Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
“I Cannot Believe I Caught This”: 50 Times People Couldn’t Believe The Beauty They Managed To Capture In A Photo
It’s all about the perspective. Without photography to challenge, excite, and inspire us, the world would be a far sadder and darker place. It warms our hearts to know for a fact that the world is filled to the brim with photography enthusiasts—amateur and veteran alike. We wouldn’t be Bored Panda if we didn’t give beautiful and original photos their time in the spotlight now, would we?
That’s where the ‘I Took a Picture’ (ITAP) online group comes in. A community numbering over 4.1 million users, r/itookapicture is a subreddit that is dedicated to giving and getting feedback on original photography. The photos that these redditors post are ridiculously good, and we wanted to share some of the best ones with you today, dear Pandas. They’re powerful. They’re a bit unusual. And they are so beautiful, they might just inspire you to dust off your old camera (or wipe off your smartphone lens).
Scroll down to see the best of the best, upvote your fave pics, and be sure to write a friendly comment or two to let everyone know what exactly it was that you like about the photos.
Bored Panda got in touch with professional photographer Dominic Sberna, from the United States, for a chat about developing confidence in your skills, whether it's still possible to create original work, and how to deal with harsh criticism. The photographer pointed out that taking active steps in honing your craft, without overthinking, is a vital component of success. Your confidence in your work will grow alongside your skills.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
ITAP Of A Sunset And A Powerline Over 2 Hours
Lauren S 3 years ago
For people asking how they did this, it says they took photos of this shot over 2 hours.m while the sun was setting. It looks like they then edited the photos all together taking pieces from each shot and fitting them in the spaces between the power lines. It’s interesting to see the spectrum of colors displayed over the course of a sunset. 🌅
Human #1,232,867 3 years ago
This is a clear ps, 2 pictures from the same position and cut with PS... not very special.
"Just get out and shoot. Simple as that," pro photographer Dominic urged amateurs to go out and be active. It's the perfect antidote to feeling shy or anxious about sharing your work with others. Your confidence will grow over time.
"You gotta get your feet wet somehow. If you're able to find someone who is experienced to mentor you, that could help too, but isn't as important as expressing yourself through your art," he said.
RELATED:
#2
ITAP Of My Son In Snow Light
Caroline Kimber 3 years ago
This is stunning - even though we can't see his expression, you can see his pure joy!
#3
ITAP Of A Firework Behind An Old Tree
CouchChihuahua 3 years ago
I feel like in a parallel universe, trees like this exist.- a certain couchchihuahua
ohjojo (you/your's) 3 years ago (edited)
Glorious (and for a moment, the old tree felt young again.)
The photographer feels like it's "absolutely" possible to create original works of art in this day and age. "If it's your work, it is original," he said.
Nonetheless, some photographers might feel that their shots aren't original 'enough.' It's perfectly valid to have these feelings. However, you shouldn't discount what you have to share with the world.
"Now, one may draw inspiration from many places, so long as you're not straight up plagiarizing something, you're all good," photographer Dominic told Bored Panda.
"Being one's unapologetic self, is about the most original thing can do in a world where everything is canned and packaged."
#4
ITAP Of My Dog!
#5
ITAP Edinburgh Castle Surrounded By Fog
Amanda Rose 3 years ago
I first saw this photo on the VisitScotland Facebook page and loved it instantly.
CouchChihuahua 3 years ago
The castle of the sleeping giants where jack makes a living stealing golden hens.- a certain couchchihuahua
rorofunkytoe 3 years ago
I am lucky enough to live 1 mile from the castle bottom of the royal mile
#6
ITAP Of A Building Reflected On A Shattered Mirror On The Street
CouchChihuahua 3 years ago
It looks like a bootleg earthquake.- a bootleg sofa(couch)chihuahua
As for dealing with someone criticizing your work, the pro photographer suggests that you take all comments with a grain of salt.
"Even if you don't like what is being said, remember every critic has their own thoughts and opinions. They might tear your work down for reasons entirely unrelated to your work and it's more a personal matter that they don't like," he explained.
