Standards and Protocols

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.
• Follow the IGHS Lunar cycles for conducing investigations for best results.