Types of Manifestations

Apparition
Photo Credit: Sinister Coffee & Creamery Site

FULL BODY MANIFESTATION OR APPARITION

A full bodied manifestation, or apparition, is rare. These are images where the human or animal subject is recognizable and appears to the living. It could be full or partially formed (missing the lower portion of the body or legs, for example), and usually has some degree of transparency.

These kinds of manifestations include cases where an apparition is clear enough to be easily identified as a deceased friend or family member. 

When caught on film, full body manifestations are a valuable piece of evidence. They can appear in person, on film, both, or just one or the other. You may see the manifestation on video playback, and saw nothing at the time when you were there.

Full body manifestations can also look as real as any person - they can appear solid rather than transparent. There are reports of the manifestations interacting and holding conversations, then disappearing. Unusual odors and/or temperature changes are frequently present before, during, and after the sighting of an apparition.

Apparitions aren't limited to humans, either - apparitions of animals, cars, ships, trains, carriages, and more - have been reported. In essence, an apparition is something we see, that could be transparent, that appears and may suddenly disappear in front of us, and may walk through solid objects like doors or walls.

Ghostly Mist
Photo Credit: Flickr

ECTOPLASM, VAPOR, GHOSTLY MIST

A cloudy, vaporous mist or fog will usually display a swirl effect. It will appear several feet off the ground, and can linger, or travel quickly at will. It will be unaffected by any wind around it.

Ectoplasm has been caught on video and all types of cameras.

Ghostly mists are thought to be the souls or spirits of those who have passed from this life. It's also been speculated that the spirit becomes a ghostly mist before appearing as a full body apparition.

It's important to remember that there are also other potential explanations for this occurrence: exhaling too close to the camera lens in cold weather will show a mist on camera where there was none, for example.

Orb at St. Augustine Cemetery
Photo Credit: Kratzbear

ORBS, SPHERES, BALLS OF LIGHT

Orbs are the single most photographed anomalies caught on film as evidence of the paranormal by investigators.

However, some digital cameras can produce false orbs. Orbs are most impressive when captured on video with a trail, or the direction/flight pattern is varied or changes.

Some experts claim that up to 85% of orbs are created unintentionally by the circumstances, the weather, and other external factors at the time of the flash. As a result, many now discount orb evidence altogether. 

The only agreed-upon point about orbs: a true orb is a condensed ball of energy. It may be paranormal, or it may have an unexplainable origin, but it hasn't been proven to be a ghost or spirit.

It's important to note that catching orbs on camera has increased tenfold since digital photography gained popularity. Many are simply camera error, user error, or improper camera settings for conditions.