I am discovering that many UFO pictures submitted by witnesses are definitely not pictures of flying saucers.
Depending on the camera you use and the time of day you take a picture, there are too many variables to cause a
blurry or out of focus picture.
I realize that a spur of the moment sighting, of a strange object in the sky, doesn't give you too much time to think
about camera angles, F-stops, depth of field or if you remembered to take the lens cover off your camera. We
investigators have to be ready to jump into action and take that once in a lifetime shot of a flying saucer.
Touching briefly on the investigators responsibility, we have to stress to the witness, not to edit or touch up a
picture. This should be left to the investigator or photo professional. I recently took three pictures of the moon with
my wife's digital camera. The first picture is a night time picture of the moon with no flash.
The second picture is of the moon with the flash. Now you can see the pollen in the air that is not visible to the
naked eye but it is visible with a flash.
The third picture is of the pollen in one of the many pictures I took that night with the flash activated. I cropped a
couple pollen orbs and created something very unusual and alien like. Many orbs reported in pictures that the witness
did not notice when they took the picture at night could be dust or pollen illuminated by the flash. This will lead
people to believe they captured a flying disc or something paranormal.
Today's modern technology has tried to make things easy for people to take pictures but it has taken away the fun of
setting up a great shot with a single lens reflex camera. You can easily set up an SLR camera to take shots of fast
moving objects. 400 speed film, filters, F-stops, wide angle and telephoto lens etc. I would rather try to take a shot
of a UFO streaking across the sky with a SLR camera. I think you would have a better chance of capturing something
recognizable. How could you do this with a digital camera? The screen would be useless and you would just have to
point the digital in the general direction of the object and pray for a good shot. A dirty lens or moisture could create
blurry pictures and fluorescent orbs in a picture but who really thinks to check their lens for debris.
Depending on the camera you use and the time of day you take a picture, there are too many variables to cause a
blurry or out of focus picture.
I realize that a spur of the moment sighting, of a strange object in the sky, doesn't give you too much time to think
about camera angles, F-stops, depth of field or if you remembered to take the lens cover off your camera. We
investigators have to be ready to jump into action and take that once in a lifetime shot of a flying saucer.
Touching briefly on the investigators responsibility, we have to stress to the witness, not to edit or touch up a
picture. This should be left to the investigator or photo professional. I recently took three pictures of the moon with
my wife's digital camera. The first picture is a night time picture of the moon with no flash.
The second picture is of the moon with the flash. Now you can see the pollen in the air that is not visible to the
naked eye but it is visible with a flash.
The third picture is of the pollen in one of the many pictures I took that night with the flash activated. I cropped a
couple pollen orbs and created something very unusual and alien like. Many orbs reported in pictures that the witness
did not notice when they took the picture at night could be dust or pollen illuminated by the flash. This will lead
people to believe they captured a flying disc or something paranormal.
Today's modern technology has tried to make things easy for people to take pictures but it has taken away the fun of
setting up a great shot with a single lens reflex camera. You can easily set up an SLR camera to take shots of fast
moving objects. 400 speed film, filters, F-stops, wide angle and telephoto lens etc. I would rather try to take a shot
of a UFO streaking across the sky with a SLR camera. I think you would have a better chance of capturing something
recognizable. How could you do this with a digital camera? The screen would be useless and you would just have to
point the digital in the general direction of the object and pray for a good shot. A dirty lens or moisture could create
blurry pictures and fluorescent orbs in a picture but who really thinks to check their lens for debris.
PHOTO ANALYSIS OF UFO PICTURES by Ken Pfeifer
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KEN PFEIFER is a Field
Investigator for the
Mutual UFO Network
(MUFON) of New Jersey
and a member of
Deployment Team for SIP
(STAR Impact Project)
through MUFON and
Bigelow Aerospace
Advanced Space Sciences.
Ken received an
honorable discharge after
16 years of service in the
U.S. Army National
Guard's 50th Armored
Division and the U.S. Air
Force's 514th Military
Airlift Wing. He is a
Desert Storm veteran,
private pilot, inventor,
UFO Hunter, stained glass
artist and founder of the
Christian society called
Heavens Rangers. He
does research and
submits articles for
MUFON's Filer Files.
