So you want to be a paranormal investigator? There are many sites and books that all offer fantastic tips and tricks of the trade and some of them may be referenced here, but a lot of this will be straight from us.
There are many different techniques and methods to ghost hunting, and it is up to you to find what works best for you during a investigation. You may find that you implement only a few techniques, or you may implement many diffrent techniques during a investigation. However, here are some MUST'S that you should always remember.
Please,don't drink! You should always be clearheaded when going to a inevestigation. Alcohol and drugs effect your perception. At times, on a investigation thats all you have. You most definately want all your wits about you on a investigation, not only for your safety, but for those that are accompanying you, as well.
Know where you're going! Know where your going, and what is happening there. Find out the history. Is it a house, or building? Is it safe? Are there areas you should not investigate, due to delapidation of the property? Always be aware of your surroundings!
No tresspassing! Absolutely NEVER tresspass. If there is a sign, that states there is to be no tresspassing, then please, resect the property owners wishes. It is always better to obtain permission than to tresspass and face possible arrest. You never know how the property owner will react. I have been doing this a few years ago and have been told YES many, many, more times than I have been told NO.
Never go alone!Please never investigate alone. Not only could this lead to a very dangerous situation should you get injured, any evidence you get could be labeled null and void.
Take extra batteries! Always be sure to take extra batteries. Anyone who has ever been on a ivnestigation before KNOWS how crucial this is! There is nothing worse than taking pictures, and getting some really great shots, and then BOOM, your batteries are dead, and you forgot to bring extras.
Always have the appropriate equipment! If you're doing an investigation, you need to collect evidence. That's the whole point of investigating. Not having the right equipment is like going fishing without a fishing pole or a net or even bait. You don't have to spend alot of extra money on these items. Check out EBAY. A great resource for picking up a few items at a great bargain! Feel free to use a disposable camera if that is all you can afford. You can pick up a digital voice recorder at any store for around 20 bucks. A flashlight is a MUST on any investigation. A couple if you have them. You never know when a bulb may burn out!
Take tons of pictures! I take a HUGE amounts of pics on a investigation. Do I get something abnormal in the majority of my pics? Nope. If I take 50 pics I may get something really great in one or two...or none! You just never know. But the more pictures you have the better chance you have of capturing something.
Also, when taking pictures, remember to keep your hair tied back if you have long hair, and to also watch the camera strap. Getting those in the way of the picture, including your fingers or thumb, can be mistaken for an enity, and those pictures are no good.
Never ever take pics in the rain, snow , fog, or areas with high humidity, or if it is just plain cold enough to see your breath! This could cause false positives. Also, if you're in an area with a lot of dust, wait for it to settle before taking pictures. All too often, there are pictures with hundreds of shiny things all over the place, and sometimes they even take over the picture, so that if there was actually something there, it'd be hard to see through all of the dust. So make sure the air is clear before you start snapping.
Stay Positive! Above all else, go with an open mind and a positive attitude. Even if you're a skeptic, a open mind is the best tool you could bring with you.
Have fun! Remember, you are there to HAVE FUN, as well as do a thorough investigation. If you're not having fun, then what's the point? Sure, investigations are meant to capture evidence and debunk things, to get at the root of the true paranormal events. f your not having a good time and ENJOYING doing those things, then investigation may not be your cup of tea!
So, let's go over what you should do before and during a ghost hunt.
- Don't drink alcohol, or anything else that can alter your perception.
- Know where you're going.
- Don't tresspass.
- Never go alone.
- Take the right equipment.
- Take extra batteries.
- Take tons of pictures.
- Stay positive.
- Have fun!
That's it for now. Keep checking back for more tips and tricks, which should be updated regularly! Happy hunting!