Spirit Photography: A Meeting of the Supernatural Minds
The market reached beyond grieving loved ones, however. Sir David Brewster wrote in 1856, “For the purpose of amusement, the photographer might carry us even into the regions of the supernatural,” capturing mediums channeling spirits. Self-declared ‘mediums’ believed they had a special connection with the afterlife realm. They sat for portraits by certain sensitive photographers with the skill to capture spirits. When their picture returned, if they were lucky, the image would reveal a spirit trying to make a connection with them. They could claim to be ‘sensitive,’ or have a connection to the spirit world. It was a novelty, but one that these so-called sensitive people could capitalize upon and make a profit. As infamous spirit photographer William Mumler put it, “What joy to the troubled heart to know that our friends who have passed away can return.”