Orbs

[NicoleScraps]

So my husband's friend writes fictional/sci-fi-ish type novels. He is doing some research for his next book and he started asking me questions about photos. He is trying to find out about orbs in photos and whether it is possible to positively duplicate an orb in a photo or if they are in fact a supernatural occurance (according to some people, the orbs are supposed to be ghosts captured on film).
I did a ton of googling and reading on the subject and honest to goodness, almost all the photos look like they need a good microfiber cloth to wipe off the lens. I have in fact accidentally created an "orb" or multiple orbs many times, lens flare, snow+flash, wind blowing dust around, etc.
So anyways.....his question to me was specifically "can you positively replicate an orb in a photo and how?"
I said yes. I said that any dirt/dust/moisture in the air in front of the lens added with flash will create an orb. I also said that even the smallest speck of dust on the lens or sensor can produce an orb if the light hits it just right.
Is that correct information? I have no comment on the supernatural aspect...to each is his own, right?

[ravncat]

Dust or snow in the air, shallow depth of field + flash - thick dust on the lens can do it... happens in dustier environs more often than not.

[Biomech]

Absolutely, that's not to say that all orbs are reflections of course, but the majority are. You often find "orbs" in basements and other dusty places. Rain is a killer for it if you have the flash on

http://www.gadgetmuseum.net/images/rain-stars22.jpg

[RLucas]

I personally believe they actually exist. (Have seen too much weird stuff to discount it), but yes I think the majority of them seen on tv and the net, in my opinion, are fakes. Filters, dust, reflections, and other things that cause light to refract make it very simple to duplicate.

[FitzTML]

About 5 years ago I went on a Ghost Tour of Chicago. There was a heavy mist in the air and I got a ton of orbs in photographs. Now others on the tour were getting nothing in their pictures and I lent my camera (a Canon P&S) to a friend and they didn’t get any orbs.

I have heard that dust/particles in the air can produce orbs. I also heard that using flash will bring out the orbs. Last I also read that having the flash closer to the lens (like on a point & shoot) will also influence the orbs appearing.

Another consideration is dander from bigfoot.

[faeriegodess612]

Originally Posted by RLucas

I personally believe they actually exist. (Have seen too much weird stuff to discount it), but yes I think the majority of them seen on tv and the net, in my opinion, are fakes. Filters, dust, reflections, and other things that cause light to refract make it very simple to duplicate.

+1

There's way too many ways to fake that. Flying insects can also give you really weird lil streaks. They look like flying worms.

[SwissJon]

I see dead people.. They're Everywhere..

(Sorry, couldn't resist!! )

[NgaiHill]

Originally Posted by FitzTML

Another consideration is dander from bigfoot.

Oh my yes! Its because they use the wrong shampoo

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

I see dead people.. They're Everywhere..

(Sorry, couldn't resist!! )

Funny...me too as well as stupid people!

[mad editor]

Originally Posted by RLucas

I personally believe they actually exist. (Have seen too much weird stuff to discount it), but yes I think the majority of them seen on tv and the net, in my opinion, are fakes. Filters, dust, reflections, and other things that cause light to refract make it very simple to duplicate.

I'm with you. I believe in the supernatural and do believe in orbs - but most are fakes, for sure.