Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. -- Samuel Johnson

This page is designed to help you avoid common mistakes made during investigations. Such mistakes can not only create false-positive images in your photos, but limit your success as well. These tips may seem more like common sense. Truthfully, they are such common sense that they are easily overlooked. See what you could be doing wrong!

Photography:

• Remove your camera strap. If you should obtain a photo that clearly shows a vortex, a strapless camera eliminates reasonable doubt in your photos authenticity. The strapless camera is a must at all PGHA investigations. If for some reason you cannot remove your camera strap, you MUST secure it around your neck or tightly around the wrist as to not get in the way of your camera's lens.
  Tie your hair back. If you have long hair, wind can blow it right into your camera's way. Something as simple as a rubber band can significantly reduce the risk of a false-positive image.
  Do not smoke. During an investigation, especially while photos are being taken, do not smoke. Cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke may show in an image as an ectoplasmic cloud. By designating a time before and a place away from your investigation to smoke, you will eliminate the possibility of an ectoplasm of tobacco smoke. Also responsible for this phenomena is the photographer's breath in cold weather (hold breath while photo is taken), vehicle exhaust, fog and lens condensation. We have made it a point to document area and weather conditions for every investigation in our reports.
  Routinely clean your lenses. The port of your camera lens can easily become stained with fingerprints, dust, dirt, dried water spots, etc.. A quick cleaning and cautious handling of your camera can reduce these problems. Be sure to ONLY clean the lens between rolls of film! NEVER clean it in the middle of a roll! If dust or water droplet is on the lens, it will show up in more than one picture in the same spot. By not cleaning in mid-roll you will be able to distinguish water droplets from anomalies. Although the PGHA does not recommend ghost hunting photography in the rain, we do recognize that sometimes it is unavoidable. Whenever possible, avoid ghost photography while it is raining.
  Protect from water droplets. Rain, sneezing, coughing and the like can assist in the accumulation of droplets on your lens. Such droplets can create on film the globule effect. The best way to minimize such a mishap is to protect the camera lens. Additionally, condensation can occur when you get out of your nice warm car and step into a cold cemetery. In this case, allow your camera to adjust to the abrupt change of environment. A few minutes to permit evaporation and a brief lens cleaning will counter lens fog. Remember, NEVER clean the lens while in the middle of a roll of film!
  Avoid reflective surfaces. Mirrors, glass and other surfaces capable of directing your cameras flash back at you should not be photographed head-on. Instead, take pictures of reflective surfaces from an angle. This will reduce some common film problems.
  Camera grip. This mistake pertains to a select amount of people who constantly put their finger in front of the lens when they raise the camera (you know who you are). Simply be aware of how you handle your camera when taking pictures.

• Hooded Jackets. Be sure to wear clothing that does not have any type of tie. This pertains to hoods that have laces to tighten, etc.. They can get in the way of your camera lens, especially if you are taking a photo in a downward direction.

• Lights. Oftentimes, it is unavoidable to take photos without getting a natural light source in the frame. Be sure to document what light sources are around you in case they show up in the pic. Street lights, lanterns, flashlights, cars and even airplanes can work their way into your photos. Be careful!
  Remove the lens cap. Enough said.
  

Film:

• Types of film. Before choosing just any film for your camera, it should be mentioned that Kodak Gold 400 ASA film seems to get the most results. Kodak Gold 800 ASA film is also a common choice of the experienced ghost hunter. Some may also decide to use black & white film and, more expensively, infrared film. Keep in mind that infrared will not only cost more per roll of film but, developing is more expensive as well.
  Loading your film. Try loading your film at the investigation site. It is theorized by some ghost hunters that doing this may increase your chances of a ghost "imprinting" an image on your film.
  Film development. If you get your film developed at your local photo shop, be sure to leave a special note that you want ALL photos "as is". Many photo labs will only return films that they see as quality images. Unbeknownst to them, they may be getting rid of a perfectly good anomalous image.
  