"I've seen that happen before. So, if it's constructive, use that information to improve. If it's not constructive, don't worry about it."
#7
ITAP Of A Beautiful Tree Growing Inside Of An Abandoned Silo While I Was Exploring
Laura Carney 3 years ago
It took me till the tenth photo to realize that ITAP stood for I took a picture.... I should probably be more awake at work lol.
Sillypants 3 years ago
Exploring abandoned things fascinates me. How do you even find these places? This is a fab shot!
#8
ITAP Of My Kiddos And The Comet
ADHD McChick 3 years ago (edited)
I feel like maybe it is real, but that it's not *A* picture. I think it's a composition of two or more pictures. Like the "sunset" above. Because the kids are caught in the flash, or otherwise illuminated, from behind. And that light would have made the sky far above them look even darker. There's no way the photographer could use the flash to focus on the foreground, and also focus on the natural light in the background (stars/comet) at the same time. The light would completely blot the stars out. Plus, it takes special equipment to capture clear, detailed celestial pictures like that. Like a camera on a telescope. I'm not even sure if that type of camera could focus on something as big and close, as the kids. I'm absolutely not disparaging the picture, though. It's still a beautiful picture, and took a lot of time, skill, and care to create. Much respect to the photographer. But yeah, I think this is two or more pics put together. Not one "one in a million" lucky shot.
Load More Replies...
#9
ITAP Though A Moving Subway Carriage On A NYC Visit On Memorial Day A Year Or So Ago. Total Fluke Shot On A Phone Camera
Jody Whitmarsh 3 years ago
Happy couple.. we'll just put this happy looking couple right here in the window. Happy happy
Justin Haskell 3 years ago
1 in a trillion shot. I don't understand how the phone focused the couple. Unbelievable
The ‘I Took a Picture’ subreddit is as massive as it is ancient. Created in the mid-summer of 2009, it has grown to house several million members from across the world in the 13+ years since.
It’s an online group that is focused on photography techniques and styles. Redditors can post their work on the sub and ask for critique. They can also browse the community to learn a bit about how specific techniques are achieved. In short, it’s a great way to up your photography game and give you deeper insights into all of the technical stuff behind each gorgeous snapshot of reality.
The group is very community content-oriented. Originality and engagement are rewarded. Meanwhile, dishonesty is punished. You can check the subreddit’s FAQ for a detailed account of how their rules work.
But one of the essential things to keep in mind is that if you pretend that you’ve taken a specific photo when in fact you’ve stolen it from someone else, then you’re going to have a very bad time. You can get permanently banned from r/itookapicture if you do stuff like that.
#10
ITAP Of Static Electricity Between Two Fingers
Sawdust 3 years ago (edited)
Now we know why the Emperor always wore that thick woolen robe.
Load More Replies...
#11
ITAP, Only One
Bryn 3 years ago
It took a second for me to see it - the right side is some sort of dock or building, with the dock being the bottom gray part and the building is the red colored one.
Load More Replies...
Argle Bargle 3 years ago
The intergalactic quad zoom meeting participants : Mars, the moon, Earth and Neptune
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
Amazing composition! I love all the different colours and textures.
#12
ITAP Of Both Sides Of A Neon Sign In NYC
Kiki’sNotLookingBack 3 years ago
I’ve seen this photo before… this is what inspired one of my surreal art pieces
Look, we get it: who doesn’t enjoy getting attention and praise on the internet, right? However, there’s absolutely no excuse for lying about the fact that you took a photo when someone else is the original author. Crediting photographers and content creators is an important part of acting civilized on the internet. If that breaks down, well… it’d be hard to trust absolutely anyone online.
Besides, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of sharing your own work (your heart, racing) and asking for some insights from strangers. If you’re open to their criticism, it might be an opportunity for you to greatly improve your skills. You might realize that a certain aspect of your art really resonates with the audience—something that you may not even have thought about.
On the flip side, you might suddenly come to the conclusion that what you thought totally worked in your photos is actually a weakness that you may need to overcome. Putting yourself out there and absorbing constructive criticism (the keyword here being ‘constructive’) is useful for anyone who is involved in creative processes. Whether as a hobby or professionally.
