As presented by Troy Taylor, Author of the GHOST HUNTER'S GUIDEBOOK and President of the American Ghost Society.Click here for more information about the Essential Guide to Ghost Research!
For a more complete look at ghost investigations, and a step-by-step to conducting your own, see the GHOST HUNTER'S GUIDEBOOK from the American Ghost Society.
Once you know what to take with you and where to go, let me give you a few hints that might help you out when you get to the haunted spot.
1. Never Trespass on private property This rule is especially true at private residences and always be careful around vandalized cemeteries that are closed at night. Many of these places are posted, so always get permission first.
2. Never go alone Forget about the chances of being murdered, abducted, or getting lost, it is always a good idea to take someone on an investigation with you. Another person, or preferably more than one, will most likely see something that you may not. It is always good to have independent corroboration of a site.
3. Keep your perceptions clear If you are going on a long, or overnight, investigation, bring along something to eat and drink. Try to avoid anything that might have a strong odor or could impair your senses like alcohol. You will also want to avoid smoking as this can interfere with your sense of smell and your photography.
4. Let someone know where you are going It is common sense to leave word with someone as to the investigation site....but be careful who you tell, you just might have a friend who likes to play practical jokes.
5. Always do research first...Before you investigate a site, try to find out as much about it as you can. Go to the library and check out the history of the place. Ask around and see if anyone knows any old stories about the place. You might surprised to find the cause of the haunting is part of the location's history or linked to a former owner.
6. Arrive with skepticism While you should maintain an open mind, remember that the place may not be haunted. Always do your homework first and know what to look for to see if the place has ghosts or natural explanations.
7. False Readings Be careful that you learn to use your equipment properly before going to the investigation site. Always rule out all natural sources for EMF readings before you assume it is a ghost.
8. Proper use of your camera Use you camera with care and make sure that the mechanisms are clean and that there is no dust on the lens. Make sure that you don't fire a camera flash into a mirror or highly reflective object and that there is nothing protruding in front of the lens...like a finger. And for goodness sake, be sure of where your camera strap is at all times! I make it a rule with any researchers that l investigate with....if your camera strap does not go around your neck, then remove it prior to the investigation. Researchers that come to an investigation with loose wrist straps on their cameras are not allowed to participate!
9. Witnesses... Make sure that the witness at the location, if there is one, is comfortable with the situation and understands what you are doing in your investigation. Make sure they understand the equipment and why you are taking some many photos..etc. You may run into a situation where a natural cause can be found for the "haunting" (banging water pipe, the wind, or whatever) and you have to be careful how you explain this to the witness.
Some of them will be relieved that they don't have ghosts but if it is not handled right, some could feel that you think they were lying in the first place. Always explain the reasons why you think the activity has a normal cause, and if possible, demonstrate this fact for them. On rare occasions, you will meet a witness who is actually lying, or at least imagines what they are telling you is the truth. This is also a situation that must be handled carefully and I suggest following the same procedures and explaining why you feel the haunting has a natural cause.
10. After the Investigation - Remember that you may not turn up anything in your investigation. It does not mean the location is not haunted. If you have tracked down any natural sources for reported phenomena and ruled them out, then perhaps the ghost was not active during your visit. This is the reason why follow-up calls and repeat visits are important If you have managed to build a good relationship with a witness, then they will not mind hearing from you again. Be sure they are willing to call if anything else happens.
It is also important that you keep a log or write a report about each investigation, even if it has a natural cause. The report should give a detailed account and have input about everything that you did.
From: Ghosts of the Prairie