A Full-Circle Moment: Behind the Scenes of a Ghost Adventures special
in November 2023, I found myself deep in the vast, eerie landscapes of Torrey, Utah, once again working with Ghost Adventures—this time for their Skinwalker Invasion episode. This wasn’t just another gig; it was a full-circle moment for me, one that blended my past in production with my present focus on mindfulness and healing.
Ghost Adventures: The Paranormal Powerhouse
For those unfamiliar, Ghost Adventures is one of the most iconic paranormal investigation shows, led by Zak Bagans and his fearless crew. Since its debut in 2008, the show has taken viewers into some of the most haunted locations worldwide, documenting chilling encounters with the supernatural. With a dedicated fanbase and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of paranormal research, every episode delivers intense investigations that leave audiences on edge.
Wearing Two Hats: Co-Production Coordinator & BTS Photographer
My primary role for this shoot was co-production coordinator, ensuring that everything behind the scenes ran smoothly. But I also had the chance to do behind-the-scenes photography—something I had once walked away from entirely.
Back in 2019, I started with Ghost Adventures as a production assistant. By 2021, I was a full-time production coordinator, deeply embedded in the high-energy, high-stakes world of television. But burnout hit hard. In an effort to reclaim my well-being, I sold all of my camera gear and stepped away from videography and photography altogether. So when the opportunity arose to return in 2023, I was grateful that Ghost Adventures still welcomed me, even after I had taken that break.
One unique challenge of shooting BTS for this project was that all my photos had to be delivered raw and straight from the camera—no editing, no retouching. This meant every shot had to be framed and exposed correctly in the moment, with no room for post-production adjustments. It was a different approach from my past work, but it pushed me to be more intentional with every frame.
Integrating Mindfulness into the Paranormal
One of the most unexpected yet fulfilling aspects of this shoot was introducing wellness practices into the mix. Before each day of filming, I offered yoga classes and/or sound baths for the crew—a stark contrast to the intense energy of paranormal investigations. It felt surreal blending my love for mindfulness with the chaotic world of TV production, but it also felt right. The long shoot days, unpredictable conditions, and eerie nature of the job can be draining, and I was glad to contribute something that helped everyone stay grounded.
Gratitude for the Journey
Even though I haven’t seen the final cut of the episode yet, knowing it aired on May 15, 2024, on Discovery Channel is a reminder of how far I’ve come. The path I took—from being burnt out to rediscovering my creative spark—has been anything but linear. Stepping away didn’t mean closing the door forever; it just meant making space for a new way of showing up.
will I return for another shoot? Who knows. But this experience reaffirmed that my journey is evolving in ways I never expected, and for that, I’m grateful!!
