If there’s one piece of equipment I wished our organization had in it’s cache, it would be the Forward Looking Infrared (or FLIR) camera.  Sometimes referred to as a thermal-imaging camera, it is quite a different beast altogether from nightvision (i.e., Sony’s Nightshot), which operates in the visible light and near infrared ranges/wavelengths.  FLIR cameras differ from any other equipment due to the fact that they show a visible picture, rendered through temperature differences (thermal energy), versus actual visible light wavelengths.  In a sense, FLIR cameras paint a picture for the viewer in temperature.  Each difference in temperature results in a different color being displayed on the screen.  Viewed in its entirety, the viewer is given a picture which looks much like what they see with their own eyes, however the picture being viewed is often a great array of differing colors, ranging from cool colors (blues, greens, etc.; denoting cooler temperatures) to warm colors (red, orange, etc.; denoting warmer temperatures).  The following shows a good example of FLIR in action, showing the different temperature ranges of an erupting volcano: 

Rather than explaining the technical wizadry of what makes one of these incredible pieces of equipment work, I’d like to examine exactly how it fits into the paranormal investigator’s toolbag (but not usually his budget). 

Costing from $3,000 to upwards of $25,000, it comes as no surprise that FLIR cameras are a rarity in the paranormal field.  Many investigators however, will tell you that the technology harnessed by FLIR cameras is worth every red cent paid for them. 

So, where exactly does the thermal imaging camera come into play for the paranormal investigator?  One of the theories adopted by most paranormal investigative groups is that spirits/energies manipulate available energy around them in order to manifest/move objects/speak, etc.  The thought process is that through this manipulation of energy, cold spots are created as energy is drawn from the air.  The resulting cold spots, which would at best be tactile in nature, suddenly become visible with the aid of the FLIR camera.  There have been numerous interesting photos of apparition-like entities captured on FLIR technology, which would have otherwise gone unnoticed.  The following YouTube clip presents an example of a possible apparition captured on film by The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSu0zBeiDoQ

Open to much interpretation, these images are debatable at best.  However, there is little argument that many of the videos and photographs captured through FLIR technology would have never been realized, had it not been for this technology.

Some questions arise when discussing the capture of spirits on thermal imaging cameras.  Many claimed paranormal encounters on FLIR include human-like figures emitting in the cool spectrum, however, there have been incidents captured where the entity captured on film is emitting heat.  In fact, it would be safe to say that some of the claimed paranormal encounters gathered with FLIR have no discernible differences than if there were an actual person standing before the device.  Here is a video example of a reportedly paranormal encounter which is emitting heat. My apologies for the poor quality of the video (YouTube/Sci Fi Channel):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWuFVUYy7Yw&feature=related

In the first video we see an anomaly which seems to be visible in the cool spectrum.  In the second, we have an anomaly which is obviously giving off a heat signature.  What gives?  Are these energies warm or cold upon manifesting?  It is quite rare to hear a paranormal investigator state that he/she felt a “warm spot” prior to experiencing paranormal activity.  It is almost always reported as a “cold spot” felt in the air.  Is this cold spot drawn from the air in such a manner that the entity can manifest in the form of heat?  Are they capable of both?  If these videos provided by TAPS are both authentic in nature, it would be reasonable to say that both scenarios are possible.

There are a host of videos and photos available across the internet of such anomalies captured on FLIR devices.  I would encourage anyone interested in this subject to research some of these claimed paranormal captures and come to their own conclusions as to what may be happening in these photos/videos. 

The question of hot versus cold manifestation has been an issue of great debate.  Unfortunately, as with everything else paranormal, all we have is the evidence.  Either way, we have the thermal imaging camera to thank for opening up this new chapter in paranormal investigating.  What will they think of next?

‘Til next time…

If you feel that you are experiencing paranormal activity and would like help, please contact BHAPS at:  Help@BHAPS.com or feel free to call us toll-free at: 1-866-510-6130, or visit our website at:  www.BHAPS.com.