Investigator for the
Mutual UFO Network
(MUFON) of New Jersey
and a member of
Deployment Team for SIP
(STAR Impact Project)
through MUFON and
Bigelow Aerospace
Advanced Space Sciences.
Ken received an
honorable discharge after
16 years of service in the
U.S. Army National
Guard's 50th Armored
Division and the U.S. Air
Force's 514th Military
Airlift Wing. He is a
Desert Storm veteran,
private pilot, inventor,
UFO Hunter, stained glass
artist and founder of the
Christian society called
Heavens Rangers. He
does research and
submits articles for
MUFON's Filer Files.
| Copyright © 2009 JFS |
These are the things an investigator has to think about.
Making sure his equipment is up to date and clean is the
first step.
We also have to inspect the camera the witness used for
the picture. If the witness’s camera lens has noticeable
moisture on his digital or SLR camera, this should nullify
the credibility of the picture. Any kind of moisture on a
lens will distort the picture.
Another thought, for the investigator, would be to look
into infra-red photography. It has been shown that infra-
red will pick up many things the eye cannot see. The only
problem is who has 10,000 dollars to spend on an Infra-
red camera. I am doing some research now about a
cheaper alternative to obtain the same results.
You can make your own Infra-red lens filter and install it
over your Digital, SLR and DSLR (digital single lens reflex)
camera and basically obtain the same effect. You would be
surprised what YouTube has to offer, on the internet, in
regards to photography. There is nothing you can't find
on the internet. Google is a very good source for
information too.
Making sure his equipment is up to date and clean is the
first step.
We also have to inspect the camera the witness used for
the picture. If the witness’s camera lens has noticeable
moisture on his digital or SLR camera, this should nullify
the credibility of the picture. Any kind of moisture on a
lens will distort the picture.
Another thought, for the investigator, would be to look
into infra-red photography. It has been shown that infra-
red will pick up many things the eye cannot see. The only
problem is who has 10,000 dollars to spend on an Infra-
red camera. I am doing some research now about a
cheaper alternative to obtain the same results.
You can make your own Infra-red lens filter and install it
over your Digital, SLR and DSLR (digital single lens reflex)
camera and basically obtain the same effect. You would be
surprised what YouTube has to offer, on the internet, in
regards to photography. There is nothing you can't find
on the internet. Google is a very good source for
information too.
Digital cameras are great but they have their drawbacks. When I take a shot with a SLR (single lens reflex) the picture
is taken immediately after I push the button. Why does it seem an eternity with a digital camera? You push the
button and you usually get something very different from what you wanted. Looking at a screen to take a picture is
very alien to me. I want to look through the lens to take my picture and not a screen. This is what you are actually
doing with an SLR camera. With a digital camera the screen is very hard to see at times, especially in sun light.
The #1 benefit of a digital camera is you can enlarge a good digital shot without much distortion. With millions of
pixels to work with, it is a leap in photographic technology. The convenience of carrying a small digital camera or
phone camera has given the general public quick access to being able to take a picture of anything in a manner of
seconds, but the overall quality of the shot is in question, especially if it is a fast moving object in the sky.
Most SLR cameras bought within the last 20 years have an “auto mode” and it alleviates trying to manually set up the
shot. Under the right circumstances a digital camera takes a much better picture than a Single Lens Reflex camera but
the problem is trying to take a picture of a fast moving object is another story.
Be sure to always read the camera manual after you buy any style of camera. The manual will give you suggestions on
how to take advantage of all the special features the camera has to offer.
Now, what about DSLR cameras? That’s Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras.
DSLR CAMERAS
The image quality is superior due to the larger size of image sensors in DLRS’s. This allows for larger pixel sizes.
DSLR’s are generally able to be used at a faster ISO (International Standards Organization) which will lead to faster
shutter speeds and less grain. This new technology is changing by the month. The DSLR’s also have the screens
like the digital cameras, but when taking pictures of fast objects in the sky, I recommend using the view finder and
not the screen. I covered the problem associated with the screen previously in this article.
ADAPTABILITY
DSLR’s ability to change lenses opens up a world of possibilities for photographers. This camera can be fitted with a
large variety of lenses for many different types of photography. Adding to this a large variety of flashes and filters
makes this a perfect platform to take many different types of pictures for different occasions.
