All Ghosts: Say Cheese! (Part II)

"Knowledge is Power." That includes knowing how to increase your odds in getting a true paranormal photo. We continue our tips:

13. Set your camera appropriately for conditions. Night-time settings for night-time scenes.  The camera lens is open longer on low-light settings so hold the camera as steady as possible or you'll get self-created light squiggles.

14. Don't take photos of merely a clearing. Objects in the photograph add perspective and help with mild reflection.

15. Avoid lens flair by having light sources away from, or behind, you.

16. Flash only carries 15 feet. Any anomalies will be highlighted by flash within its 15-foot range.

17. Camera flash in a mirror's reflection can create what appears to be vapor, mist, and fog. Avoid them in photos.

18. Most ghost energy will appear 2 to 10 feet above the ground. With buildings, paranormal energy can appear at any level or height of a structure.

19. The best time of year for ghost-hunting is in the colder months, October through February, when electrostatic energy is at its strongest levels. The cold, however, only affects manifestations other than orbs. Orbs seem to be equal-opportunity seasonal appearances.

20. Ghosts are attracted to people. Curious, they hover to see what people are doing or hear what they're saying. Take pictures of people with space above their heads and to one side so there is room for anomalies to present. You also might try aiming your camera back over your shoulder to see who is following you!

These pointers will give any prospective ghost hunter a stronger start towards capturing a glimpse of other worlds. Good luck! Your paranormal album begins now!

All Ghosts: Say Cheese! (Part I)

Capturing a ghost on film always involves a rather large dose of luck. There are, however, things you can do to increase your chances of obtaining an authentic, paranormal photograph. The following tips will help you win that Paranormal Photo Lottery!

1.  Realize it's a numbers game. The more photos you take, the greater your odds for a paranormal photo. Sources say the odds of catching an anomaly is 1:50 so take lots of pictures!

2.  Ghosts are everywhere all the time. They just don't always show up on film even though they're there.

3.  Take photos at night using a flash. Yes, ghosts can show up on daytime photos, but the odds of photo capture increase with evening hours.

4.  ANY type of camera will capture a ghostly image, even throwaways.

5.  Ghosts are EVERYWHERE; they're not just in cemeteries or old buildings. Take a picture whenever, and wherever, the mood strikes you.

6.  If using film, go with 400 speed. It's a great all-purpose film that works in most conditions.

7.  Avoid taking pictures of objects with shiny surfaces such as glass or polished tombstones.

8.  Don't take photos through a glass window as it can create shapes that aren't there. The older, wavy glass is the worst.

9.   Keep a spotless camera lens. A smudge can cause false anomalies to show up in pictures.

10. Keep stray objects away from the camera lens: camera strap, lens cover, thumb, fingers. Long hair should be tied back.

11. Never take pictures when it's windy, foggy, rainy, dusty or snowing. Particles in the air can translate into non-ghostly orbs. A false reading.

12. Hold your breath when taking pictures in cold weather. Exhaled breath can appear as ectoplasmic mist (fog) in the picture. Another false reading.

Stay tuned for the next blog: All Ghosts: Say Cheese!  (Part II)

Reach Out and Touch Someone

Nearly all photos featured on the Ghost Hunters of Asheville tours were taken during our nightly ventures. This is a rare exception.

The story behind the photo...

The Mountain Xpress newspaper sponsored a photographic event known as "A Day in the Life of Asheville." They put numerous throw-away cameras around town for people to pick up and snap pictures with them. This image was captured on Asheville's infamous Eagle Street. The spirit originates from one of the corner windows above Limones Restaurant. It is an excellent example of a rare photo allowing a glimpse into the daylight world of the paranormal.

Spirits are always around us although -- photographically -- orbs, mist and such show up far better at night-time as the camera flash helps illuminate and reflect the many colors and anomalies in haunted locations.

Man Arrested!

Last night the Ghost Hunters of Asheville tour had yet another first: We saw someone arrested!

A lone man had approached our group on Church Street, eyeing us (no doubt trying to figure out what we were doing with all the flashing and beeping ghost equipment), and cheerfully yelling "Boo!" at us as he moved on down the street. Two blocks later we caught up to him, handcuffed and sitting on the curb, being questioned by officers. Another three blocks later, here he came -- strapped in the backseat of an electric police car on the way to jail. He'd been friendly enough, didn't seem inebriated, but we all agreed: There's just no dignity in being hauled to jail in the equivalent of a golf cart, strapped into the back seat so you don't fall out the side!

The ghosties were active -- orbs of many colors (rose red, pilot blue, white, and green) plus a spiritual fog between the City Hall and County buildings.