Kirlian Photography: What It Is and How It Works-photoasapro

Kirlian photography is a form of photography that uses high-voltage electric currents to create images of the corona discharge (or glow) around objects. The corona discharge is the result of ionization of the air molecules around the object when it is exposed to an electric field.

Have you ever wondered what your aura looks like? Or how you can capture the energy fields of living things on camera? If so, you might be interested in Kirlian photography, a fascinating technique that claims to reveal the hidden aspects of life.

In this blog post, we will explore what Kirlian photography is, how it works, and what its origins are. We will also look at some of the benefits and challenges of using this method, as well as some of the controversies and myths surrounding it.

How It Works

In Kirlian photography, one typically uses a special device called a Kirlian camera, which comprises a metal plate connected to a high-voltage source, a photographic film or paper, and a transparent electrode. Then, the photographer places the object to be photographed on the metal plate and positions the transparent electrode on top of it. After that, one applies a brief pulse of electricity and records the image of the corona discharge on the film or paper.

However, one can use it to capture images of various objects, such as plants, animals, human body parts, coins, crystals, and more. Some people believe that the images reflect the physical, emotional, and spiritual state of the object and that they can use them for diagnosis, healing, and research purposes.

How Kirlian Photographs Are Made

The process of making Kirlian photographs is relatively simple, but it requires some caution and safety measures. Here are the basic steps involved:

1. Prepare the Kirlian camera. You can either buy a ready-made one or make your own using a transformer, a capacitor, a switch, a metal plate, a transparent electrode, and some wires. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and wear protective gloves and goggles when handling the high-voltage components.

2. Choose the object to be photographed. It can be anything that can conduct electricity, such as a leaf, a finger, a coin, etc. Avoid using anything wet, flammable, or metallic, as they can cause sparks or shocks.

3. Place the object on the metal plate and cover it with the transparent electrode. Make sure there is no air gap between the object and the electrode, as this can affect the quality of the image.

4. Place the photographic film or paper on top of the electrode. You can use any type of film or paper, but some may produce better results than others. For example, color film or paper can capture the different colors of the corona discharge, while black and white film or paper can show the contrast and intensity of the glow.

5. Turn on the switch and apply a brief pulse of electricity. The duration and strength of the pulse will depend on the type of object and the desired effect. Generally, a shorter and weaker pulse will produce a sharper and clearer image, while a longer and stronger pulse will produce a more diffuse and blurred image.

6. Turn off the switch and remove the film or paper. You can then develop the film or paper using the normal process, or scan it using a digital scanner.

The Origins of Kirlian Photography

Kirlian photography owes its name to Semyon Kirlian, a Russian electrician and inventor credited with its discovery in 1939. During his work on a medical device utilizing high-frequency currents for treating various ailments, Kirlian observed a faint glow produced by electrodes when they touched his patients’ skin. Intrigued by this phenomenon, he delved deeper into it with his wife Valentina. Eventually, they developed a method to capture the glow’s images on photographic plates. This marked the beginning of Kirlian photography as a revolutionary technique in capturing subtle energy fields.

In the 1970s, Kirlian photography gained popularity in the Western world thanks to authors and researchers like Thelma Moss, Lynn Schroeder, and Sheila Ostrander. These proponents advocated the notion that Kirlian photography could unveil the aura or energy body of living things. Furthermore, they suggested its use for spiritual and metaphysical purposes. Additionally, they claimed Kirlian photography could validate concepts such as reincarnation and astral projection. Consequently, this led to increased interest and exploration of Kirlian photography’s potential beyond its initial scientific applications.

Kirlian and his wife conducted numerous experiments exploring various objects and conditions, publishing their findings in scientific journals and books. They asserted that the images depicted the “bioplasmic” or “bioenergetic” fields of objects, proposing their use in studying the health, emotions, and personality of living beings. Furthermore, they suggested that Kirlian images could detect paranormal phenomena like telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis.

Capture Kirlian Images With a Digital Camera, iPhone, or Video Camera

Creating Kirlian images involves a unique process of capturing the electrical coronal discharges surrounding objects, a technique pioneered by Seymon Kirlian. This method, often associated with visualizing the “aura” around both animate and inanimate objects, can be adapted for use with contemporary digital cameras, iPhones, or even video cameras. Below is a guide to capturing Kirlian photographs using these modern devices, along with a table detailing suggested manual settings for Kirlian photography.

For Digital and Video Cameras

1. Gather Your Equipment: You will need access to a device designed for Kirlian photography, which includes a high-voltage source and a conductive plate. These specialized devices can be sourced from certain photography equipment suppliers or online platforms.

2. Prioritize Safety: Handling high-voltage equipment carries inherent risks. Make sure you’re fully aware of and adhere to all necessary safety precautions to avoid any direct contact with the conductive elements during the process.

