Starting Out

When I first went "pro", my first couple of hunts were disasters. I didn't really know how to talk with the people or how to go about doing an actual investigation without looking like a total fool. 

My very first one was at an abandon nursing home that was closed for years. I wasn't able to get inside, but took pictures from the exterior. The thought running through my mind was, that I was basically trespassing and how would I explain to the police what I was doing there should one of the neighbors call them. I guess now I realize that I didn't start out on the wrong foot, just tripped a little.  

A lot of "Web-Site Ghost hunters" say to start off going to a local cemetery and take pictures. To me, that's just not right...not only illegal, but disrespectful to the spirits and to their families. By illegal, I mean that "the experts" say to go at night....after the cemetery closes. Most close at dusk. I want up and coming ghost hunters to learn from my own mistakes. If you go somewhere, get permission!!!

A lot of the private residences that we've been called to have had antiques bought from shops, re-sale stores, or estate sales. Spirits have been known to attach themselves to items they held dear in life, so why not start at the beginning. Go browse around an antique shop, (but don't buy anything), try to pick up on the vibe of an object. Try to imagine what the previous owner was like in life, and what kind of person they may have been. Try to determine if they were male, female, young, or old. Just relax your mind and try to let the images flow.... The worst mistake you can make is to enter a place and say, "I'm a ghost hunter....got any?" People will look at you like you're nuts.  Start a casual conversation with the shop owner about the items, about the building, about anything that comes to mind. Idle chit chat relaxes the other person and soon they will reveal stories of lights flickering, footsteps, and disembodied voices.  Don't assault them with you're eagerness just yet, act genuinely interested (and you should be). Ask them if they would be interested in having the building checked out by "someone you know". If they agree, then come back with the cameras.... Stay in contact with them, but don't make a pest of yourself... Offer them copies of your photos if you get anything. When you return to give them to them, they will more than likely frame it, and it will become a conversation piece in the shop. 

When wanting to go a public place known for activity, start out by talking to one of the employees. They will bring up your conversation with others there, and sooner or later it will reach the boss. Its the boss who will have the final say if you can come or not. You have to be patient, this may take a few weeks. Now you're thinking, "But Ken, isn't this being deceptive?".... No, it isn't. You're not out to make any money from them or to rip them off in any way. You're there for the learning experience, and the benefit of reassuring your client that they aren't going bonkers.... Above all, respect, courtesy, friendliness, are the best tools in your kit.

Treat Others The Way You Want To Be Treated

Respect the people

Respect the building

Respect the spirits

Respect the property

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Photography

If at all possible, take a photography course at a local college or adult education seminar. Get to know the in's and out's of the matter, for this is the most important weapon in your arsenal. Learn how to recognize all of the normal camera glitches like lens flare, flash bounce, double exposure, reflections, hair, dust, old film, baked film, light leaks, developing accidents, etc. Learn what film speed works best for different conditions. 100asa is for bright outdoors without flash... 200asa is for bright outdoor or indoor use with a flash... 400asa is a good general all-around film.... 800asa (if you're point and shoot can handle it) is good for low light with a flash, and is self adjusting.

~~~copyright 2004 Dr. Ken

None of this material may be used without
the written consent of Dr. Ken