#image forensics

Forensic Image Analysis of Physical Mediumship Involving Ectoplasm,  Hamilton Family Fonds, University of Manitoba

Forensic analysis of image titled "Album#40, "Dog-Face" Teleplasm (Detached Photograph)" taken from the Hamilton Family Fonds.  The original images are on the left with the enhanced images on the right.

The enhanced images were obtained through backlighting, histogram, negative image and edge-detection controls. The medium in this session was Mary Ann Marshall who is seated next to her sister Susan Marshall.  

Early psychical researchers exposed many alleged instances of ectoplasmic materialization as fraudulent demonstrating that substances in question were fundamentally composed of various textile products.

The forensic image analysis here attempts to illuminate what mechanisms might have been employed to create the illusion of a paranormal experience.

The backlight enhanced image reveals a partial exposure of Susan facing the camera and is indicative of earlier motion on her part

There are two rectangular objects resembling pads in an arc of motion blur moving away from the medium; one of which appears attached to a string or wire 

There is a partial exposure of an object faintly resembling the contours of the alleged ectoplasm also in an arc of motion blur

A thin object (possibly an elastic band or flying insect) appears to be arcing away from the medium. This is easier to see in the edge-detection enhanced image

The seances in Dr. T.G. Hamilton's home in Winnipeg were held in completely darkened conditions. 

The picture contains several artifacts and imperfections probably resulting from handling over the years. Imagery data in connection with the photograph (camera model, exposure, shutter speed, aperture) is unknown. However it would appear that long-exposures were involved in making the photograph.

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

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Forensic Image Analysis of Physical Mediumship Involving Table Levitation: Hamilton Family Fonds, University of Manitoba

Forensic analysis of image titled "Oct. 26, 1927. Levitation and partialinversion [sic]," taken from the Hamilton Family Fonds.  The original images are on the left with the enhanced images on the right.

The forensic image analysis here attempts to illuminate what mechanisms might have been employed to create the illusion of a paranormal experience.

The enhanced images were obtained through backlighting, negative image and edge-detection controls 

The image negative very clearly shows a wire attached to the ball of the uppermost leg of the table.  The wire runs from the table leg into the back wall of the medium booth

Edge detection reveals airborne debris above the medium booth which is indicative of a substantial force impact from below. The effect is less visible in the normal exposure where it is against a light background

The seances in Dr. T.G. Hamilton's home in Winnipeg were held in completely darkened conditions.  

The medium in this session was Elizabeth Poole.  Dr T.G. Hamilton is seated in the foreground.  Imagery data in connection with the photograph (camera model, exposure, shutter speed, aperture) is unknown.  However it would appear that short-exposures were involved in making the photograph.

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

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