The camera never lies, and it also adds twenty pounds. Often the camera acts as a glass eye peering into it's subject's soul. A photography can inadvertently capture the smallest detail that is hidden in plain sight. Spirits, colors, people, life moments that leave one breathless can often be immortalized from the lens, and all without anyone knowing. Later the photographer sees what they innocently stole out of thin air and it can leave them.... shooketh.
Redditor u/FandomFun wanted all the photographers out there to shed some light on what the camera sees by asking.... Photographers of Reddit, what's the scariest thing that you have (accidentally or not) caught on camera?
She's Here!
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I took a picture of a mirror in my grandmother's house in dim light. Behind me in the mirror was a creepy pale FACE. I posted it to my live journal (yes, this was a long time ago) for help debunking it because I was terrified! After some daylight pictures of the room and a lot of discussion, we figured out the face was a bunch of flowers in the dark. I've never been so relieved in my life.
Seek help Jay....
This reminds me of something my Ex did to me (we are still friends, so no hard feelings over this at all). I used to buy those little disposable cameras and my ex and I would use them amongst each other. One time I went and got the film developed to find that my Ex had taken about ten photos of his poop in the toilet (it was huge, so I guess he was proud?) and a blurry picture of his family jewels. Thanks Jay. Persian_Housewife
The Foot!
The foot of a guy who was hiding in my apartment. He was on a big shelf that's tucked away in a small storage room in my apartment. Short story: took a pic of a friend at my place. Next day when I came home from work, the place was cleaned out with no sign of forced entry. It was a mystery.
Weeks later, I looked at the pic and saw the random foot behind my friend in my little storage room. The room was dark at the time, but I took the pic with flash so it immediately jumped out at me. He must have spent the night there, waited for me to leave and finally struck. Neither me or my friend noticed anything as we hung out that evening, nor did I notice anything during the night as I slept. 69fatboy420
Lucky Shot!
A water moccasin striking towards my brother's hand
I was on an observation deck that was surrounded by water that my brother and I had waded out to. As we were leaving, there was a big cottonmouth that had decided to check us out. I was taking pictures with my DSLR while my brother tried to prod it with a stick in an attempt to get it to leave. I got an incredibly lucky shot of the split second it lunged out of the water at my brother, fangs out and all. It was so quick that I flinched after I hit the shutter and couldn't believe I had gotten the pic. The feeling of being trapped out there still haunts me. gamblindan
They Never Left!
My parents traveled with me and my siblings to South America for a family reunion. All my sisters siblings (four in total) sat adjacent on a couch to pose for the photo. I was very young, about 10 or 11. My grandpas camera still had film in it, and I was asked if I could please walk to the corner store with my grandma and develop the photos. Well, they sat and smiled and we took some nice ones.
Then I got to see them.
Most of them came out pretty normal, some blurry because of my lack of skill as a kid, but one stood out to me even as a child. All of their faces were perfectly in focus, but around them there were these... light orbs. All the light sources in the room were not of the same shade and later on after I studied photography (secretly to try and debunk this) I learned the way light plays with a sensor and how that transmits to a developed image. Still, refraction was not the answer. What is even stranger is that the light orbs were three in number- the same amount of aunts my mom had before they all passed away.
They all surrounded her, almost as if to say "we are still here." Now I'm agnostic. But this is one of those things I can't explain. stringwizrd
On the Hunt!
Background: I took this back in 2013 (making me 12/13 at the time) and I come from a mundane rust belt sort of city with not much to do. Luckily for me there is a pretty nifty old cemetery in town so I visited it multiple times over the course of a few years, last time was in 2017 maybe? It's just something cool to do when I'm bored. On past experiences, I'd heard footsteps, weird voices and seen shadows darting around but this is the only instance I've actually captured anything. It was a nice stormy night which was perfect for "ghost hunting" at a spooky cemetery. There was a light rain and no fog. I'd learned from watching ghost TV shows and experienced people on /r/paranormal that when taking pictures to take multiple ones in quick succession, that way, if anything appears in one photo and doesn't in the next, it's more unexplainable.
I took three photos in quick succession of one eerie looking grave and got this. It only appeared in the middle photo, the other photos were on my old phone and I don't have them but I uploaded this online before since it had something in it. It was a cool night but warm enough to where my breath wasn't visible, so I'm pretty positive that wasn't it and usually when my breath appears in photos it's more cloudy and blotchy, this looks like some streaking mist. Is it a ghost? I'm not really sure tbh but I know it's definitely weird.
Note: due to people vandalizing tombstones and breaking in through the front gates in more recent years, I don't really want to reveal the name or location of the cemetery if that's okay :) Graveyard ghost photo: https://imgur.com/a/OveP1Sl _coyotes_
ROAR!!!
