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Not long ago, taking a single picture meant hauling out a camera, paying for film, and waiting days to see how it turned out. Now, all it takes is a phone and half a second. And we take a lot of them: Every single day, the world takes about 5.3 billion photos. That’s according to the February 2026 Worldwide Image Capture Forecast by Rise Above Research, which projects a staggering 1.95 trillion for 2026 alone.

With that many photos being taken, you’d think we’d have pretty much perfected the art of getting the shot we want. But even the best photographers can’t control everything. Composition, lighting, and timing only get you so far, and some of the most memorable shots are memorable precisely because something unexpected happened in the background. Here are some of the best photos where the background stole the show.

#1

Aaaahhh The Queen Photo-Bombed Our Selfie

Queen Elizabeth photobombs two smiling women in the background of a selfie through a fence

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Robert T
Community Member
1 day ago

This one always makes me smile. :D

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    #2

    Even A Giraffe Knows How To Have Fun With A Photobomb

    A funny giraffe photobombs another giraffe, creating a perfect background moment.

    Saarg095 Report

    Norwegian🇳🇴panda
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Look at those nice eye lashes😅❤️

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    #3

    A Hot Air Balloon Taking Off Over The Government Building

    A giant Darth Vader helmet appearing behind a building, showing how the background completely hijacked the moment

    bigblue Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    Like the Deathstar rising behind Scariff.

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    #4

    Cardinal Showing Off

    A majestic red cardinal flying close to the camera, with a snowy winter landscape in the background.

    yourstrulyjarjar Report

    Nikole [8647]
    Community Member
    1 day ago (edited)

    What's up, ladies??

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    #5

    It Just Wanted To Be Included

    A sea turtle photobombs a group of swimmers in a photo hijacked by the background

    HANZ06 Report

    Norwegian🇳🇴panda
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    🐢❤️

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    #6

    We're So Happy Fiona Could Be There On Our Special Day

    A curious baby hippo watches a romantic proposal in the background at an aquarium

    hayley_roll Report

    Trip T
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Ahhhh. That's the best proposal ever.

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    #7

    How Ya Doin' ?

    A curious deer appears in the background next to a road warning sign.

    HellsJuggernaut Report

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    Hey buddy, can you spare a buck?

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    #8

    This Man Saved Our Dog. You Can See Our Cat Jumping Out The Window

    A black cat jumps out of a house window in the background of a man looking away from the fire

    distriived Report

    Lady zars
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    I hope everyone got out OK

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    #9

    Well That's An Impressive Photobomb

    A whale breaches in the background of a selfie, photobombing two smiling women on a boat.

    vanillapopcorn Report

    LinkTheHylian
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Whale oil beef hooked!

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    #10

    A Perfect Photo Bomb Exists

    An adorable photobomber cat sticking its tongue out close to the camera, with a couple in the background.

    anon_outlaw Report

    Bigmomma
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    One cheeky kitty he/she knew what they were doing

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    #11

    Our Moon With Saturn Photo-Bombing Just Behind

    A detailed view of the crescent moon with Saturn visible in the background, a perfect celestial moment.

    HattoriHanzo983 Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    Awesome!!! I wish I could take pictures like this.

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    #12

    Selfie Photo Bomb... Nailed It

    A diver taking a selfie with a great white shark photobombing in the background

    SerialPest Report

    Bigmomma
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Would love a photo like that of me with the shark

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    #13

    Bumblebee Carrying The Sun

    A flying bee carrying the sun like a glowing bulb above delicate flowers in the background.

    mike_pants Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    Those bees are hard workers.

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    #14

    Fish - Man - Dog

    A fish jumping mid-air in front of a fisherman, a background completely hijacked the moment photo

    Slow-moving-sloth Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago (edited)

    Dog is saying "WTAF?"

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    #15

    Funny background hijackers with two bartenders hugging in the background behind a smiling couple.

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    Nikole [8647]
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Love it

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    Nicolas Cage Photobomb

    Nicolas Cage in the background photobombs a mother holding her baby in a store

    [deleted] Report

    Nikole [8647]
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    That's awesome!!!

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    #17

    The Old Lady Is A Slash Fan, But She Doesn't Know Slash Is Standing Behind Her

    A man resembling Slash stands in the background behind an elderly woman wearing a Slash t-shirt

    meeganhodges Report

    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    17 hours ago

    It's not Slash, he doesn't have sunglasses and looks more like a woman to me.

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    #18

    Iguana Photobomb

    A woman posing by a historic tower with an iguana perfectly aligned in the background

    1ItalianLurker Report

    Robert T
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Judging by her hair, the wind is strong enough the that iguana could be being blown backwards!

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    #19

    Blursed Dolphin

    Little girl in a pink jacket posing as a beluga whale in the background hijacks the moment.

