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Do you remember your first photo taken with a camera, when you only had one chance to make it right and could never predict the printed result which often ended up with red eyes, awkward face, or messy hair? Or your first selfie with a phone of such awful quality you could barely spot the features? Now look at your Instagram feed - we‘ve come so far! And I am not just talking about technology, we have so much inspiration around us – it‘s overwhelming. Photography is no longer for preserving memories as it used to be, it‘s about making the memories while taking beautiful photos, sharing, popularity, art... you name it.

Social media is packed with amazing photos, and although sometimes there is a team of professional photographers, make-up artists, stylists, and loads of photo editing behind those images, there is another side to the story. Many photographers invite us to the behind the scenes of their perfect shots proving that it’s achievable to most of us with very minimal resources and even in the most unexpected locations as we’ve previously shared on Bored Panda here and here.

In the constant battle for attention and hunting for ‘likes’ on social media, is it smart to reveal what makes your Instagram photos so flawless, you ask? Well, it definitely works for a Mexican photographer Omah, who has gained over 100k followers eager to find out how to step up their Instagram game. Even though he is a professional photographer, the photography tips and hacks he reveals with his photos are utterly motivating – it’s possible to capture an eye-catching Instagram-worthy shot with lots of creativity and a little bit of Photoshop magic. No one has to know that your stunning picture was taken in the public bathroom, a parking lot outside your office, or, a true classic, in front of a screen – and this is what actually makes it impressive.

You can’t fully trust what you see on the Internet, take a look at this enlightening series of behind-the-scenes by Omah to find out why and learn some tips and tricks about how to easily shine on your social media.

More info: Instagram | Facebook

#1

Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

"I trusted more than 100 thousand pesos to a cheap plastic case to be able to make this picture… was it worth it or was it stupid?" says Omahi. Well, if your photo looks like a movie poster or the cover of a best-seller, we say – totally worth it.

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Withnail
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There WAS space on the door for him. They just had to try harder :(

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Pretty Pangolin
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The 'Jack' reference? It's from 'Titanic.' SPOILER he drowns, she stays on the raft.

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Bani Daniell
Community Member
Premium
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You paid $50.00 for that?.. Wow, I just don't get it!

Héctor González
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

100 thousand=100K , so 5k dollars , aint f true

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    #2

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    If you've been binge-watching your favorite shows on Netflix, you might need to take a short break. Meanwhile, you can use the TV to take a futuristic photo. The possibilities are endless!

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    seno aditya
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    in the background japanese word for "imagination power"

    未周 陸
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is in Chinese, Japanese and other languages, i.e. NOT only Japanese. However, the meaning is only “Imagination”. Needs one more character 量 to be after 力 for “Power”.

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    #3

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    You can take advantage of any given weather condition when taking a photo, but try to go the extra mile to achieve a romantic movie-worthy shot. There is no such thing as bad weather if you're creative enough.

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    lunar bluemoon
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    looks so cute till you see that she has her finger in his ear

    Kenneth Brown
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    cool idea though I'd have taken it somewhere you didn't need to photoshop those powerlines out - that's a pain you don't need.

    Odd1sout
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    hmm. Not trying to hate on the photo or anything, but it seems a bit too smoothed out and edited (photoshop wise)

    Dipika Sharma
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ohh my god that's really very creative.

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    #4

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Just over 3 hours of attempts and dozens of burnt pages – the romantic shot is done. It is in fact possible to take a breathtaking picture even for non-professionals, no one said it's always quick and effortless.

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    Lena Hudson
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great visual but it hurts my soul to see printed words burn, my inner bookworm does not approve but I'm placating it by assuming they photocopied some pages out of a book. If you find my thought process confusing, weird and a little sad - welcome to my wheelhouse!

    Jeny Kennedy
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it makes you feel better, it's just a copy of "The Art Of The Deal"...

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    #5

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Even the weirdest and the simplest of locations can be transformed into majestic backgrounds if you are creative enough. You get some extra points for being able to create your own scenography out of things you find in your daily life.

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    KCN
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That leaf on the left looks like it's stuck behind her ear. Was that on purpose?

    Ed Souza
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The leaf was not well executed. The idea was excellent with the faux fence.

    Misterscooter
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please don't lean on the "fence."

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    #6

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    With a true classic – a screen as a background, you can teleport to anywhere in the world. I don't encourage lying to your followers about your location, but if you like deserts and don't live close to one, why don't you just bring the desert to your house?

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    KCN
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love those eyes, and I'm jealous of those eyebrows. Mine are almost invisible.

    Fixin'Ta
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's so funny to me that the "in" look for eyebrows these days is thick and chunky. When I was younger, thick was O.U.T. Women plucked and waxed like crazy to keep them from looking like that. Now I'm glad I have thick eyebrows, but give it a few years and thin will be in again.

