Once you start examining paranormal photographs closely, you quickly discover that not every strange shape or figure is the result of the camera itself. Some images have been altered deliberately, while others have been edited in subtle ways that the original uploader might not even be aware of. Because modern editing tools are so easy to access, manipulated images circulate more widely than ever, including within the paranormal community.

Proving the credibility of a paranormal photography is always challenging, but when manipulated images enter the mix, they make it harder for genuine investigators to be taken seriously and muddy the waters for anyone trying to learn the subject.

Being able to recognise common signs gives you a better chance of identifying genuine anomalies - or spotting when something simply doesn't add up.

Most manipulated images fall into one of three broad categories:• Deliberate hoaxes, usually created to shock, entertain or wind people up.•...