    [deleted] Report

    Zatetic
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Beluga whale

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    #20

    Well

    A giraffe licks a man's head in a funny photo hijacked by the background at a zoo

    HANZ06 Report

    Mario Mohl
    Community Member
    16 hours ago

    the true meaning of smooootch

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    #21

    Got A Picture With Woody In Times Square

    Woody mascot stands with a tourist in Times Square, while Elmo watches in the background.

    kazaamx Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    Elmo is crushed, poor guy.😥

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    #22

    When You Are Trying To Photograph A Rainbow But The Donkey Wants Cookies (Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary)

    A smiling donkey close-up with grazing cows and a rainbow in the background

    JMyers666 Report

    Norwegian🇳🇴panda
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    How beautiful they are😅🦷🦷

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    #23

    Girlfriend And I Were Photobombed By Seagull While Trying To Take A Self Timed Photo

    A seagull blocks the camera as something in the background completely hijacked the moment for a beach couple

    [deleted] Report

    Norwegian🇳🇴panda
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    How cute he is🥰

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    #24

    One Year Ago My Girlfriend Found A 4 Leaf Clover

    A four-leaf clover held up close, while a man throws a green frisbee in the background.

    abusivecat Report

    Robert T
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    It was right before she got a black eye!

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    #25

    In Tesla's Lab. 1894. Mark Twain Holds Tesla's Vacuum Lamp, Powered By A Loop Of Wire That Gets Electromagnetic Energy From A Tesla Coil. Tesla's Face Is In The Background

    Mark Twain holds an illuminated lamp with Nikola Tesla blurred in the background

    wolferr89 Report

    Nikole [8647]
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    This is completely amazing and I want a print of it

    #26

    This One Is Much Horse!

    A horse making a funny face in the background behind a smiling young girl, hijacking the cute photo.

    Grammar_Natsee_ Report

    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    18 hours ago

    Photo is very similar.

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    #27

    It's Behind Me...isn't It?

    A close-up of a goldfish while a blurry cat in the background completely hijacked the moment by staring into the tank.

    ngshay Report

    martymcmatrix
    Community Member
    21 hours ago

    Very soon...💭

    #28

    He Looks Stunning

    An optical illusion showing a fountain in the background making a man look like he is wearing a tutu.

    drocks27 Report

    SheamusFanFrom1987
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    That must be an Elder Waterbender. No beginner can turn water into an evening dress... XP XD

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    #29

    A black cat licking the glass in the background behind a sitting baby.

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    Bigmomma
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Like this one

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    #30

    Still My Favorite Photobomb

    Dwayne The Rock Johnson hilariously photobombs two women in this background moment.

    furryoso Report

    LinkTheHylian
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    The People's Photobomber!

    #31

    A little girl in a blue dress with an angry face in the background of a photo with two smiling women.

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    Ms.GB
    Community Member
    18 hours ago

    Sassy

    #32

    Took A Picture With My Friends, Later Noticed The Cops In The Background

    Power Rangers cosplayers posing while police officers watch in the background

    [deleted] Report

    SheamusFanFrom1987
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Go Go Power Rangers... And County Rangers too... XP

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    #33

    A young boy makes a pig nose in a window as something in the background completely hijacked the moment

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    #34

    Best Accidental Photobomb Ever

    A photobomb of a server making a funny face in the background of a couple sitting at a restaurant.

    SarkyTyke Report

    Bigmomma
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    That poor waiter

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    #35

    Wedding Crasher

    A man doing a backflip in the background of a romantic wedding couple photo by the water.

    [deleted] Report

    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    He put the 'crash' in 'Wedding Crasher'!

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    #36

    A curious cat in the background watching a hamster inside a cage.

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    Charlie the Cat
    Community Member
    23 hours ago

    Bad idea to keep a hamster in a cage if you have a cat. They can be clawed through the bars. They need to be kept in a tank.

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    #37

    My Cat Photobombed This Pic Of My Dog And Somehow She Doesn’t Even Look Real LOL

    A startled cat peeking into the frame while a white dog relaxes in the background, stealing the moment.

    [deleted] Report

    #38

    I Can't Figure Out What Object In This Pic Makes Me Laugh The Most; The Girl Who Looks Like She's Crying In The Background, The Nomstrich, Or The Llama In The Mirror

    Ostrich eating from a bucket as a funny face in the background hijacks the moment.

    Bieber_hole69_ Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    That is a lot going on!

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    #39

    Eclipse On A Bird's Wing

    A flying bird silhouetted against the sun, showing how something in the background can capture attention.

    Andthenabird Report

    Beak Hookage
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Behold the mystical Moonbird! His coming foretells... something or other.

    #40

    Tim Duncan's Accidental Photobomb

    Two sports fans holding up jerseys while a basketball player in the background seems to look over them

    jaycrew Report

    Karl der Große
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Such love.

