“Lost World Cave” – Waitomo, New Zealand – Chris McLennan
I have been spelunking a few times, but never like this. In fact I doubt too many people have. It feels like this climber is sinking into the depths of the earth, swallowed by Mother Nature herself. This image has such a great sense of depth. I can’t wait to explore more. Chris’s image was awarded by PDN National Geographic Traveler Great Outdoors Competition – winning the Outdoor Sports and Activities category in 2009. His great portfolio has several National Geographic award winners as well. Make some time and visit his websites below and don’t forget to “Like” him on Facebook.
Website: http://cmphoto.co.nz
Facebook: Facebook.com/Chris.McLennan.Photography
Blog: www.cmphoto.co.nz/blog-news/
Enter Chris:
This place isn’t called the “Lost World” for nothing.
As I squeeze between limestone columns – formed as the stalactites dripping from the ceiling join with their stalagmite partners from the floor – and finally wedge myself under a ledge of immense rock partway up a cave wall, I realize that I am literally quite “lost” in here. Not just in the maze of caverns, tunnels and canyons that form this area of Waitomo in New Zealand, but even more so in the natural beauty and wonder this scene evokes.
I was here to photograph the Lost World Abseil, New Zealand’s highest cave abseil and reputedly one of the highest in the Southern Hemisphere, and it was everything I’d imagined it would be (and more, I had to actually take that abseil in order to get down into the cave myself)!
The 100 meter abseil (300 feet) drops vertically between sheer walls before the bottom section opens out into an amazing, dimly lit cavern, now echoing with my movements as I wriggle to find the best spot from which to photograph this surreal sight. The light filtering in highlights hidden mosses, ferns and other delicate foliage clinging to the steep walls, and throws the climber into stark relief as he slowly descends the line.
I was shooting from a crevice in the wall at the bottom of the cave, seeking a vantage point that provided me with a clear view of the different aspects of the drop. Capturing a series of stunning images, this is one of my favorites from that day. I was cramped, the rocky ledge was more than uncomfortable, I was constantly damp from the dripping walls, and I really didn’t want to know what the slimy stuff I was laying amongst was… I was working in the dark, and it was very, very cold.
However, as any good photographer knows, the challenges behind the camera are always worth the results to be gained in front of the camera! This was a spectacular abseil and I needed to do it justice by creating a spectacular shot.
Canon EOS-1DS Mark II, 70-200mm lens, ISO 200, f/7.1 at 1/10 second exposure.
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Wow! Amazing photo. We live in New Zealand it see beautiful images of the Land of the Long White Cloud every day…but nothing quite like this before. Thanks for sharing your vision of Waitomo Caves!
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One incrdible shot!
One incredible shot!
Wow!!!!!!!!
This is such a beautiful, symbolic photo! This would put most of the traveling photos on Pinterest to shame. I love this blog! It’s full of real beauty, and a much-needed haven from whimsy (shudder).
A beauty!!!♥
Wonderful image. Possesses a Journey to the Center of the Earth aura.
I couldn’t do it but it is a breathtaking view!
Wow wow wow. It’s insane how much this photo makes me feel.
Wow!
Fantastic pic–10 out of 10!
Thank you for all of your kind comments
All the best, Chris McLennan
That is an amazing photo! Very beautiful!
Hi there,
Thanks for your thumbs up; a nice welcome home!
Wow; I love the lost world cave photo. I have been throughly in the “nature” mode the last week so, can really appreciate pics like Chris’.
Cheers!
Amazing pic. I have been a great fan of Chris. And this is one of his most amazing pics.
This is such an incredible photo – but then all of Chris’s are! – at such an incredible location. I did this cave, and want to do it again, and a funny thing – they replace the ropes after 100 abseils; mine had 98 on the counter! Scared? You bet! Incredible? Yes, perfectly captured by Chris’s photo!
And this is looking down that 100 metre rope.
http://bit.ly/M8Kfhu
Truly incredible shot. Great light and great sense of scale.
Wonderful shot!
I did try spelunking 2 years ago as I have a bit of claustrophobia. The results were positive and I also know I wouldn’t want a steady diet of what was called pancake rock. I made it and I climbed out of that cave after several attempts and being exhausted. This photo is way more beautiful than where I spelunked. New Zealand is an awesome country.
Sue Bock
http://couragetoadventurecoaching.wordpress.com
BREATHTAKING!!!!! Absolutely BREATHTAKING!!! I’m speechless beyond this!! Thank you so much for sharing this!!!
What a spectacular photo!
Utterly spectacular. The caves I have explored here have nothing on that!
that’s fantastic!
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Stunning indeed…
Amazing the world turned on it’s side!
A thrill-seeker on steroids! Whoa!
Awesome!
AWESOME!!! An other photo to my top picks – wonderful timing and the light. Stunning !!!
I was rendered speechless, and my eyes were left transfixed, for about a minute after seeing this picture. All the effort that went into climbing down into the cave and clicking this picture is clearly visible in the output. Everything is just perfect here, from the composition to the lighting. Hats off to the photographer, and to Mother Nature!
The picture is wonderful but that is so not me on that rope!!
Holy cow! What an amazing image!
WOW! the insignificance of man…
Oh man I don’t think i will ever be able to muster enough courage to do what that man is doing..beautiful shot
An amazing capture… an amazing photographer!! His other photos are great!
Wow… this one makes me dizzy!!
Now that’s an adventure. Great composition in this one. Highlights the (un)importance of man in nature
Something different, love it, great view
Very Nice
Oh my goodness!!!!! Wow! Amazing picture.
whoa!
I like the scale in this picture. Humans are infinitesimally small when compared to the world, esp. the universe. It’s easy to think we are the center of everything, and it’s beneficial to know that we aren’t. Beautiful shot!
What a rush..
What a fabulous shot! Incredible – but i would not climb down there!
Breath-taking…scary…dangerous…challenging……
I love how that green on the right side of the picture pops out. The way the photo is framed by the cliff sides is very cool. Fantastic!
Wow! That is a fantastic shot!
I love caving/spelunking, but my fear of heights would prevent my enjoying this live. Thanks for the option of a great picture.
Ooh err Missus – couldn’t do that let alone take the picture. Marvelous.
Awesome!
You indeed created a spectacular shot.!
Amazing!!
Stunning photo and location! A little bit eerie yet promising adventure
Amazing!
Fine photo!
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YIKES !
There are no words for how this photo grabs me. When first seen, it felt like I was falling. Unbelievable!
Wonderful! As though falling into eternity.
breath taking
Simply perfect!