Perfectly situated in the middle of the passage this giant calcite stal boss makes a huge statement. Dwarfed by it's sheer size, Hong Meigui team member; Matt Ryan can only look up in amazement. This is one of many gigantic formations in San Wang Dong. (Robbie Shone)

More people have been to the moon than to some of the caves Robbie Shone has photographed. His passion is showing people above ground what lies secretly beneath the earth's surface.

"I'm obsessed with bringing images of remote caves to the surface and showing the world what lies beneath," Shone told weather.com. "I'm obsessed by the challenges. I'll never stop."

His work is not easy. He has only complete darkness to work with. The larger the cave, the more light Shone needs for a good photo. Some cave walls are reflective, and others are not. Lighting angle plays a huge role, as shadows and illuminated spaces make or break the image. Shone wants his viewers to be able to understand the size and scale of the caves he explores.

"Camera location is very, very important to show off the cave in all it's glory," the photographer said. "This is something I try and get right every time, because it is mostly the easiest thing to get right or get to a position that really makes the cave look dramatic and powerful."

(MORE: 10 Spectacular Caves of the World)

The weather above ground largely effects Shone's work as well. Rain can cause underground rivers to surge, which can either make it impossible for him to photograph, or make the shot much more stunning. Most of the time Shone and his crew communicate with walkie talkie PMR radios, but in the situation that a river is violent, they have to use whistle commands so that everyone can hear over the thundering water.

Shone's interest in photographing caves began with his first cave exploration.

"I remember my feelings during the very first trip underground inside a cave and realizing the immense challenges and enormous potential for great imagery that this dark, unforgiving, harsh environment offers," Shone shared. "So it was here where the seed was sewn and the bug bit. I just had to take a camera into a cave and begin the very long process of what has been, so far, a 15 year obsession in making pictures of the underworld for all to see, and to this day, I still believe there is still so much more to learn and new and exciting pictures to make."