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You’ve likely seen a photo that, at first glance, made you think, “Is this even real?” The image was so captivating that it made you wonder if it had been Photoshopped. And with technology these days, the possibilities are endless. 

But no. None of these pictures underwent any form of manipulation. They were just perfectly timed, with the right blend of colors and shapes in one snapshot. These have been shared around the internet, and we’ve picked out those that stood out

Scroll through, and if you’re into photography for a living or as a hobby, these could give you some ideas on what to shoot next.

#3

I Caught A Rainbow In A Clear Mineral Selenite. It's Looks Like Marvel's Infinity Stone

Vibrant rainbow colors in a natural rock formation, showcasing interesting, not photoshopped phenomenon.

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The concept of manipulation existed way before the birth of Adobe Photoshop in 1990. According to the National Science and Media Museum, it came as “darkroom trickery,” where photographers used clever layering techniques in their negatives.

The first example of this happened in the 1920s by Russian artist Alexander Rodchenko, who used scissors for a literal cut-and-paste method to create a collage using multiple photos.

#5

This Is Not AI, But Two Buildings In Łódź Photographed By Me From Such A Perspective That It Would Seem That They Constitute A Whole. 📸the Światowit Hotel Being Demolished With The Zus Skyscraper In The Background. A Thread About A Small Project That I Completed In February This Year On The Subject Of Łódź Contrasts

Unique building with eroded facade, showcasing interesting non-Photoshopped architectural design against a blue sky.

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Photoshop and photo manipulation are now considered art forms. In 2020, the Yorkshire Photographic Union featured digitally enhanced photographs in its collection. 

The annual competition dedicated an entire category to altered realities through images to celebrate the modern take on photography through digital technology.

#7

My Friends Jacket Is Made Entirely Out Of Reflective Material... This Is What A Picture With Flash Looks Like

Person in a reflective jacket creating an interesting visual effect, not photoshopped, standing against a dark background.

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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

3M tape was used in the original Superman movie to give this effect.

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The social media era also brought about a new age in photo manipulation. All of a sudden, everyone who owned a smartphone had the ability to enhance their pictures through filters. 

For professional photographers, these advancements are a blessing and a curse. While they provide a convenient method of capturing moments, they also offer a distorted view of reality.

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#12

My Dad Took This Photo Of "White Shadows" That Appeared When Only The Snow Around The Shadows Melted

Shadow of tree branches creates illusion on roof, demonstrating interesting not photoshopped effect against a forest backdrop.

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Bec
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not this beautiful, but there is often a perfect line of snow left in our Yard from the shadow of the power line

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“Selfie culture” has heavily contributed to reality distortion through Instagram filters and has reached alarming levels. For clinical education specialist Krista Crotty, it may induce self-esteem and mental health issues, especially for younger people. 

“In between that authentic self and digital self lives a lot of anxiety, because it’s not who you really are. You don’t look like the photos that have been filtered,” Crotty told MIT Technology Review in a 2021 interview.

#13

I Took This Photo Of The Moon With A 3D-Printed Telescope And My Smartphone

Close-up view of the moon's surface, showcasing interesting not photoshopped details and craters under natural light.

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However, photo manipulation isn’t all bad. As graphic design service provider Color Clipping Ltd. points out, it’s a way to make photographs stand out by stirring emotions, apart from improving quality. It also boosts one’s brand, as it can help with product recall. 

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Ultimately, it’s about finding the balance between reality distortion and enhancement. But if you want to achieve eye-catching images organically, as seen on this list, timing is your best friend.

Now, we’d like to hear from our readers. Which of these photos stood out to you? For photographers, do any of these concepts pique your interest? Let us know in the comments!

#19

This Diving Photo I Took Of My Friend Makes It Look She's Doing A Handstand On Water

Diver performs a perfect handstand on water in an indoor pool, showcasing balance and strength. Not Photoshopped.

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#20

Extremely Rare Rainbow Cloud Over Hcmc

Vibrant rainbow cloud over city skyline, showcasing interesting not photoshopped phenomena.

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Bay Bo
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now that is super neat! Imagine being able to see and capture that on a camera!!

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#22

Bird Flew By During A Picture. Now It Looks Like A Giant Bird Landed On My Head

Man posing near a coastal cliff with a large bird perched on his head; an interesting not Photoshopped photo moment.

