- Notebook & pen/pencil
- Watch
- Flashlight – with extra batteries
- Remember to bring spare batteries for everything! Spirit activity can often cause batteries to be drained or run down very fast as they use the energy to manifest.
- Camera (digital or 35mm) with plenty of memory and/or film
- Make sure to remove the camera strap or wear it around your neck. Too many times camera straps have been mistaken for ghostly photos. Also, make sure long hair is pulled back, and all fingers are away from the camera lens.
- In cold weather, hold your breath while taking a photo to avoid photos with mist or apparitions that are nothing more than breath in cold air.
- Do not take photos while walking or driving along a dirt road or path. This can lead to photos of dust particles and not orbs.
- Avoid taking photos in rain and fog. It’s even a good idea to keep track of the pollen counts in spring and summer and avoid photos when the count is high.
- Do not take photographs with the camera pointing directly at the sun. This can create "sun dogs" (hexagon shapes) that are sometimes mistaken for orbs.
- Don't take photos of reflective surfaces such as mirrors, glass windows still pools of water and even stone (gravestones) when wet.
- Take multiple shots of the same spot to compare the differences.
- Talk to the spirits you are trying to investigate, ask them permission to take their picture. Let them know mean no disrespect or harm.
- Digital Audio Recorder -- for recording EVP’s or Electronic Voice Phenomenon
- Start your session my recording the date, time and particular spot you are investigating within the location. The team members present and any noise interference.
- Start by asking “is anyone who would like to communicate” explain what you are trying to do. Remember some of the entities you may encounter died long before voice recorders.
- Ask simple questions. What is your name? Are you male? How old are you? And give them time to respond. Don’t rapid fire your questions.
- Note any ack ground noise throughout your EVP session, such as barking dogs, airplanes over head, a dropped items and even talking by a team member.
- Note any audible voices or noises
- Remember to never whisper during a session as it could be mistaken for a disembodied voice.
- Be courteous! It is best to not use provoking methods unless absolutely necessary.
- It is best to set your recorder down on a hard stable surface this avoids picking up the sounds of movement.
- You can also use your recorder to document investigation location details and witness interviews.
A list of the equipment Tracy Paranormal uses during investigations. For more in-depth information about the "tools of the trade" visit our page Equipment Explained.