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The next stops are: Weirdville, Bizarretown, and Strangeburg! There’s something unique about subways, metros, and the tube that brings out the weirdest and funniest side of humanity. A side of us that you won’t find on any other form of transportation. Buses, cars, horseback riding, high-speed trains, and trams have nothing on subways. We can promise you that, 100%.

You know for a fact that our team here at Bored Panda loves photography. The more unusual, the better. So we’ve collected a list of the most amusing, downright bizarre, and hilarious photos that people took while on the subway. Scroll down to see the best of the best! Oh, and while you’re upvoting your fave ones (the duck in the backpack stands out to us, personally), consider sharing your weirdest experience while on public transport, in the comments.

And if you’re in the mood for some more subway humor and weirdness, then you’ll definitely want to take a peek at Bored Panda’s articles right here, here, and over here. We sincerely hope you have a pleasant journey. Enjoy and… be sure to mind the gap.

I reached out to photographer Dominic Sberna to get his opinion on the etiquette we should follow when taking photos of people in public spaces, as well as his advice for amateurs hoping to take some great shots. You'll find his thoughts below. Scroll down for Bored Panda's exclusive interview.

#1

I Found Her. She Is Alive

I Found Her. She Is Alive

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Photographer Dominic explained to Bored Panda that there isn't one specific set of rules or etiquette that can apply to all situations when it comes to taking pics in public spaces.

"From a legal standpoint, if someone is in a public place, they can be part of your photography. That is something I learned in college," he shared. "However, you should ask someone for their persmission if you plan to make their identity the focal point of your image. As in, a proper portrait versus someone walking in front of a building for example." This is something that photographers, veteran and amateur alike, should keep at the forefront of their mind, whether they're taking pictures on the subway or anywhere else.

#2

A Guy Feeds A Kitten In The Subway

A Guy Feeds A Kitten In The Subway

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#3

Lesson Learnt

Lesson Learnt

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Kika González
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good for the man to do it, brat MOVE. AND parent for ignoring child being rude

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Dominic stressed the importance of timing. It "is everything when trying to capture a specific moment or action," he told me. As anyone with a creative streak knows, it can sometimes be hell trying to decide which photo to showcase when you've got several great ones. According to the photographer, deciding between the photos "is as simple as deciding what you want to convey."

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We need to consider what message we'll be sending. "The first photo could be more impactful and the second one could be a different message entirely. It comes down to preference and intention at the end of the day," he said.

#4

This Man Was Sketching People On The Subway And Telling Them That They Are Beautiful

This Man Was Sketching People On The Subway And Telling Them That They Are Beautiful

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#5

Casual Day On The London Underground

Casual Day On The London Underground

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#6

A Guy Brought His Peacock Onto The NYC Subway And No One Even Looked Up From Their Phones

A Guy Brought His Peacock Onto The NYC Subway And No One Even Looked Up From Their Phones

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As for his advice for amateur photographers, the essence is putting yourself out there and seeing what you can find. "Just go out and take in your surroundings and pay attention to the little details. The smallest of details in the everyday mundane might stand out to you on any particular day if you're in the right state of mind," Dominic shared.

However, we also need to learn to kick back, relax, and enjoy life, instead of worrying about missing out on some great photos. "Again, this is personal preference. It's good to just enjoy life and put down the camera sometimes, but it's also good to be prepared. You win some and you lose some, I suppose."

#7

Springfield

Springfield

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like her style a lot. She looks like a fascinating person to talk with.

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#8

I’m Feeling Lucky

I’m Feeling Lucky

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Some time ago, Rick McGuire, the founder of the ‘Subway Creatures’ project on Instagram, shared with Bored Panda his own insights about what it is about subways that turns the strangeness all the way to 11.

According to him, commuters are forced into a confined space and have no other choice but to deal with each other. That means that everyone’s in close proximity with a small microcosm of society, including its most interesting and strangest parts.

"The NYC subway is still one of the most efficient ways of getting around and if you need an audience, this is the perfect place to find one. This can sometimes work out for the best and the worst," Rick shared with Bored Panda.

#10

Just Santa Riding The Subway

Just Santa Riding The Subway

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#11

You Keep Doing You

You Keep Doing You

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He ought to hang with the woman two photos up, both bold, both have creativities and moxi and I am fascinated

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He explained that the “wild, bizarre, and crazy things” that the New York City subway had to offer inspired him to create the ‘Subway Creatures’ project as a way to document it all.

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"NYC has this unspoken rule of 'keep your head down and mind your own business' but I'm a huge people-watcher. There's so much going on around you at all times and it would be a shame to miss some of these typical 'New York moments.' When I'm on the train I always find myself looking for obscurities and checking my surroundings. You never know what you'll see!" Rick said.

#15

"How To Talk To Your Cat About Gun Safety". Interesting

"How To Talk To Your Cat About Gun Safety". Interesting

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had this book. There is also, "How to Talk to Your Cat about Evolution" and "How to Talk to Your Cat about Abstinence."

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Meanwhile, career coach Rita Friedman shed some light on commuting and how it shouldn’t always be used for maximum efficiency. Sometimes, you simply need a break from the rush. And your ride on the subway can be just that.

