Although the first cave photography was made already in 19th century, taking the pictures in the underground is still anything but piece of cake. Complex planning and preparation are just the beginning. Taking the pictures underground requires except the special equipment a considerable amount of courage, caving experiences, skills in lighting, but especially well-coordinated team of cavers. Speleophotography means a teamwork. The photographer usually need the assistance in transportation, arranging the scene and lighting. For the moment of pressing the shutter release button usually wait the cavers in the dark of underground sometimes few minutes, another time even a few hours… Let’s flash! So this one is really extraordinary!
The Speleofotografia 2016 Contest is full of remarkable pictures! The 18th Year of international photography contest with topic of speleology submitted 54 photographers from 17 countries of Europe, America and Asia with 327 of pictures. The photos in two thematic categories portray the beauty of the caves in all their aspects and unique speleomoments which can be perceived entirely in a world of the underground.
Most of the Speleofotografia participants belong among the world elite in caving. Their masterpieces are increasingly moving towards to reproduce the dynamics of speleological activities. All sort of difficulties of discovery and exploration of caves show to us, that caving belongs among the most demanding, but also challenging and stimulating human activities. In addition to theme of abseiling of pits, overcoming of the underground rivers and lakes, or crawling narrow squeezings, the sense of beauty in detail is expressing too. Through the theme of static cave decorations – clusters of crystals, cave pearls, dripstone formations, shiny castles of ice… What surprises are still waiting in cave? The fact that the underground environment is full of unexpected wonders, will convinced you also this-year TOP 100 selection of the best photos of talented photographers participating on Speleofotografia 2016. Here it is! Have a nice experience browsing trough!
Lukáš Vlček