When we talk about ghost hunting, the very first question we need to answer is, what are

the known physical properties of a ghost?

Because without those, there's nothing to hunt for, and no way to identify our quarry

as a ghost.

But many throughout this ghoulish history have claimed at least one proven physical

property.

That ghosts show up in photographs.

That photography is up next, Unskeptoid.

You are listening to Skeptoid for Brian Dunning, this is guest host Blake Smith for Skeptoid.com.

Ghost Photography.

In books promising you a glimpse of the beyond, you find page after page of chilling photographic

evidence that spirits of the dead walk the earth.

A ghostly baby sits on a grave.

A translucent figure descends a staircase.

A child's face emerges from the flames of a devastating fire.

Do these photographs offer real glimpses of ghosts?

Or is there a more rational explanation for ghost photography?

Let's expose these mysterious images to the light of science and see what develops.

The history of ghost photography is closely tied to the history of photography itself.

Early photography was much like all new technology in that enthusiasts had to become skilled

with the various equipment and chemicals required for producing images.

Before the invention of photographic film, the photographers worked with chemically treated

...