“It was a dark and stormy night…” You may have been told stories about ghouls, spirits, and things that go bump in the night. Regardless of if you prefer Bloody Mary or Casper, the Halloween season places the dead [and sometimes “undead”] in the spotlight.

For photographers, Halloween offers a haunting array of stories to tell. A blurry splotch of light in a Victorian-era bedroom may hold tales of residents who died mysterious deaths. A reflection of someone in an antique mirror can capture stories of long-forgotten souls.

These “unexplainable” entities can make perfect subjects for any photographer looking to capture the spirit of Halloween, and for photographers unsure of where to capture these subjects, I have a ghoulish photo spot for you.

The Lemp Mansion is located at 3322 Demenil Pl, St. Louis, MO 63118, and it has quite a story to tell. Built in the 1860s, the old mansion has seen its fair share of grizzly and mysterious deaths. Now, the mansion serves as a restaurant and [for the brave] a hotel.

Here, photographers will find Victorian designs, antique décor, and… ghosts? According to the current owners of Lemp Mansion, spirits of the Lemp family have been sighted in the mansion. The site is so infamous that it has been the center of ghost hunting expeditions.

Just like any great photo spot which is populated [predominately] by the living, there are some considerations to keep in mind when visiting the Lemp Mansion.

First, the Lemp Mansion is open from 11:00 am-2:30 pm Monday through Friday. On Thursdays and Fridays, it is also open from 5:30 pm-10:00 pm. On Saturday, the restaurant is open from 5:30 pm-10:00 pm, and it is open from 11:00 am-8:00 pm on Sundays.

Second, the Lemp Mansion is a restaurant. While waiters do not mind guests exploring after a meal, do not plan on going solely for pictures.

Third, the upper levels of the mansion function as a hotel and rooms are sometimes closed to the restaurant-goers. Be mindful of any potential guests who have spent the night.

Fourth, along with the indoor area, the Lemp Mansion has an outdoor area with a pavilion. This makes it a great photo spot for nature and architectural photography as well.

Finally, the Lemp Mansion does offer special ghost tours for any avid ghost hunters. “The Lemp Experience” runs from August to December. The event costs $35, and those interested can find more information at the Lemp Mansion’s website.

By keeping all these things in mind, the Lemp Mansion could be a perfect place for paranormal pictures.