Issue 303: behind the cover

Louise Anderson and Joe Sharp in Defiance, Clearwater Cave system, Mulu, by Bartek Biela

Since my first visit to Mulu I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the caves that I have attempted to photograph over there. The hate comes from the overwhelming vastness of the passages, which are a bit tricky to light up using the conventional techniques that can be applied in most UK caves. However, when the light eventually gets delivered where it is supposed to be, the connection with the caves grows into an everlasting love. The photoshoot in Defiance happened thanks to the persistence of the exploration team from 2023, plus logistical planning and hard graft from the 2024 team. An enormous gratitude goes to those who found it in the first place as well as the supporting helpers who patiently dragged themselves and all the gear there.

Bartek Biela