#13
ITAP Of Two Hikers In The Alps
Ali H M Salehuddin 3 years ago
This a sort of picture where the caption makes the photo. Without it, most would dismiss it as unworthwhile.
A B C the Third 3 years ago
It's there, don't you see it? [...] oh wait, I should clean my screen, it was just some dust
Load More Replies... Brian Brown 3 years ago
I absolutely love this! I thought that I was missing something and then I realized what I was looking at. Great minimalist shot.
#14
ITAP On New Years Eve
Chantou Dunord 3 years ago
I like this photo. The street, trees, people, houses. And I do not know why.
CultOfBambi 3 years ago
I'd like fireworks a lot more if they were silent. Poor animals getting freaked out just so we can pollute the sky for a few minutes seems cruel.
Cory Kent 3 years ago
Not everyone sees pollution. Some people see the dog poop, some people see the love and happiness that dogs bring to their families.
Load More Replies...
#15
ITAP Of Dragging Fingers Over Dew On Roof Of Car
Lauren S 3 years ago
Same. My brain went… roads? No. is that blood? No. sky? No. Read title… Ooohhhhh! 👍🏼
Load More Replies... BenMaharaj 3 years ago
Look at that wasted space. Those lanes should be altogether. This is Texas, isn’t it?
The moderator team points out that the subreddit isn’t the place to post any paintings, illustrations, or heavily altered images. In other words: photos only. There is a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism, and if you have any concerns regarding this, be sure to reach out to the mods.
#16
ITAP Of My Wife With A Fishbowl On Her Head In Front Of Our TV
patricia patricia 3 years ago
Put the fish somewhere safe first! (Stupid joke, I know, I ll see myself out)
Load More Replies... Heather Nemanic 3 years ago
First Woman in Space. Unfortunately we couldn’t afford a real Space Helmet, but we found a Fish Bowl works just fine…
Johanna-Nicollette Kidd 3 years ago
Put of this world! Is that how you stop your wife from talking?
#17
ITAP Of A Red Bell Pepper
harpling 3 years ago
Technically, it is! Seeds are the reproductive organs of the plant.
Load More Replies...
Alex Hamilakis 3 years ago
i thought its red blood cells coming from three ways crammed in one place
Heather Nemanic 3 years ago
I’m sorry Ma’am your Brain has turned into a clump of dead Pepper Seeds…
#18
ITAP Of Myself Lying Between Two Lakes In South Australia
Patricia Stilwell 3 years ago
But a lot more cheerful than his usual menacing forms
Load More Replies...
Alex Travous 3 years ago
I'm guessing the pink is brine shrimp? The great salt lake in Utah is like that.
Heather Nemanic 3 years ago
Have you ever tried to make such a big Sand drawing, believe me it’s hard and time consuming…
Astrid Manthej 3 years ago
Drone perhaps? But somebody would surely have to control it...
Load More Replies...
Stephen Lyford 3 years ago
Whatever that little dark bump is at the very bottom of the photo on the road, crop it out, it REALLY distracts the eye from the rest of the picture.
Jiji The Cat 3 years ago
i didn’t even notice it until you said it. I think it’s a beautiful photo
Load More Replies...Submitters are encouraged to participate in the discussion beneath their posts. “Whether it's a photographer asking the community at large what they could have done better, or users asking how to achieve a look or effect, posters are expected to contribute to the comments section and keep the discussion on-topic.”
#19
ITAP Of Train Tracks At Sunset
Gabby Ghoul 3 years ago
The tracks are shiny--no rust means they are in regular use. Trains can be much quieter than you might think so be careful out there.
TheEndIsNigh🇨🇦and🇬🇧in🇺🇲 3 years ago
Woah. I could totally see this as a Pink Floyd album cover 😍
MockingbirdTheWolf 3 years ago
It looks like somebody took giant scissors and cut out lines in the world
#20
ITAP Of My GF At Hsinbyume Pagoda In Myanmar
#21
ITAP Of A Crystal Ball On A Sand Dune
Tiger Pearl 3 years ago
If you look closely into the crystal ball you know that the weather today will be dry and sunny. Tomorrow, too!
