Paranormal Path

Ghost on Film

Just typing the words “ghost on film” into any search engine will bring up thousands of photos containing “ghosts” or “spirits”.  Many can prove quite disappointing when authenticity is a factor.  With modern technology almost anyone who has spent time with Photoshop can create a convincing “ghost” photo.  Before the digital age when film was developed, or let’s not forget the Polaroid, many believed a ghost was captured whenever a blur, streak, or double exposure appeared.  So how can we tell what is real and what is fake?

Research is important.  Examine as many “ghost” photos as possible, the good and the bad.  Some will be quite obvious as faked.  A few famous ones that have recently circulated are one of a young man standing outdoors with a “ghost girl” standing eerily behind him.  The girl is nothing more than a digitally placed image of the famous staple from most Japanese horror films.  You know the type, long dark hair, usually covering the face, gaunt skeleton like features, and a look of terror in her eyes.  The image appears in many “ghost photos” which is one of the first indications that it is not real, and second the image is very clear.  Usually in the rare occasion a spirit does appear it is usually transparent and very rarely a full body with distinct features.  When this does happen it definitely isn’t long enough for the spirit to pose for the camera.

Another popular photo circulated several years ago as part of a chain letter.  The photo shows a girl in a hospital bed with a frightening looking woman lying directly underneath.  Once again the woman has a terrified look on her face and very gaunt features.  The letter circulated via email or some social networking sites and stated that once it was viewed you had to send the photo to at least five other people or the woman under the bed would come to you that night.  While a good ghost story, the photo was nothing more than a movie poster from a Thai horror film.

Many “ghost” photos contain orbs.  These are circular objects believed to appear when a spirit is attempting to manifest itself.  These round, transparent objects are thought to be energy.  Unfortunately, a majority of these “orb” photos are taken outside or in very old locations and dust particles can create the exact same image on film.  Unless the orbs are forming together to create a shape or moving independently in a specific pattern, it is more than likely dust.

There are other photos that contain captions that tell you what to look for.  Like a face over someone’s shoulder or demonic hands reaching out from a wall.  Usually these are simply shadow play or a double exposure making someone appear transparent.  This uses the minds ability to see whatever is suggested.  If you were to observe the photo without suggestion of a ghostly shadow, you more than likely wouldn’t see one, but to observe the photo with the shadow circled and highly magnified with the caption stating there is a ghostly face, the mind will look for that exact thing. This is simply human nature, to attempt to make sense of the image, similar to finding shapes in clouds.

When I visit a reportedly haunted location, I take many pictures.  Often I’ll snap the same picture several times.  There is always a lot to go through upon review but this helps to sharpen skills in looking for subtle changes.  When something odd is seen on a picture I ask myself several questions.  First if there was any glass such as in a museum.  When a flash reflects off of glass it can create a ghostly glow.  Also someone else standing near may be caught in a reflection so I take into consideration if anyone else was around.  I make sure there was so artificial light, such as headlights from passing cars or flashlights.  If the picture is taken outdoors there can be bugs that can create a streak of light across the picture if caught just right and animals can create bizarre shadows as well as ghostly glowing eyes.  Many things can be contaminates to spirit photography so it is important to recognize these things, practice makes perfect.

I’m in no way saying it is impossible to catch a ghost on film but it is rare.  Some people go years without capturing anything worth consideration.  Ghost hunting takes patience and perseverance.  Take as many pictures as you can even if it is purposefully with the above mentioned contamination factors. This will help you to know exactly what you are looking for and what to dismiss.