In a world of uncertainty, the inquisitive nature of the human brain pushes us to seek out answers for the unexplained. Not wanting to be limited to the confines of a mortal existence, people search for proof of an existence beyond the physical realm.
In the case of spirit photography, it is this yearning desire for proof that allowed charlatans and hoaxsters to prey on the bereaved and separate them from their hard-earned money. It may be surprising to learn that it’s a practice that is still going on today.
Then and Now
Spirit photography first came into being in the early 1860s when seances, channeling, and psychic readings were in fashion as a form of entertainment for celebrities and high society. Although some of the photographers were thought to be legitimate, the fakes greatly outnumbered them.
Pictures from these encounters were numerous, and often showed images of figures standing behind the person being photographed. Photos would be faked through a variety of means such as double exposures, prepared plates, and time-lapse photography. More elaborate hoaxes involved the use of assistants masquerading as the deceased.
In other photos, both then and now, where spirits appeared unintentionally, the image can most often be explained as the result of lens flare, light reflection, camera flaw, dust, insects, and atmospheric disturbances such as fog or vapor.
As times move forward, the art of capturing spirits of the deceased on film has grown more advanced. Digital cameras and photo editing software reside in almost every home. With whole industries dedicated to creating special effects such as those in the movies, it’s not hard to produce a believable spirit photograph.
Not to be left out, Hollywood is also cashing in on the paranormal bandwagon by creating reality TV shows that attempt to capture ghosts and ratings. Combine that with proceeds from sales of paranormal-related items, and the ghost business can be quite lucrative.
Can They Be Proved?
Technology also gives us the tools needed to separate the legitimate photos from the questionable ones. If ghosts are real, perhaps because they are intangible in nature, they may only be photographed when conditions are perfect. Or perhaps the equipment required to capture a real image has yet to be invented.
The questions still remain. When faced with a credible photograph, what other image is being captured? The skeptics will always search for a technical explanation, while the believers will always be looking for the elusive proof to the contrary. Unless there is irrefutable proof, the question will remain unanswered.
But as for those people claiming to be able to photograph your lost loved ones for a fee, save your money and seek your own truths.
Interested in learning more? Read this interview with a paranormal photographer.
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