Mammouth Cave Visit
Feb 2, 2013 15:29:32 #
I am planning a Mammouth Cave shoot later this month and have been reading all of your helpful advice on capturing images while in the cave. I called the state park today and asked them about shooting in the cave and they told me that no tripods or monopods were allowed. What are your suggestions as to ways to avoid camera shake on long exposures without my trusty tripod?
I really appreciate all of the knowledge that the members regularly impart in these discussions. This is a very valuable resource that I use daily. Thanks for your input!
I really appreciate all of the knowledge that the members regularly impart in these discussions. This is a very valuable resource that I use daily. Thanks for your input!
Feb 2, 2013 16:51:01 #
Hoops12751 wrote:
I am planning a Mammouth Cave shoot later this mon... (show quote)
Hoops, welcome to the Hog. It would be helpful to know what camera and lens(es) you have.
Feb 2, 2013 17:14:52 #
They have hand rails in the cave, either buy or make your own Bean bag to set on the hand rail
Hoops12751 wrote:
I am planning a Mammouth Cave shoot later this mon... (show quote)
Feb 2, 2013 17:35:10 #
I will be using my Canon 6D with 2 different lenses - a Tamron 28-300 and a Canon EF24 -105. Sorry, I know I should have mentioned it.
Feb 2, 2013 17:35:55 #
Reading fstop22 then rereading your question... his suggestion is really a good one. I am wondering are the hand rails wide enough that your camera could rest unaided on the bean bag on the handrail so you could add a remote release to your kit? Also there are many different clamps that might work- see Manfrotto website "alternative supports". I'm not familiar with the type of rail so neither of my suggestion may be workable. Hope fstop comes back to comment on this. Good luck.
Feb 3, 2013 01:34:38 #
Hoops12751 wrote:
I am planning a Mammouth Cave shoot later this mon... (show quote)
If they will let you use flash. My visits to caves in SD a couple of years ago had no problem with flash. But I didn't have a good one yet.
Feb 3, 2013 08:33:52 #
Went to Luray Caverns and what I found is that the tour guide moved at a speed that was inconducive to setting a good exposure manually. Stubbornly, I continued to try, but...
Feb 3, 2013 11:27:59 #
NO does not always mean NO! Why not try to get them to relax on this tripod issue - stating that you do NOT want to stick with the tour party, but want to do it as a 'PROFESSIONAL' aspect. Just because they said no, may not necessarily mean that. I think they put in general guidelines for the majority, but have to allow for exceptions - IF you ask for them. You may have to sign waivers and other legal documents - who knows, but I would stick to my requests and persist - someone is gonna listen.
Bottom line is this: If you want really good crystal clear shots, you need a steady camera - however you accomplish that.
Cheers,
Take 5
Bottom line is this: If you want really good crystal clear shots, you need a steady camera - however you accomplish that.
Cheers,
Take 5
Feb 3, 2013 11:37:48 #
Take 5 Cinema wrote:
b NO does not always mean NO! /b Why not try to... (show quote)
Yes and sometimes they offer special tour groups. You have to reserve ahead for them. They did have them at the caves in SD. Those are run by the Federal Govt and tend to be accomodating.
Feb 3, 2013 12:18:04 #
Feb 3, 2013 12:25:25 #
ioptfm wrote:
You might also try a mini pod or mini monopod.....
I should add that depending on your camera you might well get by with high ISO. I didn't have my DSLR when we visited the caves. The camera I used only went up to ISO 400 and was grainy at that. The one I have now usually does pretty well at 1600 and may even be OK for cave shots at 3200. It goes much hihger but they get far to noisy for my taste. Add VR to that and you may get away with handheld and no flash or support. They won't be National Geo quality but with a little post processing noise reduction might be fine.
Feb 3, 2013 13:22:11 #
rca1
Loc: Kanab Utah
I have used a small rope fasened to the trypod socket and long enough so you can step on it. Pulling up on it will help study the camers. Good luck, and have fun.
Feb 3, 2013 14:34:53 #
rca1 wrote:
I have used a small rope fasened to the trypod socket and long enough so you can step on it. Pulling up on it will help study the camers. Good luck, and have fun.
I've seen illustrations of those. A nice low cost alternative to try.
I'd probably trip over it.
Here's another alternative to consider. I've never used one but know there are other similar things. I don't know how they compare to a monopod.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DSLR-RIG-DSLR-Rig-Movie-Kit-Shoulder-Mount-DSLR-Stabilizer-Shoulder-Rig-RL01-/111008416655?ssPageName=ADME:B:FSEL:US:1123
Interested if anyone has experience with such things.
Feb 3, 2013 16:15:19 #
cat - t
Loc: Ind/Calif
Im trying to find someone who has seen photos of a place in Spain. got my password and then couldn't find subject
Cath
Cath
Feb 3, 2013 21:30:35 #
KyBeth
Loc: western Kentucky
In addition to not allowing tripods and monopods, you will not be allowed to take in any kind of bag - fanny packs included. When granddaughter and I went in 2011, they cited security reasons - it is a national park. You will be required to stay with the tour group - they turn off the lights behind the group as you pass through. Flash photography WAS allowed. Be certain not to wear shoes or clothing that has been worn inside another cave. They are very careful to prevent the spread of whitenose disease which is fatal to the local bats.
We went in July and although it was blazing hot and humid outside, we did need jackets in the cave. Check out the attached snapshot that my granddaughter took of my camera when we exited the cave!
If you are heading west, why don't you check out Cave-In-Rock, IL? If the river is not too high (iffy right now) you can take the ferry across the river which is kind of different. Went there with some friends from my Owensboro Photography Club - a nice day trip - just watch out for deer if you are driving after dark!
We went in July and although it was blazing hot and humid outside, we did need jackets in the cave. Check out the attached snapshot that my granddaughter took of my camera when we exited the cave!
If you are heading west, why don't you check out Cave-In-Rock, IL? If the river is not too high (iffy right now) you can take the ferry across the river which is kind of different. Went there with some friends from my Owensboro Photography Club - a nice day trip - just watch out for deer if you are driving after dark!
Mammoth Cave
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