The term Gothic almost instantly brings on images of darkness and things that go bump in the night. At times, the term brings to mind architecture that was prevalent in the high and late middle ages of European history, which was both beautiful and scary to look at.

Gothic photography is a very elusive term. Drenched in modern and pop culture, Gothic photography is continually redefining itself. Yet at their core, Gothic photos are instantly recognizable. A dark image of an abandoned church or cemetery can instantly be labelled as ‘goth.’

The essence of Gothic photography is mood. The specifics of subject matter and technique varies widely, but the atmosphere remains constant — dark, gloomy, and a little eery. Take a look at any Gothic photo and you will be left with a feeling of uneasiness.

Despite that uneasy feeling, Gothic photography wants to show and see the beauty that is hidden in the dark, tragic, and even morbid aspects of life. As such, Gothic photography brings emotional reactions to the forefront of the person viewing the piece of art.

Gothic photographs make use of the blacks, greys, and whites to create their scenes, while other colors are optional or used to accent the overall image. This breathes life into the subject matter.

In this gallery, we’ve gathered the best examples of Gothic photography. Each of these stunning examples does a great job of conveying deep and emotional messages. Use these images to spark some emotions for your next photoshoot.