Examining + Debunking "Orb" Photos

Photos depicting "orbs" have become increasingly common and popular. They seem to have become a major talking point and commonly used as "evidence" of hauntings. While it is important to note that SOME photos featuring orbs may be legitimate, it is clear that the preponderance of these images are in fact, able to be logically explained and are not connected to anything paranormal. 

It is also crucial to note that orbs didnt start showing up so frequently until the popularization of digital cameras, specifically in paranormal research. Because of the way light reflects and the way the cameras flash feature works, it is very common for dust, pollen,dirt and bugs to appear to glow or become transparent when they show up on camera. The things listed above are almost always the cause of "orbs."

To drive this point even further, Id like to refer to a section of an article, superbly written by Troy Taylor:


>"With three other researchers, I went out to a cemetery that we picked at random on a warm summer night and took several rolls of film. We had no readings, stories, or reports to justify the decision, but we took the photos anyway. After having them developed,we discovered a number of the photos were filled with semi-transparent "orbs". 

On a hunch, we then went to a nearby football field that was roughly the same size as the cemetery we had already visited. We walked around for a few minutes and again shot a few rolls of film. I was unfortunately not surprised to find that these photos were also filled with orbs. Was the football field haunted? Of course not!

What we did was walk around both areas and stir up dust and pollen from the grass. When we took the photos, these particles in the air caught the reflection of the camera flash and appeared to be "orbs." We also discovered that such photos could be taken after walking or driving on a dusty road. The dust particles would reflect the light, just as moisture can do, and make it seem as though the air was filled with "orbs"."<
( Taylor, Troy. "Orbs Debunked!" Orbs Debunked! N.p., 2008. Web. 21 Aug. 2016. )

> What to look for in a more authentic orb photo:

1. Bright orbs are more likely to be authentic
2. Faded orbs are less authentic (most likely dust)
3. Multiple orbs are usually because of dust or bugs
4. Orbs that are bright / seem to be vibrating are more authentic
5. Slight trails / tails at end of orbs are more authentic

Taking photos in a paranormal investigation are best done without digital cameras and BEST done WITH, a 35mm camera. These are far less likely to pick up "dust motes." <
(Eaton, James W. "The Truth about Orbs!" The Truth about Orbs! N.p., 2001. Web. 21 Aug. 2016.)

Because of the amount of exposure that "orbs" have gotten, unfortunately, many people are misinformed and think every particle picked up on their cameras is a spirit. Remember to stay open minded, keep a logical eye and always try to debunk before you shout spirit!