50 Times People Spotted Such Strange Things On The Subway, They Had To Take A Photo (New Pics)
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.
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I Found Her. She Is Alive
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.
A Guy Feeds A Kitten In The Subway
Lesson Learnt
Good for the man to do it, brat MOVE. AND parent for ignoring child being rude
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."
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.
This Man Was Sketching People On The Subway And Telling Them That They Are Beautiful
Casual Day On The London Underground
A Guy Brought His Peacock Onto The NYC Subway And No One Even Looked Up From Their Phones
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."
Springfield
I like her style a lot. She looks like a fascinating person to talk with.
I’m Feeling Lucky
Cat Scarf
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.
Just Santa Riding The Subway
You Keep Doing You
Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil
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.
"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.
Taking Christmas To A Whole New Level
Hmmm
"How To Talk To Your Cat About Gun Safety". Interesting
I had this book. There is also, "How to Talk to Your Cat about Evolution" and "How to Talk to Your Cat about Abstinence."
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.
Saying Hey From The NYC Subway
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 :)
Just A Fox
Poor fox. It seems very scared. More significantly, that's a wild animal and should be allowed to stay wild.
I think you're projecting. He looks very relaxed, actually. By the way, they do NOT make great pets, and I can't tell how that man can control him if something did freak the fox out, so I'm not defending him, but foxes have been domesticated. A domestic fox is super expensive, tough.
Load More Replies...I see all the comments going back and forth, but most importantly, what does the fox say ?
🎶Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding! Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding! Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!🎶
Load More Replies...Let's not judge as we don't know if he had been in a fox rescue ...maybe trip to vet. In any case prob not able to be re released.
That is my dream! I'd love a little fox, I was very close to a vixen when I was young she wouldn't eat bread without butter xxx let me pet her omg she was gorgeous X foxes are beautiful:-)
Foxes always look scared. This one actually looks calm for a fox.
Poor fox? No way, Lucky to be alive fox, and for a human to care for it Bravo. The fox looks completely at ease and very snug hugged up on his carers lap. Well Done Sir. Your friend is not afraid of humans and very accepting of everyone it seems. x
The face is broad for a fox. Probably one of the many breeds of dog or individuals that look like foxes.
Duck And Cover
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."
Old Lady In A Subway
Spotted On The Subway
Brazilians In The Moscow Metro
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.
Dude’s Showing His Lizard Bro A Whole New World On An 8-Hour Bus Trip
Spotted While Waiting For The Train The Other Night. Made Me Laugh
Swedish Fans Excited About Today's Match
"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.
Looks Like Russians Invented A Time Machine
Sauron The Commuter
Sir Robert Knight: Guardian Of The Subway And Protector Of The Innocent
"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."
Lion King
Next Station? Jerusalem Of Course
This Guy
Harris Hawk On The Metrolink - Apparently She Was Afraid Of The Fireworks
Interesting
This Man From The Future
Horses Are Returning To The Luas, Nature Is Healing, We Are The Virus
Happy Thanksgiving Everybody
Quidditch
Seems About Right
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.
These Two
Dude Just Whipped Out This Desk On The Subway And Started His Meeting
Never Have I Wanted To Touch Someone's Hat So Much
Do You Think She Woke Up In Brooklyn?
NYC Heat Wave Is Bringing More Than High Temperatures
I actually love the creativity of this one. But man would that suck to wear in a heatwave.
When Your Wanted Level Is At 5 Stars, And You're Hiding From The Cops
Try Explaining To Your Boss That You're Late Because You Missed Your Stop While Feeding A Pink Chicken Cheerios On The Subway
Holy Subway
He may be able to walk on water, but the son of God takes the subway like the rest of us mortals.
Does This Count?
Bernie might be awesome, but I don't know if anyone has ever said they'd like to sit on his face.
The Man Sitting In Front Of Me On The Train Is Using A Twix As A Pillow
Corona Supermask
Hmmm
Thanks, I Hate These Pants
Every Day Is Halloween In New York Subways
Should I Be Scared?
The Purrfect Beat
A Must-Have For This Fall Season
Aw, She Knit Herself A Mask
I’ll Grab The Next Train
This reality really is colliding with another.. I haven't the foggiest which one though. confused-6...ba714e.gif
Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One. A Guy Gets On CTA (Chicago) With A Colony Of Bees
He Walked In With Just A Loose Set Of Chair Legs. Then He Got Down, Took The Seat Top Out Of His Bag, And Assembled A Full Wooden Stool In The Middle Of The Train On Road
Why Does He Look Like A Spongebob Character?
