RECREATING 19th CENTURY DEATH & MOURNING PHOTOGRAPHS

What's a Corpse-stagram influencer to do???
Thank you Merchant's House Museum for hosting us!
Learn more about the Merchant's House Museum at merchantshouse.org/
Donate to Save the Merchant's House! merchantshouse.org/calltoarms/
Thank you to Jolene Lupo and Penumbra Foundation for your sharing your expertise with us!
Learn more about Penumbra Foundation: www.penumbrafoundation.org/
Interested in your own tintype portrait? Schedule a session with Jolene:
www.penumbrafoundation.org/bo...
Thank you Patron deathlings, who make this all possible!
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**MORE DEATH CONTENT & RESOURCES**
Books: caitlindoughty.com/books
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**SOCIALS**
Order Instagram: / ordergooddeath
Caitlin Instagram: / thegooddeath
Order Twitter: / ordergooddeath
**CREDITS**
Mortician: Caitlin Doughty
Tintype Photographer: Jolene Lupo (@jolenelupo)
Tintype Photography Assistant: Lizzy Nahum-Albright
Mourning Women: Ann Haddad & Emily Hill-Wright
Producer & Writer: Louise Hung (@LouiseHung1)
Editor & Graphics: Landis Blair (@landisblair)
This video could not have been possible without the Merchant's House Museum, the museum staff and volunteers, Margaret Halsey Gardiner, and Penumbra Foundation.
Special thanks to Lizzy, Ann, Emily, and Jenny (Molly from the first Victorian mourning video!) for so generously donating their time and talent (especially for staying VERY STILL FOR VERY LONG) to the creation of this video. DREAM TEAM.
**MUSIC**
Greta Sting by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Merry Go Slower by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Air Prelude by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
**SELECTED SOURCES/ADDITIONAL READING**
Beyond the Dark Veil
The Thanatos Archive. Grand Central Press & Last Gasp, 2015.
Death in the Victorian Family
Jalland, Pat. Oxford University Press Inc., New York. 1996.
The Victorian Book of the Dead
Woodyard, Chris. Kestral Publications, Chris Woodyard, 2014.
"The Lost Ritual of Photographing the Dead"
hyperallergic.com/214713/the-...
Penumbra Foundation
www.penumbrafoundation.org/

[@Rainy..Day.]

When ur crying not because u lost a loved one, but because u have to wear arsenic clothing.

[@sweetea3272]

I'm sorry to our ancestors but this has me LMAO

[@Monicalia]

when you cry because you wear arsenic clothing to your grandma's funeral and know you're next.

[@Mr.Highasfuck]

Now selling arsenic toothpaste in a store near you

[@VaqueroCoyote]

Hey don't forget your cocaine gum from the local snake oil store.

[@Logitah]

Also because you have been forced to sit still for a long period of time and your LEG ITCHES!!!!!!

[@giannajuice7959]

“This is actually the stair case that one of the merchant house sisters fell down and died so a little cosplay there”. LMAOOO

[@ladymopar2024]

I love the dark sense of humor, nothing like getting into the role

[@sniff_3512]

lady mopar especially when this kinda stuff is dark lol

[@bigsister9354]

My mom fell down from the stairs two weeks ago, she tried not to step on the cat... She wasn’t end up injured but was damaged badly((( Blood was everywhere. moral: if your cat has a habit of lying on the stairs, give it a good kick.

[@equalivent_auxiliumchina3286]

@@bigsister9354 😂🤣 My mom once tripped over her dog while stepping backwards (what is it with pets always hanging around, preferably behind, their owners?!). She broke her wrist, while falling she tried to catch her fall (don’t we all?) and the dog got a mouthful of nasty words. It took her 7 weeks to heal, but never kicked the dog…

[@K_Cummins]

"This is not the content you signed up for..." Yes it is. It totally is. This is, without exaggeration, one of the most interesting KZbin videos I have ever watched.

[@williambutler5091]

I made it 500 likes. Yeehaa!

[@mattandsarahaschan]

"It's 2020 and I'm protecting my boundaries." Oh, January 2020 Caitlin. You don't know how right you're about to become.

[@irisjoosten8669]

"We'll do the spirit photography if this video get 75k likes" *hits like button with all 4 accounts*

[@adamjonkie5601]

Iris Joosten same

[@melanieshearman4678]

I need to open four more accounts

[@pixieduszt5969]

Influencers everywhere: "HOW CAN I TINTYPE MY AVOCADO TOAST?!"

[@wickedham]

That is peak hipster

[@Pehmokettu]

Somebody probably just makes an Instagram filter that mimics the tintype. :)

[@heatherjohnson8022]

pixie duszt I had friend stop me from eating my strawberry shortcake slice so she could take a picture SMH lol

[@pixieduszt5969]

@heatherjohnson that's pretty cringy 😂😂😂

[@bry7487]

I would love to be in an antique store in 100 years and find a tin type of fucking toast.

[@UHDGamers-re2xj]

As photographer myself, I can't even begin to pretend the amount of talent and skill this lady has. The camera, the developing of photos and understanding of a camera that's over 150 years old is simply amazing.