Equipment:

• Know your equipment. The foremost important rule about equipment is to know how to use it properly before you conduct an investigation. So many times we've heard of people experimenting with their equipment on site. Not only does it look unorganized, a dark cemetery doesn't make for good learning conditions.
  EMF Detectors. EMF meters detect the electro-magnetic fields oftentimes associated with ghosts and haunting activity. But, don't be fooled into thinking that EMF's are exclusive to the paranormal. First, before you run screaming "GHOST!", the possibility of an electrical source must be ruled out. Appliances, televisions, digital alarm clocks, power lines, etc. all emit EMF's while in use. To get a feel for your EMF meter, we suggest you begin by scanning your home. Put it close to the T.V. set while it is both on and off. When you get a reading, scan to see actually how far the EMF extends away from the set itself. Further than you thought, huh?
  When scanning for ghosts, don't just hold the device in your hand. Put your detector into the area you wish to scan. Be sure to scan headstones, chairs, couches and other sitting surfaces, corners, closets and anywhere you think a ghost might go. Move your meter in all directions while scanning. For example, don't simply put it in a closet momentarily, scan the closet top to bottom, left to right.
  Recording devices. Audio recorders are a means of obtaining EVP's, electronic voice phenomena. EVP's, to say the least, are difficult to capture on tape. To increase your chances, here are some tips to help. First, purchase a recording device that has a microphone separate from the frame. Microphones that are in-frame tend to record noise generated from internal motors and turning wheels. A detached mic will significantly minimize this type of unwanted noise. Second, place your recorder in an area where haunting activity is suspected to occur and when no people will be present during recording.
  Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). When recording for EVP's, be sure that those present speak in a normal tone of voice. No one should ever whisper while recording for EVP's. Also, constant chatter should be avoided. Simply, speak only when necessary and in a normal manner. This will help you easily distinguish an EVP from people present at the investigation.
  Temperature reading tools. If you intend to take temperature readings at an investigation, consider a digital thermometer. Not only do they keep a memory of the highest and lowest monitored temperatures, most come equipped with alarms and take measurements several times a minute. The alarm feature is especially helpful in letting you know when sudden and drastic changes occur and allows you the convenience to focus your attention elsewhere. A more expensive option for instant temperature measurements are the new infrared laser scanners. A point-and-shoot device that detects temperature differences using infrared technology. Highly accurate and convenient, one can expect to pay in excess of $200 for one.

• Thermal scanner. When using your thermal scanner, be aware of surfaces that may read colder in temperature. In winter, windows, doors and any other surface exposed to the elements will show a significant drop in temperature. Also, lights, appliances and radiators will present as heat sources. Always rule out the obvious before accepting the inobvious!
  Flashlights. There is no doubt that your investigations will sometimes include dark foreboding places. Cemeteries, old buildings (without electricity), battlefields and the like will all require a portable light source.
  Compass. If you cannot afford an EMF meter initially, you can use a compass to detect magnetic fields. A ghostly anomaly will usually tilt the needle at least 30 degrees off Magnetic North. Again, be sure to rule out a possible electrical source.
  

Miscellaneous: 

• Note Pad. It is wise to record your experiences at an investigation. With a pad and pen you no longer need to rely on the faulty human memory. A good alternative to a note pad is a compact personal recorder to save you valuable time. Time normally spent writing.
  Batteries. Oftentimes, batteries mysteriously lose their charge at an investigation. We recommend you bring an extra set of batteries for each piece of equipment that requires them. Surprise! Now the joke is on the ghost!
  Tote bag. No more last-minute scrambling. Conveniently placed in a carry bag, our equipment is always ready to go at a moments notice.
  Open mind. An open mind is the ghost hunters greatest asset. Keep an open mind when conducting an investigation. It could mean the difference between results and disappointment.
  Survey the area. It is wise to survey the area in which you will be conducting your investigation. Familiarize yourself with the environment and possible hazards during daylight hours.
  Early arrival. Allow yourself some extra time to spend on site, before the investigation. This provides ghosts the chance to familiarize themselves with you.

• Trespassing. Before you embark on any investigation, be sure you are not trespassing on private property. Trying to explain to a police officer that you are doing research holds no weight whatsoever. Telling him you are hunting for ghosts will only give him a story to tell his fellow officers. Additionally, the consequences could be more than expected. Fine and/or imprisonment, a criminal record and worse--damage to your organization's reputation--could put you out of commission for a while. Always get permission before entering private property. Either have the owner with you as an escort or have them sign a contract granting permission. Protect yourself--protect your organization--protect other ghost hunters. What you do reflects on us all.
  
  

• 
  MAIN PAGE