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Perfect eyesight or not, it’s always fun to browse photos that bring interesting optical illusions. We go beyond images that prompt debates on a certain object’s true color and study the fascinating result of good lighting, perfect timing, and a whole lot of imagination. There’s nothing quite like looking through images that make you look twice as long and twice as hard. Check out these images which are all equally stunning and mind-boggling.
Flaming or festive?
Nope, nothing is on fire and that’s not thick smoke rising from the ground. Those are actually pretty, snow-covered trees dressed up with Christmas lights! Reddit user alexandrosdimo spotted these on a trip to Snowshoe Mountain. But doesn’t the first glance make you want to cover your nose and give the fire department a call? Incredible.
An aerial shot of Whoville
Totally kidding, but doesn’t this “bird’s eye view” of a fence post look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book? Or another stage in Jumanji, if that’s more your thing? You can definitely add magic to something as mundane as a dirty old fence post by reimagining it as a strange new world with thousands of undiscovered species. Definitely puts meaning to “there’s more than meets the eye”!
A closer look at Saturn
If only, right? Photographer Francisco Sojuel was fortunate to have come across such a sight. A thin, cirrostratus cloud was in the right place at the right time, giving the illusion of the ringed planet appearing beautifully against the night sky. Makes you appreciate stepping out more and just marveling at the heavens, doesn’t it?
This is what standing on the edge of a cliff looks like.
If you don’t scrutinize the photo, that is. But then again, using one’s imagination is a thousand times better isn’t it? Because believe it or not, this is actually just a puddle! Amazing what you can capture with the right lighting and angle.
Baby Got… Bag?
If the only thing you see on this photo is a Nintendo DS bag, good for you. But if the first thing (or the only thing) you see is a butt, don’t worry. You’re not alone and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you. Or us, for that matter.
I’m never eating red potatoes again.
If they look like this, that is. This tiny red potato definitely looks like the human heart. You just can’t unsee it. And since it looks like anything but a vegetable, there’s suddenly something quite unsettling about the way the person is just casually holding it up for the camera, isn’t there?
It’s not a nebula, is it?
Without meaning to burst your bubble, this stunning image isn’t of anything in outer space at all. It’s just plain old car wash foam. But then again, after seeing this photo, you won’t see anything plain about car wash foam ever again. No wonder some kids and adults like trips to the car wash so much.
Palette or painting?
It looks like the kind of artwork in a museum that would make you stop and stare, doesn’t it? Reddit user pearcechris chanced upon this area for landscaping supplies and ended up with a stunning photograph that resembles a modern abstract piece.
Fingers don’t belong in fruit bowls…
Thank goodness this is just a cut up piece of ginger! But it’s definitely something that’ll make you jerk your hand back. In all honesty though, I still wouldn’t reach for a banana just like that, not when there’s something resembling a severed finger in there.
Cartel war damage or car park ceiling reflection?
It’s undoubtedly the latter but it does look like a scene straight out of Narcos. The red ceiling of the hospital parking garage was simply reflected on the water. But since we’re big on imagining things, let’s go ahead and ask why the “bloody” water seems to be trailing from the cars parked alongside each other.
There’s someone on the foot of the bed.
It’s an old man, hunched over, with a blanket around his shoulders. Horror movie buffs couldn’t help but comment on the possibilities that could follow: “I’m just waiting for the head to slowly turn around and look back at me with mouth agape in a low groan and dead, black eyes.” But if you look closely, you’ll be relieved to know that it’s just a man’s knee with a blanket thrown over it.
The beginnings of Greyscale
No, this person isn’t turning into one of the Stone Men, nor will she be advised to just “cut off her arm”, as an Archmaester once suggested to Ser Jorah Mormont. This is simply bits of dried clay arranged on a person’s hand. But we’d much rather believe a bit of Game of Thrones can be incorporated into our reality, so Greyscale it is.
Cue The Imperial March.
While this subway station is nowhere as cool as the interiors of the Death Star, it’s architecture still makes it pretty easy to imagine Darth Vader flanked by Stormtroopers as they make their way down the hall. Talk about the perfect black and white aesthetic.
Extraterrestrial being or Van Gogh masterpiece?
Neither. It’s a tree stump with an oddly fascinating pattern – one that most Reddit users swear reminds them exactly of The Starry Night. Still, there are some who liken it to a Sci-fi creature, something that could appear in Stranger Things. But since there’s no limit to what one can imagine, go ahead and decide just what you want this tree stump to be.