A few years back I did a session with a family at a local, semi-secluded waterfall. Everything went great: kids behaved, dog looked at the camera, and the light was perfect. Once I loaded the photos into Lightroom to start making adjustments, I noticed one of the pine trees had a tan spot--not unusual given a problem with pine beetles in the area. But, when I zoomed in it turned out to be a mountain lion.
Looked pretty young, but I still clenched my cheeks a wee bit. I showed the family proofs and they were delighted to put it up on their wall as a way to entertain visitors. While it was highly unlikely that it would have attacked anybody, it's still rather unsettling finding an additional prop in your photo.
In the Eyes....
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I once got way too close to 200lbs of sleepy seal. At one point he sat up looked me dead in the eyes and then rolled over, I wasn't sure if I should have kept shooting or climb the nearest tree.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholas_m/25699181584/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholas_m/26277865976/ nik282000
The Sad History....
I lost some photos on an old hard drive, tried really hard to recover them but no luck.
Spent a couple weeks in Tasmania and visited Port Arthur. This was obviously after the massacre. Place had a real heavy feel about it. Just felt like a real crap place to be. Took about 20 photos and 3 of them had weird stuff in them. One was a photo of a plaque listing all the victims name's which had a clear as day face in the top corner. My family thought surely I had edited the photo but I was showing the original on the camera LCD. The other two photos of where the cafe was and a half torn old building both had faces, not as clear but obviously something.
Really really creepy, and even before seeing the photos, whilst appreciating the history and significance of the site, I couldn't wait to leave. Never felt like that before In my life. freshchad
Join us Dad....
When I was 16, there was a whole month when my Dad just wouldn't talk to me and I had no idea why. One day, four years later, we were looking at our wild pictures and came across one of myself and three friends passing a joint around in our basement. And on the stairwell, my Dad, just watching. I guess we were too blazed to realize what was going on, because my friend who took the picture swears he hadn't seen it before. Still gives me shivers. CheddaHed
Medic!!!
A young women just as she started to have a seizure. I was taking pictures for my school's various sports teams in third year university, this particular day I was photographing a charity dodgeball game. My job was just to make sure I had at least one good picture of each player on the teams so that we could put them up on facebook as promotional material later. I remember taking a picture of a young woman and then looking down at my camera screen to see how the shot had turned out. As soon as the picture came up on screen I heard a bunch of people yelling for time-out and I looked up to see her seizing on the floor.
When I would later go through the photos for editing I ran across that particular one and it made me uncomfortable. You could see in the photo that she had just barely started to lose her balance and her eyes had begun to roll back. I'm happy to say that she is totally fine, she said it wasn't the first time something like this had happened and she was more embarrassed than anything else, but it was still a scary moment. EchosOfTay
ACTION!
I was making a short film (sorry, not a photo) in college. The assignment wast to showcase the city where the college is located. I accidentally filmed a drug deal. I kept it in my short film and made the lightrail the savior, sweeping the person the camera follows away to safety. Got an A but my film was not allowed on the college website with the others lol. krown24
The Orbs...
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I was taking photos at an old house, and I captured ghost orbs. I took photos from different angles, different lighting, and they were still in the same position in the room. stealthyelfy
Seeing Fingers....
While visiting a friend in London, I saw this dumpy storefront. Sign reads: high tech security systems. I took a photo because, irony. Later I noticed fingers gripping bars in the front window. It appears someone is looking out the window. CREEPY. AF. Creepy London https://imgur.com/gallery/pNsMN77 DrAudiologist
The Starling Pose....
I was the zoo taking photos. Later on when I was going through them I noticed I caught this Starling mid-pose with the most demonic expression.
https://imgur.com/gallery/UnwCISc JCarnacki
Look at the bird's back. I see the shape of a woman looking upwards. Not scary, just cool. ---ThisGuy
You Decide....
I tried to take a photo of a football player in a white jersey, but something got in the way that I can't explain. I didn't find out until I got home and downloaded the photos. Scared the crap out of me as I cycled through them.
Here's the photo. You can see the football player in the background that I tried to take a photo of. Don't look at it at night if you're by yourself. VictoriousMonk
The Blankie....
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A bunch of my friends and I were staying at a mates place, and we recorded a short video because one of our friends was doing something stupid. When we watched the video back, we all saw a horror-movie-like face behind my friend. We were crapping ourselves. Turns out it was just a blanket that has some weird designs printed on it, and it was in the perfect position to make a scary face. Took us half an hour to figure out. bigmanspam3
baby you're a firework....
Was taking pictures of fireworks on Canada day at a friend's place. One photo showed a man with a red plaid flannel jacket staring at the fireworks. Nobody in the area was seen with that jacket and There wasn't anybody in front of the camera when it was taken. trapperelectrical01
The Source of Light....
