As I was doing research I ran across a wonderful page called Shadowlands. They have a great section that talks about
many different aspects of ghost hunting from definitions of many of the widely used terms to helpful hints on how to
perform an investigation properly. I would like to pass some of that and some of the things that we have learned on to
you.
Definitions
Ghost Hunt - going to a place were there have been no sightings of ghosts and trying to catch some on film (video and
photos), sounds, eyewitness, etc. (graveyards are the number one place to start, churches, schools and older buildings
too).
Ghost Investigation - going to a known haunted place and recording data (video, photos, audio, temperatures),
notes, interviews and other evidence to prove/disprove the haunting and to assist the owners and the spirits in moving
on and leaving the place if they want that. The assistance can be either you directly assisting the owner with the
situation or putting them in contact with experienced groups or individuals that will try to resolve the situation. Your
assistance can be something as simple as educating them on what is going on and their options.
E.V.P. - Speech or speech-like sounds, inaudible during recording but detected on electronic recording media on
playback.
Ectoplasm - a physical substance that supposedly manifests as a result of "spiritual energy" or "psychic phenomenon".
EMF Recorder - A device used to record data on electromagnetic fields (EMFs)
Ghost: Soul, Spirit, Demon - The disembodied spirit of a dead person, conceived of an appearing to the living as a
pale, shadowy apparition.
Phantom - Something that seems to appear to the sight but has no physical exsistance; Apparition, Vision, Spector.
Something to be feared or deaded.
Wraith - Guardian; a ghost. Spectral figure of a person supposedly seen as a premonition just before that person dies.
Poltergeist - Responsible for mysterious noisy disturbances or moving, misplacing of objects. Some poltergeists have
been reported to cause physical harm to people.
Haunt - Visit often or continually. Frequented by ghosts.
General Tips
Check out the area in daylight so you are familiar with the area. Look for dangerous places and obstacles that you will
not be able to see in the dark.
Look for no trespassing signs. Make sure you are not trespassing. If you are on private property you are risking getting
a ticket or arrested in some areas. You can get permission from many owners and or caretakers. We often notify the
local police that we will be in a graveyard "taking pictures" so they are aware of our presence. If you are asked to leave
do so immediately, you will not win this argument and you make other investigators look bad if you make a scene.
Make sure you bring your ID. (drivers license, etc.) so if you are questioned by the police you can prove who you are.
Never go alone. This is just common sense. If you get hurt, who will get help?
The best times are from 9p.m. to 6a.m., these are the psychic hours, but anytime can produce results. Photos have
historically been better int the dark but don't let that discourage you from taking them during the day.
Find out all you can about the history of the location. Newspapers, town historians, WWW and books can be helpful
finding folklore or hard facts about the site.
What To Bring
35mm Camera - Nothing fancy with at least 400 speed film. 800 speed film is also good at night but you'll have to test
your cameras flash strength to see which speed works best for you. Even those single use 35 mm cameras have gotten
good results. If you are a more experienced photographer you may want to try infrared film.
Digital Camera - Regardless of what you've heard digital cameras are great tools for ghost researchers. Once upon a
time they had their limitations and problems but that is no longer the case. Not only do they allow you to see instantly if
you have a positive photo, they can also take photos in limited infrared range of light.
Flashlight w/ spare batteries - A common sense item. Remember to bring spare batteries for everything. Due to
spirit activity, batteries often run down very fast and you don't want to miss anything because of dead batteries. I
recommend using a red lens flashlight to help preserve your night vision.
First Aid Kit - Just in case, it's very easy to trip in the dark and get cut.
Notebook w/ Pens And Pencils - You need to write and log in everything that happens. If you don't then you really
don't have much research information. An example of this is one investigator gets an EMF reading that's high and
never writes it down. Another investigator takes a picture of the same area but is not aware of the reading and gets an
anomalous image. Without the EMF reading the picture may be good evidence, but with a report noting the reading, the
picture greatly increases in evidence value. Many investigators use a pocket tape recorder instead and that is fine, just
make sure you have spare batteries and tapes.
Jackets Or Weather Appropriate Clothes - if you are cold you are not at your best and your observation skill could
suffer, pretty common sense.
Watch - so you can log in the times of events and your arrival and departure.
