westghost

                                      E-mail: eraphoto@gmail.com

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Earlier I mentioned the unreliability of results obtained with the use of flash, consequently suggesting that electronic flash should not be used in this type of research.I have recently come across a book “ How To Photograph The Paranormal” by Leonore Sweet, Phd. , which goes into considerable detail regarding the use of digital cameras with flash. This inspired to make further enquires into this factor and determine if there was any reality in the images thus produced. A simple test was devised to compare digital images with infra-red film images of the same scene. If the images matched on both mediums, then the reality of such images outside the camera would be verified. It would seem logical that if the “orbs”, “ectoplasm”, etc, were real, they would record on both mediums. A 35mm camera with infra-red film was set up on a tripod, in my back yard at night, (where a “geodetic” line was determined with the use of a dousing devise), with a digital camera and flash mounted on top. The film was exposed for 10 seconds, during which time the digital camera with flash was exposed. If any “orbs” appeared on the digital camera, they should also appear on the film.The result was surprising. After exposing 36 frames in this way it was clear that any “orbs” that did appear on the digital exposures did not appear on the film, see photos 89, 90 below

Photo 89 (Digital photo)              Photo 90 (Film photo)

Both these images were exposed at the same time. They clearly show a difference, the“orbs” of the digital photo on the left do not appear in the film photo on the right and clearly indicate the unreliability of the use of flash. This demonstrates that the use of flash for this type of research should be avoided. Both mediums show quite different results. This could suggest that each medium is recording in quite separate frequencies. However I think this to be unlikely. There is a rather interesting aspect of the “mystery” of ghost photography which is illustrated in the following two photographs taken at the same time, but showing quite different “orbs”.Photo 91 showing digital “orbs”

Photo 91 (Digital photo)               Photo 92 (Film photo)

Photo 92 taken at the same time as 91 above with different “orbs”.

This seems to be quite illogical and confusing, as something does occasionally record on the film medium, indicating the presence of something.The digital “orbs” and “ectoplasm” would seem to be a function of the digital camera, or the recording medium, i.e. the “flash” card, upon which the image is recorded. I think it is clearly demonstrated that these “orbs” have no reality outside the camera.
However the images on the film, which do not seem to be supported by the digital images, confuse the issue and suggest that there is another factor involved.
Further research is called for.
Avoiding the use of flash would seem to be wise for ghost hunters.
We seem to be observing effects made visible at a sub atomic level, involving quantum theory. Thus the use of electronic flash and the digital camera could be the basis for an entirely separate research project, not related to ghost photography, where detailed analysis of the way digital images are produced and recorded is made.

It was expected that nothing would be recorded on film, as the orbs recorded on the digital camera often appear in a professional capacity. see photo 26 below.

Photo26 A typical "orb" obtained during a professional photo shoot, possibly caused by reflected sunlight in the lens of the camera.

As I am a photographer with 40 years experience and have only experienced “orbs” since I have used digital cameras, it would seem that they are a result of camera function and, or the recording medium.
However the images on the film are a surprise. They could be insects, or have similar natural origins, though this does not explain why they did not appear on the digital image.

One pair of film images seems to show very slow movement of one object, taken over 10 seconds apart, see photos 93 and 94.

Photo 93 (film photo)                   Photo 94 (Film photo)

This needs to be recorded in real time using night vision video.

Quantified research now needs to be carried out in a more controlled environment with the use of better equipment.