Investigation Tips

The following tips are practiced in most professional groups. These are not gospel by any means, but these tips should help you get the best possible evidence. Remember that a lot of evidence is subjective. In the field of ghost hunting, there is no concrete proof. The best evidence is when there is no logical explanation.

EVPs: Catching EVPs is not that difficult if you know what to do. Here are some tips and tricks.

DO NOT WHISPER! Everybody has the urge to speak very quietly when in a dark area. Try to avoid this at all costs. When you whisper, sometimes you can mistake your own words for those of the dearly departed.
With #1 mentioned, try not to speak loudly as well. If you are too noisy, other groups can mistake your voice (which will sound distant to their recorders) for those of the spirits. Talk in your normal speaking voice. If you naturally speak quietly or loudly, just adjust it.
If there is a distant noise, accidental whisper, cough, etc., make a verbal note.
It is a good idea to mention the location where you are recording. That way you do not forget later on.
Do not talk while someone else is talking. This too is a common courtesy, both in social situations and in ghost hunting. It is easy to mistake speaking over one another for EVPs. If it happens accidentally, make a verbal note. Just don’t do it.
Give spirits time to answer. If you ask a question, wait about 15 seconds +/- before speaking again.
It is good to segment your recordings. If you are recording for 4 hours, segment every 30 minutes to an hour. This is not a necessity, however it makes it easier to sit through all of the recordings.
If there is a train or other noise going perpetually in the background, wait until the noise is completely through before asking EVP questions.
Do not wear clothes that rustle. These sounds can easily be mistaken for EVPs. Cotton or similar material is best.

Photos: Photos can be quite tricky. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best possible evidence.

Do not take photos too close to the object of your picture. For instance, if you are taking a photo of a doll, stand a couple of feet away. If you photograph too close, it can cause a glow. This is just the reflection of the flash.
Be wary of your hair, camera strap, and cobwebs. It is the same concept of before. These are easily mistaken for “vortices”.
Watch out for reflective surfaces. The reflection of the flash can cause what investigators call “matrixing”. This is when the human brain picks up images of faces out of literally nothing.
Speaking of matrixing, a lot of websites show photos that are most likely this phenomenon. These faces, silhouettes, etc. are usually picked up in shadows, distorted images, random patterns (like fabric, carpet, tree bark) etc.
Take note of which setting your camera is on. Many people are tempted to use their nighttime setting. This is not a good idea. The nighttime setting was designed to be used in situations when you have either a tripod OR a steady surface to shoot from. If you use the setting and imperceptibly move, it will cause a blurring effect. These blurs are often mistaken for “ectoplasm”. It is best to avoid this setting.
It is good to take a lot of photos. With that said, realize that it most likely will be you to go through all of the evidence. Know what you photographing. If you get a “feeling”, by all means, take a photo. Just know what you are shooting.
Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for a digital camera to have a double exposure. Although rare, it has been known to happen. If you see an image that you cannot explain, try to rule this out. Usually the image in question will look like something familiar, like a person who was with you, or another part of the same location.
If you have PhotoShop it is good to use the EXIF files. These files will tell you exactly what alterations (crop, lighten, etc) have been made. If there was another image superimposed, this file will tell you. It will also tell you what settings the camera was on when the photo was taken. These are good to submit into evidence, for proof of non-tampering. It is also good for debunking photos that are possibly tampered with.
For the love of Pete, warn people when you are going to take a picture. This is just common courtesy. Many experts say those who lack certain senses gain extra sensitivity in the remaining ones. However, you can almost guarantee, your fellow ghost hunters will not enjoy being blinded. Trust me.

Video: Many of the photo tips mentioned apply to video. However, there are a couple of things to watch out for.

If you are using a unit that is not handheld, know the length of the tape you are using. Go back and check before the time is up. You will most likely want to change it then and there.
Notice what setting the VCR is on. There are several settings, LP (long-play) and SP (slow-play), and possibly ELP (extended long-play). Remember, even though your tape says it has 8 hours of recording time that will not be true if it is on the wrong setting. LP or ELP is the setting you want it on to record the full length. Note that for some recording devices, longer length means lower quality.
If you are setting up a stationary camera, try to get the best possible angle. It is best to include any entrance points (doors, windows, etc.) and as much of the room as possible. This way you can see who is entering and exiting the room.
Set up the camera where there is an abundance of alleged paranormal activity.
For those handheld camera users, know where you are pointing the thing. Again, YOU will be the person going through the evidence. It is not fun to sit through 4 hours of tape that has the “Blair Witch” effect. Try not to move the camera too fast while scanning the room or walk with the camera at your hip. The floor usually does not show ghosts very well.
Pay attention to battery and tape life. It is one of those “duh!” things, however, you will be surprised how many people do not pay attention. Then Blam! They are walking around with a camera that is not recording, or even on for that matter. It is embarrassing.