How to Photograph the Paranormal by Leonore Sweet
How to Photograph the Paranormal by Leonore Sweet, Ph.D. may surprise you.
In 2004, I wasn’t expecting much when I picked up this book. After many years as a ghost researcher, I’m accustomed to “experts” who wave mail-order credentials and want to make a big deal out of pollen, camera straps, reflections, and so on.
However, I was astonished when I read this thoughtful exploration of photographic evidence for paranormal phenomena.
If you want to learn how cameras work, Sweet only briefly discusses the mechanics of photography. (That was smart, since photographic tools, materials and techniques change rapidly.)
Instead, her book focuses on the myriad issues related to orbs, rods, and other visual anomalies in photos.
In this almost ‘whodunnit’ narrative, Dr. Sweet begins by explaining what started her search: In 2001, Dr. Sweet–hoping for photographic evidence of animals’ souls–took photos of a a beloved family pet as she left this world. Some of the photos revealed startling images that could not be explained.
In “How to Photograph the Paranormal,” we follow Dr. Sweet’s explorations of every possible answer for those early photos and many similar pictures that were part of her studies.
(For that reason, avoid this book if photos of dead or dying pets trouble you.)
New and experienced ghost hunters will enjoy Dr. Sweet’s well-illustrated chapter offering “Orb Hunting Tips.” In another chapter, she charts her extensive comparisons of ball lightning, earth lights, ghost lights, will-o’-the-wisps, UFOs, and orbs.
Throughout this book, Dr. Sweet continues to explore vortexes, ectoplasm, shadow ghosts, and even anomalies related to crop circles. She also digs deeply into traditional and New Age spirituality, looking for references to–and explanations of–the lights and other images that reveal themselves in paranormal photos.
No two researchers are likely to agree on the causes (or spiritual implications) of photographic anomalies. Many of my views and research techniques differ from Dr. Sweet’s.
However, her book explores a wide range of opinions, and she carefully documents the many considerations that led to her conclusions.
Although this was clearly a personal journey for Dr. Sweet, her many references, quotations, and endnotes are valuable for anyone actively studying paranormal photography.
In 2004, I recommended this book for anyone who takes angels, interdimensional beings, or even “ghost photos” seriously.
Today, some of the photographic information is a little dated. Digital photography has made significant advances. We also have new, normal explanations for many anomalies in film photography.
However, if you are involved with ghost research. Dr. Sweet’s “How to Photograph the Paranormal” still provides useful insights to the many possible answers for questions raised by paranormal photographs.
Rating: 
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Sounds a really interesting book and one I would love to read
I’m an amateur photographer who has an interest in the paranormal so this would be an ideal read for me. Thanks for the review 
This is one of those quirky books that’s easy to overlook. I was very impressed with the various possibilities she considered in her research. The focus jarred me a little, but the information in the book makes it well worth reading.
i was just wondering if any of you guys have a first hand experience about Paranormal in real life.;;;
Jack: You’re joking, right…?