If you’re interested in the supernatural and the paranormal, consider taking ghostly photos to capture evidence of spirits and ghosts. Phoenix, Arizona, is a city rich in history and folklore, making it an ideal location for ghostly photography. This article will share tips and recommendations for taking ghostly photos in Phoenix, including recommended equipment, techniques, editing software, locations, and ghost and true crime tours to make your trip around Phoenix as easy as possible.
A tour we think you'll love
Equipment for Ghost photography in Phoenix
Before you start taking ghostly photos, having the right equipment is essential. Here are some items you may want to consider:
-
Camera: A digital camera with manual controls is ideal for ghostly photography. You’ll want to be able to adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to capture the best possible images.
-
Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential for ghostly photography. You’ll need to keep the camera steady for long exposures, and a tripod will help eliminate camera shake.
-
Remote Shutter Release: A remote shutter release is helpful for ghostly photography because it allows you to take photos without touching the camera, which can cause a camera shake.
-
Flashlight: A flashlight can illuminate your subject or paint with light during long exposures.
Techniques for scary photos
Once you have your equipment, it’s time to start taking photos. Here are some techniques you can use to capture ghostly images:
-
Long Exposures: Long exposures are a popular technique for ghostly photography. Set your camera to manual mode and adjust the shutter speed to a few seconds or more to take a long exposure. This will allow the camera to capture more light and create a blurred effect, giving your photos an ethereal quality.
-
Light Painting: Light painting is another popular technique for ghostly photography. Set your camera to manual mode to light paint and take a long exposure. Then, use a flashlight or other light source to illuminate your subject or to create patterns in the air.
-
Multiple Exposures: Multiple exposures are a creative technique that can be used to create ghostly images. To take multiple exposure, take several photos of the same subject without moving the camera. Then, use photo editing software to combine the images into a single photo.
Editing Software
After you’ve taken your photos, you can edit them to enhance their ghostly qualities. Here are some recommended editing software options:
-
Adobe Photoshop: Adobe Photoshop is a powerful photo editing software that can enhance the colors and contrast in your photos and add special effects like mist and fog.
-
Lightroom: Lightroom is a photo editing software designed specifically for photographers. It includes tools for adjusting exposure, contrast, and color, as well as for removing noise and sharpening images.
-
GIMP: GIMP is a free, open-source photo editing software that can be used to adjust exposure, contrast, and color, as well as to add special effects like mist and fog.
Recommended Locations for taking ghostly photos in Phoenix
Now that you have the equipment and techniques for taking ghostly photos, it’s time to find some haunted locations in Phoenix. Also, check out our article on the most haunted parks and cemeteries in Phoenix for location ideas.
Here are some recommended locations to consider for photography spots:
-
Hotel San Carlos: The Hotel San Carlos is one of the most haunted locations in Phoenix. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of Leone Jensen, a woman who fell to her death from the roof in the 1920s.
-
Vulture Mine: The Vulture Mine is an abandoned gold mine outside Phoenix. It is said to be haunted by the ghosts of miners who died in accidents in the mine.
-
Old Gila County Jail and Sheriff’s Office: The jail was in operation from 1910 to 1981 and is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former inmates.
-
Pioneer Living History Museum: The Pioneer Living History Museum is a historic village in Phoenix that features buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions in some buildings, including the schoolhouse and the opera house.
-
Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza: Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza is a park in downtown Phoenix dedicated to former Arizona Governor Wesley Bolin. The park is also home to several war memorials and is said to be haunted by the ghosts of soldiers.
Recommended Ghost Tours
If you’re interested in learning more about the haunted history of Phoenix, you may want to consider taking a ghost tour, a great way to tick off many locations in one night. We’ll show you the best spots; if you ask nicely, we will take photos of you looking terrified!
Here are some recommended tours:
Murders & Mysteries True Crime Ghost Tour in Phoenix
This gripping tour takes you through the city’s most notorious crimes and unsolved mysteries, revealing the sinister history beneath the surface. Led by an expert guide, you’ll visit the sites of some of the city’s most infamous murders, haunted locations, and unsolved mysteries, including the site of the infamous trunk murder.
Haunted Phoenix Pub Crawl True Crime Ghost tour
Experience the haunted side of Phoenix on this spine-tingling Haunted Pub Tour. Explore the city’s most haunted pubs and bars, each with its own chilling tale of paranormal activity and ghostly apparitions. Led by an expert guide, you’ll visit a selection of Phoenix’s most historic and atmospheric bars, where you’ll hear spine-tingling tales of ghosts, murders, and unexplained phenomena. This three-hour tour is a must for anyone with an interest in the paranormal or Phoenix’s dark and mysterious history. Join us for a night you’ll never forget as we uncover the secrets that lie hidden in the shadows of Phoenix’s haunted pubs.
Haunted Tombstone and Bisbee Tour
Explore the historic towns of Tombstone and Bisbee like never before with Spirit of Arizona Tours’ Haunted Tombstone and Bisbee Tour. Led by an expert guide, you’ll delve into the darker side of these two iconic Arizona towns and hear spine-tingling tales of ghosts, hauntings, and paranormal activity. From the haunted halls of the Copper Queen Hotel to the site of the infamous O.K. Corral, this tour is a must for anyone with an interest in the paranormal or Arizona’s wild west history. This four-hour tour includes transportation and all entrance fees, making it the perfect way to experience the best of Arizona’s haunted history in one unforgettable trip. Join us for a journey into the unknown as we explore the secrets and mysteries of Tombstone and Bisbee.
Conclusion
Taking ghostly photos in Phoenix can be a fun and exciting way to explore the city’s haunted history. You can capture some truly spooky images with the right equipment, techniques, and editing software. And if you want to learn more about Phoenix’s haunted past, check out some recommended locations and ghost tours. Who knows, you may just capture evidence of a ghostly presence yourself!
Learn more of the best Instagram spots in Phoenix and Scottsdale in our alternative list of places to see!