This photograph was said to have been taken by Derek Stafford in 1990 while visiting the cemetery at St. Mary's Church in Prestbury, Gloucestershire. He was taking photographs of the gravestones and this image appeared in one of them. The locals there say that it is the image of the 'Black Abbot' who is said to walk around the graveyard at night. What do you think of this?

It's a stunning photo! But it looks more like a set to me. I can't see any obvious signs of photoshopping, but the lighting and the size of the monk make me think that this scene has been staged.

The atmospheric lighting is just too unreal. It's not from the camera flash as it's coming from the direction of the monk. It's obviously been lit to make the tombstones stand out as silhouettes. It rather looks to me like the monk has been projected into the background and would account for why he is so huge.

I love the pic though! It would make a great banner! LOL

My thoughts exactly, Ruby. It looks staged, set up with artificial lighting to create an effect.

Lol if this is real... my name is Abraham Lincoln!!!! and I will even eat your hat let alone mine!!!! lol

Seriously, it looks clearly staged, perspective, lighting, tomb stone sizes. All set to cause a dramatic effect.

It is easy to duplicate on any foggy night or if there is a fire with smoke with back lighting etc. I remember as a child I created an image such as this at the tower of London, (Except it wasn't a monk it was me with a baseball cap on) During an evening there where it was quite foggy and there were strong lights.

All in all, I truly believe this is not paranormal at all, however I do remember seeing it years ago on a paranormal site as their banner... I am wondering if it isn't a ghost photo at all but a banner add, taken with a story written around it to convince people it is a ghost...

I actually have an odd picture I took last year actually and this made me remember I should put it up.

Sean xoxoxox

God Sean YES!

doesnt look real to me!!