Capturing Ghosts: Photography Techniques For The Paranormal

Capturing ghosts on camera is a tricky business. It's a combination of technique, equipment, and environment.

First, you need to choose your equipment. While some sources suggest that any camera will do, others recommend using a camera capable of infrared photography. Infrared film or a digital camera that can see the infrared spectrum of light may be useful here, as ghosts seem to prefer the darkness for cover. You could also try using an app on your phone, such as Ghost Detector Radar Camera, which claims to show you ghosts floating around your home.

Next, you need to find a haunted location. Battlefields, cemeteries, old hotels, hospitals, and prisons are said to be among the most haunted places.

Once you've chosen your location, it's time to set up your equipment. If you're using a camera, you'll want to make sure your lens is clean, as dirt can create unintentional fake ghost photos. You should also consider bringing a tripod to keep your camera steady, especially if you're taking long exposures. If you're using an app, simply follow the instructions provided.

Now it's time for the fun part: provoking the ghost. This can be done by making a lot of noise, asking direct questions, and calling the ghost by name if you know it. Be careful, though, as this may anger the ghost and cause it to enter a hunting phase.

If you've managed to provoke the ghost into appearing, it's time to capture your photo. Snap as many pictures as you can, as supernatural entities may be fleeting. If you're using an app, simply follow the instructions for capturing a ghost.

Finally, review your photos or app data to see if you've captured any evidence of ghosts. With the right technique and equipment, you may just capture something beyond what the naked eye can see.

Use infrared film and FLIR camera adapters

Infrared film and FLIR camera adapters are essential tools for capturing ghosts on camera. Here are some tips for using these tools effectively:

Use Infrared Film

Infrared film is a great way to capture ghosts on camera, as it allows you to see things that are invisible to the naked eye. When using infrared film, it's important to remember that not all cameras are sensitive to infrared light. Make sure your camera is capable of capturing infrared images before you begin your ghost hunt.

FLIR Camera Adapters

FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) camera adapters are designed to attach to your smartphone or DSLR camera, allowing you to see in the thermal spectrum. This technology is often used by ghost hunters to detect paranormal activity. When using a FLIR camera adapter, be sure to calibrate your device properly and account for any reflective surfaces that may create false readings. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings and track your own movements to avoid capturing your own thermal patterns.

Combine Infrared Film with FLIR Technology

For the best results, combine infrared film with FLIR camera adapters. This will allow you to capture a wider range of light spectrums, including infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet light. By using both technologies simultaneously, you increase your chances of capturing any paranormal activity that may be present.

Tips for Using Infrared Film and FLIR Camera Adapters

• Experiment with different types of film and camera settings to find the best combination for ghost hunting.
• Try using a flash or other light source to illuminate the area and capture more detail in your images.
• Be patient and spend plenty of time in each location, as ghosts may not appear right away.
• Research and scout locations that are known for paranormal activity to increase your chances of capturing ghostly images.
• Always review your footage carefully, as ghosts may appear in unexpected places within your images or videos.

Use a tripod or stable surface

Capturing ghosts on camera requires a lot of preparation and the right equipment. One of the most important pieces of equipment is a tripod. A tripod is essential for keeping your camera stable and ensuring that you capture clear, sharp images of ghosts. Here are some tips for using a tripod effectively when photographing ghosts:

First, choose a sturdy tripod that can support the weight of your camera. It should be tall enough to allow you to adjust the height and position of your camera, but not so tall that it becomes unstable. The tripod should also have a smooth panning and tilting mechanism, allowing you to easily adjust the camera's position without causing vibrations.

When setting up your tripod, look for a stable surface to place it on. Avoid placing it on uneven ground or in a location where it might be bumped or knocked over. If you're using your tripod indoors, make sure the surface is sturdy and can bear the weight of the tripod and camera.

Attach your camera to the tripod securely, making sure it is balanced and won't slip or tilt unexpectedly. Use the tripod's levelling bubble, if it has one, to ensure that it is level. If your tripod has adjustable legs, you can adjust their length to further stabilise the setup.

Once your camera is attached, make sure you know how to adjust its position smoothly. Familiarise yourself with the tripod's controls and practice panning and tilting it to follow a subject or adjust your composition. This is especially important when photographing ghosts, as you may need to track their movement or quickly adjust your framing.

In addition to stability, a tripod can also help you achieve sharper images by reducing camera shake during long exposures, which are often necessary when photographing ghosts in low-light conditions. A remote shutter release or self-timer can also help to minimise camera shake by allowing you to trigger the shutter without physically touching the camera.

Lastly, consider using a tripod with a centre column that can be converted into a monopod. This can give you more flexibility in certain situations, such as when you need to shoot in a confined space or want to quickly move your camera to a different location while keeping it attached to the support.

Shoot continuously and compare shots

Capturing ghosts on camera is mostly about technique. Here are some tips for shooting continuously and comparing shots to capture ghosts on camera:

Choose the Right Camera

The best camera to use for paranormal photography is the one you know. Understanding your camera's features and how to use them is more important than investing in expensive gear. You can use a DSLR, a film camera, a video camera, or even your phone camera.