Yay Pandas! 3 years ago
I'd like to know how far he had to lean over to put that crystal exactly where it is without leaving footprints behind.
Patricia Stilwell 3 years ago
I thought s/he threw it up in the air. But you're probably right with the lean over
Load More Replies...
Moreover, there’s a general expectation that posters should aim for quality. “Your photo should be well-composed, have an obvious subject, feature good use of color/tone and/or texture, have interesting lighting, and make purposeful use of depth of field,” the team running the subreddit explains.
#22
ITAP Of The Wing Scales On A Butterfly
setsuriseikou 3 years ago
Hence the scientific name of the order, Lepidoptera, literally "scale-winged".
raincloud the whalien 3 years ago
I happened to be listening to "Butterfly" by BTS when I saw this...awesome.
Gaya Knust 3 years ago
Today I learned butterflies have scales on their wings... I'm quite shocked tbh
#23
ITAP Through A Bench
steampunk dandelion 3 years ago
not when you realize it only looks like that to prevent homeless people from sleeping on those benches
Load More Replies... Headless Roach 3 years ago
Exactly, a beautiful romantic picture of how we treat the less fortunate.
Load More Replies...
#24
ITAP Of Someone Crossing The Street In San Francisco
Vonkiedool 3 years ago
The guy and his dog walked first through fog and now crosses the street, onward to home
Ms. Human Being 3 years ago (edited)
I live near sfo, it seems hella scary, but really isn’t and I believe this is Lombard street, which is the steepest street.
Load More Replies...
On Mondays, aka Mona Lisa Mondays or MLMs, members are allowed to post photos “with a primary focus on one person staring, looking or thinking, without any other interesting action.”
Meanwhile, “Photos of people in a state of action, reaction or interaction, or share their focus with an interesting setting or background, employ some unique photography technique or have exceptional/atypical styling (hair, makeup, studio setups) are not subjected to this rule and are allowed throughout the week.”
#25
I Took A Picture Of A Window With Rain On It And It Looks Like A Planet Surrounded By Millions Of Stars
#26
ITAP Of My Brother Fishing In The Fog During The Golden Hour
Cory Kent 3 years ago
What's the golden hour? I mean sorry if it's simply the time of day when the sun makes everything look golden. I thought it might have to do with an activity.
Benjamin Sussman 3 years ago
That is sheer beauty. I legitimately thought this was a Chinese painting for a second!
#27
ITAP Of A Ship Frozen In Ice
CultOfBambi 3 years ago (edited)
Hopefully the sharks can't get them through the ice! I think they prefer warmer water anyway.
Load More Replies...
Heather Nemanic 3 years ago
Did anyone notice the shooting Stare racing through the Sky above the Ship?
Anyone criticizing other people’s work has to be diplomatic. In other words, go for constructive criticism. You’ve got to structure your feedback and note how you’d improve it. The essence is on helping everyone improve their work. However, the photographers themselves should try their best not to take offense to negative feedback.
#28
ITAP Of A Bush
Jen Mart 3 years ago
Nice perspective And in case anyone was wondering the plant, it is sea side sand wort (Honckenya pepipiodes).
#29
ITAP Of A Storage Building
#30
ITAP Of A Man And His Dog In The Fog
Lauren S 3 years ago
The abandoned heart balloons with the fog and silhouette make this picture feel sad.
$cagsy 3 years ago
I get that vibe too. I think the bridge and the balloons suggest a darker side to this picture.
Load More Replies...
Patricia Stilwell 3 years ago
The fog comes in on little cat feet and sits on its haunches overlooking the harbor. (Carl Sandburg, not me).
Eunice Robertson 3 years ago
from an introvert's point of view, it's peace and quiet with my best friend
Judy Watson 3 years ago
I don't feel much of a bond between the dog and owner, nothing from the owner,
“Understanding your mistakes and shortcomings is the best way to overcome them in future work,” the mods note. And it’s this bit right here that lies at the core of turning otherwise good pics into great, globally renowned photography.