    #41

    Woman Before She Realizes She Is Falling

    An optical illusion where a woman in the background appears to be leaning back over the pool at a sharp angle.

    RedditorJoker Report

    Nikole [8647]
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    I've always loved this one.

    #42

    I Was Taking Yoga Sunset Shots And Got Photo Bombed Hard

    A cyclist rides past a woman doing a yoga pose, creating a fun background moment.

    lightofarizona Report

    JL
    Community Member
    17 hours ago

    Looks like a page from a sporting goods catalog.

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    #43

    I'm Pretty Sure They Don't Even Know Each Other #finalsweek

    A tired student sleeping on their desk with a funny perspective in the background

    gracefuego Report

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    Well, they have slept together.

    #44

    Surprise Head!

    A surfer riding a wave while another head peeks out, a background completely hijacked the moment moment

    GallowBoob Report

    Stampley
    Community Member
    Premium
    21 hours ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Surprise head is the best kind of head 😉

    #45

    Fauxhawk

    A bird landing on a man's head by the ocean, where the background completely hijacked the moment

    teereximus Report

    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    Last of the mohicans.

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    #46

    Im'a K*ll You

    A playful kitten climbing a pole in the background behind a man, hijacking the moment of the photo.

    SuperMuncho Report

    #47

    Just Found This Cute Picture Of Me And My Cousin, And My Psycho Brother In The Background

    Two girls pose for a picture while a boy with a stick in the background completely hijacked the moment.

    leahkray Report

    #48

    A second cat peeking from the background behind a cat looking out the window.

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    martymcmatrix
    Community Member
    21 hours ago

    This kitty looks like my beloved Emma whom I had to let go far to soon at just 2 ½ years old on Whitsunday back in 2018...😔

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    #49

    Took A Picture Of A Man And Daughter At A Coffee Shop To Show Them What They Would Look Like In 10 Years

    Customers at a coffee shop sitting by a window while people outside mimic their poses

    Philchil23 Report

    LinkTheHylian
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Did they time-travel to witness it again?

    #50

    I Stumbled Upon This Picture Of Me Getting Ready For Kindergarten With 9/11 On The News In The Background

    A young girl in school uniform smiles as breaking news displays in the background

    giraffelover521 Report

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    22 hours ago

    💔💔💔💔I always go cold seeing those pics .

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    #51

    Family photo where a dog in the background completely hijacked the moment while pooping on the lawn.

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    GenuineJen
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    The dog in the background 🤣

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    #52

    Background completely hijacked the moment by a passenger in a blue jacket holding a white cat behind a girl.

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    Nikole [8647]
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Ha! She's awesome.

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    #53

    A Friend Of Mine Posted A Baby Pic Of Her At Disney...everyone Was Wayy More Intrigued By What Was Happening In The Background

    A girl in a white hat smiles as Mickey Mouse is in the background, a moment completely hijacked.

    sasquatchh Report

    royal crablets
    Community Member
    7 hours ago

    Five Nights In Disney

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    #54

    Grandpa Is Ice Cold

    Grandfather on a swing while a falling boy in the background hijacks the moment.

    AdamE89 Report

    martymcmatrix
    Community Member
    20 hours ago

    To the pediatric dentist it goes...🦷 🧑🏽‍⚕️

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    #55

    I Took A Selfie And Saw Myself 20 Years In The Future. (I'm Wearing Khakis Too)

    Man in a yellow polo taking a selfie with funny background hijacks the moment.

    Naptownfellow Report

    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    17 hours ago

    "I start my diet today."

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    #56

    Horses, Such Elegant Creatures

    A horse looking at the camera while another horse in the background completely hijacked the moment by sticking its tongue out.

    A_fish_called_tiger Report

    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    18 hours ago

    Horses can go from elegant to goofy in nothing flat.

    #57

    Mermaid Photobomb

    A couple smiling in a bar with a mermaid in the background tank

    mnelson5455 Report

    #58

    Funny photobomb of a couple making faces in the background behind two smiling men taking a selfie.

    Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    I love the couple in the background.

    #59

    Definition Of Photobomb

    A photobomber makes a funny face as something in the background completely hijacked the moment

    jjkoletar Report

    #60

    I've Reached My Photobombing Peak

    A man makes a funny face in a mirror wall reflection, a photo hijacked by the background

    Dealkm Report

    #61

    A Pigeon Flew Into The House As My Sisters Friend Was Doing Yoga

    A flying pigeon photobombs a woman during yoga, a perfect background completely hijacked the moment

    dracarysbitch Report

    Nikole [8647]
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Bad form

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    #62

    Photobombed My Brothers Wedding Photos

    A man chasing a chicken in the background of a formal wedding photo.

    da_purp_rolla Report

    Beak Hookage
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Why did the chicken cross the wedding shoot?

