Ghost Photo Gallery
It isn't all hard work; sometimes ghost hunters can have a bit of fun and promote interest in their work at the same time. Put together a photo gallery and make it available both online and at your physical location. This can intrigue people and draw them to your organization, too. Nothing causes a reaction quite like a really good ghost photo.
The photos are great public relations tools. They attract clients, volunteers, and the media. If you are into the educational aspect of the business, the pictures you capture during actual investigations make wonderful additions to your presentation or workshop.
Planning a Web Gallery
When you are planning a website, consider the importance of having an online web gallery of ghost photography. Find a means of accepting digital files from photographers who would like to have their ghost photos analyzed. The sites that seem to get the greatest number of hits are those that have a very cool gallery interface that casual viewers can find and access. People want tangible proof of ghosts, and ghost photos are always a real draw.
The Ghostly Galleries
GhostStudy.com has a very slick website with good galleries. There is something for everyone, and the gallery of faked photos can help researchers distinguish real photos from photos that have been Photoshopped.
Another great site from host Stephen Wagner is About.com's ghost gallery. This site has some really great shots that have become true classics. The first photo in the gallery is of the Brown Lady, a ghost said to haunt the oak staircase of Raynham Hall.
In 1936, Captain Provand and Indre Shira, two photographers who were on assignment for Country Life magazine, captured the stunning image of a woman on the stairs. Another very chilling photo, shot in 1963, was taken by the pastor of a church in North Yorkshire, England. Called “the Specter of Newby Church,” the photo shows a robed figure with a shrouded white face looking directly at the camera.
Ecto-mist or some aberration of the camera? Probably the latter; the shot was taken at twilight from a moving car and the low light conditions may have caused exposure problems.
Photo copyright Melissa Martin Ellis, 2004.
Other recommended sites include the following:
Dos and Don'ts
If you are looking to be a respected member of the paranormal community, never post a photo that you have not investigated thoroughly. The possibility of being hoaxed always looms over paranormal investigators, so check out any photos that are submitted to be sure they are legitimate. If you do post one, simply identify it with the photographer's name and her account of what it represents.
If a photo on the website just doesn't look that good upon reviewing it, either fix it or take it down permanently. It is very disappointing to web visitors to have to look through a mediocre gallery. It is better not to have any pictures rather than ones that aren't very good.
When posting photos taken by team members, do remember to:
Give proper photo credit.
Enhance the photo only slightly, if you enhance it at all. Sharpening and contrast adjustments are fine when they are done in moderation.
Indicate the circumstances under which the photo was taken.
If appropriate according to the client's confidentiality wishes, include the date and location.