Video Camera (Optional Tripod) - Video cameras are an important instrument for an investigation. Unlike still
cameras they provide us with constant visual and audio surveillance for review and observation. The video cameras we
use are equipped with infrared capability and this is the mode we use. With video any phenomena occurring can be
documented in its entirety. This will show the length of time the phenomena occurs, what is happening, the conditions
surrounding the phenomena, and possibly even the cause of the phenomena.. The Sony line of camcorders has an
infrared night shot feature that enables you to video tape in complete darkness and see beyond what the human eye
can see. You can use these on tripods or walk around with them. You should also invest in an infrared light extender
which will help your camera see in the darkest places and make the quality of the video better.
Tape Recorder w/ External Microphone And High Grade Tapes - recorders or digital voice recorders are with out
a doubt one of the most important pieces of equipment that you should have in you investigators toolbox. Audio
recorders are used for many different purposes throughout an investigation. Recorders are used for interviews,
spontaneous thoughts, your notes and electronic voice phenomena (EVP). You have to use a external microphone
when recording EVPs (ghosts voices). If you rely on the internal microphone you will also be recording the internal
gears and motors and this will make your tape worthless. Any sound you hear on the tape could not be used as
evidence because of this, so use the external mic, they are pretty inexpensive. The type of tape that is most often
recommended is high bias tapes or metal tapes.
Digital Audio Recorders - This recorder is small and easy to carry. You can also use the voice activation feature so
there is less audio to review. I use this for my notes as well. Most units record the time of the recording as well which
is very useful. When using audio recorders be sure to state the location, time of investigation, and investigators names.
When recording investigators names it would be wise to have each individual present state their own names, which will
make it easier for distinction amongst voices heard on the tape during review. Voice activation mode should be
deactivated on tape recorders during use when electronic voice phenomena is trying to be achieved due to the fact that
it usually cuts off beginnings of words, sentences, and phrases. This is not necessary with digital recorders and they
actually seem to work better in voice activation mode.
EMF Detector - The Electromagnetic Field Detector, also known as an EMF, is the modern day ghost researcher's
tracking device, a very important piece of equipment. With this instrument it is possible to locate and track energy
sources. It will detect fluctuations in electromagnetic fields and low strength moving EMF fields that have no source. It
is a common theory that spirits disrupt this field in such a way that you can tell one is present by higher than normal
readings with this meter. Before using the EMF as a ghost research tool on an investigation be sure to walk around the
area and take initial readings around energy sources such as light poles or electrical outlets to be sure of the readings
you receive while scanning the area during the investigation. Most units when purchased come with a manual
describing most household and major appliances and their corresponding electromagnetic reading. When using the
EMF as a tracking device look for fluctuations of 2.0 to 7.0, this usually indicates spirit presence. Anything higher or
lower normally has a natural source.
Cellular Phone - if you have one it can come in handy in case of an emergency.
A Compass - it's a useful instrument to an investigator due to its compact size and low cost price. When used on an
investigation this will indicate spirit presence when the needle cannot come to a precise heading or spins/moves
erratically. This works on the same principle as a EMF meter.
Candles & Matches - batteries often run low during hunts so you may run out of them and still need a light source.
Another good idea is a camping lantern that runs on lamp oil. Be careful using the candles around motion detectors,
they will set them off.
Motion Detectors - these can be used to sense movements by often unseen forces or spirits. You can get battery
operated ones for about 20 dollars and they are great for inside but I have seen them used successfully outdoors as
well, just watch the placement. You don't want a tree branch setting it off.
Thermometer or Thermal Scanner - Thermometers are an instrument that is also very useful There are two types
used regular digital thermometers and infrared non contact thermometers. When used on an investigation this will aid
as a detection system for spirit presence. Rapid temperature drop of 10 degrees of more could indicate spirit presence.
I recommend using the infrared non contact thermometers because they react in less than a second to a temperature
drop and you can scan a large area quickly.
Hand Held Radios - Or Walkie Talkies are very useful in a large outdoor area and a building with groups spread out
in various rooms. They could be great in emergency situations or just to rotate groups. Be sure to be aware they could
interfere with your EVP recording though.
Taking Pictures
For 35mm Cameras - Open your film and load your camera after walking around the location for about 20 minutes first.
Use at least 400 speed 35 mm film. 400 and 800 speeds work the best. Black and White film also works well. If you
are an experienced photographer, you may want to try infrared film which also has had excellent results in the past.