[@koolkitty108]

looks cool, the oldest camera I’ve ever used was from the 1920s or 30s in a high school elective class I was taking haha

[@macthompson9750]

all photography is the same. i think its a bit kitschy myself. we are living in the digital age, so using an old camera is a way to stand out i reckon. But its all the same basic principles of simple studio photography. its a wooden box, a piece of glass, and basic chemistry from over 100 years ago. A pain in the rear end more than anything. HONESTLY learning film photography seems tougher with having to learn all the different film speeds and such. callodion is somewhere between a traditional film camera and camera obscura. victorian polaroid

[@AllegraBottlik]

​@@macthompson9750 Authentically kitschy though! Film photography (as in celluloid film) especially toward the end of the 20th century was so, so much easier and especially more flexible (figuratively and literally) than any sort of solid plate photography. Massive advances in optics too - it's not upside down in the viewfinder anymore for one, and those same improvements are today used for digital photography. I'm barely old enough to have grown up with film and followed the rise of digital photography, did all my own 35mm black and white darkroom work at the same time as using a digital camera once they weren't extremely expensive for worse than the worst cellphone camera these days. I love both. I haven't done any plate photography but it's great to learn about it and with film ISO that's just a bit of memorization and math (or looking up tables when you're juggling things in the darkroom). My uncle who got me into photography says "maybe one photo out of a thousand is any good". Film and plate photography sure teach you to not F it up and think very carefully, but applying that to being able to take more than one shot or 24, and especially being able to check it IMMEDIATELY? A different magic than that of your hands and chemicals and timing, but definitely still the magic of capturing light and freezing it in time. I think it's fun that plate photography is a novelty to us now just as it was for people in the past. I liked how you could see Caitlin and everyone with both modern cinematography and on the plates - it's easier to see the people behind the sad Victorians standing really stiffly for the long exposure time (and that's down from half an hour in early Civil War photos). This is definitely a 'living archaeology' video. Anyway whoops looks like I went off on a ramble about a favorite topic and a trip down memory lane!

[@macthompson9750]

@@AllegraBottlik I appreciate the exercise. And your comment was awesome im picking up what your putting down. Im a sled dog activist ( the iditarod is cruel af) but there are these really old films in the arctic showing "arctic life" and people complain that they are "staged" and what people don't get is they more or less HAVE to be. It would be so challenging to film anything in that environment using any sort of chemical process. Its even hard with digital cameras up there it gets so cold. and film is flammable and gets stiff in the cold, it would be wicked challenging. so many obstacles to over come.

[@janetgood6332]

There is someone here in town who does wet plate tintypes. My kiddo and I had one done, and he has very light blue eyes. Came out kind of creepy as she noted it could.

[@Rye_Toast]

I have a photo of my father in his coffin, the funeral director didn’t even bat an eye when I requested one. He took it after everyone left the viewing and placed it in an envelope for me, it’s sealed and I have never looked at it since he passed in 2007 but it’s strangely comforting knowing I have it. I’ve never thought photos of the dead were morbid, I always thought they were the last link people had to someone they loved, and my Dad still is one of the most important people to me. Maybe some years from now I will no longer need it and I’ll dispose of it somehow, like take it to his favorite place and burn it, but for now I have it tucked away in a drawer.

[@michaeldickens7493]

I think your absolutely right i have pictures of both my parents and im glad I have them as well ☺ I'm glad you shared that.

[@cwayzums]

It’s a culture thing. In America pictures of the dead in their coffins are considered no no’s, but in the Philippines where I come from, we often take pictures of our loved ones in their coffins. We even hold wakes at home where we pray and “hang out” with our dead loved ones and eat around them as if they were alive. They are still our loved ones, dead or alive. You should look at your father’s picture. It’s ok. Don’t get rid of it.

[@1spoiledbabygirl]

@@michaeldickens7493 I know this is random... and forgive me for asking if you prefer not to answer.. Where are you located? Dickens is my maiden name and I've only known my immediate family with the same name. I've never ran into anyone else with the same last name either so was curious. Thanks and take care! :)

[@Jaxmusicgal23]

We have pictures of our still born son. A non profit takes them for free for you so you have memories of what your baby looked like. It’s comforting to look at the sweet little one we lost. I think having a last picture of that loved one you lost isn’t weird… it’s the last glimpse you will have on this side

[@williambutler5091]

@@Jaxmusicgal23 I can get on board with that - a photo of a baby that died. I had a brother who died of sids. I have no memory of him, no picture just birth and death certificates a few weeks apart. Sorry for your loss.

[@justinallenlindley9796]

I love Caitlyn's sense of humor so much.

[@reneesternhagen1872]

Death mother posts.... *everything stops*

[@MsTinkerbelle87]

The cosplay comment!! I’m still laughing lol

[@gc1097]

Me too 🤣🤣🤣 the intro was DEEP

[@Lill2895]

I'm really cooking on laughter from the beginning about IG pics lmao So glad I came across her.

[@erincarr9411]

I would love to be her BFF

[@franceslambert8070]

I had to "cause a scene" in 76 to get a pic of my Daddy in his casket and me at the foot. I was told it was "disrespectful" and I would "go to hell". I got the picture, and I am glad I did.

[@paulaunger3061]

I’m glad you were able to get it. Everyone thinks their way of grieving is the only one - but it’s so personal and individual. I’m so glad of Caitlin and the death positive movement. Our society is so secular, that death has become a very cold and frightening thing.

[@irisheyesofbelfast]

@@paulaunger3061 I LOVE how she puts a lighthearted twist to the subject, obviously to make people comfortable talking or listening in regards to a tough subject. LOVE HER! 🖤

[@mcearl8073]

Frances Lambert Were you in the picture or do you mean you were standing at the foot taking the picture? How old were you? I don’t think it’s disrespectful, certainly not much different than an open casket funeral. I don’t think I’d want one personally. I hated seeing dead loved ones, the way the mouth always is just looks wrong. Maybe if they weren’t embalmed they wouldn’t need to glue the mouths shut and position the face so they’d look more natural.