I have already covered the problem with flashes at night and flashes having no effect on long range targets like a UFO
during the day or night. Flashes are for close objects only (approximately 1 to 20 feet). If you own an older SLR
with many different styles of lens, they may fit on your DSLR if it is the same brand.
OPTICAL VIEWFINDER
Due to the reflex mirror, DSLR’s are very much a “what you see is what you get”. You are looking directly through
the lens and not at a screen (digital camera). These DSLR cameras also have the screen for viewing, but personally, I
will always look through the view finder to take any picture.
LARGE ISO RANGE
This varies between cameras, but generally DSLR’s offer a wide array of ISO settings which lends itself to their
flexibility in shooting in different conditions and being able to take great pictures of sporting events and mysterious
objects in the sky.
DSLR MANUAL CONTROLS
These cameras are designed in such a way that it is assumed that the photographer using it will want to control their
own settings from time to time. The DSLR’s come with a good auto mode, but these cameras are built with the
capability of changing from auto to manual with ease.
DEPTH OF FIELD
The DSLR cameras can give you depth of field that puts everything from background to foreground in focus. You can
create a blurry background with little effort, if you want to add special effects to your picture.
QUALITY LENSES
If you make an “educated guess” about what to buy, I advise buying the best quality lens if possible. Should I buy a
high end lens on a medium grade camera or a medium range lens on a high end camera? I would pick the quality lens
every time. Shop around for the best price. Sixty minutes of research could save you $600.00 down the road. Be
an investigator and investigate for the best deal.
ISO EXPLANATION
It is actually the sensitivity of the film or digital sensor to light. If you are in a dark place where you can’t or don’t
want to use a flash, increase the ISO (100, 400, 800, etc.).
The more you increase the ISO, the more noise (grain) will be in the picture. In other words, the clarity will be less.
Finding the right balance for the right situation is the challenge. If you want to take a picture of a fast moving object
in the sky, have the camera set up with a faster ISO.
Read, read, and read some more! This will make you a photo professional in no time!
Summary – higher ISO = faster shutter speed = more noise (graininess), but under the right circumstances, a great
picture on a cloud covered day.
I have taken hundreds of air show pictures with my Minolta SLR and they all came out great. Pick a faster film speed
(400 seems to be the norm for sporting events). Adjust your lens to infinity, adjust your F-Stop and shoot away!
You may have to focus a little for the situation, but it is as easy as pie. Of course, this is providing you have a very
bright, sunny day. The problems arise when the lighting conditions are dark or overcast. This is when you have to
fine tune for the situation. Of course, the SLR is being phased out for the new DSLR cameras. It may be time to
make the change.
Finally, please do a lot of research into the best camera for you. There are tons of info on the internet and ask the
advice of a photo professional and not the local salesman in the discount store.
I spoke to a camera salesman the other day and I don’t think he knew what planet he was on.
I have finally realized that I may have to upgrade to a DSLR camera. I feel it will handle all the situations I will come
across while investigating for MUFON in New Jersey.
I think digital, point and shoot cameras are very convenient, but not practical for investigations. The SLR cameras
are slowly being phased out and not it’s the new digital world of the Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR). I wonder what’
s next on the horizon for cameras. 3D panoramic? I better start saving up now!
is taken immediately after I push the button. Why does it seem an eternity with a digital camera? You push the
button and you usually get something very different from what you wanted. Looking at a screen to take a picture is
very alien to me. I want to look through the lens to take my picture and not a screen. This is what you are actually
doing with an SLR camera. With a digital camera the screen is very hard to see at times, especially in sun light.
The #1 benefit of a digital camera is you can enlarge a good digital shot without much distortion. With millions of
pixels to work with, it is a leap in photographic technology. The convenience of carrying a small digital camera or
phone camera has given the general public quick access to being able to take a picture of anything in a manner of
seconds, but the overall quality of the shot is in question, especially if it is a fast moving object in the sky.
Most SLR cameras bought within the last 20 years have an “auto mode” and it alleviates trying to manually set up the
shot. Under the right circumstances a digital camera takes a much better picture than a Single Lens Reflex camera but
the problem is trying to take a picture of a fast moving object is another story.
Be sure to always read the camera manual after you buy any style of camera. The manual will give you suggestions on
how to take advantage of all the special features the camera has to offer.