#31
ITAP Of My Girlfriend In South Iceland
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
Ethereally beautiful. She looks like a goddess. I love the contrast of her cape against the basalt columns.
Amber The bear 3 years ago
Is your girlfriend a lost princess of some hidden kingdom by any chance?
Yay Pandas! 3 years ago
Love the startling difference between the warm colors of her clothes and the stark grey and black of everything else.
#32
ITAP Of A Balloon Passing Over Us
#33
ITAP Of A Departing Aircraft
The Radio Demon 3 years ago
*stairway to heaven. The highway goes to hell, we know this.
Load More Replies...
Mulberry Juice 3 years ago
This is a stunning picture!! I’d love to know how they got the trail effect though
#34
ITAP Of My 2 Friends At The Museum Of Modern Art, Chicago
Teresa Yeates 3 years ago
Would have been cool to have the one facing the camera, as though they were one person.
Sasha Twin 3 years ago
That looks like that “S” sketch everyone did on their binders back in high school
#35
ITAP Of Strangers, Lovers, And A Family
Turner Floor 3 years ago
It’s a nice thought, but I don’t think I’d assume any relations here. 🤷♀️ Left could be a couple just meeting up, or for all we know they could all be sets of siblings. People used to think my brother and I were a couple and it was really irritating. Like because I’m female, we *had* to be a couple, not friends or siblings. Weird to me, but definitely “just” another subconsciously heteronormative thing. 😕
Brian Droste 3 years ago
To me the middle couple looks older so I don't think there is any relations between the pictures. Just random pictures of people in different stages in life.
#36
ITAP Of My Diving Instructor Reaching The Surface
#37
This Cold Weather Phenomenon Today In Fairbanks, Alaska
ramona the person 3 years ago
i did a entire reserch project on sundogs (got an A+ duh)
Load More Replies...
JB 3 years ago
The light is refracting off tiny ice particles in the atmosphere. Referred to as a sun halo, or sun dogs when the full circle is less evident.
Load More Replies...
#38
ITAP Of My Coffee Cup With The Reflection Of A Lamp
#39
ITAP Of A Ship
CultOfBambi 3 years ago
I'm more impressed that someone managed to stack those giant oreos so high!
Load More Replies...
MockingbirdTheWolf 3 years ago
looks like a movie screen with a ship on it in between buildings
PinkWoot08 3 years ago
Lol thought it was the movie titanic on the side of a building at first
Heather Nemanic 3 years ago
We still can’t figure out how to get the Ship out of the Window and back in the Bay…
Toni Ahlgren 3 years ago
Hong Kong. They have many high rise buildings with holes in them allowing the dragons to fly from the mountains to sea.
Load More Replies...
#40
ITAP Of The Bridge To Heaven
ADHD McChick 3 years ago
Oh, hey Lauren, from the pic above, THERE'S the real Highway to Heaven! But where's Michael Landon?? Seriously, this looks legit like a scene from the show. Love it!
#41
ITAP Of A Shadow
Heather Nemanic 3 years ago
Again, have yo ever tried to glue two pictures together without having a seam? Believe me it’s difficult…
#42
ITAP Of The Super Blue Blood Moon
KDS 3 years ago (edited)
A blue moon is an extra full moon there is only 12 full moons per year.
Load More Replies...
Heather Nemanic 3 years ago
Now that’s definitely a oxymoron statement that I have ever seen, saw or whatever…
#43
ITAP Of A Spiderweb On A Traffic Light
Lauren S 3 years ago
I must admit I went through about three ridiculous theories about the color of the web before I realized it’s glowing because it’s reflecting the green traffic light! 🚦
Mohsie Supposie 3 years ago
Dammit Spiderman! How many times have I told you to clean up after yourself?