[@joelt00b]

Direct family only.. My brother and sister didn't, nor did my aunts. I wouldn't be mad if they did. My cousin asked if he could take a picture of my mom and I'm like nope and don't let me find out if you did. I wouldn't say anyone is going to hell for it. We knew she didn't like makeup so why take a photo of her

[@mcearl8073]

joelt00b Well it was nice he asked you. I haven’t been to a ton of funerals really in the last 10 years or so. It makes me wonder now that basically everyone has camera phones if it doesn’t happen more, especially from like teens who aren’t super close with the person. I just can’t imagine wanting a picture of my family members dead in their casket. If I didn’t know them I wouldn’t care really but every loved one I’ve seen in their casket the image haunts me a bit. I don’t think I’d ever arrange and open casket or have anyone embalmed. They all looked wrong, then of course all the people walking up and saying how good they look, probably for lack of anything else to say maybe but it’s weird, they didn’t look good and really even if they did they are dead so it doesn’t matter. I just don’t want people coming up awkwardly looking at my corpse and being uncomfortable. Just close the lid and put some happy pictures up

[@Lucy-fn9rj]

the fact that the ~authentic crying women~ were actually sitting completely still for almost a full minute is hilarious to me

[@sandrabeck8788]

I was a 1950’s child, and my parents were elderly. People always thought I was their granddaughter. So many of their relatives and friends passed, so we went to a lot of funerals. To me it was sad, but normal. We always took pictures of the dead loved one. I don’t find it creepy at all.

[@1MegArbo]

I love that we got a truly old school photography lesson with this.

[@jennifermillsrhit6607]

just came back from Gettysburg this weekend and this process makes me appreciate those battlefield pics (and photographers) even more!

[@brianperry]

meg arbo Yes, I never lost the wonder of watching the image slowly appear when in my darkroom . This was when the whole process of photography was an art.

[@emmaonthefarm1085]

Yeah I love her videos there so informative 👌♥️

[@koolkitty108]

reminds me of those photography classes I took in high school

[@soph7676]

@@jennifermillsrhit6607 09 99 p 0000

[@CyborgWolf]

"I never watched looney tunes" I'll be straight with you. This is probably the most controversial thing i've heard on your channel so far & I don't know if i'm ready for it.

[@TalairanPerigord]

I agree wholeheartedly. WTF? A childhood bereft of Daffy Duck and Yosemite Sam is...well, it's just sad, dammit!

[@kashinimeyo]

Never too late though

[@johndemeritt3460]

I know, we're raising a generation of cultural illiterates. We need to reintroduce the Great Cartoons to young people. Otherwise, how will we be able to communicate in cartoon cliches? In the famous words of Porky the Pig . . . .

[@jacquelinel8156]

It was a shocking statement.

[@TheUchihaRin]

Probably due to sheltering religious parents?

[@irisnevermind9170]

Just imagine someone in the future thinking Caitlyn’s a time traveler if they find only one of her videos and these pictures

[@Momof4kidsand3dogs]

My family from the Appalachian region was still doing this type of photography well into the 50s and 60s of their dead, which they laid out in their homes. And they still take pictures of our dead in their caskets.

[@jennifercrumley7521]

I require more information on this Japanese Vampire.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

I hear he's a real pain in the neck...😊

[@TvTrollByIvy]

I too, DEMAND more information on said Vampire.

[@88cortegon]

@@Allan_aka_RocKITEman ouch !!!!

[@sirishie.thegoblin7594]

Iconic corpse on the Japanese vampire please

[@katw5592]

From the picture Caitlin showed I assume she meant a Nukekubi (literally translated as "removable neck"). More info: yokai.com/nukekubi/

[@dr.lorismith445]

I love Caitlin’s sense of dark humor. This past year, 2 of my sister’s, my mom, and my brother-in-law passed away. It’s been horrible. Watching Caitlin has helped me cope with all of these losses.

[@eej1983able]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@michaeldickens7493]

Im sorry too its crazy to see your family go I've lost nearly all of mine also

[@lilenwasnothere6867]

i am so sorry for your losses. they are watching over you now 💕

[@galescott8433]

I am so very sorry

[@pamelahofman1785]

How heartbreaking! I'm so sorry for your loss. Even now, a year later, I am sure you are still dealing with the losses. I wish you comfort and solace.

[@Thiccolo86]

"Because I'm protecting my boundaries this year" GIRL DID YOU KNOW.......

[@gloriarobinson9068]

I have 2 "tintypes" in family files. Because of this, I have been fascinated by Momento Mori for several years. I only found this today and it answered many little questions. I am 75 and am still learning. Thank you so much.

[@irisheyesofbelfast]

Is the decedent lying in repose in a bed or coffin? If they aren't lying in repose, it isn't post mortem.

[@m0n4rch911]

Yes, i support this decision to make "Reenacting" a series. Can't wait.

[@lisaerickson4665]

Every year my husband gifts me your books for Christmas. This year he got one personalized by you! My name, your autograph, a lovely message, and you drew a skull! 😭 you are amazing!

[@k.m.223]

That's such a lovely gift.

[@katiem6620]

Husband goals right there

[@phoenixl6877]

YOUR HUSBAND IS AMAZING!!!

[@ruthymorales7208]

Your hubby is AMAZING!!! Be sure to treasure him!

[@steph.v.o.7078]

You are a lucky women 👍

[@deannacrownover3]

I still have my great-grandmother's Mori album. A lot of it is tintypes and I never show it to anyone because people get real freaked out about it but, it is hauntingly beautiful.

[@rockinreebz]

My grandpa strongly encouraged my mom to take pictures of my grandma at her funeral, I never understood why. I always thought it just wasn’t something you do. But as I got older I’ve looked at the pictures and they bring me peace and solace to see how beautiful and peaceful she was. I now understand as it was a step away from how she looked in the hospital hooked up to machines. I’ll hang onto those photos forever.

