If you are interested in searching for a ghost, having an encounter and then if you are lucky, capturing its image on film, then you should get a few things straight. First, you will need to get up to speed on some of the terminology you may use to describe your experiences- there is a difference between a poltergeist and a ghost. Then you will be able to look over a list of items that you may choose to use during your hunt.
Paranormal Terminology:
Ghost Hunter: A person who spends time in search of ghosts or apparitions, as well as seeks out the answer to unexplained activity that could be attributed to ghosts.
Ghost: The spirit of a deceased human being.
Sprite: Can be a soul, spirit or apparition.
Spirit: The presence of a supernatural being that can be viewed and has no tangible body.
Specter: Can be an apparition, phantom or ghost.
Poltergeist: This could be a destructive non-human ghost or the playful spirit of a child; sometimes the exploding of psychokinetic energy can be experienced.
Apparition: The vision of any spirit.
Supernatural: An act or entity which creation or existence is unknown.
Paranormal: Something that cannot be defined by known scientific standards, theories and facts.
Haunting: When a ghost visits or makes a home at a particular location.
Soul: The essence of one’s spirit.
Medium: A person who comes in contact and can communicate with spirits.
Clairvoyance: When someone can see objects, places or events where none of the five senses are used.
Orb: A suspected form that ghosts can be encountered as, which resembles a ball of bright light. It is suspected that orbs are created from paranormal activity, but they can also be confused with a sight created from moisture and dust.
Séance: When a group of people gets together to call for the visitation of spirits and ghosts.
EVP: Stands for “Electronic Voice Phenomenon,”’ where the voices of spirits have been tape recorded.
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Even though you can ghost hunt with the bare minimum, such as a flashlight and a camera, there are a few additional tools that may make your search more beneficial and send you off with a feeling of security and preparedness. Below you will find a few equipment selections that you may want to consider:
35mm Camera
There are two types of cameras that could be brought along on a ghost hunt, which are called “auto focus” and “auto flash.” A good speed of film to use when taking photos is 400 speed. A tip for when you are ghost hunting outside in the cold is to hold the camera away from your face to avoid taking a photo with the sight of your breath.
Digital Cameras
Want to see if you are on the right track? A digital camera allows you to preview some of the photos you have taken during your ghost hunt.
Camcorders
These can be set up when you want to keep an eye on a specific location for a longer period of time. Some models even come equipped with night vision and infrared features.
Flashlights
This is important so that you can see where you are going. You may also want to take along a few extra batteries for whatever may occur on your ghost hunt. For the more resourceful hunter, carrying candles is not uncommon for when flashlights refuse to properly work.
Tape Recorder
It is possible to record the events that you encounter during your search. Some models can be purchased with earphones, as well as an external microphone with direct attachments to the tape recorder.
Electromagnetic Field Detector
If you are willing to shell out a few bucks for this item, you may be able to track the electromagnetic energy sources that are influenced by the presence of a ghost. It is said that their presence causes higher readings on the detector.
Digital Thermometer
This is used to find the cold spots of a location that sometimes can indicate a haunting.
Night Vision Scope
Self-explanatory. Really isn’t necessary unless you plan on being in total darkness.
Identification
This seems like a minor item when it comes to ghosts, but it is quite important when you are ghost hunting in a cemetery. If a police officer happens upon you while you are investigating, you may have to explain your motives. Most cemeteries are closed for the night.