3. Installation: Position your subject—anything from a leaf to a human fingertip—on the conductive plate of the Kirlian apparatus.

4. Camera Placement: Secure your digital or video camera on a tripod so it directly faces the subject placed on the Kirlian device. Conduct this setup in a dimly lit environment to enhance the visibility of the electrical discharge.

5. Adjust Camera Settings Manually: To effectively capture the Kirlian effect, you’ll need to fine-tune your camera settings, focusing on long exposure times, adjusting ISO sensitivity, and setting the aperture according to the discharge’s brightness (detailed settings are provided in the table below).

6. Image Capture: With the room darkened, activate the Kirlian device and then immediately proceed to capture the image, taking into account the necessary exposure time determined by the discharge strength and your camera’s adjusted settings.

For iPhone or Smartphone Cameras

Capturing Kirlian images on an iPhone or smartphone is more challenging due to the limited adjustability of camera settings. Nonetheless, certain apps enable manual controls over ISO, exposure, and focus, allowing for a closer approximation of Kirlian photography.

1. Kirlian Device Required: Utilize a Kirlian photography apparatus as described above.
2. Manual Control App: Install an application that provides manual adjustments for your camera’s ISO, exposure duration, and focus.
3. Stabilize Your Phone: Align your smartphone’s camera with the subject on the Kirlian device using a stable support or tripod to avoid any movement.
4. Optimize for Low Light: Ensure the surroundings are sufficiently dark to capture the electrical glow.
5. Take the Photograph: With your camera app’s settings adjusted according to the table below, activate the Kirlian apparatus and capture your photograph.

Suggested Manual Settings for Kirlian Photography

Below are the recommended settings to initiate your Kirlian photography journey. Note that adjustments may be needed based on your specific equipment and conditions.

Setting	Digital/Video Camera	iPhone/Smartphone
Exposure Time	1-30 seconds	Maximum available*
ISO	800-3200	Maximum, minimizing noise
Aperture (f-stop)	f/8 – f/16	Fixed (due to device)**
Focus	Manual, towards infinity or near plate	Manual, when feasible
Flash	Off	Off

The Benefits and Challenges of Kirlian Photography

Kirlian photography has been used for various purposes, such as art, education, entertainment, and research. Some of the benefits of using this technique are:

Kirlian photography has several benefits:

• It produces stunning and unique images that ignite creativity and curiosity.
• It visually depicts the energy fields surrounding living things, aiding in understanding their characteristics and behaviors.
• It offers a fresh perspective on our world, prompting critical thinking and philosophical exploration.

However, Kirlian photography also faces challenges:

• Reproducing and controlling results is tricky due to factors like humidity, temperature, and cleanliness.
• External electrical sources, such as power lines and electromagnetic fields, can distort image quality.
• People may misunderstand the images, as they represent the interaction between objects and electric fields rather than the true state of the objects themselves.

The Controversies and Myths Surrounding Kirlian Photography

Kirlian photography has been at the center of much controversy and debate due to its association with various claims and beliefs unsupported by scientific evidence. Among the most common controversies and myths surrounding Kirlian photography are:

Some spiritual and metaphysical groups believe Kirlian photography can capture the aura or soul of living things. People say that these pictures show the colors and shapes of the aura. They believe this can tell us about someone’s personality, feelings, and health. But, there’s no scientific proof that auras or souls exist. The colors and shapes seen in these images come from the object’s properties and the electric field around it. So, these effects are due to natural reasons, not something mystical or beyond our world.

Another belief is that Kirlian photography can provide evidence of paranormal phenomena. Some paranormal and occult groups assert that the images can demonstrate the effects of psychic abilities like telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis. They also claim that Kirlian images can reveal the presence of ghosts, spirits, and other entities. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting these claims. Kirlian images are the product of natural and physical processes, not paranormal or supernatural forces.

Additionally, some alternative and holistic practitioners claim that they can use Kirlian photography for diagnosis and healing. They suggest that the images reveal the health and wellness of the body, mind, and spirit and can diagnose and treat various diseases and disorders, such as cancer, diabetes, and depression. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting the reliability and validity of Kirlian photography for assessing health. The images reflect the electrical conductivity of the object, not biological or psychological conditions.

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Conclusion

Kirlian photography is a fascinating technique that can produce stunning and captivating images of the corona discharge around objects. Moreover, it can be used for various purposes, such as art, education, entertainment, and research. However, it also has some challenges and limitations. Therefore, one should not confuse or use it for anything that is not based on scientific facts and evidence. Kirlian photography is a tool that can help us explore and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Nonetheless, it is not a magic wand that can reveal the secrets and mysteries of the supernatural world.