* Make sure you note any other lights in the area so when you view your developed pictures you will not think a street
light is an orb.
* Make sure you clean your camera's lens regularly.
* No smoking at the location, this can appear like mist on the photos so you don't want to contaminate your evidence.
* Watch for dust or dirt being stirred up in the area you are photographing. They can give false positive pictures.
* All long hair should be tied back or under a hat, again this is to eliminate any false positive pictures and to give the
skeptics less ammunition.
* Remove or tie up any camera straps so you don't take a picture of that, it looks like a vortex when photographed.
* Don't bother with your cameras viewfinder. Hold the camera out in front of you and aim at the area you want to take a
picture of. Many newer digital cameras do not even come with view finders. This also helps in cold weather by keeping
your camera away from your breath.
* Watch for reflective surfaces and make notes of them. The flash reflected off shiny surfaces such as windows,
polished tombstones, etc. can look light an orb or other anomaly. Make note of street lights and any other light source
that may appear on the film.
* Let fellow investigators know when you are taking a photo so that you don't get double flashes and the night scope
operators can look away. If you think you have a double flash photo or any other false positive, log the picture number
so you can exclude that photo from the batch when they are developed. Night scope operators can get eye damage if
they are looking at a flash through the scope so this is important.
* In cold weather be conscious of your breath so you don't photograph that, it'll look like ectoplasm mist. If you think you
may have, log that picture number and discard it when you develop the pictures.
* Many people like to ask the spirit if they can take their picture , it can't hurt.
* Take pictures anywhere and everywhere. If you feel some thing or someone else does, take a picture. Did you think
you saw something, take a picture. Take photos whenever you get a positive readings on any piece of equipment.
* Sometimes you will see an orb, mist or sparkles in your flash or others flashes, take more pictures right there, you may
be near a spirit.
* You may only get about 1- 2 pictures for every 50 you take, that's about the average, so don't get discouraged. I've
been at sites where I didn't get any and others where 30% of the ones we took were positive.
* Don't pay for fancy developing , you can get them developed anywhere. Just let them developers know to process and
print every photo. I use the local discount stores photo service.
many different aspects of ghost hunting from definitions of many of the widely used terms to helpful hints on how to
perform an investigation properly. I would like to pass some of that and some of the things that we have learned on to
you.
Definitions
Ghost Hunt - going to a place were there have been no sightings of ghosts and trying to catch some on film (video and
photos), sounds, eyewitness, etc. (graveyards are the number one place to start, churches, schools and older buildings
too).
Ghost Investigation - going to a known haunted place and recording data (video, photos, audio, temperatures),
notes, interviews and other evidence to prove/disprove the haunting and to assist the owners and the spirits in moving
on and leaving the place if they want that. The assistance can be either you directly assisting the owner with the
situation or putting them in contact with experienced groups or individuals that will try to resolve the situation. Your
assistance can be something as simple as educating them on what is going on and their options.
E.V.P. - Speech or speech-like sounds, inaudible during recording but detected on electronic recording media on
playback.
Ectoplasm - a physical substance that supposedly manifests as a result of "spiritual energy" or "psychic phenomenon".
EMF Recorder - A device used to record data on electromagnetic fields (EMFs)
Ghost: Soul, Spirit, Demon - The disembodied spirit of a dead person, conceived of an appearing to the living as a
pale, shadowy apparition.
Phantom - Something that seems to appear to the sight but has no physical exsistance; Apparition, Vision, Spector.
Something to be feared or deaded.
Wraith - Guardian; a ghost. Spectral figure of a person supposedly seen as a premonition just before that person dies.
Poltergeist - Responsible for mysterious noisy disturbances or moving, misplacing of objects. Some poltergeists have
been reported to cause physical harm to people.
Haunt - Visit often or continually. Frequented by ghosts.
General Tips
Check out the area in daylight so you are familiar with the area. Look for dangerous places and obstacles that you will
not be able to see in the dark.
Look for no trespassing signs. Make sure you are not trespassing. If you are on private property you are risking getting
a ticket or arrested in some areas. You can get permission from many owners and or caretakers. We often notify the
local police that we will be in a graveyard "taking pictures" so they are aware of our presence. If you are asked to leave
do so immediately, you will not win this argument and you make other investigators look bad if you make a scene.