About two years ago I went with my cousin to a hidden spot in the mountains, far away from any sort of civilization, to try and take a sick picture of the milk way. When we were done and about to come back, I started looking at all the photos I made that night and in one of them there was this creepy light that appeared to draw some random pattern (sorry, cant find the photo). Me and my cousin run away as fast as we could.
A few months later we try again but this time in a different and even more isolated spot. Same thing happens but this time the light appears to be even closer.
One year later I was working at a party when a friend of mine without me noticing set my camera shutter speed at 10 minutes (which basically means that the camera keeps capturing a photo photo for 10 minutes). Since I didn't want to wait I restarted my camera and when I turned it on there was a new photo with another creepy random light in it.
You can get a similar effect if you move a laser/torch in a long exposure photo like this one but I still have no idea what could be the source of the light. MajorTom99
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Not all pet owners have the same relationship with their pets.
While anyone who decides to become a pet owner, or pet parent as some say, love their pets equally, some never ever let them leave their side.
Taking their pet with them to work, running errands, even on vacations.
Many pet parents even allow their pets to share their bed with them when going to sleep.
For others though, this is where a line is finally drawn.
Redditor Piggythelavasurfer was curious to hear whether pet owners allowed their pets to share their bed with them, as well as the reasons why they do/don't, leading them to ask:
"Do you let your pet sleep in your bed? Why/why not?"
The Tiny Issue Of Water...
"Absolutely not."
"I have fish."- Senior-Meal3649
Everyone Gets Lonely Eventually...
"I adopted an eleven year old cat the day before Halloween."
"She has mostly lived in my closet since I got her, and she hasn’t been too interested in coming out."
"Last night, she came out of my closet and jumped up on my bed, and crawled under my covers and curled up by my feet to sleep."
"I was so happy!"- YellowBeastJeep
The Comforting Reminder That You're Not Alone...
"I recently lost my Greyhound but I used to let him sleep on my bed with me."
"The company was nice and he was no trouble to have on my bed."- HoodedMenace3
Hungry Cookie GIF by De Graafschap Dierenartsen
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What Do You Mean Allow?
"I have no choice."
"She is a cat, cats do whatever they want."- Small_cat1412
"He lets me sleep in my bed."- Poorly-Drawn-Beagle
Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way
"I carry my old boy upstairs to bed every night."- worst_in_show
Hug GIF by The BarkPost
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Who Needs An Alarm Clock?
"I let my two cats sleep with me."
"They're so full of love and just want cuddles all the time."
"And so do I."
"We've all developed a lil routine."
"Get to bed, oldest sleeps on my feet to keep them warm, youngest lies in my arm while I lie on my side (she the little spoon), then when I snooze my alarm for work in the morning the youngest paws at my face and meeps loudly to wake me up."- GhostofaFlea_
Whose Bed Is It Anyway?
"Yes."
"They're also kind enough to let me squeeze into whatever space they've left for me."
"Although I do get a few dirty looks off them."- Therealkaylor
"I found this tiny kitten screaming her head off under a car."
"Would not come out."
"Got some food and some water in dishes."
"I stood by the tire so she couldn't see my feet."
"She got curious about the food and water and started gobbling it down."
"I thought she would bolt when I squatted down."
"She was too busy eating."
"I grabbed her by the nape of the neck and all four legs went straight out and she tried to scratch me to death."
"I got her in the door and tossed her toward the couch."
"She ricocheted off the couch as if she was a ping pong off a table and I lost sight of her."
"I put out food and water and a sandbox and did not see that kitten for three days."
"On the third day, I came home and she was on my bed pillow."
"I thought she would bolt when I came near, but she didn't."
"I wanted to sleep so I tried to scoot her little butt off my pillow."
"She would not go."
"I put my head down to sleep and that is the way it was from then on."
"She ran the roost."- Logical_Cherry_7588
sleepy kitten GIF
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Sleeping Is A Prerequisite...
"No, he's a cat and he cannot keep still during the night."
"He walks across the headboard, opens the closet doors, jumps into the windows and rustles the blinds, etc."
"If he would sleep he could stay, but alas, he's a ramblin' man."- Spong_Durnflungle
Saying No Just Isn't An Option...
"'Let'."
"Lol."
"It's a cat's world and I'm happy to be on her good side."- milaren
Felines Only!
"The cat does, the dog doesn't and the horse certainly does not either."- Xcrowzz
Angry Tom And Jerry GIF by Boomerang Official
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Is That My Hair On That Pillow?
"My dog is perfect."
"She comes up, cuddles til we start to fall asleep, then gets down to sleep on her bed so she doesn't get too hot."
"Jumps back up in the early morning for wake up cuddles."
"The hair everywhere is the only downside but she is so cozy, what can you do."- HoodieWinchester
It is easy to understand how some people are able to fall asleep more easily knowing their friend and protector is there, in bed, with them.
