We here at Spectral Review as you might imagine enjoy the “reality” based ghost and paranormal shows. These shows include Most Haunted, Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State and Ghost Hunters International. These shows in their own way each try to find answers to questions about the paranormal. One could argue about their methods or motivations but they do try to show how they search for ghosts.

These shows are just representations of real people who do paranormal research. Nearly 100% of these people do this paranormal research for free. That tells us that these researchers are not only dedicated to this research but passionate about it also.

We want to know more about these people. Why do they do this research? How did they start? What expertise do they have?

Our next article in the “People in Paranormal Research” series is from David Vacknitz. David is a member of A.P.A.R.T. located in Washington state. He also is co-founder of A.P.A.R.T. and the groups tech lead.

We hope you like this series. If you have any suggestions or want to participate in our series, use our contact form. And as always you can leave your comment here.

Onto the questions and David’s great answers.

How long have you been in paranormal research?

I’ve been involved in the paranormal field for about 4 1/2 years.

Where are you located, what area of the world do you do investigations? What is the farthest you have traveled to do an investigation?

I live in Washington state we investigate all over the northwest and anywhere that we have the money to get to. The farthest that we have traveled is either Southern California to investigate the USS Hornet and a few other haunts, or Virginia City, Nevada for a conference and investigation. We’ve also traveled over to Montana to investigate the old prison.

Was there a particular reason or event that lead you to do this research?

I’ve always been interested in this area of research. I’ve had many experiences in my life that has kept me very interested in what else is out there. From seeing things that where not there to hearing things that no one else could hear, to being touched. I started off by reading everything and watching everything i could get my hands on.

Why do you continue to do this work?

Its become a passion, and we love helping people.

What would be the most compelling evidence you have seen or heard?

I captured a full body apparition, in a mirror of a hotel and we have gotten a few really good class A EVPs, even one EVP that was caught on 3 different devices. (Editors note: You can listen to the A.P.A.R.T. EVPs and see their evidence photos).

What is your role in your group? Is that where you started? What other roles would you like to learn and do?

I’m co-founder of the group, I’m also the head debunker of photos and lead tech.

Have you taken any formal training in your life that has enhanced your skill set for your paranormal work?

No not any formal school training, just classes at conferences and things of that nature.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to get into the paranormal field?

Number one thing is find a group that fits you, make sure the communication is there from the start. Second thing is never get into this field thinking you’re gonna get rich or make a ton of money. Be prepared for a lot of work and studying.

Is there some aspect or point of view about the paranormal field that you wished that everyone in the field followed?

I wish there was more of a unity and respect in the paranormal field. There are groups everywhere. Hundreds of them are really good teams and there are also many teams that don’t want to have anything to do with others. That saddens me because we are not in this to compete with each other. So if you’re not in this to share what you get and work with other teams then why do it in the first place?

What misconceptions do the public and/or media have about the paranormal field you wish you could dispel?

There is one that comes to mind, we never charge for anything that we do. The groups that do charge are just ripping people off and giving the rest of us a bad name.