Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
These images of ghastly spirits spooking the wits out of people were created by the London Stereoscopic Company and sold as stereographic cards which, when viewed through a special viewer, became remarkably sharp and eye-popping three-dimensional images.
The ghostly figures were achieved using double exposures and other photographic trickery — an impressive level of technical mastery for the still-young medium of photography.
Though these particular photos were created as mere sources of comical entertainment, just a few years later photographer William H. Mumler appeared, claiming the ability to capture actual ghosts on film.
The genre of spirit photography emerged, and (despite plenty of proven fraud) remained popular well into the 20th century, as the bereaved searched for ways to see and contact their lost loved ones.
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
Image: London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images
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