Be still, my beet-ing heart.
Here we have another root vegetable that decided to take on the form of a human heart, like the tiny red potato you saw earlier. This doesn’t look as shiny and, well, alive as the previous one though. I’d take this giant beet over that tiny red potato any day, honestly.
“Dracarys!”
How cool (and cute!) is this Armadillo lizard? It’s color and the way it’s curled up truly makes it a fascinating sight. Just looking at it will make you daydream about when it’s full grown. You know, when it can finally fly you over Westeros.
Nature’s homage to The Starry Night
Post-Impressionism meets nature in this incredible rock pattern. The colors on the pattern look amazingly vivid, too. It’s truly a mystery how stunning markings can suddenly appear on rocks. The ones who stumble upon masterpieces like this sure are lucky!
When outer space shows off
It would give you something like this. What looks like an illuminated planet surrounded by millions of stars is actually just a window speckled with rain drops. But people refuse to see the latter because let’s face it, a close sighting of celestial bodies is way, way better.
The real view from the top
Mistaken as lava or an aerial view of the California wildfires, this intriguing photo is a Hawaiian sunset seen from an airplane. What initially looks like a smokey, fiery mess is actually a spectacular sunset captured from 30,000 feet.
A forgotten painting?
What could easily pass as an old painting left hanging inside an old house is actually a window with a spectacular view located on Red Mountain Pass. Who knew an abandoned mining house would hold such a gem?
Yet another window painting
The person who shared this photo sure wasn’t expecting such a treat! Who knew simply looking out from the inside of a rented house would return such a stunning view? The window’s shape and position sure make it look like a beautiful painting.
Fancy some life-sized Lego?
This company’s cooling system can withstand snow so well that it even takes on the form of giant white Lego bricks. It’s amazing how perfectly the snow settled on each surface of the machine.
This striking stained glass creation isn’t what you think it is.
While the calming blue tones will convince you that these really are bits of glass pieced together to create a stained glass masterpiece (or a mosaic of some sort), you’ll be surprised to know that this photo is an aerial shot of rice fields. We wish we had an eye as good as this photographer’s!
Galaxy art show or Burning Man?
This beautiful, colorful gathering definitely lit up the night. A photograph taken from up high makes it look like the Milky Way or supernova. The brilliant colors against the dark sure look like a stellar explosion!
Welcome to Earth.
Don’t worry, they definitely come in peace – because they’re simply lenticular clouds. So you don’t have to worry just yet about unidentified flying objects flying closer to home. After all, 2020 might still cut us some slack.
Talk about sticking your nose into someone’s business!
Just looking at it makes you feel uneasy, doesn’t it? That nose shape is actually toothpaste straight from the tube. Inquiring minds want to know why the toothpaste is in that color…
Accidental art
This isn’t a painting, and it isn’t a reflection of a landscape either. It’s a rusty old gate that, despite its run-down appearance, produces a visually pleasing design. A hidden treasure for the curious and appreciative eye, definitely.
“I always feel like somebody’s watchin’ me…”
Art definitely has a way of making you take a second look. No, that’s not a contact lense. And it’s definitely not the real thing. It’s just the effect of watercolor sinking to the bottom and creating the illusion of an eyeball. Pretty cool, huh?
What big teeth you have!
This adorable dog looks like its baring rows and rows of sharp, golden teeth. That bite’s gotta hurt! Thank goodness those aren’t real teeth and this playful pup just likes pine cones.
Plant attack!
Looking at this will convince you that this plant is either a long lost relative of the Demogorgon or something out of the Little Shop of Horrors. Before this gives you any apprehensions about developing your green thumb though, just know that it’s simply a newly opened cactus bud – totally normal.
Lava lamp or mushroom display?
None of the above, sorry! Reddit user amynoacid simply refilled her soap dispenser with different brands and this is what happened. She shares that the density caused the old soap to rise and take on a fungi-like form. Now, before you start getting ideas for science experiments, do read up on possible chemical reactions that can happen when you mix soap. (Let’s all admit though, that the aftereffect of refilling the soap dispenser with new and different brands is pretty cool.)
Watch out for Wampas!
This is not an ordinary “window painting” – it doesn’t simply overlook a breathtaking view of either a scenic route towards the mountains or a beach surrounded by hills. It looks like a different planet, one with three moons; a potential Alliance base. So… Hoth or Iceland? I’d make the cooler choice if I were you.
