16 spirit photos from the past that show how people used their wits to hunt ghosts (17 photos)

Let's figure out what spirit photography actually is.





Spiritual photography is a very interesting trend in photography, which gained particular popularity in Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. As a rule, they were images of ghosts of people, shadows, luminous spots and various otherworldly entities. When looking at these photos, goosebumps involuntarily run through your body, as they look really mysterious and creepy. It would seem that this era has gone into the distant past, but no (not so quickly). Even in our times, there are enthusiasts who believe that such photographs are evidence of the existence of an afterlife. However, their lives are constantly ruined by skeptics who are sure that these are just skillful manipulations with the camera.

Elderly couple with female spirit, 1920



Lady Helena Newenham and the ghost of her daughter, 1872



Previously, spirit photography actually became the object of heated debate among historians, sociologists and art critics. However, over time it became clear that the whole secret lies in skillful handling of the camera and film.

Illusionist Henri Robin demonstrates his ability to communicate with ghosts, 1863



To begin with, it’s worth saying that the first ghosts were “caught” on camera completely by accident. Silhouettes of people appeared in the photo due to long exposure, without which it was previously impossible to get a clear and beautiful photo. If any object entered the frame during exposure, it inevitably remained in the photograph in the form of a transparent and sometimes blurry silhouette.

Prince Arthur, 1854



Surrounded by phantoms, 1903



A mysterious female figure above a group of posing people, 1920



This effect has been used in photography for some time only as an artistic device. However, lovers of everything paranormal did not stand aside. Soon photographers appeared in Europe who knew how to contact ghosts and penetrate into the depths of the afterlife. Is it worth talking about the speed at which these masters began to gain numerous admirers? Among the most prominent spiritualist photographers of the time are Nadar, William Mummler and Frederick Hudson.

Mary Todd Lincoln with the Ghost of Abraham Lincoln, circa 1869



A man's face above Welsh medium Will Thomas, 1920



Gradually, interest in spiritual photography increased. However, only members of various spiritualist circles could allow themselves to touch the “beautiful”. They trusted the photographers unconditionally, without any doubt about the authenticity of their work.

A ghost appears to a young girl as she prays by her bed, 1860



John Glover with the Ghost of an Old Lady, 1850



Woman with the Spirit of a Man, 1865



Most often, in spiritualist photographs one could see silhouettes of mysterious strangers or famous, but already deceased personalities. Quite often, people turned to photographers with a request to conduct a kind of spiritualism session and contact their deceased loved ones. Surprisingly, when a photo medium asked to bring a photograph of a relative in advance for better communication with him in the other world, none of the clients almost ever had any questions.

The ghost of a woman haunts an elderly professor, 1910



The ghost of a woman appears before her husband, 1870



It is clear that the fraud could not continue forever. However, lovers of mysticism were not going to just give up their achievements. Over time, multiple commissions were created that attempted to experimentally establish the authenticity and possibility of obtaining such photographs. However, studies have shown that all the photographs taken turned out to be the most common fake.

Appearance of a ghost and strange luminous balls, 1903



Photo of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with a ghost, 1922



Among the ardent supporters of spiritualism was a famous writer who until the last believed in the reliability of the words and experiments of mediums.

And this is how a seance was captured in England in 1872



The 20s saw the last surge of interest in spiritual photography. Since the late 20s, it has completely lost the confidence of public opinion.