinking you had the same lens I do, but then I saw the 3.5 and realized the on I sometimes use is a 2.8. I haven't understood lenses that well but as I use the different lens, I't beginning to make sense to me. HLJ, Pat

coco (30439) 2007-02-28 11:46

Hi Stephen.

Amazing how you made this photo hand-held.
Very difficult but well managed situation.

Well done.

capthaddock (28790) 2007-02-28 13:52

Hi Stephen - with this lighting it almost looks like an inviting place to stay, unlike the neon ligghting used in kitschier caves, the shapes and patterns stir the imagination.

papagolf21 (152607) 2007-03-01 5:03

Bonjour, mon ami Stephen,
Bravo, Stephen, pour avoir su saisir ce spectacle étonnant de cette caverne.
La nature fait bien les choses, la beauté est vraiment palpable.
Excellente prise de vue.
Amitiés.
Philippe

jhm (211736) 2007-03-01 8:37

Hi Stephen,

A very difficult picture through the enlightenment from the lights, I find your details very well and pleasant for looking, I think this is picture than we very long have to looking for all details to see! TFS.

Have a nice day,
John.

cam (9043) 2007-03-01 22:17

Hi Stephen
One of these days,I will visit this cave as it seems to posses a lot of treasures to discover.
A new world,more so with this illumination.
Good wholesome view.

Did you receive your artic butterfly and if so,did you try it.What do you think?

Good evening
Charles

Emile (20352) 2007-03-06 0:42

Hola Stephen.
Amazing colors and lighting, love the way you were able to capture the the cave with shadows and lights. The 1/3sec. with f/3.5 was perfect. Well done. Good shot.
TFS.