[@amydecker6207]

My son (age 10 at the time) took pictures of my grandfather's body at the funeral. I didn't say a word. That may be the only lasting picture he owns of Grandpa.

[@irisheyesofbelfast]

@@amydecker6207 I love that you let him do what he needed to do without question. You let him be himself when many a parent would have criticized. I bet you have a great relationship. 💜

[@SeanMcGuire92]

How was there not a “Caitlin’s head!” a la “Bentham’s head!” but with your corpse pin at the end?

[@vomitfountain]

Can I second this? I really want to see that.

[@sg2823]

Good!

[@venturealanakennedy6417]

This!!!!!!

[@lghtngblt]

That's next years pin!

[@amberparks2975]

I said it out loud to be fair lol

[@lilygarcia6482]

My girls and I watch your videos together. They called you "La muertita" (the death one)

[@Agaettis]

I sense a new book title

[@adamjonkie5601]

I second this

[@iadorenewyork1]

Nice!

[@EirynKatherine]

Seeing how long people had to sit still for makes me understand why 'handkerchief pressed to and covering face' was a popular pose.

[@carriescully2454]

75k LIKES ON THIS VIDEO!!! So when is the spirit photo shoot scheduled for? 😂💖

[@StellaMariaGiulia]

I'm a deathling, a photographer and an avid history enthusiast. Boy, do I feel giddy right now. ❤️😭🙌🏻

[@kayleighegerton7030]

this is everything! x

[@kingpants6208]

if you’re still doing iconic corpse, you should look into Vladimir Komorov, a cosmonaut who died upon reentry

[@Alexagrigorieff]

*Komarov

[@silentjustice5657]

Yes!

[@robertsandberg2246]

Absolutely!!🚀🛰👍

[@Packless1]

...unfortunately there was only little remains of him...! :-(

[@revenevan11]

His was such an impactful story. Knowing it was coming, he refused to step down from the mission despite the incredible risk, since he also knew his close friend and fellow cosmonaut would take his place if he wasn't in that capsule himself. He also wrote out his death plan specifically to have an open casket funeral so that the high ranking soviet officials who knew that they were killing him would have to look upon his charred remains. If I remember correctly, there's a photo with his remains in the casket or coffin in the foreground and the officials looking at them. Such a brave and selfless man, but also willing to stand up for himself in that way.

[@bornbeauty95]

I have a tintype of my great-great grandmother (and namesake) as a toddler from around the 1890s. As much as I appreciated it before, knowing that they had to get a toddler to sit still for 45 seconds to get it gives me a whole new appreciation for it.

[@sk-pt6np]

Thanks Mr Bean, for keeping me cultured 😂 I probably wouldn’t know what whistler’s mother was either.

[@moseschrute]

sabbrah kays Oh man the scene where he ruins the painting - I was feeling secondhand panic!

[@alexskywalker5478]

Same lol

[@lordgiantsbane]

I learned of Whistler’s Mother from the Mr Bean movie.

[@FleshGolem420]

Yes, and Mr Bean does a very nice job of explaining why it's so important.

[@angela.6273]

Hell yea !🙏

[@iseydelmar]

Same!!

[@minxstole93]

Ditto! I'm glad someone else said it and that I wasn't the only one thinking that!! All hail the Bean!!! *Achoo*

[@BambisMum]

Same!

[@jjcmj9955]

I can’t imagine what grieving parents felt posing with their dead child for hours having their pictures taken

[@clueless_cutie]

I feel like the process of the photography actually gave people something to look forward to. You can't talk if you're posing (so less awkward attempts to console the surviving family) and it created a structured almost process like environment for the grieving as well as a focal point of getting ready and looking your best for an everlasting photo. I kind of wish we still had something like this actually to give people something to focus on rather than the grief and the attempt to keep it together.

[@louisacapell]

That's not how it worked.

[@queenmamabear5812]

So sad......❤❤❤❤❤

[@brittanybecker170]

This was probably the only picture they'd have of that child so it'd be seen as precious rather than creepy.

[@Sims3Loverx]

With most grieving parents they likely would have been grateful for it, nowadays parents don’t often get the choice to see their child after their passing. This seems like it would be a good chance to get used to their loss in the hours of silence. They could get a chance to say goodbye whilst holding them close. Seems almost therapeutic.

[@johnhargenrader8972]

The knowledge this photographer has of the old chemical processes is amazing.

[@TheKwachner227]

My Mom died 2 months ago. While I'm Christian, I still haven't been coping well with her death. These videos definitely help. Thanks Caitlin!!

[@OowllwoO]

Sorry for your loss.

[@MossyMozart]

@TheKwachner227 - The first year is the hardest - the first Thanksgiving without your mother, the first Christmas, the first birthday, etc. I hope that things are improving for you since the first ragged year has passed by. Virtual hugs.

[@TheKwachner227]

@@MossyMozart Thank you. I've been better since I posted this comment. Some good days, some bad, but I'm slowly learning to cope. Thank you for your kind words.

[@tonyaharmon1383]

I Wanted To Say I'm Sorry For Your Loss!! I Have Been Through That Too!!

[@jenniferfyffe5775]

“I didn’t watch loony tunes” is by far, THE MOST DISTURBING THING YOUVE EVER SAID 🤯😱🤯

[@sg2823]

Every Caitlin video is a Loonie Tune!!

[@jimmyneql]

Caitlin, you’re just the best. We do prefer you, however, alive.

[@WaferNegresco]

This is the best comment so far

[@CatrionaCharles]

Indeed we do!

