21 years between visits to Carlsbad Caverns
My first visit to Carlsbad Caverns was all the way back in 2000 during my first attempt to move to California. I have two standout memories from that visit. The first was that it was on a weekday in March with no school groups and the caverns were virtually empty and it was doubly amazing to have them essentially all to myself. The second memory was dropping my (film) camera into the toilet in the visitor center! Fast forward to 2021 and the caverns were filled with few people using the recommended whisper voice, and my camera was digital and mirrorless, and I did not even dare take it into the restroom!
Modern Technology to Photograph Ancient Rock
I wish I could find some of the photos I took back in 2000 to compare to these, but for sure I was not using ISO 12,800 film, nor did I have a 12-24mm lens. Those two things allowed me to capture views of the cavern impossible 21 years ago. I found myself looking up much more this visit, fascinated by the extreme perspective the amazing Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master lens allowed when tilted upward at 12mm. For an example, see the top image. To me that looks like Game of Thrones!
Do yourself a favor and visit the caverns
Few words are needed to describe the caverns as they should be one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and should be mentioned alongside the Grand Canyon and Yosemite as the third crown jewel of the U.S.’s national parks.
Dance of Light and Shadow at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
