Angels Den

"The Bahamas is home to many limestone caves scattered across its islands, and I've been fortunate enough to explore several of them. However, this particular cave has always posed the greatest challenge for my photography. Nestled inland, it requires a short hike through the bush to reach, and its floor is a mix of fine soil and bat guano, courtesy of the resident bats that inhabit the cave. This combination makes photographing underwater here incredibly difficult—using fins is nearly impossible. The slightest touch of the sediment sends up a thick cloud of dust, completely obscuring visibility. With no current to clear the water, you must wait for the sediment to settle back down, a process that can take up to 30 minutes depending on how much is disturbed. The cave’s light beams, piercing through the water, are created by holes in the cave’s ceiling—likely formed by rainwater erosion. These beams create stunning underwater frames and allow light to reflect off the still water, illuminating the hidden beauty of the cave.Photographing underwater in a place where fins can't be used yet still needing to sink below the surface presents a unique challenge for both the photographer and the model. We’re acutely aware that any disruption to the sediment will ruin the shot. Before venturing to the back of the cave, where the main light beam shines, the model and I meticulously discussed our game plan at the entrance. Every detail was considered, knowing that even stopping to talk while treading water in that area could stir up the bottom, jeopardizing the entire shoot."