The photographer behind the first “ghost” photos was arrested for his work in 1869. But these 8 spooky photos may still keep you up at night
November 1, 2026
When photography was first invented, critics argued that photographs lacked the soul of traditional artwork like paintings – but around two decades after the first daguerreotype, a jewelry-maker in Boston would bring “soul” to photography in an entirely different way: spirit photography.
William H. Mumler (1832-1884) wasn’t originally a photographer but rather a jeweler who worked in…