Exploring the Mystical World of Post-Mortem and Spirit Photography

Since photography popped onto the scene in 1839, snapping pictures of the dearly departed has been a big deal for commercial photographers. Back in the 19th century, many professional studios specialized in post-mortem portraits. These photos became a key part of mourning rituals, filling family albums with images of loved ones who had passed away. Meanwhile, the rise of Spiritualism sparked some creative minds to dive into spirit photography, a trend that boomed during the Civil War in the US and spread worldwide. Even though many spirit photographers were later exposed as frauds, the idea of capturing ghosts on film still fascinates people today and shows up often in pop culture.

In this lecture, presenter Joanna Madloch will dive into the different styles of post-mortem and memorial photography, from straightforward depictions to those with symbolic elements and elaborate settings. She'll explore how these practices impacted Victorian society's mourning rituals, helping families deal with their grief. Queen Victoria's habit of carrying a photo of her late husband, Prince Albert, in a medallion, which popularized the connection between photography and personal mourning, will get a special spotlight.

The second half of the talk will trace the rise of spirit photography, revealing our ongoing fascination with the afterlife and the comfort it offers. Joanna will look at the various techniques used to create these ghostly images and discuss modern takes on the practice, from enthusiastic believers to outright skeptics.

Joanna Madloch is a NJ-based photographer, writer, and scholar. With a PhD in Humanities and photography studies at ICP and Penumbra Foundation under her belt, Joanna has authored over 30 scholarly articles and a book on Joseph Brodsky. She's currently working on a book about the portrayal of photographers in world fiction. Her photography has been exhibited in the US, Europe, and Australia.

This program is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.