_{author's note: This article deals with the use of digital recorders. Many investigators in fact prefer to work with analogue, however digital has become the most commonly used format.}

EVP or "Electronic Voice Phenomena" can be one of the most compelling pieces of evidence following a paranormal investigation. Getting a solid recording that doesn't sound overly processed on a computer makes for the most credible example. Unfortunately in the field of Paranormal Investigation it seems more often than not, EVP recordings provided as "evidence" by investigators have been overly-manipulated. If the example is plagued with hiss, digital noise reduction (that "warbly" sound), or even worse sounds overly-manipulated, it will not hold an ounce of credibility to the skeptic or even an enthusiastic fellow investigator.

The author's Zoom H2 grabbing some "vibrations" on the infamous Black Mariah Hearse at The Birdcage Theater in Tombstone, Arizona 

LOOK BEFORE YOU SHOOT

Many novice investigators spend a great deal of time deciphering
“orbs”, "mists", "shadows" and other anomalies that can provide evidence
of spirit activity in their photographs. Frankly, about 103 of every
104 “orbs” are not related to ghosts or spirits whatsoever.
Additionally, the majority of mists or shadows can be explained away as
well. To know your surroundings before you shoot will whittle down the
number of intrusive objects which appear in your results.

When going on an investigation, you know that you will be taking
photographs or video. Making the most of your time is important, and a
good investigation requires a great deal of groundwork. In this article I
am going to discuss still photography, however the information is also
relevant to working with video as well.

- Photo by APIS Investigator Jonathan

You never know where an anomaly may appear so take good notes! We plan to return to this location to "double check" that there was nothing else that could explain the "apparition" in this photo.  


What you see in the lens is only a portion of what you will see on
your computer screen later. Distant tail lights from a car, reflectors
marking a driveway, plastic flowers, ponds, etc, all come into play when
you are taking a photograph. So look before you shoot!