The state of Missouri contains the second largest number caves in the United States. The abundance of limestone, dolomite and chert provide the ingredients needed for the chemical reaction that creates these wonderous subterranean landscapes as water from above seeps from above.

Onondaga Cave is located approximately 80 miles southwest of St. Louis within a state park bearing the same name. Cave access is limited to guided tours, thus there is little time to linger yet enough time to marvel at the beauty which lies beneath the surface of the earth.

Are the colors translated into my photographs natural? Well, that is a good question. What is considered natural? Often people refer to natural light and colors as those produced under sunlight. In a world devoid of sunlight, all of the lighting in a cave is artificial. In this cave there is mixed lighting, thus producing variety in the colors. What is natural? you tell me.

Photographing within the cave has its challenges. Low light of course is the most obvious challenge. However, the artificial light within the cave creates hots spots as well. Additionally, the tour group is kept moving along at a pace consistent with the tour schedules.