GHOST HUNTING TIPS - TECHNICAL

Some paranormal researchers prefer scientific methods of investigation while others' focus are energy sensitive and contribute to the team by being able to ‘feel' paranormal presences and imprints. And some teams are a combination of the two. All paranormal researchers should follow a common set of rules. Following are our tips for an effective investigation. For more insight, read our Protocols.

EQUIPMENT: Know your equipment and their processes and benefits. Take time familiarizing yourself with the operation and reading parameters of EMF (electromagnetic field) meters and compasses. Know how to operate your voice recorders for optimal sound recording and prevention of taping over EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) sessions. Learn the differences between EMF readings for evidence and electrical wiring fields. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the possibility that you might actually encounter the "Holy Grail" of ghost hunting: Seeing a ghost.

COSTS:  Equipment doen't have to be expensive, you can use compasses to help detect changes in energy fields and a thermometer to help detect "cold or hot spots". Changes in energy fields as well as temperature shifts could be pointing to paranormal activity.

SAFETY:  Involve others in your ghostly journeys. For safety reasons, ghost hunting should not be done alone. Plus, more witnesses of paranormal events will help credibility and recall.

RESEARCH & HISTORY:  Research the area you wish to investigate. What is the history or legend of the place?

SCRIBE:  Have someone in your group take notes of all that happens. Record feelings, happenings and observations. Share thoughts and look for common threads in those thoughts.

AUDIO CONTAMINATION:  While taking photos, video and voice recordings try to eliminate any other source of explanation for your results. For example, if you choose to run a voice recorder, make sure no one talks or even whispers during the investigation.

CONTAMINANTS:  Do not wear perfumes, fragrances or colognes as some ghosts emit scents and smells in the air during supernatural activity. Some spirit's manifest by emitting their favorite cigar smoke or a unique fragrance. For your investigation to be an investigation rather than a spooky experience, be alcohol and drug free so your evidence is credible.

CAMERAS: You may use digital or a basic camera with 400 speed film. Pack extra batteries, film and flashlights. Avoid using camera flashes across from reflective objects such as mirrors, chrome and glass. Take several shots from the same location and from different angles to help decipher the spirits from dust or reflections. Waiting for a minute or so after moving before taking pictures may help eliminate dust particles in the air.

WEATHER CONDITIONS:  Bright light, rain, dust, and physical objects can produce "orbs" (balls of light) that may appear supernatural but are not genuine. The presence of car headlights, mirrors, glass, rain, bugs, and camera straps can and often do produce "fake ghost images".
Hold your breath while investigating in cold environments before taking pictures to eliminate mist from your breath appearing in your photos.

ELIMINATING FALSE EVIDENCE:  Cell phones and pagers should be turned off as they can distort detection equipment, compasses, digital photographs and camcorder footage. If you edit your photographs in computer photo editing programs, be sure not to apply color correction and editing features that might put in paranormal looking effects. If you are using film, make sure the effects in your photo are from the ghost, not a development error. Remember you are looking for real evidence. Look for things hanging in front of your camera while photographing such as tree limbs, your camera strap, your hat, spider webs, ropes, etc. They will appear "bright white" like energy when the flash "pops" on them at close range.

MINDSET:  Always investigate the paranormal with a clear mind, purpose and intent. Paranormal activity may be encountered at any time or any place; it does not have to be at night. Be alert and remain objective by seeking to eliminate any natural occurrences that will compromise your paranormal results.

For more insight, read our Protocols.