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Basic Spirit Photography
By Donna L. Marsh

Spirits appear to us as they see fit, not as we like, so photographing them is a privilege, but these basic tips and guidelines will increase your chance of success. While taking traditional photographic guidelines into account, the spirit photographer will also have to take into account some tips and guidelines unique to the realm.

Basic Photography Guidelines

• Avoid taking two shots the same way. Try photographing the same subject from two or more different angles.
• To avoid blurry photos, keep the cameral still.
• Hold the camera with both hands, taking care to keep your fingers away from the lens.
• Stand with your feet apart.
• Keep your arms close to your body.
• Brace your body against something, such as a door jam, wall or tree. Turn a chair around and straddle the seat using the chair back as a support.
• Use a tripod.
• Always remember to remove the lens cap.
• Keep items away from the front of the camera.
• Remove or wear the camera strap so it does not hang loose.
• Always be aware of where your fingers are.
• Keep long hair away from the lens of the camera.
• Remove all dust, spots, fingerprints, etc. from camera lens.
• Always use fresh film.

Photographing People
• Always be courteous.
• Ask permission PRIOR to taking pictures.
• Try to avoid posed photos and shoot action ones instead.

Light
• Always photograph in proper light unless appropriate measures are taken
• Match the amount of light with your film speed and shutter settings.
• Avoid shooting into the Sun so as to avoid lens flare. Shoot with the sun behind you if at all possible.
• If you know you’ll be shooting in an environment with a lot of fluorescent lighting, such as in an office environment, consider using black & white film. Fluorescent lighting sometimes throws off the color in color prints.
• Due to the narrow spectral band involved, street lights will also throw off the color in color prints, sometimes producing a green tint.

Using Flash
• Remember that flash is only good for 9-12 feet from camera so focus on that range.
• Avoid shooting with flash at reflective or shiny surfaces.
• Always use a flash indoors unless the subject is brightly illuminated by window light.
• Try to use a flash separate from the camera. If that isn’t possible, use a flip-up flash rather than a camera with a built-in flash.
• Bounce the flash off the ceiling or use a diffuser. You will be less likely to find flash reflections in your photos.

Environment

When it comes to Spirit Photography, your environment may be one of the most important elements to take into consideration. While this is important any time you’re taking photos, it’s especially important when shooting spirit photographs and should be one of the first considerations when analyzing them as well. It will also be one of the first questions asked of you when others view your photos. How you answer will affect their mindset.

Always be aware of the weather and your surroundings. Dust, rain, high pollen counts, and insects are just a few of the things that can produce image anomalies and make you think you’ve captured something supernatural when what you really have is an odd reflection.

If you just drove up a dusty road to get to that out-of-the-way cemetery, wait a minimum of 15 minutes before you start taking photos so that the dust will have time to settle. The same can be said if you just entered an old home and stirred up dust as well.

Always take time to note your environment. It can make or break your photos.

Proper Spirit Photography Protocol

The following are some items that are particular to Spirit Photography itself. You’ll read some of these and ask, “What the… ?” That’s normal, but you’ll see why they’re important as I explain how they pertain to Spirit Photography.