Though we can't blame others who don't want to run the risk of being scratched or bitten in the middle of the night either...
The old wives' tales.
They are the stories of legend.
I think we all need a big DEEP Google dive though.
Where did they originate?
WHO ARE THE OLD WIVES!
You don't hear about them as much anymore.
It's like science and logic are suddenly a thing.
But they sure are a good way to keep your kids and their behavior in line.
Redditor the_spring_goddess wanted to discuss the tall tales we've all been fed through life, so they asked:
"What is an old wives tale that people still believe?"
"Wait an hour to swim after eating."
What a crock!
So many summer hours wasted.
I want revenge for that one.
Say Nothing
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"An undercover cop has to tell you he's a cop if you ask him."
LonelyMail5115
"Pretty much most advice when it comes to cops are old wives tales. I’m not even a cop but most of the advice you hear is pretty off."
I_AM_AN_A**HOLE_AMA
Say Something
"That you have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing."
Severe_Airport1426
"I really think this one is important and should be the top regardless. As it’s a piece of advice that needs to be relearned and the only way to do that is through awareness."
crappycurtains
"This used to be true. I think they changed it after some guy named Brandon went missing back in the '80s or '70s. You used to have to wait 24 hours if the missing person was an adult because they had 'a right to be missing' and then everyone realized that was stupid and stopped doing it."
AlbinoShavedGorilla
Body Temps
"That drinking ice cold water after eating oily foods will solidify the oil and permanently remain in your body. I informed my coworker that if your body temperature ever reached that point, you’d have bigger problems than weight gain."
chriseo22
"Oh, I have a cousin who 100% believed this. One of those guys who believed every early 2000s internet rumor and old wives tale. One night I chugged a big glass of ice water after dinner and he started freaking out and saying my guts were gonna harden."
"I sarcastically told him to drive me to the hospital if that happened. Obviously, nothing happened and the next morning I said something like 'Thanks for being on standby in case my guts filled with hardened oil.' He just walked off muttering under his breath."
apocalypticradish
Arms Down
"When I was pregnant, I was told by young and old alike that I should NOT raise my arms above my head or exert myself in such a manner because it could cause cord strangulation to my unborn sons and daughters."
Fatmouse84
10 Years Actually
Unimpressed Uh Huh GIF by Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Giphy
"Chewing gum stays in your stomach for 7 years."
"I remember accidentally swallowing a piece of gum when I was a kid in like 1995 and just accepting my fate like welp, gonna have this in my stomach til high school I guess."
Gecko-911
I was so afraid to sallow my gum when I was young.
This tale is haunting.
High/Low
Hungry Debra Messing GIF by Will & Grace
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"You can tell the sex of the baby by how you carry."
LeastFormal9366
"Pregnancy certainly wins awards for the most old wives tales. So much absolute BS was repeated to us by everyone we talked to."
IllIIIlIllIlIIlIllI
The Cursed
"If you’re a woman and you wear opal jewelry but opal is not your birthstone (October), you’ll never be able to have children, or will be widowed, or just generally have bad luck or something. You can counteract this by having a diamond in the same piece of jewelry as the opal, though."
"I have a nice opal ring that my parents gave me years ago, and I’ve had other women give me this 'advice' unprompted more than once when I’ve worn it. I have absolutely no idea where it started, but I’m pretty sure this little chunk of silicate rock has no concept of what month I was born in, let alone of how my reproductive organs work."
SmoreOfBabylon
Stay In
"Going outside with wet hair will make you get pneumonia. Or an earache. Or maybe arthritis. Depends on which old wife you listen to."
"Jokes on them - I haven't blow-dried my hair in decades and usually leave the house with wet hair in the morning. On winter mornings, the tips of my hair get frozen. No ear infections or pneumonia or arthritis yet."
worldbound0514
Dreams and Facts
"You never make anyone up in your dreams you've seen everyone in your dreams somewhere else before and never make anyone up entirely."
"How would you possibly prove that to be true? My partner adamantly believes this and tells me this 'fact' whenever I have a dream about someone I've never met before."
mattshonestreddit
"My late wife used to tell me that before she met me she would have dreams of standing at an alter on her wedding day but could never see the guy's face, no matter how hard she tried. After meeting me the face was filled in with mine. Don't know if it's true but one of those things I like thinking of every now and then when I miss her."
Darthdemented
Cracked
Getting Ready Episode 2 GIF by The Office
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"Some people still believe cracking knuckles causes arthritis."
Choice-Grapefruit-44
"There's a doctor (Donald Unger) that cracked his knuckles a couple of times a day for 60 years, but only on one hand, just to prove it. Both hands remained exactly the same."
MacyTmcterry
I love my knuckles.
Do you have any tall tales to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.