Over the months I’ve been writing on this blog, as well as after BHAPS’ three-night series featured on FOX news, I’ve noticed something…people have an axe to grind, even if they haven’t a grinder nor an axe.  Naturally I ask, where does this heartburn originate from?

I’ve thought about the e-mails I’ve received, including attacks on us and other investigators, for not committing ourselves to the “status quo” of paranormal investigating.  I’ve pondered over the ugly correspondence I’ve had with folks claiming to be “experts” in this field, making claims that we’re a group who hasn’t conducted a single paranormal investigation and have been leading our readers and forum members astray, filling their minds with false information and opinionated hogwash based on heresay and what we’ve read somewhere else.  I try to make sense of the contact I’ve had with folks who state that we “hide behind a veil of confidentiality to cover up non-existent investigations” (referring to our confidentiality form we offer to our clients).  Where do these people get these ideas from?!?  Ugh.

Wow.  All I wanted to do was help some people who thought they may have a ghost in their home.

I understand that any exposure whatsoever be it through the internet or television is bound to attract hostiles; that’s the nature of the beast, and I’m okay with that.  

That being said, I haven’t been exactly inundated with such e-mails, but such contacts truly have made me wonder:  are these people performing investigations in other people’s homes?  I cringe thinking such critically minded individuals could offer a selfless service such as paranormal investigating in a professional manner to those in their greatest time of need.  

Now that I’ve appropriately ground my axe (ah…I feel so much better now), I’ll get on with the subject at hand:  Paranormal Professionalism.

Paranormal investigating is by nature a truly unique entity to be associated with (no pun intended).  We offer a service based soley on theory, claims, stories and suggestions with little guidance available.  Our services are offered free of charge (or they should be…once a paranormal investigator begins to charge clients, a very powerful word called “con-man” surfaces).  We operate using only current ideas and very little-proven technologies.  There certainly is no black-and-white methodology here.  It’s all very gray.

These very issues make it even more important that once the paranormal investigator has gained a client’s trust, professionalism must be of paramount importance.  We’re going into a stranger’s home to investigate a strange claim.  What’s even more daunting is the fact that we haven’t got a single proven theory to base our investigations upon.  The science community as a whole finds the paranormal quite laughable.  This is why our confidence, professionalism and genuine earnestness for this venture must be steadfast.

In the name of professionalism, it is of great importance that the client feel protected.  This can be done by offering not only a confidentiality statement, but a form which will place the investigating group responsible for any injuries or damages incurred during the course of the investigation.  Signatures should be gained from the client and the investigator on such forms.  This is a legally binding contract and indeed protects the customer from any unseen circumstances.  This goes a long way in gaining the trust and respect of your customer! 

Once the investigation is underway, it is important for the investigator to remember that this is someone else’s home/business.  Treat it that way!  Rifling through personal belongings or poking around in areas which have nothing to do with your investigation is unprofessional, illegal and just plain rude. 

Another issue which can become a problem is language (I have been guilty of this one).  In the heat of an investigation, things may get a bit hairy.  It’s not uncommon for the investigator to shout a curse word given the situation.  It never looks exactly professional during your reveal to the client when you have to bleep out ninety-percent of the “hot moment” of the evening due to over excitement and a tirade of explicit language.  Try to bottle the swearing, no matter how intense the situation.  It just looks better later.

Most importantly, regarding professionalism, is that you stick to what you have said.  If you have promised your client complete confidentiality, keep it (even if someone says you’re not doing investigations based upon your confidentiality forms)!  Not only does this garner trust for your organization, it protects you from possible legal action. 

As the title of the blog states, professionalism truly is the cornerstone of this great venture.  All it takes is one group to conduct themselves in an unprofessional manner to tarnish the name of all of us trying to fight the good fight.  Don’t let it be your group!

Maintaining a professional approach to this infantile field will ensure its further success in the future.  Do what’s right, and keep fighting the good fight!

