Caverns and cenotes are underwater environments that still have fairly direct access to the surface of the water allowing the beautiful natural light to stream in. These photographs are typically dramatic silhouettes, often with light rays dancing around your subject.
These settings will get you started in dark environments when only a small amount of ambient light is shining in.
Where
Mexico, Florida, and all over the world.
DSLR + Mirrorless
ISO: 200 and higherMode: M Manual
Aperture: f/4
Shutter Speed: 1/60 to 1/80
Point + Shoot
Mode: Tv Shutter Priority
Aperture: (set by camera)
Shutter Speed: 1/60 to 1/80
Strobes
Many beautiful images have been captured in caves and caverns using elaborate arrays of remotely triggered strobes. If you're new to cavern photography, we recommend starting out by leaving your strobes behind and shooting natural light only!
Additional Reading
Crocodiles, Cenotes, and Chinchurro with Ken and Kimber Kiefer
Cenote Commando | Fly & Dive Photography