Mountain Paranormal
Nov.4 2009.
Orbs: A Revision of what we know.
By Nick Spring
Mountain Paranormal founder & HH Investigator/ Technical & Photography specialist
In the past few years I have noticed that the photographic 'orb' phenomenon has seen an increase in reports and, in turn, an increase in controversy. From this, I felt it was time to jump into the fray and do my part to help and clear up some of the myths and practices that are quickly causing this to become a negative aspect of paranormal research.
Some may be wondering just what I'm talking about while others are all too familiar. So to start, let's look at what 'orbs are (or could be) and what are the possible causes for them.
What are 'orbs'? (This visual phenomenon)
Orbs are small round objects that appear in photos and videos and are being associated with paranormal activity around the world. When associated with a "known" haunted location, they are assumed to be manifestations of the paranormal occurrences of that location.
To this point, there have been only 2 distinctions as to the types of orbs. In fact, it would be better to give them 3.
Ghost Lights
True Orbs
False Orbs
Ghost Lights
Ghost lights are orbs that are visible to the naked eye. They can also be picked up on photographs, video cameras and night vision equipment.
True Orbs
True orbs are what we are most commonly referring to when we get a visual record of some kind. However, we are not always actually capturing them. The majority of orb photos fall into the 3rd category.
True orbs are not visible to the naked eye, but appear in photographs and video footage. They can be stationary or moving, sometimes at great rates of speed. More and more paranormal researchers are revising the criteria for true orbs. One such distinction is made be the Ontario Ghosts and Hauntings Research Society.
After being bombarded with photos, they are calling only for a certain type of photo. The orb needs to show that it is not directly in front of the lens. The easiest way is for it to be partly obstructed by another object. For example: A potential orb obstructed by a chair or other object, but in front of another such as a wall. The orb should also be as close to opaque as possible as dust/pollen tends to end up being translucent. We will touch on this more later.
False Orbs
Ah yes. The bane of the paranormal photographer's existence. I've lost count of how many of these I have taken and how many I have had to debunk for the most well meaning paranormal newcomer.
These particular orbs end up being caused by the following:
reflective surfaces
light flare
bugs
dust in the air or on the lens
pollen
moisture - rain, snow, fog, mist
technological anomalies - sensor issues/display issues/interference on current technology
False orbs are visible in bright light or on night vision systems as they are physical objects that reflect the light source back at the lens of the camera. Generally, they do not show the movement characterized in true orbs as they are mostly inanimate objects suspended in the air (insects being the exception.)
3 samples of False Orbs. Taken at the Hermitage Ruins July 28, 2007 (click to enlarge)
How to reduce False Orbs
This section is probably the most important as it is the false orb that is giving us the most trouble. As false orbs are objects reflecting a light back at the lens of the camera, the easiest thing to do is eliminate the light source, or minimize it's direct effect on the lens. I notice a lot of investigators don't carry one of the best tools for video and photos when they go out....a tripod. Yes, I realize they can be bulky. Especially for larger SLR cameras. However, there are some really great options out there now to reduce the bulk. Take a look at the Gorilla Pod. It is a flexible legged tripod that comes in 2 sizes. One for small point and shoots and one for SLR's. Or maybe a Monopod. It's not as stable as it requires someone to hold it up, but it's better than free hand.
Now, you may be asking "Why is a tripod so important?" Well, as I mentioned, getting the light out of the shot is important. In turning off the flash, modern auto focus/setting cameras will increase the shutter time to take the shot. This opens up for camera shake which distorts the images.
"If I turn off the flash, it becomes too dark to take the picture. What should I do?"
Well, there are a number of options. All of which involve an indirect light source. What is that? Simply put, it is a light source that cuts the reflected light from bouncing directly into the camera lens. It can be a source pointed somewhere from off to one side of the shot (fig. 1) or even with the light source reflecting off of the ceiling or a wall (fig. 2 & fig. 3) A light source can be a flashlight, a head lamp or an adjustable flash head like a speed light.