These look like Tommy Shelby’s ashtrays, tbh.
Except those aren’t really cigarettes – they’re tiny mushrooms arranged in such a way that they look like the aftermath of a good poker night in Las Vegas. It’s a photo that’ll definitely make you wince or wrinkle your nose in disgust though – if you don’t take a second look.
This dog looks like he’s about to start sipping on gin and juice.
This dog has a thing for hair ties and wearing them in his mouth, and hey, it works! If dental jewelry is his thing, we’re not going to get in his way. He’s totally rocking the look, don’t you think?
Is that an enamel coated tree?
Because the rusted part sure looks like a tree bark peeking out from the large crack. It’s going to take awhile to unsee the tree bark even when it’s been well established that it is indeed rust. Or dismiss the thought that the Queen of Hearts will show up anytime soon and demand to know who’s been painting the trees white. (Sorry, I tried.)
This spider sure knows how to rock that world map.
You have to have a pretty good eye to be able to spot something as incredible as this. Apparently, the spots mean the spider’s going to have babies soon. What an amazing way to let the world know you’re expecting!
The Eye of Sauron
Oh, to be a brave Baggins stumbling along the way to Mordor with the rest of the Fellowship! This homegrown tomato will definitely leave a lot to the imagination of a Tolkien enthusiast.
Art meets The Terminator.
This abstract piece makes it appear that a mirror is melting, but we’re also getting major Terminator feels from this image. Remember the T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day? We can’t help but be reminded of the shapeshifting android when we see this awesome work of art.
He likes it cold.
Doesn’t the flower of this cactus remind you of the Demogorgon? It’s striking and beautiful definitely, but it’s also enough to send Joyce Byers into a tizzy, that’s for sure.
It’s an ugly sweater party!
This forest tent caterpillar moth in its light color phase is definitely winning. Doesn’t it look like it’s sporting a custom blue and yellow penguin sweater? More importantly, doesn’t it look GREAT? You’re looking pretty cute and cozy there, little guy!
Nature’s optical illusion
How incredible are the wings of the Attacus atlas? This Atlas moth looks like it’s carrying two snakes on its wings! You can’t unsee it. This creature sure knows how to stand out, with deep colors and intricate patterns decorating its wings.
How do you like your eggs?
By the beach, with a stunning view, thank you. These tan, gray, and white pebbles along the shore of Seychelles Beach in Greece sure look like hard boiled eggs, don’t they?
Space bloom
This gorgeous petunia looks like it’s sporting a galaxy on its petals! Who wouldn’t love a cosmic flower? What a sound idea – brightening up your home with stunning flowers like the night sky petunia.
A striking and not-so-hidden treasure
Morro Rock, a volcanic plug in Morro Bay, California, takes on the form of a large pile of gold at sunrise. It’s definitely a jaw-dropping sight at first glance, but it doesn’t get less incredible the longer you admire it. We love the contrast its vivid color adds to the subdued tones of the water, sky, and boats.
Baby dinosaur or snapping turtle?
It would be nice to imagine baby dinosaurs this small and adorable. This adorable little creature resting calmly on a person’s palm happens to be a baby snapping turtle. It’s got a pretty intense look in its eyes, doesn’t it?
Is this on Airbnb?
You wish, because it does look like a pretty cool place for a staycation. You’ll be surprised to know that this is a photo of the inside of a guitar. Looks like a great living space, doesn’t it?
It’s a tiny island!
Lego people and old school Polly Pockets would look so awesome chilling here. What looks like a small desert oasis is actually just a cluster of tiny weeds growing in a garden. Amazing what the right camera angle can do.
Sapphire potatoes
These don’t look like potatoes at all! The lighting and the angle make the sliced vegetables look like pretty sapphires arranged on a cloth towel. Now we want to add purple potatoes to the grocery list!
Pool party!
Definitely not the type of gathering you’d want to see in the midst of this pandemic, huh? Good thing this is just a photo of a large serving of paella. We love food optical illusions, especially when they’re of dishes as mouth watering as this one!
Man-eating plant?
Sure looks like it! This pumpkin split in half and, well, bared its “teeth”. This would make for a pretty cool Halloween decoration, wouldn’t it? Nothing a creative mind can’t work with.
This is definitely an unlikely yet enjoyable compilation of images that still have the online community buzzing. Keep an eye out for interesting sights in your surroundings and have your camera ready – you never know when you’ll be able to spot something as awesome as these.
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