Article from Craig's book Phantoms on Film.
Cameras can produce various effects, so exploring natural explanations for unusual phenomena like orbs is important before attributing them to the paranormal. Dust, light reflections, or lens flare often account for these ghostly effects. However, if natural causes can be ruled out and orbs consistently appear, the possibility of a paranormal influence arises.
Many people report capturing orbs in photos taken at haunted locations, sometimes claiming to see the faces of loved ones. Interestingly, these apparitions often appear during significant events like birthdays or weddings, adding to the mystery.
Approaching these phenomena with an open mind—considering scientific and metaphysical perspectives—can provide deeper insight into their nature.
🔴 Purchase my Book: 'Phantoms on Film' Here
Ghost Photos and Orbs
MORE LIKE THIS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
How Do Digital Cameras Create Orbs?
Despite being filmless, digital cameras can still produce peculiar effects in photos, such as orbs, streaks of light, and even transparent faces. These anomalies often result from the way digital cameras focus and process images.
Why Orbs Appear
Digital cameras focus light onto a sensor (CCD or CMOS), unlike traditional 35mm cameras that use film. The sensor's light-sensitive diodes, called photo-sites, can misinterpret light reflected from nearby dust particles or moisture, creating orb-like effects. The proximity of the flash to the lens amplifies this, illuminating particles and making them appear as glowing orbs in the photo.
Experiment to See Orbs
Try this simple test: disturb the air to create dust in a dark room, then take photos with and without flash. Orbs will likely demonstrate how environmental factors and camera design cause these effects.
Other Causes of Orbs
- Dust in the air
- Reflective surfaces
- Nearby light sources
- Dirty lenses
- Hot air pockets
These elements can all create orb-like illusions in photos.
Coloured Orbs and Faces
- Colour: Dust particles refract light like a prism, creating rainbows.
- Faces: The brain often interprets random shapes as faces, similar to seeing shapes in clouds.
Are Any Orbs Real?
Certain anomalies resist explanation:
- Orbs with motion trails or unique shapes (e.g., oval or 3D)
- Orbs visible to the naked eye, especially if not captured by the camera, may indicate spiritual phenomena.
Spiritual Perspectives
Spiritualists often describe orbs as "spirit lights," energy manifestations linked to prana or chi. In physical séances, these energies can evolve into visible forms like ectoplasm, further supporting their spiritual nature.
Other Camera Effects Mistaken for Orbs
- Long exposure: Creates transparent, ghost-like figures.
- Lens flare: Produces hexagonal light shapes.
- Camera straps or obstructions: Appear as vortexes of light.
- Dust on film negatives: Mimics glow orbs but lack the digital glow.
Conclusion
While many orbs result from camera mechanics and environmental factors, some may reflect genuine spiritual phenomena. Understanding the science behind orbs allows for a more discerning approach to these intriguing occurrences.
