Nyack Paranormal Investigations is the first to introduce digital stereo (3D) photography into the field of paranormal research.  We have developed proprietary equipment in both standard and Infrared applications.  August 15, 2009 marked the beginning of our research as we utilized the system at a public investigation.

The basic concept for producing 3D images is simple.  We see in 3D because we have two eyes.  The brain combines these two separate images captured by your eyes and interprets them as a single image with depth perception.  We also capture two images simultaneously with a camera or cameras to produce this effect. The finished images can be viewed in the anaglyph format (red/blue glasses) or as a stereo pair for visual analysis for the simplist methods. We can shoot short videos also.

There are several advantages to this system:

Capturing two images at exactly the same moment provides redundancy.  It will help confirm or rule out anomalies that occur within the field of view. If it appears in both pictures you may be able to rule out, for instance, lens artifacts or a camera malfunction.  Also, a reflection or pattern that may be matrixed into a possible paranormal ‘hit’ can look different from the slightly different angles that the images are captured from, thereby ruling it out.

A stereo image can help assess how far from the camera objects appear. Here is where this system will disprove ‘orbs’.  Since two images are captured with a small separation between, any object, such as a piece of dust floating by within a few inches of the camera rig, will only be captured in one image, not both. Any object appearing orb like can be assessed for distance and should be within an inch or two of the lens; the hot area for the flash or IR illuminator.  

If an object is captured further away, it would appear to be at the same distance as lets say, a chair sitting in a room.  In theory then, you can rule in whether an anomaly that is actually present in the room is not an artifact, dust, moisture or an insect.

This system will also be useful in researching paranormal imprinting; anomaly written directly to the camera’s memory.  Just like the EVP theory that sounds are imprinted on electronic media or magnetic tape. A clear image may appear in one camera but not the other.  Without the advantage of simultaneous image capture, you may consider the single image as proof that there was something physically in the room with you. If it were actually there, it would be in both images.  We have no evidence thus far that imprinting is a natural occurence.

More recently digital stereo cameras have come out on the market.  You only need to search the web to find offerings from several manufacturers. Although a dual camera system offers advantages as stated above, a single dual lens camera offers convenience and more portability.  We have tested a few and they all do produce 3D images and rule out orbs, but some are better than others. They also have the ability to display pictures on a 3D TV and several different formats. Many are inexpensive and worthy of experiementation or possible conversion to IR or full spectrum. We routinely use the Fujifilm W3 to document the locations we visit. We have found the less expensive ones do have some limitations. 3D photography is gaining interest and more devices will be available; there is even a 3D camera phone.

We will continue our research over the next few years by compiling images.
We will also ask for independent analysis of the more interesting photos as we collect them. 

Example 1

3D anaglyph

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The 3D image shows an anomaly in the center of the picture that looks very close to the camera when viewed with 3D glasses.  When you view the individual pictures from the pairs you see it in only the right image.  There is also a spot in the left image that is not in the right. This rules out the spots being orbs floating there in the hallway. It is most likely dust a couple of inches in front of the right camera only.  (Picture taken in third floor hallway with 3D camera rig with synchronized camera shutters and a flash)

3D anaglyph

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3D anaglyph

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3D anaglyph

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3D anaglyph

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3D anaglyph

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