Death and After-Life in Photography

Since the implantation of photography in 1839, death-related practices have become a significant portion of commercial photographers' business. In the 19th century, most professional studios offered post-mortem portraiture, memorial photography functioned as an inherent element of mourning rituals, and family albums filled with the images of the deceased loved ones. At the same time, following the ideas of the rapidly growing Spiritualism, some photographers started offering services in spirit photography, which became especially popular during the Civil War in the US, and found its practitioners all around the world. While in the following years many spirit photographers were tried for fraud, the practice of catching "ghosts" with the camera still finds its enthusiasts even in the 21st century and exists as a popular pop-cultural motif.

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