The Camera Tricks That Will Help You Summon A 'ghost' - BBC Future

Skip to content

• Home
• News
• Sport
• Business
• Innovation
• Culture
• Arts
• Travel
• Earth
• Audio
• Video
• Live

HomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureArtsTravelEarthAudioVideoLiveWeatherNewslettersThe camera tricks that will help you summon a 'ghost'10 January 2018ShareSaveShareSave

Ever since the dawn of photography, "ghosts" have appeared in pictures. But they are almost always accidental tricks of the light or the product of skillful scammers.

From a spooky face in the background to spectral figures looming on the edge of images, there are countless examples of "ghosts" being captured on film or in digital photographs.

But rather than being evidence of unearthly presences, they have more to do with how cameras work.

To capture an image of a ghost for yourself, all you need is a little knowledge about how cameras work. Or just be in the right time and in the right place.

Check out this video to discover more, and then read this article for the full story.

Future VideoWatch

Köttbullar: The secret behind the iconic Swedish meatballs

Ikea’s meatballs turn 40. We asked Swedes how Köttbullar became a global phenomenon.

Culture & Experiences

Tech stocks to drive growth next year

Martin Baccardax, senior writer at Barron's, says tech stocks are likely to continue to drive markets in 2026.

Opening Bell

The AI toys taking over Christmas shopping lists

Tech Now investigates the latest AI toys on the market and how safe they are for children.

Tech Now

Lower than expected inflation boosts Wall Street shares

Shares on Wall Street have opened strongly and James Demmert explains what this means for consumers.

Opening Bell

The forgotten underground river that shaped Paris

Buried beneath Paris since 1912, the ghost river Bièvre shaped the French capital in unexpected ways.

The SpeciaList

Wall Street on track for third year of double-digit gains

Greg Halter, from the Carnegie Investment Counsel, says the markets have seen a third consecutive year of gains.

Opening Bell

George Clooney and Adam Sandler's recommended movies

The actors share their personal favourites and talk about why the films hold up today.

Film & TV

Watch playful hyena cubs cause mayhem

A group of hyena cubs play with the other animals drawn to the fallen fruit of the sausage trees near their den.

Wildlife

Wall Street up in big week of economic data

Katy Kaminski from AlphaSimplex says inflation numbers will be key for the next interest rate decision.

Opening Bell

Margate: The UK's original seaside resort

The Travel Show visit Margate, one of the UK's first seaside towns and the first to introduce deckchairs.

The Travel Show

The daring dance collective rewriting the rules of ballet

Meet the dance trio, La(Horde), leading the National Ballet of Marseille and reinventing ballet for a new era.

Arts in Motion

How a tiny chip can hold information from your gut

A new organ-on-a-chip technology helps doctors design personalised treatments for gut health.

Tech Now

These wildlife photos won funniest of the year

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards crowned the funniest animal photos of the year 2025.

Natural wonders

Calls for further rate cuts 'a little too aggressive'

It's expected the US central bank will cut the cost of borrowing but concerns about the market remain. 

Opening Bell

The dark history of Santa's official hometown

A 1950 visit from the US sparked an unexpected revival after near-total destruction in this Arctic town.

The SpeciaList

Jacinda Ardern once auditioned to be a Hobbit

The former New Zealand PM says she auditioned for Lord of the Rings but fell short on a specific requirement.

Film & TV

Federal reserve expected to cut rates

The US Fed's Open Market Committee is ready to cut rates with less certainty for 2026.

Opening Bell

Tiny lion cubs try to avoid getting crushed by elephants

Elephants going through the lion pride won't watch their step and could crush tiny lion cubs with a single step.

Wildlife

Paramount launches takeover of Warner Brothers Discovery

Paramount launches takeover of Warner Brothers Discovery and media industry analyst Alice Enders weighs in. 

Opening Bell

Exploring Singapore's festive flavours with 'Nasi Ulam'

The Travel Show visits Singapore to try a classic dish with Chinese roots, Nasi ulam, served during festivities.

The Travel Show