#44
ITAP After A Tornado In Gum Creek Tennessee
Manomnomnom 3 years ago
I'm glad they explained it but my brain still refuses to believe what I'm seeing 😅
Teresa Yeates 3 years ago
Would help if the picture was right side up. Was the cameraman on their head, is that the point, look, even the photographer was upside down after the tornado? If you look at the picture the correct way it is not nearly as impressive.
Load More Replies...
Ali H M Salehuddin 3 years ago
Nope. I rotated my head and almost got a sprained neck because of it.
Load More Replies... Mohsie Supposie 3 years ago (edited)
The upside-down house (https://upsidedownhouse.co.uk)! Well, the sideways house. That could be a tourist attraction.
WindySwede 3 years ago
"Oh no, I bought the Australian version"... /s. (Hope everyone is OK). And sorry Australians! I give you one joke on Sweden for free :)
Bordem Exprt 3 years ago
omg Im so glad someone posted about this... I live really close to gum creek
#45
ITAP Of The Sunset Inside An Almost Empty Plane
Sasha Twin 3 years ago
I have a pic like this!! Except my little guy is looking out the window and its the silhouette of him looking out. Its so cool
#46
ITAP Of Myself In A Car At Night
Lauren S 3 years ago
What is happening in the car? Is it filled with smoke? Is there a fire making it glow?
Spocks's Mom 3 years ago
Ghost Rider traded in his motorcycle for a classic car.
Load More Replies...
#47
Itap Of Mcgill University In Infrared
#48
ITAP Of My Wine
#49
ITAP Of “Rush Hour” In Los Angeles During The First Day Of California’s Shelter In Place
Summer Mason 3 years ago
I was gonna say I would not drive here. I'm not normally terrified of driving but California scares the c**p out of me.
Load More Replies...
Chantou Dunord 3 years ago
While in The Walking Dead the photo was retouched.
Load More Replies... 
Caroline Nagel 3 years ago
The air was clean and it was quiet. I quite enjoyed the lock downs.
Channon Doughty 3 years ago
Our pro photographer friend took some really haunted images during that time.
#50
Itap Of My Girlfriend Doing Homework In NYC
#51
ITAP Of My Friends Paddling A Canoe
#52
Itap Of A Skater In Venice Beach
#53
ITAP Of A Broken Electronic Billboard
Coolwhip 3 years ago
Yes, they could've used this for the movie "Smile" and saved some money.
Load More Replies...
#54
Itap Of A Man And His Dog In The Fog
ADHD McChick 3 years ago
Nah. It's just an illusion of a duplicate, caused by the fog. 😉
Load More Replies...
Add New Image
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Jack Holt 3 years ago
Hey BP, every single ad on every single article is a dating site for meeting "Ukrainian single women with traditional values". Can we stop the exploitation of these vulnerable women and stop showing these ads please???
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
Yikes, that is horrible. You can report an advertisement if you click on the "X" in the right-hand corner of the ad. It will bring up several options: "Ad options"/"Send feedback" and "Why this ad?". If you click on the "Send feedback option" it give you the option to report that the ad is inappropriate.
Load More Replies...
Arthur Waite 3 years ago
Another delightful topic! I was cheering and clapping my hands as I scrolled down through the entries! Bravo!
Jack Holt 3 years ago
Hey BP, every single ad on every single article is a dating site for meeting "Ukrainian single women with traditional values". Can we stop the exploitation of these vulnerable women and stop showing these ads please???
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
Yikes, that is horrible. You can report an advertisement if you click on the "X" in the right-hand corner of the ad. It will bring up several options: "Ad options"/"Send feedback" and "Why this ad?". If you click on the "Send feedback option" it give you the option to report that the ad is inappropriate.
Load More Replies... Arthur Waite 3 years ago
Another delightful topic! I was cheering and clapping my hands as I scrolled down through the entries! Bravo!
You May Like 86 Photography Hacks To Take Your Photos To The Next Level 115 Photography Jokes That Shutterbugs Will Be Fond Of 50 Self Portrait Ideas To Step Up Your Insta Game
Aivaras Kaziukonis
Justina Čiapaitė
Eligijus Sinkunas
Related on Bored Panda
