Click to view high- resolution version of this graphic. Exposure Ghosts A common source of ghostly images on film is a camera set on long exposure. Photographers often let the shutter stay open for lengthy periods, especially in low light conditions. Stationary objects will come out fine, but anything in motion is apt to come out looking pretty bizarre. This photo, taken in Egypt in 1983, is a good example. The photographer was at first mystified by the immaterial figure, with defined legs and feet and a translucent upper body. Then he remembered that he shot the picture on a 10 to 20 second exposure, and that his driver was fond of posing in all his pictures. The driver had walked out when he heard the shutter open. Since the light level was stronger near the ground, the lower part of his body had more of an opportunity to register. Thousands of ghost photos have undoubtedly been hoaxed in this way. Deliberate pranksters aside, the long exposure has caused a lot of unwitting shutterbugs to believe they have taken a real ghost picture -- especially amateurs who don't understand how to set an exposure time. NEXT: Trapped by the Strap. Ghosts on Film: Main Index Text © Copyright 1997-1999 ParaScope, Inc. Enigma: Ghosts & Visions The ParaStore: Books, Videos, Zines & More Paranormal message board: Share your views