Preternatural Awareness

Standards and Protocols for Field Investigations

The IGHS has developed a set of standards and protocols for conducting field investigations based on experience and common sense. These standards and protocols establish a baseline to judge photos obtained by eliminating the common errors of most beginners. The IGHS Standards & Protocols provide guidelines that ensure professionalism by IGHS members. We encourage you to follow them and to so indicate when you send us your photos.

Ask the spirits of the dead for permission to take their photos.

No smoking tobacco products during an investigation.

No alcohol before, during or after an investigation if remaining on site.

No Ouija boards or seances during or after an investigation if on site.

Always conduct your investigations in a professional manner.

Respect posted property, ask permission and do not trespass.

Do not take photographs during adverse weather conditions.

Adverse weather conditions is rain, mist, fog, snow, windy/dusty conditions.

Do not take photos from moving vehicles on dusty roads.

Do not take photos while walking on dusty roads.

Remove all dust, spots, fingerprints from camera lens.

Remove or wear the camera strap so it does not hang loose.

Avoid shooting into the Sun for resulting lens flare.

Avoid shooting with flash at reflective or shinny surfaces.

Keep fingers away from the lens of the camera.

Keep long hair away from the lens of the camera.

Avoid shooting when foreign objects are floating near camera.

No running or horse play in cemeteries or historical sites.

Show reverence and respect in cemeteries, battlefields, etc.

Always use fresh audio tapes for EVP recordings.

Compare anomalous prints with negatives for confirmation.

Flash is only good for 9-12 feet from camera so focus on that range.

Positive Mental Attitude is very important for all investigations.

Skeptical minds will generate negative energy during an investigation.