This article is more of a series of "tips" than it is a "lesson". Flashlights seem to be a very obvious piece of equipment for work in the dark, but maybe there are some areas you have over looked. You might find something useful here!
The flash light is one of the most over-looked tools on any paranormal investigation. These devices are useful for many different reasons, but the main one is safety. You never want to wander around in a strange location in total darkness without a source of light. Also, it is very important in the various activities that you go through trying to capture evidence such as the changing of batteries and tapes in camcorders or audio recorders. They can also be useful in locating other members of your team. I am going to attempt to give you some advice that will make your flash light more useful for you.
Head lamps: Head lamps have changed the way I investigate. I am always carrying a camcorder in one hand and a voice recorder in the other, and I do not have a free hand to operate a flash light. Head lamps offer you a hands free option to help with changing batteries or finding your way through the darkness. Also, since it is located in the center of your forehead, the light is always being pointed in the direction that you are looking. Head lamps can be bought very cheaply, the ones I have in my kit came from Wal Mart and were less than $15. Here is an example of the lamp I am talking about.
D cell powered Maglite: The DADDY of all flashlights and a must (in my opinion) to keep in your kit. I don't always carry this light, but I like having it. These lights are unequalled for light output, and the light can even be used as a weapon if the need should ever arise. Trust me on this, you want one of these. See an example here.
Variable brightness light: I always try to keep some variable brightness lights with me on an investigation. As I have stated before, I am frequently changing batteries and tapes and need light to do this. I try to use a light with a "dim" setting when possible so that I don't interfere with others and corrupt their investigation. This is a courtesy to the others in your group. You can choose whether you want to go this route or not, but if you are constantly changing batteries like I am, the others in your group will appreciate you for this. You can see an example of one of these here. This light is a VERY cool item, but hard to find. Target stores are the only place I have found that carries these.
Tripod Lights: These are awesome little tools to use at your command central. You can use them anywhere you need a constant focused light source. These can really come in handy if you are at a location that doesn't have power and you need to set up a light on a desk or table, or really any place you might need it. Cheap, versatile, and a good thing to have on site. You can see one here.
"Red" light, or "astronomer's flashlights" : These are pretty cool little devices. Some people say that the red light helps you see in darkness and the beam isn't so bright that it blinds others around you. Another good tool to use for walking from one place to another or changing batteries. This light will not be sufficient for lighting up large areas. An example can be seen here.
The basic things to always keep in mind: SAFETY first, and be courteous to your fellow investigators. Hopefully some of these flash light ideas will help you find new ways of getting around in the dark. Get out there, and get some evidence!
UPDATE (8/24/2009): Just found an AWESOME website that sells accessories for MagLites. Have you ever wanted a variable brightness switch or a pushbutton on/off switch? Well, now you can get those as well as LED upgrades, etc....I am NOT affiliated with this site, they do not pay me to say this. I just really like their products and thought you guys might like to know about it as well. Also, if you live in or near Spartanburg, SC Odom Ace Hardware sells some of the NiteIze upgrade kits. I bought an on off pushbutton/LED upgrade kit for my AA Mini MagLite there for about $7.00 (give or take, I don't remember exactly)