(Click to Enlarge)
Another way to help reduce, or at very least disprove some of the false orbs is to take multiple photos. Snap two or more in a row pointed at the same area. What this does is allows for movement to be documented. You can have one photo that shows a prominent image in one spot. If you have two or more, you can now document possible movement of that image around the space. Dust particles will generally follow consistent air currents. True orbs will follow whatever they like. One moment they are moving up and down and then sudden shift their trajectory to left and right.
THE TECHNOLOGICAL COMPONENT
On top of naturally occurring issues, our technology we use can have it's own problems.
Where cameras once had film, they now have sensors. These sensors are what pick up the light waves that enter the camera through the lens. Once the light hits the sensor, the sensor converts it into a data signal that is transmitted to the brains of the camera, which in turn saves it and puts it up on the display for us to see. The problem is these sensors are sensitive. They can have their effectiveness reduced by strong EMF, partial failures and even dust. This can result in unusual spots on the end photo that can be misdiagnosed as an orb. However an observant person can easily learn what to look for and analyze these problems with ease.
MATRIXING IN ORB PHOTOS (or seeing what's not really there.)
Yet another common issue appearing in the analysis of paranormal photos and video is matrixing. No, this has nothing to do with Carrie-Anne Moss running around in latex in a cyber punk world run by robots.
Have you ever looked at a cloud and seen a rabbit, or a dragon, or the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Well if you have, then you have also experienced matrixing first hand. Matrixing is when the mind takes an image made up of complex shapes or patterns and interprets it as something recognizable. Much like seeing an image of Jesus in a burnt piece of toast. Dust/pollen/moisture orbs usually look as if they have a texture to them when photographed. This is when you will hear people say they see Aunt Lulu's face in it.
This is not limited to orb photos. It happens all over the field. It's just one of those things that we have to combat in our search for answers.
WHAT ARE "ORBS" ? (The spiritual phenomenon)
We have looked at the scientific and technical side, now we need to look at the spiritual side.
One very important thing to remember for all ghostly phenomena is that energy is a form of matter and matter cannot be destroyed, only converted.
One theory is that orbs are balls of random energy that had coalesced in an area due to proper conditions. How they react at this point is not fully understood. However, it could be very closely linked with the next theory.
Could it instead be that orbs are a form of manifestation of a spirit that was once alive? This would explain a portion of the observed behavior.
What could cause this?
Again, keep in mind about matter being indestructible. The human body is full of energy. The brain and nervous system are full of bioelectric energy. The question is, where does it all go when we die? Could this be the essence of our soul?
What if, when we die, the energy in our brain is transformed? All the information and who we are changing into another form. One that leaves the body and becomes a part of the "big picture." Now, let's suppose that this energy is able to keep itself from just spreading out everywhere. Could it manifest into a form that we can see? Hear? Feel? Interact with? I think we are on the right track to find out.
Now, some of you may be asking, " If you are going to keep your energy together, why an orb? Why not your body?" This is a great question! The reason for an orb is that the sphere is the most energy efficient shape there is, it's even, the tensions across the surface are equal at all parts, and it can be very strong. If you cut a sphere at it's mid point, you end up with a dome. A dome is a three dimensional arch; one of the strongest shapes there is. It really makes a lot of sense!
THE END???
I hope that I have been able to pass along some information that will be useful in helping anyone who reads this to be inspired to help sort out the false info and get to the source of what could be a very pivotal part of figuring out what ghosts are. This very controversial aspect needs to be kept in the open and carefully looked at. Let�s figure out what we really need to be looking for and refine that knowledge. I don't know if I will every see the results I am looking for from this search, but the more of us searching, the better the chances.
Happy Hunting!
Nick Spring is founder of Mountain Paranormal and an active investigator and photographer with the Haunted Hamilton Investigations Team. Comments and/or questions can be directed to nick@mountainparanormal.ca
This article is also posted on Haunted Hamilton
Diagrams and photos by N.Spring Copyright 2009-2011
Bibiliography:
- The "last" orb phenomenon document from us By Mathew Didier (Feb. 6, 2003 Original, April 2003 Update, Dec. 2004 Update) www.torontoghost.org
- Orbs, Spirits and Ghost Lights - two new theories By Beth Fowler (Jan. 11, 2007) www.weeklyuniverse.com
- Photographic Analysis: Matrixing By Grant Wilson http://the-atlantic-paranormal-society.com