Now, what about DSLR cameras? That’s Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras.
DSLR CAMERAS
The image quality is superior due to the larger size of image sensors in DLRS’s. This allows for larger pixel sizes.
DSLR’s are generally able to be used at a faster ISO (International Standards Organization) which will lead to faster
shutter speeds and less grain. This new technology is changing by the month. The DSLR’s also have the screens
like the digital cameras, but when taking pictures of fast objects in the sky, I recommend using the view finder and
not the screen. I covered the problem associated with the screen previously in this article.
ADAPTABILITY
DSLR’s ability to change lenses opens up a world of possibilities for photographers. This camera can be fitted with a
large variety of lenses for many different types of photography. Adding to this a large variety of flashes and filters
makes this a perfect platform to take many different types of pictures for different occasions.
I have already covered the problem with flashes at night and flashes having no effect on long range targets like a UFO
during the day or night. Flashes are for close objects only (approximately 1 to 20 feet). If you own an older SLR
with many different styles of lens, they may fit on your DSLR if it is the same brand.
OPTICAL VIEWFINDER
Due to the reflex mirror, DSLR’s are very much a “what you see is what you get”. You are looking directly through
the lens and not at a screen (digital camera). These DSLR cameras also have the screen for viewing, but personally, I
will always look through the view finder to take any picture.
LARGE ISO RANGE
This varies between cameras, but generally DSLR’s offer a wide array of ISO settings which lends itself to their
flexibility in shooting in different conditions and being able to take great pictures of sporting events and mysterious
objects in the sky.
DSLR MANUAL CONTROLS
These cameras are designed in such a way that it is assumed that the photographer using it will want to control their
own settings from time to time. The DSLR’s come with a good auto mode, but these cameras are built with the
capability of changing from auto to manual with ease.
DEPTH OF FIELD
The DSLR cameras can give you depth of field that puts everything from background to foreground in focus. You can
create a blurry background with little effort, if you want to add special effects to your picture.
QUALITY LENSES
If you make an “educated guess” about what to buy, I advise buying the best quality lens if possible. Should I buy a
high end lens on a medium grade camera or a medium range lens on a high end camera? I would pick the quality lens
every time. Shop around for the best price. Sixty minutes of research could save you $600.00 down the road. Be
an investigator and investigate for the best deal.
ISO EXPLANATION
It is actually the sensitivity of the film or digital sensor to light. If you are in a dark place where you can’t or don’t
want to use a flash, increase the ISO (100, 400, 800, etc.).
The more you increase the ISO, the more noise (grain) will be in the picture. In other words, the clarity will be less.
Finding the right balance for the right situation is the challenge. If you want to take a picture of a fast moving object
in the sky, have the camera set up with a faster ISO.
Read, read, and read some more! This will make you a photo professional in no time!
Summary – higher ISO = faster shutter speed = more noise (graininess), but under the right circumstances, a great
picture on a cloud covered day.
I have taken hundreds of air show pictures with my Minolta SLR and they all came out great. Pick a faster film speed
(400 seems to be the norm for sporting events). Adjust your lens to infinity, adjust your F-Stop and shoot away!
You may have to focus a little for the situation, but it is as easy as pie. Of course, this is providing you have a very
bright, sunny day. The problems arise when the lighting conditions are dark or overcast. This is when you have to
fine tune for the situation. Of course, the SLR is being phased out for the new DSLR cameras. It may be time to
make the change.
Finally, please do a lot of research into the best camera for you. There are tons of info on the internet and ask the
advice of a photo professional and not the local salesman in the discount store.
I spoke to a camera salesman the other day and I don’t think he knew what planet he was on.
I have finally realized that I may have to upgrade to a DSLR camera. I feel it will handle all the situations I will come
across while investigating for MUFON in New Jersey.
I think digital, point and shoot cameras are very convenient, but not practical for investigations. The SLR cameras
are slowly being phased out and not it’s the new digital world of the Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR). I wonder what’
s next on the horizon for cameras. 3D panoramic? I better start saving up now!
Picture 1 is a night time picture of the moon with no flash
Picture 2 is of the moon with the flash
Picture 3 is of pollen with the flash activated
| TODAY IS |