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Cyndi Hafele
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That bird doesn't look to be in flight. It looks like it's parked.

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#23

Magic Carpets: The Art Of Faig Ahmed's Melted And Pixellated Rugs, Where Pieces Sell For Upwards Of $15,000 (£11,870). Typically, They Begin As A Classic Pattern That Encounters An Obstacle Or Glitch, A Sort Of Technical Meltdown

People holding a unique carpet that appears to melt into the floor—an interesting, not photoshopped visual effect.

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#24

This Reflection Of The Sky On A Building Looks Like The Sky

Alleyway reflecting buildings on mirrored glass, showcasing interesting, not photoshopped visual effect.

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#27

A Single Photo Of Some Trees And Water

A perfectly straight line divides a river and a forest, creating an interesting, unaltered visual contrast.

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Bay Bo
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For real?? It looks like 2 different pictures chopped down the middle and placed together! Amazi!!

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#33

The Reflection Of The Pool Table At This Bar Signed Perfectly With The Interior Of The Car Outside

Car with a pool table inside, showcasing an interesting and not photoshopped photo.

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#34

My Dad Took This Photo In 2008 In Co. I Remember Playing Outside And Looking Up And Saw A Green Funnel Cloud

Tornado near suburban houses under a dark sky, showcasing interesting not photoshopped photos.

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#36

The Timing Of This Image Makes It Look Like My Nephew Is A Waterbender

Baby playing with a splash of water, showing curious expression. Not photoshopped, capturing a candid summer moment at the pool.

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#38

Who's A Good Boy?

Dog in plaid shirt lying on a pillow, creating an illusion of human-dog hybrid; interesting not photoshopped.

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Bay Bo
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well one is clearly in the "dog house/bed". The good boy is asking if he can sleep w u tonight 😉

#39

A Floating Stone

Floating rock over water mirroring the sky, creating an interesting, not photoshopped optical illusion.

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Blue Bunny of Happiness
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It took me waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long to work out the rock is in water and it’s a reflection. I shall go and hang my head in shame.

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#41

Meet The Alabama Hover Donkey, She Is Pregnant And You Can't See Her Feet

Unusual perspective of an animal creating an interesting optical illusion, appearing unedited in the photo.

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#47

This Building That Looks Like A Single Wall Of Windows

Reflective glass building seen through car window, showcasing an interesting not photoshopped perspective.

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Joanne Mendonza-Earle
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what the John Hancock bldg in Boston looks like from Dartmouth Street in Back Bay.

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#54

This Morning Reflection From My Front Door

Sunlight shining through a glass door creates a glowing geometric pattern on the wall, showcasing an interesting effect.

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#56

The Clouds Failed To Render

Mammatus clouds over a landscape, creating a dramatic and mesmerizing sky; an example of interesting, not photoshopped photos.

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Don Miner
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the clouds on the right are from a very turbulent air pattern yet next to calm a pretty rare sight I would say

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#57

Mr. Tiny Legs

Man and child creating an optical illusion at a bar, showcasing interesting, not photoshopped photos.

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Sue R
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, I'm a little more concerned about the mal-formed penis in the bottom right but ok

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#68

I Somehow Managed To Take This Photo At The Exact Moment The Balloon Popped So It Looks Like A Balloon Ghost!!

Bulldog holding a blue balloon caught on a fence, showcasing an interesting not Photoshopped moment.

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#69

From The Summit Of Mt. Hood Yesterday Before Having To Deal With Rime Ice/Hoarfrost Straight From Hell On The Descent. Pearly Gates Ascent And Old Chute Descent

Climber standing on snowy peak with gear, featuring interesting not photoshopped photos under a clear blue sky.

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#70

Paper Thin Building

Tall building at night with lights creating an optical illusion; interesting not photoshopped photo.

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#71

Baby Takes Leg Day Seriously

Child sitting in a hammock in a backyard, illustrating interesting not photoshopped photo moment.

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#72

Just A Cat Watching The Neighborhood

Cat watching two chickens on the street from a rooftop, interesting perspective not photoshopped.

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Peppy
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1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now we know why the chicken crossed the road, to avoid the drop kitty

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#73

Rendering Error

Glass building reflecting clouds, creating an interesting not photoshopped effect on an urban street.

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#78

Day At The Bark

Dog appearing human while sliding down playground slide, showcasing interesting not photoshopped visual.

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