response 1 of 10:

Apr 2 21:17 UTC 1995

It would be equally effective to just post this notice as a response.
But, perhaps we should use it here to discuss *Nature Photography*!
Are there any active nature photographers reading this cf? I'd like
to read about your techniques, films, etc. I used to do a lot of
nature photography - in caves - but now just sort and show the old
slides 8^.

response 3 of 10:

Apr 3 07:02 UTC 1995

B&W isn't used much (hardly at all) in cave photography. It is hard
enough to distinguish textures and shapes when they are in color
(caves tend to vary only a little around monochromaticity), and almost
impossible in B&W. However high speeds are not needed as the cave
*is* a camera, and you can leave the shutter open as long as you wish.

response 5 of 10:

Apr 6 22:04 UTC 1995

I'd have to disagree with Rane a bit about B&W cave photography, or at
least amplify in a contradictory direction.  Chris Howe is a photographer
who is well known among those interested in photographs of caves.  His
black and white photographs of caves are among the very best cave photos
taken in recent years.  Generally, B&W photography in caves has the same 
strength/weakness of tone vs. color emphasis as compared to color
photography in any setting.  A properly printed B&W photograph is more
difficult to come by commercially, so most photographers using
processing services work with slides and color prints.

response 7 of 10:

Apr 8 20:04 UTC 1995

You seem to have a good grasp of the difficulties of lighting in a cave
for photography.  Typically multiple exposures are used to "paint" desired
surfaces.  A lot of experimentation and use of customized techniques go
into almost any shot.  The advantage of an entirely dark environment is
that each shot can be done in stages using a stationary camera with an
open shutter, as Rane mentioned.  These factors tend to make cave
photography a team effort.  You must also consider the experience and
caution necessary just to be in a cave in the first place.  Generally, you
have to protect yourself, the cave, and your equipment in an extremely
fragile and typically difficult and/or dangerous environment. 

  Natural light could be sunlight illuminating passages through openings,
or I would consider photographs of people in caves using only the source
of light (headlamp or handlamp) that the subject carries normally to
expose the film a "natural" effect.   Cave photographers also have 
success using a single flash technique, which is limited  in its range for 
good effect, but has the advantage of speed and simplicity of setup which
creates a different style of results.

response 9 of 10:

Apr 9 00:47 UTC 1995

Right about the planning.  I think most photographers use bulbs and
frequently with improvised firing systems; this simplifies and lightens
the gear that must be carried and subjected to abuse.  The problem of
exposure calculation is a never ending challenge:  Distances can be very
difficult to estimate and reflective qualities of surfaces literally and
figuratively uneven.