[@irisheyesofbelfast]

For sure!!! ❤❤❤

[@ChickVicious237]

I keep repeating "the corpse was me...It was me" *sad horn sound* It was just perfect!

[@ellenkarlsson9490]

I want a pin of Caitlin's 80's corpse makeup from Mortician does my makeup for the casket.

[@minumoto2101]

"The iso is 1" Me (a photographer): daaaamn

[@rrrosecarbinela]

My reaction too. Daaaaaaamn!

[@censusgary]

Me, too. I’ve been known to use ISO 1600 film.

[@Agaettis]

Right?

[@onespiceybbw]

"The iso is 1" Me: (NOT a photographer) DAAAMMMMN!

[@d.d.d.a.a.a.n.n.n]

Same!

[@LindsayDaly]

As someone who works with cameras, when she said the ISO of the tintype was 1 I literally gasped lol

[@censusgary]

So did I.

[@JenniferFuchek]

Me too.... I can't imagine!

[@Ali-mv3jc]

What is ISO?

[@bdoglance]

@@Ali-mv3jc I just googled it. -'ISO measures the sensitivity of the image sensor. The same principles apply as in film photography - the lower the number the less sensitive your camera is to light and the finer the grain. ... By choosing a higher ISO you can use a faster shutter speed to freeze the movement.' ( link- digital-photography-school.com/iso-settings/ )

[@nikkij4873]

“So many gentlemen callers!” Lol these videos always make my day. Caitlin and her wonderful zany death-positive friends.

[@c.coleman2979]

I worked at an art museum where the collection had a few weird paintings. We finally figured they were mortuary paintings of dead children. Very creepy.

[@dc_mischief]

"and there's a little bit of lavender oil added, so it smells nice..." Wow, the "Scratch and Sniff" concept goes way back!

[@adamjonkie5601]

Shoebill Rex 😂😂😂😂

[@byrus1]

I wonder if there were any photo-related euphemisms for death back then. Like: -Have you seen Frank? -Don't you know? He had his picture taken yesterday -RIP in peace

[@Donnie-sg2cj]

byrus1 “Rest in peace in peace”

[@larsanderson3072]

He kicked the Photobucket.

[@notit340]

🤣

[@irisheyesofbelfast]

Contrary to popular belief, the Victorians didn't only photograph the dead. In fact, it wasn't as popular as the internet would like people to believe. And pm photos are most always obvious, with a rare photo or two in question. Usually if you question whether a photo is pm, 9x out of 10 it is not pm.

[@wanderinghistorian]

@@irisheyesofbelfast You can always identify a PM photo because the corpse is a dead giveaway. ;)

[@BrokenFootRailfan]

The photography nerd in me absolutely loved this episode! It took me back to my old darkroom days. Now I am obsessed with getting the equipment to do tintypes!

[@MossyMozart]

When I took Interior Design at the New York School of Interior Design, NYC, my design class designed a visitor's center for the Merchant's House Museum. (It was a school project, not a real-life project.) We were given an extensive tour and got the blue prints for the home to pour over. I know it well. It even has a secret room in the basement with a hidden stair that leads from the Tredwell's bedroom downwards. The merchant probably stored contraband goods there. I see in the video where one of the magnificent pier mirrors is draped in black mourning - it is behind where the coffin was set up. Only one family lived in the home from its first day in 1832 until 1933, when the last child died. It still was not electrified at that point. The furniture, clothing, and everything else belonged to that one family and is original to the home. It is truly a Manhattan home that was frozen in amber!

[@curiousworld7912]

The first memorial photo I ever saw, was of my Grandma's first son in his coffin. I was just a child, and thought it was a picture of a doll in a box. This had such an effect on me, when she explained what it really was, that it started a lifetime of fascination with Victorian mourning practices. I have a beautiful book, called 'Sleeping Beauty, Memorial Photography in America' by Stanley Burns, along with perhaps a dozen or so other books on headstones, meaning behind particular symbology, etc.

[@healinggrounds19]

I LOVE the "Sleeping Beauty" book but could not afford it. You cherish that book! Cherish it!!

[@curiousworld7912]

@@healinggrounds19 I was lucky enough to buy it when it was first published. I've held onto it all these years, and had no idea how much it had increased in value, until I looked it up following this video post. Wow...

[@michellebattersby3243]

I also saw a few memorial photos as a kid and I've been fascinated ever since! Amazing story I would love to find that book !

[@curiousworld7912]

@@michellebattersby3243 Check with your local library. Even if they don't have a copy, they can always get one on inter-library loan. The author's name is Stanley Burns. It's a beautiful book, with careful descriptions of each photo. It's done very respectfully and is well-worth a look, if this subject is of interest. I wish you luck in your search for it. As I said earlier; I had no idea how much a 1st edition had gone up in price, so your best bet at getting a look at it is through your library.

[@curiousworld7912]

@@michellebattersby3243 Just another note: As I believe Caitlin mentioned; this wasn't just some morbid Victorian 'thing'. Memorial photography was often the only picture a family ever had of a loved one. So there's a very sweet melancholy to these photos, I think.

[@miso.1993]

ok but I learned about "Whistler's Mother" from Mr. Bean lmao

[@bigsister9354]

Same))) that movie was hilarious! At least when I was a kid)))

[@jasonleese546]

And the song by boyzone ... picture of you in my mind ... always makes me think of the painting . ....brace yourself .....

[@sarahgrisetti3915]

Me too!

[@starsoffyre]

I was today years old when I found out it is a real thing

[@TryinaD]

Omg me too!! I think most of the world learned it from Mr. Bean

[@tommyvictorbuch6960]

This complicated process, has always been a kind of magic to me. How easy photography is today. Superb episode. Love it.