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    Full Name
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the perfect excuse to buy an 80" tv

    Megan Green
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Y'all are gullible. It's two different women in two different fabrics.

    Ava Barrero
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this she’s making a place not so beautiful into a perfect photoshot place

    Shway Shway
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get that the point made in this post is about the effect made and tricking your eye. But why is the western culture unable to imagine arabian women as anything else but either blue burquas or a "mysterious but fully made up eyes lurking from behind a lazily slapped on pashmina on a sandy background"?

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    #7

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Sometimes the behind-the-scenes are close to what we see in a final picture, and it's both fascinating and frightening. Especially, when the photographer clearly has a thing for fire. Needless to say, the photo is amazing, but don't try this at home.

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    Fixin'Ta
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a great photo, but I'm not sure ANY photo is worth risking someone being seriously injured and scarred for life. Even if you think you know what you're doing, there's a chance something unforeseen could go wrong. If you really want fire in a photo like this, I suggest Photoshopping it in.

    Lily Dennard
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    me: ... me: definitely trying this at home

    #8

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Sometimes creativity and the friend's helping hand is worth more than expensive professional equipment. Spiced up with a little Photoshop magic – it's a mesmerizing profile photo!

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    Kaisu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    With photoshop, you can create Instagram worthy pics out of anything

    Daria B
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That still requires some skills, though. Not everyone is gifted with the ability of photo editing and manipulation.

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    shanen cagatin
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    when i asked him to take me a picture FOR INSTAGRAM, that effect is what i mean.

    #9

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    We look for a perfect location to take the perfect shot, but not everyone can find themselves on a beach or enchanting forest on a regular basis. Who said you couldn't make a good and captivating picture in a public bathroom? Imagine all the possibilities you've missed!

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    Amanda Ammermann
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why is this one not higher, this has a strong message.

    I'm Special
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    these are all fake recreations, if you pay attention to details, you can see, you can't change a flowers pose with photoshop

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    #10

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    If you are not a professional photographer and don't own luxurious equipment that costs thousands of dollars, a flash on a phone and the closest area with an artsy vibe is a way to go! This abandoned factory smelled of urine, and this is why we sometimes appreciate that photos don't convey scents, but they can definitely evoke imagined smell, and I am truly sorry for this!

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    A Rose Among Thorns
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But how did they get the glassy, spherical look?

    Withnail
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's the incredibly strong urine fumes distorting the image, like heat waves on a hot day. The fumes are so strong in this case that the pages are floating on it.

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    Horse_girl
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg this one is the best one so far and they are all amazing

    #11

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    When you have a clear vision in your head and a set of minimal skills, a simple park becomes the best scenario for a dreamy photo shoot. Confused looks of people passing by in the park will mean nothing compared to impressed followers.

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    boi
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the people walking by must've wondered what they were doing lol

    Hannah Ingram
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    up until they see the camera and probably think it's some instagram modelling or something

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    Night Owl
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder how long she had to be laying on the ground without moving her head

    MysticSailora
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i wonder how they get those filters and effects because the photo doesn't just look like that. wow1

    Jaykob Cole Plascencia
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The woman on the ground is holding a yellow flower. In the other image it is orange. Therefore it's not a behind the scenes it's a recreation

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    #12

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Some days nothing goes according to plan – your tripod breaks and the weather doesn't want to participate in your fabulous idea. On these days, you just have to improvise.

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    Kangaruby
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Really impressive shot! And Photoshop :)

    Tahani
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I set fire to the rain...

    Ed Souza
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like the couple should have been in focus...

    #13

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Sometimes looking for the perfect angle takes you to strange places. This is the uncolored truth behind photography – it's sometimes dirty, smelly and physically challenging. How far would you go for a stunning shot?

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    Hannah Dobbins
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    tHIS PHTOGRAPHER really HAS A THING FOR FIRE, HUH?

    Kangaruby
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That guy looks realllllll creepy :P

    Pretty Pangolin
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not crazy about this one - it looks like the skyscraper is burning. Too much 9/11.

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    #14

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    This one could easily be featured in a collection of mind-bending photo manipulations. Omahi lost 10 dollars for destroying the statue of liberty but, in most cases, it's the destiny of all props.

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    Person2638
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm more interested in what filter he used for this one!

    Full Name
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's the "cinematic" look. Cyans for the shadows and oranges for the highlights. There are tons of YouTube tutorials showing how it's done.

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    #15

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Some people will see it as an abandoned dusty place, others will see the ugly vandalism, but only the most creative ones will spot a perfect place for a photo shoot and get inspired. Seeing the beauty in the unexpected is a true talent.

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    A Rose Among Thorns
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like she is either sucking in or breathing out fire!

