Are orbs the new face of the supernatural?
In the internet’s early days, spirit photography rematerialized in the digital age via images of orbs. Online communities, largely grieving mothers, shared pictures and reports of glowing circles of light. Experiencers said that orbs responded to requests to appear in photographs—obeying commands, posing in meaningful positions, and presenting recognizable faces and symbols. Sometimes, they telepathically transmit information or messages from the dead.
The defining characteristics of orb phenomena—circular shapes, with patterns to decode, offering a communication system with the unseen—align with classic forms of paranormal media. It’s as if the orb is the new crop circle, the new electronic voice phenomena, and the new Ouija board all at once. Current headlines even suggest that the orb may be the new UFO.1
Skeptics say that orbs are simply physical reflections of flash bouncing off dust or water.2 Dirty camera sensors, optical distortions, and chromatic aberrations are cited as explanations for unique shapes, colors, and patterns.
For practitioners, the technical debate is mostly beside the point. The key factors of orb phenomenon are appearance, meaning, and emotional interaction. Many believe orbs are beings of light coming to visit from other dimensions. Christina Rawls, Ph.D., a former philosophy professor turned medium and spirit photographer, says orbs are a teleportation device for the spirit world: “To me, it’s like a vehicle. A spiritual car. A race car. If you remember, in The Wizard of Oz, the good witch arrives in an orb.”3
As a professional photographer, I understand the technical skepticism. Yet I remain fascinated by orb photography and how it raises questions about synchronicity, accident, interpretation, and intention in photography.
I love how this outsider movement is re-enchanting the medium. I am particularly in awe of the aesthetic achievements of my favorite “orbologist”, Liz Webb.4 Liz takes the orb beyond the simple snapshot and into the realm of art.
Some of her images remind me of abstract or visionary paintings.