[@brebre934]

When I was about 8 I was going through my grandmas photos. she had Tintype photos of family members! I thought they were so amazing! I loved hearing the stories about these family members! I always had a thing for odd vintage things from a young age!

[@Lucius1958]

Some photographic trivia here: The camera was actually invented several centuries *before* photography: known as the *"camera obscura"*, or 'dark room", it was used as an artists' aid. Some paintings by Old Masters show telltale distortions that indicate its use. The first permanent photograph was made in 1827 in France; it used a pewter plate covered with a light-sensitive asphaltum known as *"bitumen of Judea"*. After hours of exposure, the unexposed coating was washed off with lavender oil, and then etched with acid. Two competing photographic systems were introduced simultaneously in the late 1830s: the *daguerreotype*, invented by Jacques-Louis Mandé Daguerre, which used a silver-coated metal plate, sensitized with fumes of iodine and bromine, and developed with mercury vapor. Then there was the *calotype*, invented by the Englishman William Henry Fox Talbot: it used a paper negative, sensitized with silver nitrate, developed with sodium thiosulfate, and then waxed and printed. (Another Frenchman, Hippolyte Bayard, developed a somewhat similar system: what is interesting here is that one of his photos was a posed, pseudo-"post mortem" self-portrait). As to "orthochromatic" emulsions: as stated, they tended to be more sensitive to blue light than red. That is why early photo studios used blue filters in their skylights, and red lamps in their darkrooms. Also, when you see old photos taken outdoors, the sky looks blank white; and US flags show dark stripes and a very pale canton. Even in early movies, the actors had to use yellow makeup to prevent their skin from looking dark. PS: You DIDN'T watch Looney Tunes? *"YOU'RE DEATHHPICABLE!"*

[@k.upward]

I’ll leave the likes at 69 for now

[@k.upward]

Godddam*it

[@Itried20takennames]

“To return to a time..”. Sadly, postmortem photos are taken every day in modern hospitals of stillborn infants and as then are the only pictures their parents will ever have.

[@meredithwilliams4671]

"Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" is a collection of volunteer photographers who do just that

[@maddieb.4282]

I hadn’t even thought of that, thank you for sharing. So utterly tragic.

[@d.leighannbatemon3192]

Two good friends of mine both have their memorialized photographs of their still born babies. It brings me to tears every time I find myself looking at those beautiful children displayed so lovingly on their living room wall. I'm pregnant now, and it's a constant reminder that even in this day of modern technology, there is still nothing they can do when a baby is born dead. Every time I feel my daughter kick, I say a prayer she'll make it safely into this world. Women who endure that grief truly are so strong!

[@ashm2338]

@@d.leighannbatemon3192 Congratulations momma! I hope you have an easy pregnancy and a healthy baby😊

[@erin.v.m657]

@@meredithwilliams4671 ...they are a fantastic organization that took pictures after I lost my son. You only get one chance for pictures...and they are literally priceless.

[@peggymaystacy9358]

My favorite painting "Whistler's Mother"! When I had the opportunity to view it in person, I cried!

[@angeliquejoy1]

I also have never heard of that painting and my family did not have a TV when I was young. Obviously the social impact of Loony Toons was greater than I expected.

[@shannonenyedy4644]

I know this is so random. But I literally just thought of it today. I’ve seen videos where doctors describe what is inaccurate/accurate about tv shows, movies, books. It would be amazing if you did this on the accuracy of death scenes or funerals or whatever honestly. Also you’re a goddess and we’re lucky to have you girl!

[@justingans679]

I've wanted to see her examine onscreen mortality too!

[@jennyboldrini7330]

That would make a really great video. I was thinking scenes from CSI , NCIS and so on.

[@Rachel-ip4um]

I kinda wish you'd edited the video with real-time exposure, so we had to wait 42 awkward seconds and feel what that's like. This is SO cool!

[@RebekahCarrow]

Rachel Lane I mean you can still try it at home. Or in the grocery store for the awkward aspect

[@brendaleelydon]

Caitlin! It's February 2022 & we're at 90k+ likes on this video - when's the meetup with Jolene & Lizzy for a spirit photography session?! 😁😊

[@astrol64]

Caitlin, have you ever seen the movie "The Others"? It had an album of post mortem pictures. I found the movie rather interesting!

[@jessicawurm23]

That's immediately the movie that came to mind when I saw the title lol. Fantastic movie

[@debraboyd8351]

Pinterest has a ton of death Pics

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

Such a good movie

[@irisheyesofbelfast]

@@debraboyd8351 most of them are not post mortem. There are more mislabeled post mortem pics than actual post mortem pics.

[@ecamille1542]

Over the summer I found a bunch of tintypes from my great-great-great-grandfather's funeral and my dad thought they were weird and got rid of them instead of letting me keep them and I will never not be mad about that.

[@KougajiCalling]

As you should. That was stupid.

[@lorriemiller6750]

Absolutely I would have told him to make sure those were all kept so that you would get them or to tell him you would take them there and then because you wanted them. That is what I would do.

[@paulaunger3061]

I can see both points of view. The first I learned of death photography was from The Others... not sure I’ll ever be able to see it in any other light, while still appreciating how other people might like it.

[@dragonsword7370]

At the very least he could have had the decency to give them to your local museum or college so at least there was a chance of getting them back or having them reviewed for historical capacity. It's like how garbage men here can find war medals and all sorts of things that need a museum. Victoria crosses, old letters and such getting thrown away by ignorant or stupid people. Sorry to hear about that!