    Ava Barrero
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Agian making old use out of a old place other people would see as trash but you guy see a a perfect place for a photoshot

    #16

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Wish to create a winter wonderland in the middle of summer? Not a problem at all! A creative approach and few basic essentials will transform a local park into dreamlike scenery and leave everyone wondering if you took a getaway up North recently.

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    Kangaruby
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow! Photo hacks with Mexican photographers man

    Ed Souza
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the airbrushed skin was not needed here.

    Odd1sout
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Agreed. I love the ideas behind this, but it's bit too photoshopped

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    #17

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    A fire extinguisher in this photographer's house is a must. Although his obsession with fire makes for some mesmerizing images, we can't help holding our breath each time he reveals the behind-the-scenes.

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    boi
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    in the future i bet twenty bucks all of the forest fires will be caused by people trying to take aesthetic pictures.

    Horse_girl
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This reminds me of the phantom of opera which BTW it AMAZING

    Michael Pasko
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So are there just flames hanging out above the model? How?

    Silver Arts
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think he used a projector so the flames are actually on the wall.

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    #18

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Capturing movement in photos is a serious challenge, especially when people are passing by your performance on the street. But when the result is becoming a real-life fruit ninja – it's totally worth the effort.

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    Rabite
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her facial expression is way better and stronger in the behind-the-scenes-photo. I am so tired of all those sexy mouth photos.

    Kaisa Küttim
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She looks scared of the oranges(?) coming at her

    Withnail
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    High velocity projectile citrus fruit scare me too, because I don't always have my cleaver handy.

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    #19

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Love has no barriers, and neither does this photographer's imagination and clever ways of bringing it to life.

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    #20

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Implementing different scenarios for a photo shoot may come handy in other aspects of life. For this picture, the photographer had to learn how to make a torch. A skill he will be able to use when camping in the dark or the next time he comes up with a crazy idea like this.

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    #21

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Here is yet another example of how you can use the changing seasons and natural environment to spice up your Instagram account. It might look hilarious from the side, but who cares when you end up looking like an autumn goddess in the finished photo.

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    boi
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    her face isn't perfectly parallel and my ocd is screaming

    carameltart1011
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I SWEAR IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN UPVOTE THIS MORE THAN ONCE?!!

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    Sveta Smirnova
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Autumn goddess? More to buried alive

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    #22

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    The magic is in the details, but when you see what it takes to create the photo is when you can truly appreciate it. Omah cut his finger in the process of making this image, and I'd say it's a fairly mild consequence when imagining what could have happened.

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    #23

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    This portrait is 'fire'. Literally. This is a real fire, it's also the reason such a simple shot, at first glance, took two days to make. There are a lot of dangerous jobs out there, who knew photography was one of them.

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    #24

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Just a casual day laying in flowers right outside a "Corner Deli". With a bit of imagination, dull places you pass everyday turn into magical locations for flawless portraits. But there is no magic involved – just the ability to see what most people don't notice.

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    Kangaruby
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Casually laying down next to the Corner Deli store...

    Daniella Dreier
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Am I the only one thinking dog pee??

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    #25

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    If you just bought a new house plant, you might as well use it for a photo shoot in the parking lot. Beautiful, nature-inspired subtle portraits will always be a trend and you don't need to rent a costly studio to achieve a similar result – just use whatever you have on hand.

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    Kangaruby
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a beautiful headband you've got there. Plants in hair is totally the new style...

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    #26

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    How can you describe Las Vegas in one photo? Well, this vivid photo would be a decent attempt. Photographing in super crowdy touristic places and low lighting is always challenging. This image took Omah two whole days of attempts until he was satisfied with the result.

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    #27

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    It's an example of an utterly entertaining activity you can practice on a lunch break on your office's top floor. When recreating this particular shot, you should probably switch the fire with something else, just in case. The end result might not be as exciting, but safety comes first.

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    Ed Souza
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    would have been better without the photoshop fire or the petals.

    Fixin'Ta
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I much prefer the photoshop fire -- all the real fire is just trouble waiting to happen.

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    Matija Jasarov
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most of these just do a lot of post production and are planned ahead.

    Pretty Pangolin
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A cigarette with a burning leaf on the end?

    #28

    Mexican Photographer Shows The Magic Behind The Perfect Instagram Photos

    Flowers are, of course, an easy way to make your photos bloom. Yet what to do once the flowers begin to wither? Either throw them away... Or turn them into ashes while having a camera near you. And while the result will be stunning, just make sure the fire alarm system is installed in the building.

    Omahi Report

    Kiwi
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What is this obsession with fire??? I don’t understand. It’s pretty but-

    Withnail
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Something odd happened to her face, her eyes seem too far apart in the edit.

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