The course is aimed at novice speleologists and enthusiasts who wish to start or improve their photography techniques in underground environments.

The initiative offers a balanced combination of theoretical and practical lessons, with field exercises in the Apuan Alps from May 30 to June 2, 2025, in Terrinca (Lu).

Program and Logistics

Friday, May 30, 2025

• Afternoon: Arrival and participant registration.
• 8:00 PM: Fixed menu dinner at the kitchen of Circolo le Tanacce in Terrinca.
• After dinner: Informal meeting to share experiences and expectations, with a brief introductory lesson on “The Importance of Cave Documentation Through Images.”
• Overnight stay: Hostel at Circolo le Tanacce in Terrinca.

Saturday, May 31, 2025

• 8:30 AM: Breakfast.
• 9:30 AM: Course start with presentations and greetings from the Tuscan Speleological Federation, La Scintilena Association, and Speleofotocontest.
• 10:30 AM: Lesson on speleology ethics, documentation, and cave photography.
• 11:00 AM: In-depth session on general photography principles: low-light management, ISO, exposure times, aperture, use of flash, spotlights, and diffusers. Lighting schemes, the use of stands (tripods, monopods), and team organization for photography will also be illustrated.
• 1:00 PM: Lunch.
• 2:30 PM: Continuation of morning topics and deeper exploration of cave photography: varied environments (caves, narrow passages, pits, small lakes, galleries), focus on abandoned places and water areas, introduction to macro photography and material management.
• 6:00 PM: Photography composition lesson by Andrea Scatolini, illustrating classic rules and new perspectives, including 3D composition with Paolo Dori.
• 8:00 PM: Fixed menu dinner.
• After dinner: Debate on the possibilities offered by mobile photography compared to DSLR or bridge cameras, with an analysis of dedicated applications.

Sunday, June 1, 2025

• Morning:
• Participants divided into two groups for practical exercises:
• Group 1: Excursion to Antro del Corchia.
• Group 2: Activities in Artificial Cavities.
• Photo shoots and practical exercises with assistance from speleo-photographers.
• Lunch: Packed or on-site.
• Afternoon:
• Return to Terrinca.
• 6:00 PM: Theoretical lesson on photographic storytelling: storytelling techniques, organizing shots into a visual narrative, slideshow presentations, exhibitions, publications, and print format management.
• 8:00 PM: Fixed menu dinner.
• After dinner: Time dedicated to reviewing participants’ shots in preparation for the final session.

Monday, June 2, 2025

• 9:30 AM: Viewing of participants’ works and collective discussion.
• Photo Editing Lesson: Introduction to basic techniques for enhancing shots, with insights into Camera RAW, layer management, and the use of masks for image correction.
• 12:30 PM: Conclusion of activities.

Course Technical Sheet

• Duration: 4 days (May 30 – June 2, 2025)
• Location: Terrinca (Lu), Apuan Alps
• Accommodation and Catering: Lodging and meals at the Hostel of Circolo le Tanacce in Terrinca
• Format: Theoretical and practical lessons, field exercises, discussion, and photo review sessions
• Equipment:
• Camera (preferably DSLR or Bridge; mobile phone use is recommended only for advanced models with specific apps)
• Tripod or monopod, stands
• Personal lights, spotlights, and flashes to be shared among teams
• Note: The organization does not provide photography equipment
• Target Audience: Novice speleologists and cave photography enthusiasts

Glossary

• Speleology: The study and practice of cave exploration
• Cave Photography: Photography techniques adapted to low-light conditions in underground environments
• ISO: Parameter indicating the camera sensor’s sensitivity
• Aperture: The lens opening size that regulates the amount of incoming light
• Exposure Time: The duration for which the lens remains open to capture light
• Photo Editing: Digital processing of images to improve visual quality

Lesson Format

• Theoretical Sessions:
• Lectures with detailed explanations of technical and conceptual aspects of cave photography
• Interactive discussions and questions to encourage participatory learning
• Practical Exercises:
• Small group activities to ensure personalized support
• Constant supervision by experts during excursions and on-site exercises
• Review and Discussion:
• Dedicated sessions for reviewing shots and exchanging feedback among participants, aimed at improving individual techniques

Registration and Payment

Registration Process:

• Completion of a Google form, soon available on the official website of La Scintilena Association and Speleofotocontest

Participation Fee:

• 150 Euros (includes all activities listed in the program)
• 140 Euros for members of La Scintilena or SpeleoFotoContest Association

Payment:

• Fee to be transferred to a designated bank account, details provided in the registration form

The fee includes lodging and meals as specified in the program. Participants must have mandatory third-party liability and accident insurance. Those without speleological activity insurance may only attend artificial cavity excursions where no rope progression is required and will be covered by a one-day SSI insurance at an additional cost of 3 Euros.

The photos reviewed on Sunday, owned by their respective authors, will remain available to the organization for future events. A selection of these photos will be printed and exhibited in a dedicated section within the Speleofotocontest exhibition, held in Volta Mantovana during the 2025 National Speleology Meeting ‘Capovolta.’

For Further Information:

• Andrea Scatolini +39 3357825523

The course provides a training pathway integrating theory and practice, with a special focus on specific photography techniques for underground environments. The goal is to equip participants with the tools necessary to document and enhance caves, promoting a methodical and shared approach among attendees.

The organization reserves the right to make changes to the program due to unforeseen circumstances between the publication date and the course execution.