Learn ghost hunting through careful observation, disciplined technique, and curiosity. In this feature, we outline a practical approach for photographers who wish to document phenomena responsibly, without sensationalism, and with an emphasis on verifiable detail.

You don’t need expensive equipment to document compelling paranormal imagery. Even a basic, durable metal-bodied camera with manual controls will serve you well. While many ghost hunters rely on video, still photography often reveals subtle anomalies that video might miss—light orbs, shadow figures, and unexplained mists frequently appear more distinctly in carefully composed still frames.

Article is not AI generated. We traveled here showingPamela Goodyer and her camera.

HOW TO QUICKLY LEARN GHOST HUNTING PHOTOGRAPHY

Here, you will find everything you need to know to learn ghost hunting photography. Photographing ghosts is fascinating.

Lens: Ghost hunting is a wide-angle activity, but ideally, you need a lens with an aperture of 2.8 or lower. The higher-end cameras are ideal because they allow you to shoot at a very high ISO with minimal noise. If you don’t have a high-end camera, any camera will do. After all, we’re not aiming for super high-quality images here. We are aiming for extremely high levels of paranormal activity instead.

Gear: Bring your tripod, infrared filter, illuminating light, and shutter release. Also, bring your driver’s license in case the police need to verify your identity. Be prepared for that. The list of equipment to consider purchasing is below.

Photo Tip: Ghost Hunting Edition:

When photographing haunted locations, avoid using a flash. Spirits don’t need to be spotlighted; they’re already used to being in the dark. And trust me, no one likes an uninvited flashbulb in their face… even if they’re already dead. 👻📸

CAMERA GEAR FOR GHOST HUNTING PHOTOGRAPHY

CAMERAS

A DSLR can be used for Ghost Hunting Photography, but the camera cannot see in the dark. You can use a red light to illuminate the area or bring a flashlight for focusing. If you can stand the insidious invasion of the paranormal, you can quickly obtain photographs of apparitions.

There are flashlights that have different levels of brightness. If you have one, you can use the lower level of light so you don’t scare away the entities that may be there. The best light is the red light. These lights can be a bit pricey. Here is a trick. Take a plain old head lamp light, buy a fake red flower from the craft store, and tape the red flower over the light. They up the prices just because they use red, so make your own. We just happened to have a silk flower from our Christmas decorations.

FULL SPECTRUM DIGITAL CAMERA

It takes quality Full-Spectrum photos and videos. It has been professionally modified to accept deeper Ultraviolet (UV) and Infrared (IR) light, allowing pictures deep into the usually unseen light spectrum. It is best used with an external infrared light source.

INFRARED (IR) DIGITAL CAMERA & VIDEO

It takes quality IR photos and video with the convenience and ease of a compact digital camera with a built-in infrared light source.

The advanced technology of infrared digital video cameras makes them a vital tool for ghost hunting.

CHECK OUT THIS GEAR! Ghost Hunting Night Vision Video Camera Vlog Ghost Hunting Camera Camcorder for YouTube 3.1

9 Pcs Ghost Hunting Equipment Kit with Emf Meter, Ghost Hunting Research Box, Voice Recorders, Flashlight, Speaker, Motion Light up Cat Balls and Radio

GHOST HUNTING CAMERA SETTINGS

We will do a few things that are a little out of the ordinary from regular photography for basic DSLR Photography.

When shooting in a dark area, you must use a tripod.
Set your camera to manual mode.
Put your camera on the 2-second timer or use a shutter release.
Set your ISO to a very high setting for extremely dark locations. This lets more light into the camera. Set it much lower if you are outside and have some light sources, such as the moon. You cannot shoot a DSLR in total darkness. You will need light sources such as church light, a full moon, or a red light in the back of a room. Set your ISO according to the amount of light available. Again, it’s not always about avoiding grain or digital noise here. ISO 100 for outdoor use in graveyards with sufficient lighting. ISO 6400 for very dark areas or interiors. The ISO setting is based on light conditions, so it will vary considerably.
Set your aperture to the lowest; if needed, it will go (ex., 2.8) to let more light in. If you need some depth of field, set the aperture a little higher. You cannot go much higher in the darkness since the higher the number, the less light will come into the camera. Scroll your shutter speed until the meter reads center zero. You can take some test shots and adjust from there.

OTHER GHOST HUNTING PHOTOGRAPHY INFORMATION

EMF METERS

Measure fluctuations in electromagnet fields (or EM fields). These fields directly result from electrical appliances in a home, cell phones, power lines outside, and even solar activity and weather fluctuations. Beyond that, a primary theory in the paranormal world is that entities can manipulate these fields to manifest themselves or interact with our world. When your meter goes off, do a long exposure on your tripod. Considering the sources of other things that will make your meter go off, understand that these meters are not always accurate. Use your sixth sense to find the apparitions. This is a nice addition when doing your ghost hunting photography.

FOCUSING IN THE DARK

Now you are set. If you lack enough light or your camera will not focus, take a flashlight and light up a single subject in the picture. (Don’t blast light all over; you will disturb who you are there to find.) Put the camera’s focus point on the area you have lit up. Turn your flashlight off when the camera has obtained focus and the two-second timer starts. The camera will now take the shot. Set your camera to manual focus without touching the focus ring. Take several pictures without moving your camera. You must refocus the same way every time you do different photos.

Another way to focus in darker areas is to turn on the live view. Hit your zoom button and zoom in on something lit. Expose your image. When you zoom in, the camera can see it better and grab focus. If you take multiple shots in the exact location without touching your camera, you can gently put your camera into manual focus without disturbing the focus. Then, each time, you will not have to refocus.

WHEN TO GHOST HUNT

Anytime is fine, but traditionally, the best results have been documented after 9 p.m.

WHAT TO BRING FOR GHOST HUNTING

Bring your tripod, infrared filter, infrared illuminating light, and shutter release. Also, bring your driver’s license in case the police question you. Be prepared for that. You should be okay if there aren’t any NO TRESPASSING signs where you are. Here is a list of things you can purchase for your ghost-hunting photography adventures.

To save money, buy a regular light, a red silk flower, and a gorilla tape the flower over the light. Voila, a red light. You can purchase the lights that you wear around your head, allowing you to have your hands free to adjust your camera settings.

Ghost Photography – Paranormal Photography – Apparitions and Photography

STAYING CALM WHILE GHOST HUNTING IS VERY IMPORTANT.

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