DARKNESS FALLS: “THE Shadow Man” photograph

Taking a close look at what you see and hear on a “Real Life. Drama.” TV series.

Polly Gear took a photograph that Ryan considers to be evidence of a “Shadow Man.” But the details surrounding seem to indicate the photo is spurious.

First published: 02 Feb 2010

Written by: Ernie Marsh

Consider some of the information about the photograph taken by Polly Gear.

Screenshot 1, from Paranormal State “Darkness Falls”

Ryan said this is “...one of the most famous pieces of evidence that’s ever come out of West Virginia State Penitentiary...”

Here’s where Ryan starts in with his portrayal about how Polly’s photograph, knick-named “The Shadow Man,” seems legitimate.

I wonder if Ryan is trying to discredit the “opinion” DETAILS PARANORMAL STATE DIDN’T INCLUDE ABOUT “THE SHADOW MAN” PHOTOGRAPH.
For whatever it’s worth:

1.Polly Gear was involved with the private rental of the former West Virginia Penitentiary at the time she took the photograph, at about 1:30 AM on 07 May 2004.
2.In a phone call with a knowledgeable source associated with the former West Virginia Penitentiary, it was confirmed that Polly Gear helped with ghost tours, before and after the date she took “The Shadow Man” photograph. I was told Polly was/is not a paid employee of the former Penitentiary.

3.Neither the Paranormal Research Society (PRS), or Justin with American Ghost Hunter, presented another way in which a photo could be taken to produce a result similar to Polly’s photograph. They presented a limited, one-sided scenario that AGH could not re-create her photo using various light sources from behind a person that could cast a similar shadow. But what if the photo has an explanation as simple as: it’s a photo of a person standing near the door? By not exploring other photographic methods of achieving results the same as Polly’s photo, this shows a biasing of “evidence” which points to an improper conclusion that the photograph must be due to a supernatural cause.

The following quote is from Polly Gear. You can read the entire article as it appears here, on the www.angelsghosts.com website.

Polly has not returned my phone call from Tuesday, 26 January 2010 when I left a voice-mail message inquiring about her “Shadow Man” photograph.

Ryan: Today, Polly Gear is gonna come by. Polly has probably one of the most famous pieces of evidence that’s ever come out of West Virginia State Penitentiary. She has a photograph of what people have dubbed “The Shadow Man.” Now, a very well-known paranormal team came here and they essentially debunked the photograph. It’s just an opinion. So we need to go, and we need to analyze this photograph. I think we need to take it way further than anyone else has ever taken it before.

Clicking a link will open a new browser window in which to view the linked page.

Although this website provides links to third party sites, Ernie Marsh is not responsible for the content of any such site. Links are provided as a convenience to viewers, and they shall not be interpreted as an endorsement, sponsorship, or association of any kind.

“Moundsville Penitentiary Shadow Man.” Accessed 02 February 2010.

Ghost Hunters, “Shadow People” episode.

Screenshot 2, Ghost Hunters “Shadow People.” Jason and Grant gave their opinion about why the Polly Gear photograph wasn’t an apparition.

Screenshot 3, Ghost Hunters “Shadow People.”
The paranormal group, The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS).

Screenshot 4, Ghost Hunters “Shadow People.” This is how Polly Gear appeared in the Ghost Hunters, “Shadow People” episode.

Screenshot 5, Ghost Hunters “Shadow People.” Jason Hawes, Founder of TAPS. Investigated the Polly Gear photograph and gave his opinion.

Screenshot 6, Ghost Hunters “Shadow People.” Grant Wilson, Co-Founder of TAPS. Investigated the Polly Gear photograph and gave his opinion.

It is my opinion that the Paranormal Research Society (PRS) presented a limited, one-sided scenario in support of Polly Gear’s “The Shadow Man” photograph. The PRS failed to explore other photographic methods to see if they could achieve similar results to Polly’s photo. This, in my estimation, shows a biasing of evidence which points to an improper conclusion that the photograph must be due to a supernatural cause.

Note: This site is not owned by, or affiliated with Penn State, the Paranormal Research Society, A&E Television Networks, Go Go Luckey Productions, or Four Seasons Productions International, nor is it maintained or endorsed by them. Copyright © 2008-2012 Ernie Marsh.