The mass charging has begun!

[SamuraiCatJB]

Anyone have any requests from Carlsbad Caverns while I am there? any test shots you want me to try? I will be in Carlsbad tomorrow through Tuesday.

I will be taking D70 with 18-70mm primary lens
Sigma 80mm to 300mm zoom lens (though I don't use this much, even though it was cleaned after the dip in the swamp it's images aren't as good).
External hot-shoe flash
Maybe a tripod (I won't for the tours on Saturday and Monday, but Sunday is up for grabs as to what I will do).

I don't know how close I will get on the new tours, I have never been on them, though lower cave I hear you get very close to some beautiful formations specifically for taking pictures.

I have signed up for a workshop in Cavern Photography in July. This is my test run, how much equipment do I need, how much more in shape do I need to get.

http://www.nps.gov/cave/pphtml/newsdetail21259.html

Is the Cavern Photography Workshop if anyone is interested in coming to New Mexico in July (warning... hot and dry!)

[JackAxe]

Cool, sounds like fun. :)

When you mentioned Carlsbad, I thought you were refering to the Carlsbad that is just south of me here in California.

<]=)

[dragonsgames]

Hmm, interesting... ;)

[Gizmo]

Anyone have any requests from Carlsbad Caverns while I am there? any test shots you want me to try? I will be in Carlsbad tomorrow through Tuesday.
Dang! I just realized you're probably already there taking pictures. :(

Well, be sure to post some shots here (or provide a link). ;)

And please explain to me how to use multi-layer flash.

Thanks. :)

[SamuraiCatJB]

I did not attempt to use a multi-layer flash, I am familiar enough with the technique to know it takes more time than I wanted to do this trip. This trip was A) make sure I was physically fit enough B) make sure I could get my camera into and out of and carry enough images to make a proper "attempt" at photographing the place.

A multi-layer flash is when you use a timed image, but you use many flashes like strobes to paint the walls with light. You can also use colored gels on some of the flashes or flashlights to give it that "painted look". When you use more than just strobing flashes during the timed photo it is referred to as "painting with light" and is very common in cave photography. The primary advantage in multi-layer flash photography is when you have one flash: take it off and walk around the formation flashing left right and forward so that there are no shadows when the final image is composed from the timed exposure.

I haven't even got CLOSE to processing all my digital images....
http://static.flickr.com/41/102832598_ca9c6fc280.jpg

but there is one for you. And you can compare it to the most famous version (not mine, a pro): http://www.nps.gov/cave/tours/scc/scc12.htm which is the official image for slaughter canyon cave.

I shot EVERYTHING in RAW, which was another goal, so I can reprocess to change contrast, color, and even step up or down an exposure level. I've put up four sets so far: http://www.flickr.com/photos/samurai_cat/sets/ the fifth is actually several years back with my previous camera. You can compare what I did then, to what I did now on some images.

[Gizmo]

I did not attempt to use a multi-layer flash, I am familiar enough with the technique to know it takes more time than I wanted to do this trip. This trip was A) make sure I was physically fit enough B) make sure I could get my camera into and out of and carry enough images to make a proper "attempt" at photographing the place.
Well, you made it back alive so you must not be in too bad of shape. :)

A multi-layer flash is when you use a timed image, but you use many flashes like strobes to paint the walls with light. You can also use colored gels on some of the flashes or flashlights to give it that "painted look". When you use more than just strobing flashes during the timed photo it is referred to as "painting with light" and is very common in cave photography. The primary advantage in multi-layer flash photography is when you have one flash: take it off and walk around the formation flashing left right and forward so that there are no shadows when the final image is composed from the timed exposure.
Ah yes. I have done that before (but only 2 or 3 flashes at a time) but did not realize that's what its called (mulit-layer). And I didn't do it in a cave either. :D

I haven't even got CLOSE to processing all my digital images....The fun of shooting raw...

...but there is one for you.
And a good one it is! I like it better than the "Official" one.

I shot EVERYTHING in RAW, which was another goal, so I can reprocess to change contrast, color, and even step up or down an exposure level. I've put up four sets so far: http://www.flickr.com/photos/samurai_cat/sets/ the fifth is actually several years back with my previous camera. You can compare what I did then, to what I did now on some images.
Very nice, SamCat. You can definitely tell the difference in the flash (between then and now). Your SB800 does a very nice job. Us Canon peeps can only dream of Nikon's flash capabilities.

Did you have your new bag for the trip? If so, how did it work out?

[SamuraiCatJB]

The bag came in after the trip. I am still filling it. It will hold everything I have in the other bag easily.

I also think the Velocity series is perfect for caving. There were times in lower cave I wanted my camera on my back, I slung the strap under an arm and rotated the camera to my back just like the new pack. other times I wanted it on my chest, so rotated it back around or held it. That will be a tough one with a tripod and pack combo. I am still thinking on how to handle a tripod.