Analysis & Research

Proving spirit activity with the use of a camera is one of the most widely-used and most controversial of all haunting-related tools. To do so credibly, we must exercise a tremendous amount of skepticism and base-line research. We are all about research at the Missouri Paranormal Research Society, so buckel your seatbelts. As time permits, this page is likely to become a long article, or perhaps a series of long articles, on what cannot be considered photographic evidence of paranormal activity. Those photos that defy all other possible explanations must, by definition, be evidence of paranormal activity. Those are the gems we are all hoping to find.

As you may have observed from our list of equipment, we have quite a few different cameras that we use on our investigations. We're all especially keen on our 5 megapixel digital cameras, which provide astounding clarity, powerful flash potential and fast, cost-effective photographs. Since orb energies appear most often in the infrared spectrum, and the CCD array on digital cameras is infrared sensitive, these cameras are great tools for locating spectral activity. However, the number of false anomalies appears to go up in direct relation to how powerful your flash is and how sensitive your camera is. Hence, if you're going to use a "new" digital camera with all the best attributes, expect to invest time in base-line research.

Base-line research is a means of testing each digital camera in various situations to measure the effects of water, lens smudges, dust, sunlight, etc. in the resulting images. When you get an orb image that was produced by water droplets or by pollen, for instance, keep it and catalog how it was made. You can use it as a comparison photo when you are analyzing your investigation images.

Although 35mm cameras are more expensive to use due to the cost of film and development, they are essential too. If you are picking up a lot of orb activity on your digital camera, or you are getting unexplained fluctuations in temperature or e.m.f. readings, follow-up with your 35mm camera. It can help you define what your other tools may be picking up. Also, third parties will want a negative to verify that a photograph has not been faked. You'll be glad that you went to the extra expense of film and development, when you can produce a negative to dispel doubt and promote your credibility as a serious researcher.

The images that follow, are the result of our ongoing base-line research. Check back often as we further our own education. For investigation photo's that are not part of our base-line research, go to our Investigations Page and choose an investigation site that interests you.

This is a very exciting picture. It was taken at a cemetery in Gettysburg, PA. There appears to be a man in a soldier's uniform kneeling behind the tombstone. But, where's his head? Wave your cursor over the picture for additional information.

The following three pictures are the result of Night Shot, a light source, and a shaky hand. Before we tested it, we believed that the "fire" effect you get by moving the camera while taking a picture with Night Shot, would always be accompanied by a blurred image. The first image was reproduced without blurring, the effect has to do with the duration the apature was open and the light source. A steady hand was an accident. Night shot should only be used with a tripod. The colors of these "fire" images take on the characteristics of the light source. High pressure sodium lighting prevalent in streetlights and some flashlights, cause the "fire" to appear orange. Blue hues are caused by mercury vapor, which is used in streetlights, halogen bulbs and some flashlights.

Notice the pretty little cord visible in the bevelled mirror. Even though we are not shooting directly into the mirror, there is enough flash picked up in the mirror to cause this image. All bevelled mirrors will produce a similar effect although the "cord" may be a different shape depending on the shape of the bevel. It is likely that the bevelled mirror caused the orb in the picture as well.
Dust is evident here near the carpet, where someone has just walked.
This is an extreme example of the effects of a flash in a mirror. Notice the reflected rays of light emanating from the initial reflection. There is a light, blue orb on the fringe of the rays of light which is likely caused by the reflection.
This washout effect is caused by taking a photo with your flash while your camera is too close to a white wall, a white t-shirt or, in this case, a white table cloth. Beyond the washed out area, there is also a very large blue orb over the table. We are very suspicious of all blue orbs at this point.
This picture was taken next to a bonfire to establish the manner that smoke is interpreted by the camera, compared with "ecto-vapor". It is interesting to note that the ash within the smoke, bears a strong resemblance to what we like to call "orbs". Just another example of how tricky photo analysis can be."