How to Photograph Ghosts and Spirits

Catch Orbs, Spirit Lights and Ghostly Images on Film
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.