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    #63

    When My Husband Thought It Was A Good Idea To Pick Me Up While Standing Dangerously Close To The Creek After Our Wedding

    A groom carrying a bride who has a shocked expression as someone in the background watches them near a river.

    bixnok Report

    Marleina Hershberg
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    the wee wain in the bg lol

    #64

    Mine!

    A blurry seagull flies into the frame to steal a pink ice cream cone, a moment captured in background photobomb.

    [deleted] Report

    David Paterson
    Community Member
    4 hours ago (edited)

    A bird's beak is made from the same material as fingernails. So when a seagull pinches your ice cream, it literally pinches your ice cream.

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    #65

    Largest Photo Bomb Ever --> Boom

    Four women dining in a restaurant with another large family in the background

    jpawli Report

    Demdumpin
    Community Member
    17 hours ago

    Those eyes. Aargh!!

    #66

    Look At How Long This Gummy Worm I Found Is!

    Close up of a long gummy worm on a hand, with a funny background detail of toes with long pink nails.

    elWeeg Report

    Bigmomma
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Look how long those toe claws are they look like a windigo

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    #67

    Dog Right Before Hitting The Water

    A dog falling off a dock into the water photobombs a photo of a woman holding a small dog on a pier.

    I_was_the_vilain Report

    Robert Wallace
    Community Member
    17 hours ago

    Poor baby 😖

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    #68

    God Will Break This One Up

    Two dogs play tug-of-war while a sudden lightning bolt in the background completely hijacked the moment.

    skrillbert8 Report

    Nikole [8647]
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    It's like the horrible last season of Lost all over again

    #69

    Tried To Look Talented In The Background Of A Family Portrait. Failed

    A surfer wipes out and hijacks a family photo in the background at a tropical beach.

    anonymous Report

    #70

    Phantom Photobomb

    A blurred hand and face sweep across a family photo hijacked by the background at night

    LokiTheWrecker Report

    Bigmomma
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    FLASH ⚡️

    #71

    A Photo I Took Of A Seal, When His Salmon Dinner Jumped In Frame Right As I Clicked The Shutter

    A seal peeks out of the water in the background as a blurry fish jumps out of the water in the foreground.

    such_a_tommy_move Report

    S P
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    This picture actually "photo"bombed a story I was listening to about a seal eating salmon. That's the most random thing to happen to me all week.

    #72

    Hate It When My Girlfriend Takes Pictures Of Me Sleeping

    A man holding his hand up with a funny reflection in the background mirror

    Madagoscar Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    He has great control of his feet

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    #73

    Looking Through Old Pictures Of Myself, Never Realized The Mildly Interesting Background

    A man posing in front of a Lost Children sign in the background

    FightingAgainstTime Report

    JL
    Community Member
    17 hours ago

    How long have they been lost?

    #74

    That's A Cemetery In The Background

    Funny real estate sign advertising super quiet neighbors next to a graveyard.

    Bombingofdresden Report

    #75

    An unexpected guest hijacks a photo of two friends with a humorous background photobomb.

    Report

    LinkTheHylian
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Must be at the docks given there's a motorboat in the background.

    #76

    If You Need To Say... I Mean That Just Sounds Suspicious. Even The House In The Background Looks Scared

    A sign on a lawn says NOT HAUNTED where something in the background completely hijacked the moment

    [deleted] Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    The house across the street looks scared 😱

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    #77

    Seagull Photobombed The Statue

    A seagull blocks the face of the Statue of Liberty in a photo hijacked by the background

    kokanoa Report

    #78

    That's Gonna Hurt

    A startled toddler is startled by a large chicken jumping in the background, a funny photobomb moment.

    hauntcircus Report

    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    Everyone was kung pao chicken fighting.

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    #79

    Tried To Take A Nice Summer Pic With The Lads... Got A Football To The Head Instead!

    Bearded man selfies while a football in the background hijacks the moment.

    PM_ME_YOUR_UPPERCUT Report

    martymcmatrix
    Community Member
    20 hours ago

    Awesome autofocus...💁🏽🏉

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    #80

    Children Play By A "Tall-Boy" Bomb Crater With The Wreck Of The German Battleship Tirpitz In The Background Being Broken Up Near Norway

    Two kids stand near a pond with a salvaged ship and mountains in the background

    bsmith2123 Report

    #82

    A scary figure in a car window in the background of a friends group photo.

    Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    I see the clown, but was wondering if the girl on the left is possessed?

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    #83

    A shocked woman in the background of a man holding a giant gummy worm.

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    Bigmomma
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    I hope that is a long gummy worm and not a toy

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    #84

    This Guy Appears On Live TV With The Same Program Playing In The Background

    A TV news screen shows a man behind the anchor, like something in the background completely hijacked the moment

    revcity Report

    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    I must have a barghouti as well.