Small white mausoleum in Waterford, ON

My Phone Unleashed a Ghostly Prank?

Hey everyone! So, I was out with my mom the other day, grabbing some auction goodies (don’t ask!), when I had the brilliant idea to snag some pics for my new cemetery photo project, “Tiptoe Through the Tombstones” (totally coining that phrase, by the way!).

Now, before you grab the pitchforks, hear me out! I have nothing but respect for those who’ve passed on. I’ve dealt with my fair share of loss and helped others through theirs. But cemeteries can also be beautiful, peaceful places, and I think it’s cool to pay respects and celebrate the lives of those who are gone.

So there I am, tiptoeing around, camera in hand, scouting out the perfect cemetery photo angles, chatting with the, uh, “residents” (don’t worry, I apologize profusely if I accidentally roll on anyone!), when I head over to my favourite mausoleum. Mom pipes up about the large chains on the door, and I launch into explanation mode: “It’s for security, to stop grave robbers. Sadly, people can be such-“

That’s when it happened.  I snapped my first photo right when a shrill elderly lady loudly yells, “Heeeeeeeeelp!”

I froze. My heart stopped for a second. There hadn’t been anyone in the cemetery as we were walking around. 

Then the voice continued, “I’ve fallen… and I can’t get up!” What a weird thing to say.

old teal door chained closed and weathered with time

My heart about leaped out of my chest. We were completely alone in the cemetery. Is someone trapped in the mausoleum? Did I attract something?

Then, blessed silence. We scan the area, see nothing, then glance nervously at the mausoleum door. Just as my imagination starts up, the voice hits again!

That’s when it dawns on me. My phone! I’d changed my notification sounds the night before, and it turns out my new “emergency alert” is actually my bestie’s mom texting about presents she bought for her daughter!

Wow, I felt like an idiot!

So yeah, that’s one way to kick off a cemetery photo series. Anyone else ever had a technology malfunction scare the bejeebers out of them? Hit me up in the comments, or share your own stories with me on Facebook or Instagram!

In the meantime, go check out “Tiptoe Through the Tombstones” to see some of my favorite cemetery photo moments. If anything catches your eye, feel free to drop me a line!

Until next time, keep weird and have fun!

~ Jen