Guaranteed Social Distancing
Found In Paris, Even The Mask Has Flair
Saw Miles Morales On The Train! This Dude Wasn’t Even Asking For Money, He Was Just Hanging Out
Enter All Bad Duck Jokes Below
Give Me Dat Masking Tape Special
Chicken Of The Sea
Headed To EarthDayCon
With Her Pet
Her Own Biggest Fan
Probably is reading the library copy to see if anyone has left notes or dog earred the pages.
Why Does This Doll Look Like It Needs An Adult?
Twisted Sister
After A Tough Day In Zootopia
She looks EXACTLY like poor, defeated Judy after he first day on the job ☹️
Swedish Subway Creature
I Have So Many Questions
Wearing Is Caring
I Needed One Of These Pre-Covid
Subway Spider-Man
A Duck Wearing Sneakers In Mexico City
This Guy's Dedication
I Know Amazing Right? Thought My Italian Grandma Was The Only One Who Covered Seats In Plastic
Self Protection
What’s Your Number 1 Pet Peeve On The Subway?
What's That?
Lady, You Ok?
She might die because of the Coronavirus, but not because she got it.
The Hand Of One Of It's Victims
The Guardian Of The Quiet Carriage Blocks Your Path. Do You Surrender Your Mobile Device, Flee, Or Challenge To Single Combat?
Buckle Up And Get The Popcorn Ready
Meanwhile In Korea
Found Satan On A Train
Gen Z Like 'What's That Thing On His Head?'
Pumpkin Man
Shout Out To All The Reptilian Gang Members In Da House
Protection Above Everything
A Great Way To Keep Warm Tonight
This Guy Commutes
Still Figuring Out This Mask Thing
The Squirrel Master Never Needed A Leash
Probably Not Halloween Related
Took This About A Year Ago. Wasn’t Really Sure What Was Going On, Still Don’t
Get This Good Boy Some Timbs
A Real NYC Bedbug Story
Just. Just No
NYers Getting Back On Their Feet
Washington Square Park Like "I'm Out"
The Hottest Pose I've Ever Seen In The Train
He Really Gonna Sit There Reading That Book Like That Thing Ain't On It's Phone Next To Him
What do you want him to do? Stare? He's just minding his own business, like a normal, polite and respectful citizen.
Coneheads (2021)
What Game Is This
So Many Things I Need To Know How She Physically Does
Blasting Music During Peak Hours While Everyone Is Going Home After A Tiring Day
Hungry?
The Undertaker
"The Mushrooms Are Turning On Me"
Corona Ain’t Gonna Get Her 200 IQ
Looks Safe Bro
Fashion-Forward
Just A Regular Lunch
A For Creativity On His Mask
I have absolutely no issue with people making me look good, I need all the help I can get
quick thought, apart those who clearly were pleased with being photographed, but what about the rest and the kids? were they asked permission to be photographed and then also posted online ? I am really not sure... and I personally wouldn't like anyone to take a photo of me, and then posted it, without my consent. call me party pooper, but this trend is not cool..
In the US it is legal to photograph anyone who is in a public place where there is no expectation of privacy, like a restroom.
Load More Replies...Isn't anyone bothered by the fact that people take photos of strangers without their permission, and then post it online? A couple of these looked like maybe the subjects of the photo knew they were being photographed, but many pics were clearly taken without the subjects knowledge.
The funniest thing I ever saw was four guys loading a queen-size mattress into one end of an LRT car. A few stops later they got off, as did four other guys carrying the box spring, who were in a different car. They all walked down the crowded sidewalks at rush hour, hoisting the mattress and box springs overhead as they walked to their destination.
This Thanksgiving I'll add being thankful that I don't have to ride a subway to my list.
I have absolutely no issue with people making me look good, I need all the help I can get
quick thought, apart those who clearly were pleased with being photographed, but what about the rest and the kids? were they asked permission to be photographed and then also posted online ? I am really not sure... and I personally wouldn't like anyone to take a photo of me, and then posted it, without my consent. call me party pooper, but this trend is not cool..
In the US it is legal to photograph anyone who is in a public place where there is no expectation of privacy, like a restroom.
Load More Replies...Isn't anyone bothered by the fact that people take photos of strangers without their permission, and then post it online? A couple of these looked like maybe the subjects of the photo knew they were being photographed, but many pics were clearly taken without the subjects knowledge.
The funniest thing I ever saw was four guys loading a queen-size mattress into one end of an LRT car. A few stops later they got off, as did four other guys carrying the box spring, who were in a different car. They all walked down the crowded sidewalks at rush hour, hoisting the mattress and box springs overhead as they walked to their destination.
This Thanksgiving I'll add being thankful that I don't have to ride a subway to my list.