Prepare Your Equipment

Before you start taking pictures, clean your equipment, especially the lens. This is important for two reasons: dirty equipment can cause you to miss a shot, and dust and dirt can create an unintentional fake ghost photo.

Find the Right Location

To increase your chances of capturing ghosts, go to places you suspect are haunted, such as battlefields, cemeteries, old hotels, hospitals, and prisons.

Understand Lighting

Avoid light streaming directly into your lens, as it can cause flares that may be confused with ghosts. Shoot with the light behind you or to either side. If possible, turn off the flash on your camera, as it can create unintentional light effects by bouncing off dust and shiny surfaces.

Use a Tripod

Use a tripod to keep your camera steady, especially if you're taking long exposures. This will help you capture clear images and prevent blurry effects that could be mistaken for ghosts.

Shoot Continuously

Many cameras have a continuous shooting mode, which allows you to take multiple shots in quick succession. This is useful for capturing fleeting supernatural entities. If your camera doesn't have this mode, simply press the shutter button as often as you can to get lots of photos.

Compare Shots

After taking multiple shots, compare the images to look for anomalies. If something is present in one or two shots but not in the rest, it warrants further investigation.

Prepare for the shooting conditions

Before you head out to capture some ghostly images, it's important to prepare for the shooting conditions. Here are some things to consider:

• Lighting: If you're shooting in a dark location, bring additional lighting like a flashlight or lantern. Avoid using the flash on your camera as it can create reflections and distort your images. Consider using infrared lighting, which will illuminate the area for the camera without being visible to the human eye or potentially disturbing ghosts.
• Tripod: A tripod or stable surface is crucial, especially in low-light conditions, to ensure your camera remains steady during longer exposures.
• Weather conditions: Rain, snow, or wind can impact your equipment and affect the quality of your images. Use a lens hood or umbrella to protect your camera and lens from the elements.
• Dust and dirt: Ensure your lens is clean and free of dust or dirt, which can reflect light and create false orbs or anomalies in your photos.
• Background and clothing: Consider the background of your shot and the clothing of anyone in the image. Contrasting colours can help your subject stand out, while similar colours can create a ghostly effect.
• Exposure: Play around with long exposures to capture movement and create ethereal images. Adjust your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings to control the amount of light reaching the camera sensor.
• Flash: While it's best to avoid the built-in flash on your camera, you can use an external flash to create more detailed images. Popping the flash at different intervals during a long exposure can create multiple versions of the same ghost in a single image.
• Lighting position: Be mindful of where you position any additional lighting. Avoid shining lights directly into your lens, as this can cause flares and interfere with your images. Instead, place lights to the side or behind you to add depth to your scene.
• Neutral density filter: Consider using a neutral density filter to achieve longer exposures during the day or in bright conditions.
• Movement: Experiment with having your subjects move during long exposures to create ghostly effects. Try having them move slowly, hold still for a few seconds, and then move again to create multiple "personalities" or "ghosts" in a single image.
• Background interference: Be mindful of the background when creating ghostly images. Complex backgrounds or those with similar colours to your subject can make it challenging to capture a clear ghostly figure.

By preparing for these shooting conditions, you'll be well on your way to capturing some spine-chilling ghostly images!

Understand a few photography basics

Exposure

Exposure is the most important concept in photography. It is the amount of light collected by your camera and determines the brightness of your image. The three elements that make up exposure are aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

Aperture

Aperture is the opening of the camera lens that controls the amount of light that passes through to the camera sensor. It is measured in f-stops, where smaller f-stop numbers indicate a wider aperture and larger f-stop numbers indicate a narrower aperture. A wider aperture results in a brighter image, while a narrower aperture leads to a darker image. Aperture also affects the depth of field, or how much of your image is in focus.

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed refers to how long the camera shutter remains open to capture light. A faster shutter speed will result in a darker image, while a slower shutter speed will produce a brighter image. Shutter speed also influences motion blur, with faster speeds freezing motion and slower speeds creating a blur effect.

ISO

ISO determines the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light. Higher ISO values increase the sensor's sensitivity, resulting in brighter images. However, higher ISO settings also introduce more digital noise, which can degrade image quality.

Exposure Triangle

The exposure triangle is a concept that ties together aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Adjusting one of these elements will require you to adjust the others to maintain the desired exposure. Understanding the exposure triangle gives you control over the final look of your image.

Depth of Field

Depth of field refers to the portion of your image that is in focus. A shallow depth of field means only a narrow portion of the image is sharp, while a large depth of field keeps most of the image in focus. Aperture, focal length, focusing distance, and sensor size all influence depth of field.

Focal Length

Focal length describes the distance from the optical center of the lens to the sensor. It affects the field of view of your image, with shorter focal lengths providing a wider angle of view and longer focal lengths offering a narrower angle of view. Focal length also impacts distortion, magnification, and depth of field.

Sensor Size

Camera sensors come in different sizes, with the most common being APS-C (crop frame) and full-frame. APS-C sensors are smaller and found in entry-level cameras, while full-frame sensors are larger and more expensive. Full-frame sensors offer higher resolution and better dynamic range but are not always necessary depending on your photography goals.

Frequently asked questions