"A commute is literally a transitional unit of space and time, and a lot of commuters use it as their break between the responsibilities of home and the responsibilities of work or school, so it's the perfect moment to look at pictures of failed cakes or animals making funny faces. It's just nice to have time where nobody is holding you accountable," Rita told Bored Panda.

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#16

Saying Hey From The NYC Subway

Saying Hey From The NYC Subway

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A B C
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know dogs aren't allowed in the NYC subway unless they're in a bag or backpack or similar, but apparently, this isn't good for a dog's spine as it's not supposed to be vertical, especially taking the shocks from a person walking. Many people will have to rely on the subway to transport their dog and can't change it, I'm just saying it's not ideal for the dog, so if there are alternatives, please take them. /edit: I just learned that this is a backpack specifically developed for carrying dogs with a built-in protection to mitigate the problem I described. That makes me happy :)

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#17

Just A Fox

Just A Fox

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor fox. It seems very scared. More significantly, that's a wild animal and should be allowed to stay wild.

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According to the career coach, zoning out while on your commute can be therapeutic. It also helps manage our stress.

"That might be scrolling through social media or half-listening to a podcast. I'll also say some of my best ideas have come to me when I've been staring out a window or at a wall. "If work is really taxing, you might find that bringing something on your ride lets you focus away from the distractions of the office—it actually might be a lot easier to knock out a report without a chatty coworker hovering nearby."

#19

Old Lady In A Subway

Old Lady In A Subway

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#20

Spotted On The Subway

Spotted On The Subway

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Though, if you’re feeling up to it, you can use your commute to catch up on some personal tasks. Like replying to emails you might have missed or managing your calendar to get your agenda in order for the near future. In short, your commute could be your morning ritual to sort through what you need to, so you can dive right into work the moment you get to the office.

#22

Dude’s Showing His Lizard Bro A Whole New World On An 8-Hour Bus Trip

Dude’s Showing His Lizard Bro A Whole New World On An 8-Hour Bus Trip

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bringing best friends to liven up Life!! Two thumbs up

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#23

Spotted While Waiting For The Train The Other Night. Made Me Laugh

Spotted While Waiting For The Train The Other Night. Made Me Laugh

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#24

Swedish Fans Excited About Today's Match

Swedish Fans Excited About Today's Match

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"You might also find yourself more productive at work if you spend your commute doing something like reading or playing a strategy game that gets your brain warmed up. If you are actively walking /driving/biking, taking a different route can help shake things up and break up the monotony," Rita said.

#25

Looks Like Russians Invented A Time Machine

Looks Like Russians Invented A Time Machine

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#27

Sir Robert Knight: Guardian Of The Subway And Protector Of The Innocent

Sir Robert Knight: Guardian Of The Subway And Protector Of The Innocent

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"Unless you have a very long commute, it's probably pushing it to try to get into any kind of study or meaningful work that requires a state of flow, but it could be a good time to watch a 5-minute refresher tutorial on a new skill you're working on or to skim through an article your colleagues will also have read."

#31

Harris Hawk On The Metrolink - Apparently She Was Afraid Of The Fireworks

Harris Hawk On The Metrolink - Apparently She Was Afraid Of The Fireworks

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#34

Horses Are Returning To The Luas, Nature Is Healing, We Are The Virus

Horses Are Returning To The Luas, Nature Is Healing, We Are The Virus

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#35

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody

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#37

Seems About Right

Seems About Right

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mouth and nose is covered, I don't object. If this if how they choose to wear it, provided they don't walk into people or onto the tracks, it works for me.

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#39

Dude Just Whipped Out This Desk On The Subway And Started His Meeting

Dude Just Whipped Out This Desk On The Subway And Started His Meeting

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#40

Never Have I Wanted To Touch Someone's Hat So Much

Never Have I Wanted To Touch Someone's Hat So Much

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#41

Do You Think She Woke Up In Brooklyn?

Do You Think She Woke Up In Brooklyn?

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#42

NYC Heat Wave Is Bringing More Than High Temperatures

NYC Heat Wave Is Bringing More Than High Temperatures

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Helen Haley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually love the creativity of this one. But man would that suck to wear in a heatwave.

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#43

When Your Wanted Level Is At 5 Stars, And You're Hiding From The Cops

When Your Wanted Level Is At 5 Stars, And You're Hiding From The Cops

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#44

Try Explaining To Your Boss That You're Late Because You Missed Your Stop While Feeding A Pink Chicken Cheerios On The Subway

Try Explaining To Your Boss That You're Late Because You Missed Your Stop While Feeding A Pink Chicken Cheerios On The Subway

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#45

Holy Subway

Holy Subway

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Raven Sheridan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He may be able to walk on water, but the son of God takes the subway like the rest of us mortals.

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#46

Does This Count?

Does This Count?

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Helen Haley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bernie might be awesome, but I don't know if anyone has ever said they'd like to sit on his face.

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#47

The Man Sitting In Front Of Me On The Train Is Using A Twix As A Pillow

The Man Sitting In Front Of Me On The Train Is Using A Twix As A Pillow

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#50

Thanks, I Hate These Pants

Thanks, I Hate These Pants

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Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was looking at the beltly buckly things on her legs, and then I saw the GIMP MASK TROUSERS!!!

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Note: this post originally had 118 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.