How To: Spirit Photography
A Little History
Photographs to this day are still looked at highly skeptically, the reason for this is because so many photos in the past were fraudulent. Created by tricks of the light, double exposures, or extended development time. The first spirit photograph was believed to have been obtained around 1861. There are many from the past that, to this day, cannot merely be explained away. Here are a few of the most famous:
Lord Combermere ~ Taken by: Sybell Corbett (1891)
This picture was taken at Combermere Abbey in Cheshire England, specifically in the library. Sybell, decided to photograph the library and then let the film expose for one hour. During this time she left the camera alone in the room. When she came back to look at the plate, she could not believe her eyes. She took the photo to a relative of Lord Combermere, who agreed that it did look like him. That day Lord Combermere was at a funeral...his very own! He had died five days prior in an accident. This photo sparked the interest of the Society for Psychical Research, they sent one of their researchers in to try to debunk the photo and at first they thought they had successfully done so. The researcher concluded that a servant must have gone into the room for whatever reason and this is how the double exposure was obtained. There were only two gigantic holes in his theory. All of the male servants were at the funeral and none of the servants looked like the man in the photo! This picture much like all other anomalous photos is still highly debated. But as far as Sybell Corbett was concerned it was the real deal and she stood by her photograph.
Freddy Jackson ~ Taken by: WWI Squadron Photo (1919)
Freddy Jackson was a WWI air mechanic who was accidently killed. This picture was taken the day of his funeral, evidently Jackson, did not want to miss standing with his squad. When the photos developed those in the squad knew exactly who was standing all the way in the back. They positively identified the spirit as that of Freddy Jackson.For more information on the subject of spirit photography and it's history please visit The Haunted Museum
Orbs, Lights and Double Exposures
There are so many things you have to watch out for when trying to take photographs of spirits. Light refraction, dust, humidity, over exposure and much more. One thing to always be vigilant about is your flash, if you don't have your flash on the right setting it can cause a double exposure or light streak to appear. People always ask, what's better digital or 35mm. As Ghost Quest, we use both, 35mm is not half as sensitive as digital is. We talk about this extensively on the Tools and Tech page. With digital cameras it is so easy to catch orbs. As a matter of fact a lot of paranormal websites that once invited photographs of orbs are now crossing them off the list of accepted submissions, because there are way to many out there! Orbs can be caused by humidity, dust, or spirit. Everyone has their theory as to what an orb actually is (apart from dust and humidity) is it a spirit? Or is it a transference of energy? Lots of research is required when it comes to examining your photos, also do not be afraid to consult with professional photographers!