‘Til next time…

If you feel that you are experiencing paranormal activity and would like help, please contact BHAPS at:  Help@BHAPS.com or feel free to call us toll-free at: 1-866-510-6130, or visit our website at:  www.BHAPS.com.

Anyone who has watched a few episodes of Sci Fi’s Ghost Hunters will have surely seen some sort of provocation of spirits going on.  This includes taunting, teasing, demanding, harassing or belittling of the spirit or spirits one is trying to communicate with, in an effort to upset/anger them enough to make them “prove” they are there in some fashion. 

More recently, The Travel Channel aired an episode of Ghost Adventures which followed a group of young men in a residence attempting to contact a spirit supposedly haunting the home.  Their investigation was completely devoid of politeness; they demanded the spirit to come forward and even went so far as to call it a colorful array of different names, none of which were respectful in nature.  There was no warm-up period, no nice conversation, no proper introductions, just an immediate attack upon the spirit.  Their reasoning behind this was that the spirit had proven itself to be a troublemaker, and therefore commanded no respect.

Would we treat the living in such a manner?  Would you walk into a cafe, sit down in front of someone you’ve never met and begin heckling and insulting them?  If you would, you might want to see your family physician to have an appropriate psychiatric examination scheduled.  Why do investigating groups think it is okay to do this to those who have shed their physical bodies?

First off, let us examine why investigative groups partake in provocation. 

The thought process is that if a particular area which has claimed to be haunted isn’t providing any activity for the investigator, provocation may in fact anger the energy enough for it to step forward and reveal itself in some way.  It has been shown to have been effective on many investigations.  I would assume you’d get a rise out of that fellow in the cafe you decided to insult as well if you were rude enough!  From a moral and ethical standpoint, is this the way we should be treating those that have gone on before us?  Does provocation possibly open the investigator up to something dangerous, such as a physical attack?  Would making the spirit angry not increase the homeowner’s problems by creating more frequent and violent outbreaks of paranormal activity?  The more questions I ask regarding provocation, the more I conclude that it shouldn’t be part of an investigative teams’ standard operating procedures.

If the fact stands true that these energies we are dealing with are indeed those who have gone on before us, it is simply unwarranted behavior to stomp into a place and start acting like a jerk.  People want to be spoken to like people! 

If the desired result of provocation is to “see if something’s really here”, I think the investigator is being selfish in their line of thinking.  If provocation is going to give the investigator an immediate result at the expense of the homeowner, it should not be used.  I can see the dialogue now:

Investigator:  “Well Mrs. Johnson, you sure do have yourself a ghost here…it made itself perfectly known to us.”

Mrs. Johson:  “Oh great!  So, is it a good or a bad spirit?”

Investigator:  “Well, um, we’re not too sure but we know it’s a reeeeal angry spirit now that we’ve got it all riled up.  Have a good night, ma’am.”

I bet Mrs. Johnson wouldn’t sleep that night. 

As investigators of the paranormal, I firmly believe that we should be treating these spirits like what they are:  people.  A gentle introduction and friendly dialogue has never hurt anyone.  I’d like to see provocation of spirits become a thing of the past; however, as long as people are taking a selfish approach to paranormal investigations, I believe this method of investigation will continue to occur. 

Some may say that provocation helps an investigation and the homeowner because you’ve provided “proof” that the energy is there.  Will subsequent investigations conducted in an amicable, professional manner not bring forth some sort of paranormal evidence if the last investigation was a little quiet?  Better yet, by maintaining a personable atmosphere in the home, you are far more unlikely to cause a “spiritual stir” in the home…and I can guarantee you the homeowner will appreciate that.

 

‘Til next time…

If you feel that you are experiencing paranormal activity and would like help, please contact BHAPS at:  Help@BHAPS.com or feel free to call us toll-free at: 1-866-510-6130, or visit our website at:  www.BHAPS.com.