Vince Migliore Infrared Photography for Paranormal Investigation January 2, 2011

Infrared Photography for Paranormal Investigation

Vince Migliore

Infrared photography opens up a vast new workplace for paranormal investigators. Like the
telescope, or microscope, it allows us to see into realms not visible to the naked eye. Several
researchers use the infrared spectrum to investigate paranormal activities, such as orbs, ghosts,
ETs, and UFOs. In the following, we look at some practical tools for capturing infrared (IR)
images on still pictures and video.

Many paranormal images have been captured “by accident” using infrared photography. This led
to purposeful monitoring and recording in the infrared wavelengths by determined researchers
with specialized equipment. Stan Romanek, an abductee, took pictures whenever he felt or heard
anything unusual, and some of his photos captured paranormal images, including an
extraterrestrial peering into his window (1).

Light ranges from about 300 nanometers at the ultraviolet end of the spectrum to over 1200
nanometers into the infrared. Human vision is limited to a small band between approximately
400 and 600 nanometers. Some insects, animals, and birds can sense frequencies far beyond the
human eye.

There are a number of ways to capture images in the infrared. The simplest method is to buy
infrared film for a standard 35mm camera. The drawback, however, is that you cannot see what
you are shooting, and you have to waste a lot of film in the hope of recording something exotic.

By far the more superior method is to use a modern digital camera which employs a charge
coupled device (CCD) to record images. The CCD is much more sensitive to infrared radiation
than the human eye (Figure 1). Since so much light energy received by the CCD is in the IR
zone, camera manufacturers insert a “hot filter” to correct the colors. By removing that filter, and
blocking out visible light, the digital camera is well suited to record IR images (Figure 2). There
is a problem, however, as the cameras are generally engineered to focus light at the wavelengths

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Vince Migliore Infrared Photography for Paranormal Investigation January 2, 2011

visible to humans. When the hot filter is removed, you can run into focus and white balance
problems. Fortunately, some enterprising camera specialists have responded to the growing
demand for IR cameras, and they offer a conversion service to remove the IR blocking filters and
insert glass that restores the proper focal length (see references 2 & 3).

Figure 1. Light spectrum sensitivity of a typical camera CCD (gray area)

Compared to human vision (white area).

Some cameras, particularly Sony models, have a night vision mode which mechanically removes
the IR blocking hot filter. These are well suited for IR work. Some cameras are designed just for
the IR band. The Bell & Howell S7 is an example. Video cameras also use the CCD to capture
images, so they are often used for investigation into the paranormal. When searching for UFOs
in the night sky, there is an advantage in being able to zoom in and track a target, so video is
often preferred.

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Vince Migliore Infrared Photography for Paranormal Investigation January 2, 2011

Figure 2. The “hot filter” above a digital camera CCD will block out
much of the infrared wavelengths.

Closed circuit television (CCTV) has a long history in security and surveillance work, and many
cameras have infrared or night vision mode to see in the dark. The CCTV systems are generally
more expensive than hand-held cameras, but they enable remote monitoring of the cameras from
a control module, and may also include a pan/tilt/zoom function from the comfort of your home.

Fortunately for paranormal investigators, the entire field of IR photography is enjoying increased
popularity, with technical forums and online discussion groups offering a wealth of information
for the beginner (See references 4 & 5). Whatever your budget, you can find simple and effective
ways to capture images in the infrared. Good luck.

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Vince Migliore Infrared Photography for Paranormal Investigation January 2, 2011

REFERENCES

(1) Stan Romanek, Messages. Llewellyn Publications, 2009.

(2) Infrared camera conversion tutorials: http://www.lifepixel.com/tutorials/.

(3) Camera conversions: http://www.maxmax.com.

(4) Infrared explained: http://surrealcolor.110mb.com/IR_explained_web/IR_explained.htm.

(5) Infrared experiments:

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/fieldtrips/2005/activities/ir_spectrum/.

Vince Migliore
Email: Tabcity@aol.com

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