Post by Darren on Aug 9, 2010 13:59:34 GMT 10
It is often suggested that orbs which appear to be behind another object in the picture must be paranormal. However there are often more plausible explanations for this.
Firstly because the particulate matter is close to the lens and out of focus (creating a circle of confusion) it takes on a transparent quality where an object behind which is in focus may be seen. This is especially true if the object contrasts greatly in brightness or colour. The in focus (distant) object's clarity simply overwhelms the fainter "orb" making it appear to be behind. In many cases close examination will reveal the orb is still there, sitting in front while in others the part of the orb which overlaps is drowned out completely.
Quite often images are adjusted (sharpened, brightened etc...) by less seasoned paranormal investigators in attempt to show detail in orbs, however this often removes all trace of the overlap which proves the orb is actually in front of the object. You may then see this presented as a "truly paranormal orb". This is one reason why serious paranormal investigators will insist on seeing the original unaltered pic before jumping to conclusions. More seasoned investigators will be familiar with maintaining continuity of evidence in which each step of analysis can be proven and recreated.
Also see:
www.assap.org/newsite/htmlfiles/Orbs%20behind.html
www.assap.org/newsite/htmlfiles/Orbs%20reasons%20to%20believe.html#Behind
Depending on the specific camera and lens it is also possible to alter the depth of field so that you have an area close to the camera and area a certain distance away in which any objects will be unable to be in focus. This essentially creates a range in which all objects are in focus and anything closer or further will be out of focus. In this way a foreground object could be in perfect focus and a point of light further away becomes a circle of confusion. So a tree branch could appear in the foreground and more distant light source appears as an "orb" behind the branch. More on depth of field, examples and how to calculate the near/far limits of focus can be found at these links:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_field
www.dptips-central.com/depth-of-field.html
toothwalker.org/optics/dof.html
www.dpreview.com/learn/?/key=depth+of+field (includes calculator)
www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm (includes calculator)
www.conent.com/ConAdv/Encyclopaedia/Photography/CNQ_CAPhotography001.asp
www.assap.org/newsite/htmlfiles/Orbs%20not%20dust.html
The actual shape of the camera aperture can contribute to making a "half orb". If this was to occur at a specific area of an image it could create the appearance that the orb is behind an object. See the thread concerning orb shapes and try the online iris simulator to create a single blade diaphragm.
Firstly because the particulate matter is close to the lens and out of focus (creating a circle of confusion) it takes on a transparent quality where an object behind which is in focus may be seen. This is especially true if the object contrasts greatly in brightness or colour. The in focus (distant) object's clarity simply overwhelms the fainter "orb" making it appear to be behind. In many cases close examination will reveal the orb is still there, sitting in front while in others the part of the orb which overlaps is drowned out completely.
Quite often images are adjusted (sharpened, brightened etc...) by less seasoned paranormal investigators in attempt to show detail in orbs, however this often removes all trace of the overlap which proves the orb is actually in front of the object. You may then see this presented as a "truly paranormal orb". This is one reason why serious paranormal investigators will insist on seeing the original unaltered pic before jumping to conclusions. More seasoned investigators will be familiar with maintaining continuity of evidence in which each step of analysis can be proven and recreated.
Also see:
www.assap.org/newsite/htmlfiles/Orbs%20behind.html
www.assap.org/newsite/htmlfiles/Orbs%20reasons%20to%20believe.html#Behind
Depending on the specific camera and lens it is also possible to alter the depth of field so that you have an area close to the camera and area a certain distance away in which any objects will be unable to be in focus. This essentially creates a range in which all objects are in focus and anything closer or further will be out of focus. In this way a foreground object could be in perfect focus and a point of light further away becomes a circle of confusion. So a tree branch could appear in the foreground and more distant light source appears as an "orb" behind the branch. More on depth of field, examples and how to calculate the near/far limits of focus can be found at these links:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_field
www.dptips-central.com/depth-of-field.html
toothwalker.org/optics/dof.html
www.dpreview.com/learn/?/key=depth+of+field (includes calculator)
www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm (includes calculator)
www.conent.com/ConAdv/Encyclopaedia/Photography/CNQ_CAPhotography001.asp
www.assap.org/newsite/htmlfiles/Orbs%20not%20dust.html
The actual shape of the camera aperture can contribute to making a "half orb". If this was to occur at a specific area of an image it could create the appearance that the orb is behind an object. See the thread concerning orb shapes and try the online iris simulator to create a single blade diaphragm.