GHOST HUNTING LIGHTS

Set The Atmosphere With The Right Lighting

While ghost hunting, you might be prepared to stumble around in the dark. But it can really help to have some clever lighting on hand - whether a torch or a headlamp - to light up the space or capture ghosts on film (and keep your fears at bay!).

We're going to discuss some of the best lighting to use when off on your next paranormal adventure so you get just enough light to capture spooky evidence without ruining the atmosphere in the room.

Types of Ghost Hunting Lights

The lighting solutions used for ghost hunting are different from your standard ceiling lights. If you turn on bright overhead lights, you might completely ruin the right atmosphere needed to capture a ghost on film.

Here are some of the different lights used when ghost hunting.

Full-spectrum light

If you don't have a full-spectrum camera, then getting this light attachment can really transform your shots. Full-spectrum light covers (you guessed it) the full spectrum of visible light, including infrared and ultraviolet light.

Historically, infrared light was the star performer to illuminate ghostly activities. But with a modern switch to full spectrum lights, paranormal investigators realised they're able to capture more of the unseen.

It helps you capture images not visible to your eyes, and works best when used with a full spectrum camera.

Infrared light

Forget spotlights to illuminate outside - infrared lighting can be used inside or outside to help you capture ghouls and entities on camera. Since you can't see this light with the naked eye, you need a night vision camera or full spectrum camera to pick up the light.

How does it work?

Paranormal investigators believe that spirits emit infrared radiation, which is lit up by these light wavelengths, allowing you to spot them on the cameras mentioned above.

Red light

If you want ambient lighting that will transform your ghost hunting videos into something otherworldly, consider using a red light to film with.

It's not just about creating a creepy vibe in the room... paranormal experts believe that red is a demonic colour, and can enhance your ghost-communicating experience if you're trying to reach out to dark entities.

Green light

Ever notice how green light fittings seem to never attract any bugs (which is why so many people have green uplighting as garden lights)?

Ghost hunters noticed this too, which is why green light has become increasingly popular to use in outdoor ghost hunts.

When filming a haunted location, the last thing you want is midges flying into the camera repeatedly. Not only is it annoying, but it can also influence your footage.

Green lights also give a really creepy aesthetic and a night vision effect without having to use a real night vision camera.

UV light

You can't go wrong with having a UV light on hand, even if it is just a small torch.

Experts believe that some spirits prefer to only show themselves in the ultraviolet (UV) light spectrum. UV light has been widely used in forensics as it can show the presence of organic matter. And although ghosts aren't exactly organic, they seem to favour this light wave (and paranormal investigators are still trying to figure out why!).

It's thought that when a UV light is shined on something, it creates a higher contrast image, allowing us to see objects that would be invisible in ordinary light.

Regular cameras won't show this light, so you'll need a full spectrum camera to use alongside it

Night-vision light

Night vision lights use infrared wavelengths and are a key part of night vision and infrared cameras. So, just to recap, this light wave can be used to find objects emitting infrared radiation, allowing you to see objects not normally visible to the eye.

LED lights

LEDs have no special ghostly applications. These lights are simply handy to have on hand to brighten a dark space.

SpiritShack offers LED headlamps and camera lights that are portable and easy to use, making them a key part of your ghost hunting kit.

LED bulbs are bright and perfect to use with any camera equipment - even your cell phone! See where you're going and capture great footage while exploring dark and spooky buildings.

How To Use Lighting While Ghost Hunting

The right lighting to use will depend on your ghost hunting camera, where you're filming, and what you're hoping to capture.

Choosing the right light and camera

You need to be sure that your camera and lighting will work together. For example, a full-spectrum light will require a full-spectrum camera to capture hidden entities.

You also need to consider where you're going on your ghostly adventure. Green light is great for the outdoors, while red light is perfect when trying to communicate with spirits.

Effectively using the light

You don't want to create a space brighter than the sun! Avoid overlighting your investigation as you might miss some evidence. Use just enough light to see by and capture images, but don't disturb the darkness too much as spirits prefer natural darkness (in most cases).

Directional lighting is great to help you navigate a dark building. It will allow you to see without lighting up the entire space.

Improving your footage

Coloured lights, like red or green, can create an eerie atmosphere in your shots, making your footage much more scary-looking.

You can also play around with UV light to create high-contrast images and reveal hidden details.

Experiment with different lights

You won't know what the best light setup is for you unless you play around a bit. Borrow lights and equipment from fellow investigators to see what works for you.

If you do happen to capture something spooky, remember to document the lighting and camera you used so you can start spotting patterns between lights and paranormal activity.

Practical lighting tips

• Always check the battery life of your lighting and ensure the batteries are fully charged before your ghost hunt. It's also a good idea to keep a power bank on hand. You don't want to be stuck in the dark!

• Having a torch is handy, but hands-free lighting solutions are a much better option when ghost hunting. A headtorch or light that clips onto your camera rig will allow you to focus on using your photography equipment without struggling to hold on to a light, too.

• Play around with different lighting angles. Shadows can add a lot of depth, creating a much scarier setting for your videos.

Conclusion

Lighting will completely transform your ghost hunting experience. It allows you to see the unseen, create a spooky atmosphere, and see inside abandoned buildings.

Using lamps and lights is as much about capturing evidence as it is about ensuring your safety in dark places.

Just make sure you have the correct camera to go with your chosen ghost light so you can finally catch a spirit on film.