video capturing

So you want to capture ghosts on video huh?

We use various video capture methods to support our validity of evidence that has been gathered on an investigation. This is of course used against any statements made, that there is paranormal activity within someone's home or business. More importantly, we want this evidence to further understand and also prove that there is a paranormal existence. You can also try this on your own, as you may know the best locations for activity and the times they occur. You can start this process with just a few items: video camera with night vision, a tripod, and tapes. Additionally you can also purchase IR illumination enhancements to brighten certain spots on your footage.

When setting up your camera for recording we suggest the basics of controls:

• Be sure the angle you are getting covers more than the majority of the area affected by the paranormal occurrence
• Apply the date and time stamp on your camera, so that the information is accurate (placing a clock in the shot is good for extra points!)
• Commit to the idea that the camera will be stationary, and not be tampered with for the entire recording session
• If the camera does move or is placed differently, note the time and reasoning why you did this

There are some additional rules to follow from the infamous Grant Wilson when recording/shooting ghosts:

1. The first and foremost rule a ghost hunter should follow is, "Be Skeptic" Just because you see a shiny orb in the woods through your night vision video camera, don't think you've caught a ghost. Try and think of what earthly item it could be. Ask yourself questions like; "Is it moving or standing still?" "Does it show up in every photo I take?" "Is there ANYTHING that might have caused a reflection?". If you ask these type of questions, you'll catch your own "hoaxes" before they are debunked by someone else hence ruining your credibility.
2. "2 or More Witnesses" Even in the legal systems, two or more witnesses will always outweigh what one person claims to be the truth. If you can say "There were eight of us there and no one saw the figure in this image." chances are people will believe you. Especially when they interview the other seven people and get the same story.
3. "Never Smoke" on a case that is. If you can say, with confidence every time, that no one was smoking or had been smoking, you rule out 98% of skeptics' excuses for "mist" type pictures. In the case of cold weather cases, let everyone around you know you are about to take a picture, then have everyone hold their breath for at least five seconds (if not ten) before you snap it. If you make a habit out of this, then you'll know for sure that you didn't catch anyone's breath on film. (It should be said that it is quite easy to distinguish cigarette smoke or human breath from ethereal mists.)
4. "Surprise Them" Take the ghost by surprise. Some ghost want to be caught on film, some don't care, others don't want to be caught at all. Because we don't know the ghosts' feelings about this, there is only one way to pretty much guarantee that you'll catch it on film. This is by casually snapping a picture, over your shoulder even, whenever you get the inkling to. It may sound silly but it works. Trust me. There's no need to line up a perfect shot, as long as there is a ghost in it, no one cares if it's not "framed" right.
5. "Trust your Feelings" Learning to trust your feelings can yield astounding results. If you get even the slightest urge to snap a picture somewhere, Do IT! Don't hesitate. Most often pictures taken like this will be the only ones that show results.
6. "Get a Digital Camera" Ok, so this isn't a "rule" but a personal suggestion. Number one, you don't need to worry about film. Number two, you get instant gratification. There's nothing quite like knowing exactly where these things were just a few seconds earlier. Number three, you can instantly email them to TAPS so everyone can see what you've found!
   
   Hopefully, these tips will help increase the amount of specters you catch on film, and therefore increase your desire to continue looking for and learning about the paranormal.

Credit Grant Wilson of TAPS for this article