Photography in Paranormal Investigation

  • Learn the functions of your camera.   Download the manual online from your manufacturer’s website.  Take special note if your camera has a “nightshot” function and use this when photographing in the dark.
  • Make sure that you focus your camera on an object- especially in nightshot mode.  This way you won’t just end up with a black photograph.
  • Take many, many photos.
  • Avoid pointing your camera at shiny or reflective surfaces, such as glass.
  • Make sure your camera lens is clean.  Eye glass wipes are a great thing to have in your kit.
  • Make sure your camera strap and/or lens cover are away from the front of the camera so it doesn’t get caught in a photo giving you a false positive.
    Make sure long hair is tied back.
  • Avoid taking photos when it is windy, foggy, rainy, dusty and where it's snowing or when heavy moisture is in the air. *
  • In cold weather make sure your breath is not affecting the photo results.
  • Never take a picture in the direction of any direct light source. This produces “lens flare.”
  • Talk and make conversation with the ghosts. Ask for permission to take their photograph.  Explain to them what you are doing, tell them your name and make small talk.  Remember, you are basically entering their home.  Treat them as you would a living person.
  • Most ghost energy will appear in the air from two to ten feet above the ground. So focus a portion of your attention at that level but don't limit yourself totally to it.* 
  • Try following your instincts when taking ghost photos.  This is what we call “that feeling” when we’re on investigations.
  • Ghosts are quite often attracted to people and will follow them around. So include people in the photos you take. Tip: When taking photos of others try to include enough space to one side of the picture and above the heads of those in the photo to capture any anomalies present. Remember the purpose is to catch anomalies and people together in the same photo. *
  • The best time of the year for capturing ghost images on film are in the colder months when electrostatic energy is at it's highest. These months being October through February.*
  • Remember your flash limitations. A flash can only be useful for up to a certain distance- normally within 15 feet. So if you are in a cemetery at night and take a picture of a mausoleum 30 feet away, the image will be hard to view and a bit washed out, as well as any anomalies present.*