Savannah, Georgia, is one of the most haunted cities in America, drawing ghost hunters, paranormal enthusiasts, and curious tourists eager to capture evidence of the supernatural. Whether you’re on a Haunted Savannah Tour or exploring historic cemeteries and mansions, knowing how to properly photograph spirits can make all the difference in catching something eerie on film. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips on how to capture a ghost on camera, the best equipment to use, and what to look for in your paranormal photos.
1. Use the Right Equipment
Capturing paranormal activity requires more than just a smartphone camera. While modern phones have powerful features, dedicated ghost hunters often use specialized equipment for better results. Here’s what you need:
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Full-Spectrum Camera – These cameras capture more than just visible light, including infrared and ultraviolet spectrums, which ghosts are believed to inhabit.
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Infrared (IR) Camera – Used in low-light conditions, infrared cameras pick up anomalies that the naked eye might miss.
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DSLR or Mirrorless Camera – A high-quality camera with manual settings allows better control over shutter speed, aperture, and ISO for low-light photography.
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Tripod – To eliminate shaky hands and ensure clearer, more stable images, especially in dimly lit locations.
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External Flash or Night Vision Light – A controlled light source can help illuminate spectral figures without overexposing the shot.
2. Choose the Best Locations in Savannah
Not all places are equal when it comes to ghost photography. Savannah is full of haunted hotspots where spirits are frequently spotted. If you want to increase your chances of success, visit these locations:
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Colonial Park Cemetery – One of the most haunted burial grounds, where visitors report shadow figures and eerie light anomalies.
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The Marshall House – Once a Civil War hospital, this historic hotel is known for ghostly apparitions in hallways and guest rooms.
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The Andrew Low House – Reports of a ghostly butler and rocking chairs moving on their own make this an excellent spot for paranormal photography.
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Wright Square – The execution site of Alice Riley, whose spirit is said to linger.
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Factor’s Walk & River Street – Formerly a hub of trade (and human suffering), these cobblestone streets are rife with eerie encounters.
3. Adjust Your Camera Settings for Paranormal Photography
Ghost photography often happens in dimly lit or nighttime environments, so setting up your camera properly is crucial. Here are some recommended settings:
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ISO: Increase to 800-1600 for low-light conditions, but avoid extreme levels to prevent grainy images.
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Shutter Speed: Use a slow shutter speed (1-4 seconds) to allow more light into the lens and capture motion blur, which may reveal ghostly figures.
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Aperture: Keep it as wide as possible (f/2.8 or lower) to maximize light intake.
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No Flash: Flash can create unwanted reflections and obscure legitimate anomalies.
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RAW Format: Shoot in RAW mode to retain image details for post-processing analysis.
4. The Best Techniques for Capturing a Ghost
Now that your equipment and settings are ready, here are techniques to improve your chances of capturing paranormal activity:
a. Take Multiple Shots
Ghosts don’t always appear in just one frame. Use burst mode or take several photos in succession to compare any anomalies.
b. Experiment with Long Exposure
Using a long exposure can capture energy traces that the eye cannot see. If something appears blurred or translucent in just one frame, it may not be a camera glitch.
c. Focus on Reflections
Mirrors, glass surfaces, and water reflections can sometimes reveal ghostly figures or unusual distortions.
d. Be Aware of Temperature Changes
Many paranormal investigators report cold spots before capturing spectral images. If you feel a sudden chill, take a picture!
e. Look Beyond the Subject
Ghostly apparitions often appear in the background rather than the main focus. Always scan images for subtle shadows, mist, or faint outlines.
5. Reviewing Your Photos for Ghostly Evidence
Once your investigation is complete, take time to analyze your photos carefully. Here’s what to look for:
- Orbs: Spherical light anomalies often considered spiritual energy (but can sometimes be dust or moisture).
- Ectoplasm or Mist: Cloud-like formations appearing in areas with no fog.
- Apparitions: Partial or full-bodied figures appearing unexpectedly.
- Unexplained Shadows: Particularly those that don’t match the surrounding environment.
Use photo enhancement tools like Adobe Lightroom to adjust brightness and contrast without altering the integrity of the image. Avoid jumping to conclusions—always rule out logical explanations like lens flare or reflections before declaring a photo paranormal.
6. Join a Haunted Savannah Tour for the Best Experience
If you want to capture a ghost on camera, there’s no better way than joining a Haunted Savannah Tour led by experienced guides who know the best ghostly hotspots. On a tour, you’ll learn about Savannah’s haunted history, local legends, and firsthand encounters, all while exploring prime locations for paranormal activity.
Conclusion
Ghost photography is both an art and a science, requiring patience, the right equipment, and a bit of luck. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, following these expert tips can increase your chances of capturing something truly unexplainable. Ready to test your ghost-hunting skills? Book a Haunted Savannah Tour today and bring your camera—you never know what you might capture in the most haunted city in America!