[@ecamille1542]

@@dragonsword7370 he didn't throw them away, he's a big antique collector so through his contacts in the business he got them to someone who collects those types of thing but I still would have liked to keep them

[@ashleyalexxis3442]

The “Facetuning” almost sent me up yonder 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@sam5.183]

The best part is that, on the edwardian period (early 1900s) some photos were painted to make apear that the waist of a woman was smaller, so it was like an edwardian facetune XD

[@liriodendronlasianthus]

Polaire often boasted a 14 inch waist but in reality, based on the blurriness around her waistline in pictures, she was probably more of a 19 inch, which is still doable back then. I believe ladies back then had 26 inch waists without a corset and just cinched 2-3 inches with a back gap.

[@amydecker6207]

I seriously just belly laughed at "up yonder" 😂😂😂

[@benl8070]

Tin Type expert: You have to stand perfectly still! Former drum corps members: My time has come...

[@croberts576]

"I'm protecting my boundaries" I deadass was prepared for her to say protecting my vibe.

[@sunnysorrel]

oh yes. i definitely need this. i love how her voice sounds like the "may-i-speak-to-your-manager-joins-bashing-facebook-groups Karen"

[@ideamissing]

This was really interesting, not just because we learned about the Victorian mourning practices, but also about photography. it was also really funny, the moment when Caitlin's corpse close-up was finished and the photographer says, 'thank you,' and the 'corpse' sits up and stretches.

[@cruisingaltitudewaitress3396]

You are funnier than any “comedian” I’ve seen in years 😂.

[@wallijacanero1532]

Don't worry Caitilyn, 6:14 as an European art history student I've never heard of Whistler Mother painting either and I have done (and still doing) art related schools for almost twelve years! I've seen it for the first time in a Mr bean's film...

[@cupcakesroar5828]

Was secretly hoping they would prop up Caitlyn’s “corpse” for the death photo where the dead are presented as still being alive

[@d.d.d.a.a.a.n.n.n]

You should watch her video on Victorian standing corpse photos kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2mnqXxuhdNki9k

[@berthaschwarze6704]

Thank you 😂 I still come across wayyyy to many „no this person is dead and propped up“ comments

[@mariannemurray6787]

I was kind of hoping for the same... LOL

[@irisheyesofbelfast]

She didn't do it because it isn't true. Those are myths. She demonstrated what a TRUE PM photo was.

[@maybeitswaybelline6555]

Well that type of photography never happened so why would she?

[@vscaddell]

I love how you put the "fun" in funeral. You've made death less scary for many people. I also love your videos explaining different things, like how the Victorian era took photos of their dead loved ones. Keep doing what you do.You're very informative and entertaining at the same time.Keep doing what you do. You're awesome. 🙂

[@irisheyesofbelfast]

She describes things regarding a very tough subject to talk about, in a lighthearted manner which I'm sure helps many feel a bit more comfortable watching and learning. Love her!! ❤

[@kinghenryxl1747]

Caitlyn's halloween parties must be awesome!

[@deathsdoodles]

As a collector of found photos, thank you for this! It's so interesting seeing what went into the tintypes I have

[@tikimama1139]

I need a lanyard for all the Caitlin face pins, like people at Disneyland.

[@marciehare8175]

Really??? Where can I get one or more? I love her omg. She's the coolest

[@marciehare8175]

Tikimama where can I get pins od Caitlin

[@tikimama1139]

@@marciehare8175 watch the video!

[@embuetschee]

I love how much attention was payed to every detail.... and then the dead body has a fringe hairstyle ;)

[@sundrawhitham5089]

and the cap is being worn upside down and backward.

[@Idaemily20]

Cassandra, I’m quite sure Sundra Whitham is right. The frill is supposed to surround the face not the back of the neck. Think of it as being constructed like a bonnet. :)

[@sundrawhitham5089]

Cassandra: Thank you. I was not going to argue but base my statement on many historic pictures and caps in my possession .

[@irisheyesofbelfast]

Unless you are focusing on the bonnet, you may not notice. It's def on backwards. The fancier lace trim should be around her face, not her neck. Not a big deal. I'm sure many didn't even notice.

[@visionsofjanuary798]

Thanks for sharing that fact about blue eyes in old photographs! We have old family photos where the people have very pale eyes, and we would joke that they're aliens, lol. But now I know it's because they had blue eyes!

[@Meghan2219]

I would love it if you would do a video about Lizzie Siddal and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. They story of their romance and her untimely death and crazy burial is so bananas!

[@weslei_wsd]

"A pin of my face" - Katlin's Heeeead

[@harveyabel1354]

I was actually waiting for that to show up.

[@weslei_wsd]

@@harveyabel1354 So was I! Shame she missed out on the opportunity...

[@Agaettis]

Thank you. This is the first time I've laughed in days

[@kme]

@@harveyabel1354 same.

[@lauryncrump8361]

Watching this with my 11 month old... when they said "yay!" She started clapping and said "woohoo!"🤣

[@jenna4519]

I've taken Daguerreotype photographs, and also modeled for my friends to take their own Daguerreotypes, and developed them as well. It's really fun! My friend actually won a photography award in our city for a Daguerreotype photo of me and my eyes did have that "white walker" effect lol. I definitely preferred working with 35 mm film more since you don't have to rush like with Daguerreotypes, but I love seeing these old types of photography still being used and being honored by being on the NY Times cover! So cool.

[@girlunrepentant1254]

I wish youtube had notified me of this video in time. I love this channel and I'd have gladly become a patron to get a Caitlyn pin. I admire someone who is so reasonable when talking about death. And a dear friend of mine is a mortician, so you know, represent!

[@Bigotedechivo]

11:37 I love the assistant just casually wearing a magnifier as jewellery

[@nnaka88]

Useful jewelry is the best jewelry! And you really need it to check the focus on the plate, the resolution on those things is surreal.