Make sure you bring your ID. (drivers license, etc.) so if you are questioned by the police you can prove who you are.
Never go alone. This is just common sense. If you get hurt, who will get help?
The best times are from 9p.m. to 6a.m., these are the psychic hours, but anytime can produce results. Photos have
historically been better int the dark but don't let that discourage you from taking them during the day.
Find out all you can about the history of the location. Newspapers, town historians, WWW and books can be helpful
finding folklore or hard facts about the site.
What To Bring
35mm Camera - Nothing fancy with at least 400 speed film. 800 speed film is also good at night but you'll have to test
your cameras flash strength to see which speed works best for you. Even those single use 35 mm cameras have gotten
good results. If you are a more experienced photographer you may want to try infrared film.
Digital Camera - Regardless of what you've heard digital cameras are great tools for ghost researchers. Once upon a
time they had their limitations and problems but that is no longer the case. Not only do they allow you to see instantly if
you have a positive photo, they can also take photos in limited infrared range of light.
Flashlight w/ spare batteries - A common sense item. Remember to bring spare batteries for everything. Due to
spirit activity, batteries often run down very fast and you don't want to miss anything because of dead batteries. I
recommend using a red lens flashlight to help preserve your night vision.
First Aid Kit - Just in case, it's very easy to trip in the dark and get cut.
Notebook w/ Pens And Pencils - You need to write and log in everything that happens. If you don't then you really
don't have much research information. An example of this is one investigator gets an EMF reading that's high and
never writes it down. Another investigator takes a picture of the same area but is not aware of the reading and gets an
anomalous image. Without the EMF reading the picture may be good evidence, but with a report noting the reading, the
picture greatly increases in evidence value. Many investigators use a pocket tape recorder instead and that is fine, just
make sure you have spare batteries and tapes.
Jackets Or Weather Appropriate Clothes - if you are cold you are not at your best and your observation skill could
suffer, pretty common sense.
Watch - so you can log in the times of events and your arrival and departure.
Video Camera (Optional Tripod) - Video cameras are an important instrument for an investigation. Unlike still
cameras they provide us with constant visual and audio surveillance for review and observation. The video cameras we
use are equipped with infrared capability and this is the mode we use. With video any phenomena occurring can be
documented in its entirety. This will show the length of time the phenomena occurs, what is happening, the conditions
surrounding the phenomena, and possibly even the cause of the phenomena.. The Sony line of camcorders has an
infrared night shot feature that enables you to video tape in complete darkness and see beyond what the human eye
can see. You can use these on tripods or walk around with them. You should also invest in an infrared light extender
which will help your camera see in the darkest places and make the quality of the video better.
Tape Recorder w/ External Microphone And High Grade Tapes - recorders or digital voice recorders are with out
a doubt one of the most important pieces of equipment that you should have in you investigators toolbox. Audio
recorders are used for many different purposes throughout an investigation. Recorders are used for interviews,
spontaneous thoughts, your notes and electronic voice phenomena (EVP). You have to use a external microphone
when recording EVPs (ghosts voices). If you rely on the internal microphone you will also be recording the internal
gears and motors and this will make your tape worthless. Any sound you hear on the tape could not be used as
evidence because of this, so use the external mic, they are pretty inexpensive. The type of tape that is most often
recommended is high bias tapes or metal tapes.
Digital Audio Recorders - This recorder is small and easy to carry. You can also use the voice activation feature so
there is less audio to review. I use this for my notes as well. Most units record the time of the recording as well which
is very useful. When using audio recorders be sure to state the location, time of investigation, and investigators names.
When recording investigators names it would be wise to have each individual present state their own names, which will
make it easier for distinction amongst voices heard on the tape during review. Voice activation mode should be
deactivated on tape recorders during use when electronic voice phenomena is trying to be achieved due to the fact that
it usually cuts off beginnings of words, sentences, and phrases. This is not necessary with digital recorders and they
actually seem to work better in voice activation mode.
