Ben
   Photographic Consultant

   Ben is a New England native and attended Franklin Pierce University
  in Rindge, NH majoring in Graphic Arts.

  Ben brings a background as a skeptic--but with an open mind.
  He has extensive experience in the graphic arts,
  electronic media, and photography.

  Visit Ben on myspace.

Bob 

Photographic Consultant

Metal Detection Specialist 

Bob is a New England native and a skeptic at heart. 

He believes that the recent explosion 

of ghost hunting teams has led to a lot inexperienced 

and disreputable people misrepresenting common environmental phenomena 

and camera artifacts as paranormal, and has the evidence to prove it. 

Bob enjoys assisting Sights Unseen as a debunker, photo analyst 

and is also active in Relic Recovery.

See Bob's photography on Flicker 

Personal Note

Regardless of our personal beliefs--which vary widely

among team members--we first attempt to debunk unexplainable phenomena.

If we can't debunk it, the phenomena just may be paranormal in origin--that is

unexplainable by science.

We believe that there are too many paranormal groups that jump at ghosts.

They too readily label unexplained events as paranormal, and even taking it a step further,

declare that such events are caused by ghosts or spirits.

Currently, there is no such thing as scientific evidence of the existence of ghosts

and anyone that implies otherwise is being mislead, intentionally deceptive, or is simply ignorant.

You aren't going to hear us declaring orbs "spirits attempting to manifest"

or present a camera artifact as a "vortex to another world."

We believe there is simply no basis for laying such claims.

There is no evidence of these purported theories,

and many ghost hunters often repeat something they've read or heard,

rather then doing any actual research themselves.

The paranormal is real--there is phenomena that is unexplainable by science--as any scientist

will readily acknowledge. We know less then we know.

But belief in ghosts is a question of faith, and we try not to let belief deceive our examination

of any unexplainable phenomena we encounter. Most of the time,

such events can be explained within existing bodies of scientific knowledge.

To declare that an unexplained phenomena is a ghost

based on illogical rationalizations, inexperience with equipment,

or a 'want of belief' is not a mistake we're willing to make.

We also believe that first-person accounts are a valid part of the exploration of paranormal activity.

We take it seriously when people report experiencing "energy," see shadows out of the corner of the eye,

and have feelings of being watched. Using our five senses is certainly important as using hi-tech equipment.

We do feel that we have a responsibility to call it like we see it,

and find those groups that ascribe every door slam, cold spot, or photographic anomaly

to ghostly causes to be doing the field of paranormal investigation a disservice.

We feel that these types of groups give ghost hunters a bad name, and unfortunately,

are usually resistant in engaging in the type of dialogue necessary

to advance developments in the field.

Nearly ALL paranormal experiences can be debunked. Electronic Voice Phenomena is

not proof of anything, the vast majority of camera and video anomalies can be easily debunked,

and personal experiences are just that. Ghost hunting is not science regardless of what

some people may want you to believe.

Have we encountered unexplainable phenomena that may have been caused by a ghost?

Absolutely, but we--as with everyone else on the planet--haven't been able to prove it yet.

--Bobby Elgee

In the News

  Sights Unseen Paranormal is a paranormal research team conducts investigations free of charge in New  Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts, as well as throughout New England.

Founded in 2008 by Bobby Elgee, a former member of another paranormal team, its investigators have conducted multiple investigations that include the Rindge Town Historical Society Museum, the Saxtons River Inn, the Amos J. Blake House Museum, multiple private residences, and other locations throughout New England.

Using video cameras, digital and film cameras, audio recorders, electromagnetic field detectors, and other equipment--as well as conducting a case history--the group will set up in a location for several hours at a time. After reviewing the evidence, they present any relevant data to their clients. 

"Whenever we do an investigation, we try to rule out all other options," says Bobby, co-founder of Sights Unseen Paranormal.

"When the wind blows people feel cold drafts and doors can open and close. Houses settling can sound like footsteps. Dust, pollen, and bugs often show up as balls of light called orbs, and electrical fields can make one feel as if they're being watched. There are usually logical explanations for phenomena that people may think is a ghost. We also limit our conclusions as to what is causing the activity when it comes to a paranormal explanation. It's a big jump from determining something is paranormal to saying that it was caused by a ghost. We also investigate a range of possible paranormal events and don't limit ourselves to what people think of as a typical haunting." 

With this critical approach, Sights Unseen notes that they have found some things that they haven't been able to explain. 

"As a group, we've been extremely fortunate so far," says Bobby. "It's cheaper then skydiving, and sometimes just as exhilarating," he adds. 

Sights Unseen's mission is to first; help their clients find an explanation for what they may be experiencing, and second; capture possible evidence of paranormal activity. They realize that the needs of the living come first, and in certain cases, the paranormal investigation becomes secondary to providing clients with the tools necessary to deal with the phenomena.

"You have to understand psychology to be able to provide adequate support to the individuals involved. We just don't come in, set up our cameras, then leave like some groups do. We pride ourselves on providing appropriate referrals and follow-up if necessary. We use a very people-centered approach, and have a sense of humor," says Werner, one of the groups investigators and EVP specialist.

With this approach, Sights Unseen has been quite successful. 

"It's a combination of both skill and luck," notes Heather, the teams resident energy expert. "You have to put yourself in the right place, at the right time, and still...most of the time...you probably won't catch anything. But when you do...well,that's what keeps us coming back.