St James School Ghost Expedition 2016/ Washington County/ Hagerstown MD: ENHANCED IMAGE of Possible Shadow Form at Claggett Hall [3rd FL] [Part 1 of 2]

Image analysis of infrared photo taken on the 3rd floor of Claggett Hall, St James School, Hagerstown MD. The floor at one time reportedly served as a infant nursery and apparitions of children have been reported there.

The image was forensically analyzed after a commentator in social media noted an anomaly at the end of the hall. The photo was enhanced using video forensics software through a combination of back-lighting and equalization controls. Consequently a shadow (or shadow form) more visibly appears in frame. The source of the shadow is unknown and will be further investigated in other photos. The original photo is shown along with the post-enhanced image.

Reflective of low-light conditions, image data for the original photo revealed a long exposure time (1/30), a high-level of light sensitivity (ISO-1200) and a large aperture (f/2). Collectively this increases potential for image distortion especially for objects in the background. The long exposure carries a greater potential for motion blur. Higher light sensitivity added greater graininess and noise to the image. The high aperture makes the objects in the foreground clear while blurring the focus on objects in the distance.



Apparitions are a very rare phenomenon in imagery. The shadow form did not appear in a subsequent photo taken in the same minute. Image forensics have clarified there was a form in the background, but cannot discern the source of that form. There is a stairwell at the end of the hall. Due to overall conditions we also cannot discount the possibility the shadow form was an investigation participant in motion, perhaps proceeding downstairs. The camera used was a SONY Digital Still Camera (Model DSC-F828).

NOTE: Click on the images to enlarge them and to better view the above reported detail. Recommend viewing on a smartphone.