[@ellenjak]

Also... need her earrings!

[@debbieculpepper2260]

Fashionable AND functional

[@elizabethnahum-albright6475]

Thanks, always gotta have my loupe on hand 😉

[@pistachiobaklava1216]

Apparently you've never seen the Mr Bean movie.

[@lynnhathaway3755]

Thank you! I was thinking the same thing.

[@jessejones5985]

This is the only reason why I know about Whistlers mother

[@minxstole93]

Yup, that's how I learned about that painting as youngin'! Also, as a kid, the scene where he sneezes on the painting and then accidentally destroys it was low key terrifying due to to all the intense music and screaming sound effects they used. Am I the only one or is there anyone else out there who recall being slightly traumatised by that sequence in the movie as children???

[@bl7355]

@@minxstole93 A true cinematic masterpiece. Alfred Hitchcock, eat your heart out!

[@mj5697]

Literally the only reason I know of the painting 😅

[@medicmule]

The retro technology explanation is fascinating beyond words. Being a dedicated watcher, I also have to point out that the host has nearly immeasurable charisma and is stunningly beautiful.

[@_Spy_]

*"I post my avocado toast."* I laughed way too hard at this and I want it on a t-shirt😂 I would love to see Jolene's Victorians' spirit photography! It will be so cool!

[@LAVirgo67]

The only photograph that my family has of my grandmother as a teenager was taken with a group of mourners at a funeral for a child back in 1914.

[@MsCathy42]

My southern family have always taken pictures of the dead family in the coffin. I always thought it was strange.

[@censusgary]

That practice seems to have peaked somewhere around 1900, but many people still do it.

[@relayniedarcy]

My family does it too, and it kinda freaks me out, not gonna lie.

[@windyloweryking1826]

I get weirded out when I see people using smart phones to take pics of the passed loved one in the casket.

[@jhanes3791]

My mom had a sister who died before she was born and a photograph was taken of her in her coffin. She was about 2 years old. To put it in perspective, this was in 1918.

[@abbiejo6822]

I learned about Whistler’s Mother from Looney Tunes and it makes me happy that so many other people learned culture from the same source.

[@RhiDElton]

75k likes! I'm so keen for some Victorian spirit photography!

[@snorlaxcrossing95]

I imagined a ‘Caitlyn’s head’ at the end cuz of the pin💁‍♀️

[@harveyabel1354]

You and me both :)

[@viviansteele9241]

"post my avocado toast"

[@vinny142]

T-shirt material.

[@mastanickel]

Every time I think one of these videos are gonna be boring it ends up being interesting as heck! So COOL

[@francisoconnelljr.4790]

"Flexible Collodion" That is what I used on my hands when I worked at the factory. Thank you for that little memory. 👍🏾✌🏼👍🏻

[@Sweetjudiblueyes]

Forget that you did not hear of “Whistler’s Mother”, you have brought so much more culture to all in extremely important ways! Fantastic job guys!

[@healinggrounds19]

Still think it is funny she had never heard of of this painting!😆

[@jenniferkerns7395]

I'v seen the image thousands of times and never knew the name of it... My 6 years of college have paid off lol

[@Pehmokettu]

I only know about Whistler's Mother because it was featured in the first Mr. Bean movie. :D

[@harveyabel1354]

@@jenniferkerns7395 I believe it's actually officially titled "Arrangement in grey and white"?

[@harveyabel1354]

But ya know, someone's gonna be influenced to make the movie from this video! XD

[@caitlinveal5709]

My 8 month old watched this video so intensely and that was when I realized he is definitely my son. 😂

[@bho-lj1jk]

Caitlin Veal His first words, turning, curious, he: Circle. Of. Life? mommy?

[@hez5160]

Never too young to connect with your children! Share your favorite stuff with your kids! :D

[@adamjonkie5601]

Wait till he says “Bentham’s head”

[@bluestivy9975]

Really? THAT was when you realized?😭😭

[@brittyvegas9482]

I think these pictures are very elegant looking, and i can see why the families chose to do this. It is also nice to see how the pictures were taken back then its very awesome.

[@gustavokennedy213]

What I find so creepy about the death process is the silence. When my father died in his home. There was silence and that creeped me out. Rest In Peace Dad. Thanks Katlin by the way do you have video that talks about the grieving process?

[@dentedcokecan]

Makes me think of taking a MRI..and u cant move and have to lay there like 15 mins at a time..I NEVER noticed until then how much I fidget..or get a itch..I LOVE how much history u put into the video..just found ur channel yesterday and been being watching..other than a great comedian..you are a AWESOME story teller..

[@miso.1993]

i would have nailed this shoot. I sleep in MRI machines lol

[@HerbieRey]

Perhaps 150 years in the future there'll be an "influencer" with a passion for 21st century medical history who revisits when MRI scans took a whole half hour to scan a brain and they'll laugh at how uncomfortable that must have been to wait so long

[@lghtngblt]

"I swear this will be the last pin of my face....this year." Does this mean you will now be creating a new face pin every January? 'Cause that would actually be cool!

[@d.leighannbatemon3192]

And Deathlings could collect them the way Disney fanatics collect those pins! 😂

[@ButterBallTheOpossum]

The "developer" looks a lot like a bottle of tequila lol

[@SuzanneDesign]

When I’ve mentioned these kinds of pictures to my friends they think it’s creepy. However, when you think that it probably is the only photo of your loved one, it becomes understandable. Not to mention it was a common practice. My husband borrowed a fascinating book from the library of photographs of dead children and an explanation of mortuary photos. I think in rural areas there were itinerant photographers. Hence corpses that weren’t “fresh.” Thank you for this totally absorbing video. I so love your channel.