1. When you want to go ghost hunting, don’t go alone.  Take a friend or two to help and also be extra eyes and ears to validate if something does manifest.  Tell someone where you are going.  Bring your ID.
  2. Start researching a readily accessible location.  Don’t trespass.  Find out what activity has been reported and the possible entities involved.  If you are going to do any EVP sessions you will be able to ask intelligent and direct questions.  For a large area, your research can point you to a more specific location.
  3. Once you have decided on a place, check it out during the day and get a feeling for the area.  Pinpoint the spot(s) you want to investigate and look for any places that could be a problem.  Draw a map with hazards, walkways/roads, and the sites you are interested in that could be potential hot spots.
  4. Be prepared. You don’t need a lot of equipment to hunt ghosts.  A point-and-shoot camera is just as good as a DSLR.  Just make sure any equipment you bring is fully charged and that you have extra batteries.  It has been said that ghosts have the ability to drain fully charged devices.  Make sure that your date/time settings are correct and adjust them if necessary.  Dress appropriately for the weather and the area.  Wear good walking shoes, tie your long hair back, and bring flashlights.
  5. Say a prayer of protection and guidance before you start.  With varying religious beliefs you can meditate or think of something positive.  Whatever is most comfortable for you.
  6. Don’t just charge in and start taking pictures and running around hoping a ghost will show up.  That’s like entering a strangers’ house and having a party.  They won’t like you disrupting their home and would rather you leave.  The spirits were once people too and will probably react the same way.  Start your investigation calmly and with a clear mind.
  7. Talk to the spirits like they are living people.  It’s probably been quite a while since anyone spoke to them and they’re anxious to hear what you have to say.  Introduce yourself and ask permission to take pictures and be on their property.  Invite them to be in your photos.  If they respond in any way to requests, thank them.  When you leave, thank them for having you.
  8. Follow your instincts when taking photos.  If you feel you need to take a picture in a certain direction, take it.  Take pictures behind you over your shoulder.  Take lots of photos.  The more pictures you take the better chance you will have catching an anomaly.
  9. Before you leave, gather your group and say another prayer, out loud, that nothing follow you home and the spirits stay at their own location.
  10. Always leave the location as you found it.

These paranormal investigation tips and tricks provided by Joanne Schiavoni, Paranormal Research & Investigation Society of Manitoba (P.R.I.S.M.)