How to Photograph the Paranormal

Just about everyone has a ghost story, but very few can actually back it up with a photograph of some kind of paranormal evidence. If you're determined to bring a photograph as evidence of your next experience, or you're just looking for some kind of proof to help ward off skepticism about the paranormal in general, there are a few ways to help make sure you capture something exciting on your next ghost-hunting trip.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Extra batteries
• 4- or 5-megapixel digital camera

1. Use a digital camera. Digital cameras give you the advantage of being able to preview your photographs as you work. If you notice anything on one of your images, you can quickly begin to take more pictures of that area in the hopes of capturing further evidence of the event. Even if it turns out not to be paranormal, multiple shots are always helpful for figuring out exactly what you have captured in your photograph.

2. Set up in an area known to have paranormal activity. The more stories you hear, the more likely you'll be able to get a photograph of the activity while you're there.

3. Ask kindly for the ghost to take a picture with you. Sometimes the ghost will be nice and comply with your request.

4. Bring extra batteries. Researchers believe that in order for a paranormal event to occur, energy must be absorbed by the entity so it can manifest. This energy often comes from camera batteries, so having spares is always a good idea.

5. Use a camera with high resolution. Lower resolutions digital cameras are more prone to digital artifacts, especially in low-light situations, which make it difficult to confirm or deny that you have captured the paranormal when inspected closely. Lower resolution images are much less accurate when blown up for a closer look since they will pixelate and become blocky. A camera capable of 4 or 5 megapixels or more are best.

6. Consider taking pictures at all times of the day. Though most ghost-hunting shows do their investigations at night, many excellent paranormal photographs have been taken during the day. If spirits do walk among us, there's no reason they wouldn't want to hang out during the day as well as at night.

7. Shoot away from reflective surfaces. Mirrors, shiny metals and even crystal chandeliers can create what could be mistaken as something paranormal, so pointing your camera in another direction will reduce this kind of confusion.

8. Set up your camera overnight or for an extended period when there will be no other people present. You can use a video camera or set your camera to take exposures every few minutes while you relax in another location.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring your dog with you on your photo shoot. It is believed that animals can see or hear the paranormal, so if your pet begins to act strange, take a picture in the direction he's looking to see if perhaps he has spotted a ghost for you.
• Always get permission to be in a cemetery after dark since most will close around sundown. If you don't get permission, you can be arrested for trespassing.