As mentioned on the previous webpage (click here to view), orbs have been deemed as highly questionable. It is suggested that perhaps you should read the page addressing orbs first. At any rate, in order to better tackle the dilemma with orb photographs, the PGHA has been experimenting for months with a detection/documentation equipment combo that we believe is well worth exploring.

A detailed description of Night Vision scopes can be found on our website. It goes beyond a mere introduction to night vision and it's application to ghost research. Our best asset with night vision is that you witness phenomena first hand as it happens. Quite frankly, one couldn't ask for more than that..........but we have!

A night vision scope on it's own is merely a detection device commonly used by ghost hunting organizations worldwide. As with any device we use, positive results are far and few between. Yet, there are those times when anomalies do present themselves through the assistance of night vision, and any ghost hunter will tell you it is quite a rewarding experience.

As a result of funds generated from PGHA seminars, we took the initiative to purchase a better 35mm camera. We went with the Minolta Maxxum HT-Si Plus. Roughly a $400.00 camera at the time of purchase, it comes equipped with many features. Unlike cheaper cameras, which we own one of those too, the lens can be completely detached from the unit. This allows one to interchange lenses as needed. Another good feature of this camera is that, when you peer through the view finder, you are actually viewing what the lens is seeing. Cheaper cameras are oftentimes constructed so that the viewfinder is separate from the lens itself. Basically, what you see isn't always what you get. But with our Minolta, we get exactly what we see.

Our next step was to take into consideration that, maybe optics other that a camera lens could also be attached to the camera. Well, we were right. With a little research, we found an adaptor that would permit us to directly attach our night vision scope to the Minolta. We were estatic to try this, and for roughly $100.00, we got the ball rolling.

The result was a camera/night scope combo that served two purposes at once. We could peer through the viewfinder of the camera and see through the NV scope. There was our detection device which could monitor genuine orbs as they pass through walls, etc.. This would also greatly assist in identifying true anomalies from mere dust particles. Additional to that, a photograph could be taken of it immediately. Thus allowing two devices to work in tandem as one.

Now, of course, there are a few things to be aware of when using this combo. Please see below:

1. Disable the flash of your camera. It is no longer needed. Doing so will also extend the life of your battery.
2. Make sure you use the infrared beam on your night vision scope. Most often, when anomalies are seen through night vision, it is while using the infrared.
3. Make sure your camera is on a tripod. The exposures, although not outrageously long, are a little longer than you may be used to. Any movement at all while the shutter of your camera is open will result in a blurry image.
4. At your nearest convenience, purchase a remote trigger for your camera. This will eliminate any possibility of your camera moving while pressing the exposure button. Also, it ensures a quicker reaction time to taking photographs. There is virtually no hesitation.
5. Remember, protocols pertaining to both devices are to be strictly observed.
6. Focus your night scope only after you have attached it to the camera, and, after the camera has been afixed to the tripod.

Now, don't think I haven't forgotten about night vision video cameras. Although they do work, we have come to find that, perhaps they aren't all they are cracked up to be. As an organization, we have had consistantly better results with night vision scopes than we have had with the cameras. Perhaps something inherent in the camera may hold the explanation.

In compliment to this webpage, we are including photos that were taken at the Gettysburg Battlefield this year. It'll give you a good idea of what to expect of your pictures. Also, as always, a false-positive or two is included. Enjoy and good luck!

Here is a typical example of what you can expect from night vision photography. This photo shows nothing out of the ordinary. We have included it here only to demonstrate what you can expect from night vision photography. Of course, a better night scope will probably produce clearer images. However, this photo typically represents what an investigator would see through a NV scope.

This image was taken by Sharon at the Gettysburg battlefield. With the camera situated on a tripod, she was able to observe this area with night vision through the camera lens. It took a short while of observation before activity presented itself in the night vision scope. As soon as she witnessed a strange array of light in the scope, she immediately fired off a photograph (above). The most important feature about using this equipment combo is that you are attempting to detect anomalies through the night scope, and have the option to document what you see with the camera to which it is attached. If you do not see anything, there is no need to waste film taking random exposures. Also, you have two devices working in tandem which yields a higher credibility of the evidence documented. Below is a photo taken of the same area without the presence of the anomaly.

 
False-Positive Images.

Of the images taken below, not one is anomalous in nature. Unless otherwise stated, each of these photographs are the result of intentional mishaps to be used for educational purposes.

This photograph (above) demonstrates the importance in the need to identify natural circumstances while using a night vision scope. This is an image of our truck. No, the lights are not on. The bright areas within the image result from the reflection of the scopes infrared beam off of the vehicles reflectors. Fortunately, the vehicle is also well visualized in the image. However, had the truck been at a greater distance from the camera/NV scope, you would have seen only the reflectors in the image. A good example of why you need to be extra careful when taking photographs. Also, keep in mind that other surfaces that possess reflective properties will easily illuminate at far distances. Keep your wits about you and document why each photo is taken.

The photo above is of a night vision video camera being used. Since we are in close proximity, the cam and tripod is also well visualized in the image. But, if the distance were increased, you can rest assured that only the infrared beam from the video camera would be seen. The advantage of viewing through the night scope via the 35mm camera's view finder helps prevent this sort of situation. However, always be extra careful.

This image (above) was taken of the same video camera and tripod. The difference here is that a blurry picture resulted by our moving our equipment as we took the exposure. Notice how the single beam of infrared eminating from the video camera is now streaked across the image. Also, everything else in the background is blurred. This photo serves as a perfect example why night vision photographs should only be taken from a tripod.

The above image was a typical night vision mishap. Although it wasn't an intentional photo, the bright ring in the lower half of the image is a classic example of light refraction on the lens of a night vision scope. Although this scenario can be problematic at times, there is comfort in knowing that it can be duplicated. Duplication provides us with the means to identify such a circumstance as being of natural origin.


We hope this has been an enlightening experience for you. Please check the website often for more night vision photographs. We'll make updates as new information becomes available.

MAIN PAGE