When it comes to the paranormal world, for every “real” picture of a ghost, there are probably thousands of fakes. I’d personally like that ratio to be reversed, but that’s just the way it is. These days, a good ghost photo can actually make it pretty far on the Internet before someone proves that it’s a fake.
Not all fakes are created equal though — some are much more convincing than others. Take these 21 ghost photos, for example. They’re pretty convincing (as long as you don’t look at them too hard).
1. A clear double exposure.
2. This clever guy set his camera for a long exposure and ran in and out of the frame.
3. It looks pretty spooky, but it’s likely just a camera strap.
4. The three dots of light on this photo indicate that the film was expired when it was used.
5. This bright squiggle wasn’t seen on the negative, which means it was manually added after the film was already developed.
6. All the way at the back, you can see what looks like a ghost floating over a gravestone. In actuality, the light’s just playing tricks on us.
7. Orbs do not necessarily indicate ghosts. They’re simply the result of using your camera’s flash in low light conditions.
8. Sometimes though, the orbs can actually be bugs.
9. You also have photos that, while terrifying, are clearly Photoshopped.
10. Another double exposure…and a creepy one at that.
11. Thanks to modern technology, there are now apps that let you add ghosts to your pictures.
12. No ghost here, just an extra long exposure of a burning candle.
13. The ghost boy here just moved while the photo was being taken.
14. Thank you, Photoshop.
15. This supposed picture of the Hampton Court Ghost might look convincing, but is clearly fake. If you look closely, you can see that the ghost is wearing sneakers.
16. There’s a little too much detail on this ghost for it to be real.
17. Probably a reflection of the light.
18. If this one isn’t a double exposure, I’ll eat my hat.
19. This debris in the window makes it look like a ghost is watching.
20. This one seems to be another Photoshop job.
21. Likely the result of someone taking a long-exposure shot.
(via: Ghost Research)
While it’s very tempting to proclaim that all of these photos are proof of ghosts and the afterlife, it goes against the laws of reason to do so. Still, it’s nice to indulge in a little spooky fantasy every now and then. Who knows, maybe the next ghost photo you take will turn out to be the real thing.