EMF Detector - The Electromagnetic Field Detector, also known as an EMF, is the modern day ghost researcher's
tracking device, a very important piece of equipment. With this instrument it is possible to locate and track energy
sources. It will detect fluctuations in electromagnetic fields and low strength moving EMF fields that have no source. It
is a common theory that spirits disrupt this field in such a way that you can tell one is present by higher than normal
readings with this meter. Before using the EMF as a ghost research tool on an investigation be sure to walk around the
area and take initial readings around energy sources such as light poles or electrical outlets to be sure of the readings
you receive while scanning the area during the investigation. Most units when purchased come with a manual
describing most household and major appliances and their corresponding electromagnetic reading. When using the
EMF as a tracking device look for fluctuations of 2.0 to 7.0, this usually indicates spirit presence. Anything higher or
lower normally has a natural source.
Cellular Phone - if you have one it can come in handy in case of an emergency.
A Compass - it's a useful instrument to an investigator due to its compact size and low cost price. When used on an
investigation this will indicate spirit presence when the needle cannot come to a precise heading or spins/moves
erratically. This works on the same principle as a EMF meter.
Candles & Matches - batteries often run low during hunts so you may run out of them and still need a light source.
Another good idea is a camping lantern that runs on lamp oil. Be careful using the candles around motion detectors,
they will set them off.
Motion Detectors - these can be used to sense movements by often unseen forces or spirits. You can get battery
operated ones for about 20 dollars and they are great for inside but I have seen them used successfully outdoors as
well, just watch the placement. You don't want a tree branch setting it off.
Thermometer or Thermal Scanner - Thermometers are an instrument that is also very useful There are two types
used regular digital thermometers and infrared non contact thermometers. When used on an investigation this will aid
as a detection system for spirit presence. Rapid temperature drop of 10 degrees of more could indicate spirit presence.
I recommend using the infrared non contact thermometers because they react in less than a second to a temperature
drop and you can scan a large area quickly.
Hand Held Radios - Or Walkie Talkies are very useful in a large outdoor area and a building with groups spread out
in various rooms. They could be great in emergency situations or just to rotate groups. Be sure to be aware they could
interfere with your EVP recording though.
Taking Pictures
For 35mm Cameras - Open your film and load your camera after walking around the location for about 20 minutes first.
Use at least 400 speed 35 mm film. 400 and 800 speeds work the best. Black and White film also works well. If you
are an experienced photographer, you may want to try infrared film which also has had excellent results in the past.
* Make sure you note any other lights in the area so when you view your developed pictures you will not think a street
light is an orb.
* Make sure you clean your camera's lens regularly.
* No smoking at the location, this can appear like mist on the photos so you don't want to contaminate your evidence.
* Watch for dust or dirt being stirred up in the area you are photographing. They can give false positive pictures.
* All long hair should be tied back or under a hat, again this is to eliminate any false positive pictures and to give the
skeptics less ammunition.
* Remove or tie up any camera straps so you don't take a picture of that, it looks like a vortex when photographed.
* Don't bother with your cameras viewfinder. Hold the camera out in front of you and aim at the area you want to take a
picture of. Many newer digital cameras do not even come with view finders. This also helps in cold weather by keeping
your camera away from your breath.
* Watch for reflective surfaces and make notes of them. The flash reflected off shiny surfaces such as windows,
polished tombstones, etc. can look light an orb or other anomaly. Make note of street lights and any other light source
that may appear on the film.
* Let fellow investigators know when you are taking a photo so that you don't get double flashes and the night scope
operators can look away. If you think you have a double flash photo or any other false positive, log the picture number
so you can exclude that photo from the batch when they are developed. Night scope operators can get eye damage if
they are looking at a flash through the scope so this is important.
* In cold weather be conscious of your breath so you don't photograph that, it'll look like ectoplasm mist. If you think you
may have, log that picture number and discard it when you develop the pictures.
* Many people like to ask the spirit if they can take their picture , it can't hurt.
* Take pictures anywhere and everywhere. If you feel some thing or someone else does, take a picture. Did you think
you saw something, take a picture. Take photos whenever you get a positive readings on any piece of equipment.
* Sometimes you will see an orb, mist or sparkles in your flash or others flashes, take more pictures right there, you may
be near a spirit.
* You may only get about 1- 2 pictures for every 50 you take, that's about the average, so don't get discouraged. I've
been at sites where I didn't get any and others where 30% of the ones we took were positive.
* Don't pay for fancy developing , you can get them developed anywhere. Just let them developers know to process and
print every photo. I use the local discount stores photo service.
| Helpful Hints |
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