Photos

Myths and beliefs

Because daguerreotypes were rendered on a mirrored surface, many spiritualists also became practitioners of the new art form. Spiritualists would claim that the human image on the mirrored surface was akin to looking into one's soul. The spiritualists also believed that it would open their souls and let demons in. Among some Muslims, it is makruh (disliked) to perform salah (worship) in a place decorated with photographs. Photography and darkroom anomalies and artifacts sometimes lead viewers to believe that spirits or demons have been captured in photos. Some have made a career out of taking pictures of "ghosts" or "spirits". There are many instances where people believe photos will bring bad luck either to the person taking the picture or people captured in the photo. For instance, that a photograph taken of a pregnant woman will bring bad luck to the baby in the womb, or that photos taken of a dead person will ensure that person is not successful in the afterlife.