You must:
• Ask the spirits of the dead for permission to take their photos.
Proper etiquette dictates that we ask all individuals for their permission to take their photo. If you would ask Aunt Mabel’s permission when she was alive then why wouldn’t you ask her after she’s passed?
• Always conduct your photography sessions in a professional manner.
This should be a no-brainer. If you insist upon acting in an unprofessional manner then you will not achieve the desired results – a spirit photo. Let’s be honest, would you want to pose for someone that’s being unprofessional?
• Research cases before charging onto them.
If you knew a hotel in your area was haunted and you wanted to capture that spirit on film then you would naturally head over there and start snapping away, but if this hotel has 300 rooms then where do you start? Do a little research first, and when you find out that the spirit regularly appears in Room 213, then you’re ready to roll.
• Respect posted property, ask permission and do not trespass.
Trespassing is illegal. Do not do it! I don’t care how badly you want that photo. Case in point: There is a church in Tennessee that is reputed to be haunted, and the caretaker lives next door. If you let him know that you’ll be on the property taking photos, he’s fine. He’ll just tell you to respect the property, not litter, etc. If you try to sneak on without his knowledge, he’ll call the sheriff’s department and then come out to greet you with his shotgun. If you don’t run, he’ll hold you until the sheriff’s deputies arrive and then have you arrested for trespassing. While I’ve yet to see anything that makes me believe this church is truly haunted, I have met people that have been arrested while trespassing on the property. So, it truly is easier to ask for permission then to ask for forgiveness.
• Avoid shooting when foreign objects are floating near the camera.
Foreign objects in front of the camera, and these include bugs, pollen, dust, etc., will reflect the flash, sometimes producing a false orb. Be very aware of what’s in front of your lens. Another object to watch for is your camera strap. Those little wrist straps can move in front of your lens and produce a false vortex or orb with contrail. I recommend always removing those wrist straps and keeping them in your camera bag or wrapping the strap around your wrist at the very list and then remaining alert to its location.
• Show reverence and respect in cemeteries, battlefields, etc.
People have died and/or are buried in these places. I’m sure you wouldn’t want strangers disrespecting your grandma, so please remember the Golden Rule and be respectful.
• Compare anomalous prints with negatives for confirmation.
Always compare the print to the negative before making any assumptions. Photo developing labs have been known to mess up prints, so make sure it’s on the negative as well before you start telling everyone, “I’ve got one!”
• Maintain a Positive Mental Attitude as it is very important for all investigations. Skeptical minds will generate negative energy during an investigation.
No one likes to play with Negative Nelly, and that includes folks from the spirit world.
• Try to be emotionally calm and stable at all times. Fear causes more trouble for you and the group.
When you’re hunting spirits you’re more likely to notice every little noise and shadow, and this makes you just a bit more jumpy. This nervousness makes accidents more likely, so try to keep the energy under control because it will be better for everyone in the group.
• Go in small groups, not more than five, and no fewer than two.
Unfortunately, the times we live in necessitate this. Because spirit hunting frequently involves being in “spooky” places after dark, it is not safe to do alone. Always go with a buddy and let someone know where you’ll be, what time you’ll arrive and what time you should be expected home. If everyone you know is going with you, leave a note at home with all of the information in an obvious place, such as beside the telephone or on the refrigerator door. However, don’t take too large a group. Some spirits get stage fright and don’t like to appear to groups of 15 or 20.
• Leave everything exactly as you found it.
If not better. If you’re in a cemetery and find some litter, pick it up. Yes, I know that you don’t want it in your vehicle, but you’ll find that little acts like that will increase your credibility and make it easier for you to get into other places. Besides, it just feels good to do something nice!

You must not:
• Smoke tobacco or any other products during an investigation.
This isn’t a rant about the evils of tobacco, although you know you shouldn’t do it for health’s sake, but rather a rant about good photos. When photographed, tobacco smoke resembles ectoplasm. When I receive possible ectoplasm photos for analysis, the first question I ask is, “Were you or was anyone around you smoking?” In my experience, non-smokers will answer yes or no while smokers will usually say no or they can’t recall, only to have a smoker answer yes. Since smoking is a habit, smokers aren’t as likely to notice if it’s occurring around them. If you want your photo taken seriously then you want to be sure that it was taken under proper circumstances, so never smoke while conducting Spirit Photography sessions.
• Imbibe alcohol before, during or after an investigation if remaining on site.
Alcohol impairs judgment and clouds the mind. If you’re serious about Spirit Photography then you’ll avoid alcohol.
• Use illegal substances before, during or after an investigation.
See above.
• Take photographs during adverse weather conditions. Adverse weather conditions are rain, mist, fog, snow, windy/dusty conditions, etc.
Adverse weather conditions can simulate supernatural occurrences in photos. If you want no doubt about what you’ve captured then take your photos only under the best of conditions.
• Take photos from moving vehicles on dusty roads or while walking on dusty roads.
Dust reflects light and a flash reflected off dust will occasionally produce a reflection that resembles an orb.
• Run or participate in horseplay in cemeteries or historical sites.
Not only is it poor manners, but it can produce dust, possibly negating your photos.
• Litter and this includes leaving behind cigarette butts, etc. -- Take all film boxes, canisters, plastic wrappers, drink containers, cigarette butts, etc. with you. If possible, pick up trash that you see lying about. This increases your reputation as a reputable spirit photographer and makes it easier for you to get into places in the future.

In Conclusion

As stated earlier, some of these tips and guidelines may seem a bit odd, but they are truly necessary if you want your photos taken seriously in a skeptical world. When you first show that great supernatural photo to a few folks they’re going to ask questions. If you can answer them respectfully and knowledgeably, your photos will be more reputable and convincing. Knowledge is the convincing argument.

 

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