How to Photograph Ghosts and Spirits

Taking a photograph of a ghost or spirit does not require fancy equipment or extensive training. Any camera is capable of capturing images of ghost and spirits. Digital cameras are preferred because it produces immediate results, can be stored on a memory card or transferred to a computer without losing quality and there is no film to fiddle with in the dark.

Select a location that has reports of paranormal activity. Although you can certainly capture a ghost image in the most unlikely of places, exploring paranormal hot spots increases your likelihood of capturing apparitions or ghostly figures.

Take pictures of a defined object to provide perspective and to judge distance. Focus on a tree, gravestone or fence post if you are shooting photo outside in a haunter location. Include people in your photos whenever possible. It is believed that some spirits are attracted to people and you just may catch that perfect shot while photographing your team members.

Avoid shooting into the sun as this causes lens flares that can easily be mistaken for paranormal images. Any source of light, even the moon, can cause lens flare. Be conscious of all sources of light, including flashlights.

Watch for reflective surfaces like windows, mirrors or shiny objects in the camera's field of view. If you are using a flash, objects out of the view of the camera can also reflect light that may appear on film in unusual patterns.

Tie hair back or wear a hat to prevent a strand of hair from accidentally falling in front of the lens. Check lens straps and caps and keep away from the front of the camera.

Avoid taking photographs in humid conditions or if it is raining or snowing. This creates orb-like images on the picture. Mist or fog may distort images or create a myriad of orbs.

Take a deep breath and hold it while you take a photograph to prevent your breath from appearing in front of the camera in cool weather. Even when you cannot see your breath, it may show up on film.

Take two shots of the same location without changing position. Do this before exhaling as movement as simple as breathing out can shift the focus of the camera and result if a different angle. If you are lucky enough to catch evidence of paranormal activity, you will have another photo to compare images.

Examine photos closely for unexplained images. Beware of a process called matrixing where the brain translates sensory stimulus to create a familiar image from the unknown. If that ghostly face you see in the trees is composed of leaves and branches, then it is not a real ghost image. An authentic ghost or spirit image is not created from parts of the environment. It has a distinct shape and form that differs from the surroundings.

Study orbs carefully, as they are most often created by moisture, dust, pollen or flying insects. True spirit orbs emit their own light and may cast a shadow. Study images of common dust and pollen orbs to learn to distinguish them from genuine spirit orbs.

The tools you use to take spirit or ghost photographs is up to you, but keep in mind that the better the quality of the camera, the higher quality image it will produce. Get in the habit of snapping photos whenever you visit a site or when you get a gut feeling a spirit may be present, but do observe standard precautions. Not only does this prevent you from mistaking camera straps, reflections and orbs from insects or dust for ghostly images, it prevents real images from being compromised as well.

Sources:
New England Paranormal
Ghost Web
The Truth About Orbs. Ghost Study