14 Shots That Will Make You Question What You See

Our brains don’t fall for optical illusions because they’re lazy — they’re just a tiny bit slow at spotting motion tricks. The receptors that register illusory movement need about 15 milliseconds to kick in. That’s a blink and a beat in human terms, but enough for the eye to send mixed signals and for your brain to say, “Wait — what?” So you often need a second, maybe a third look before the picture surrenders and the illusion peels away.

1. “I look like I have no legs”

2. “She can fly!”

3. “Me holding a baby.”

4. “Short train, for bikes only”

5. “Air bubble makes my daughter’s Taekwondo instructor look like he has an afro”

6. This isn’t a river.

7. The answer to this puzzle is easier than you think.

8. “Things got a little crazy at the groomer’s today.”

9. Broken-down boxes at my work look like a poorly done Photoshop

10. “I made this for you.”

11. “My basket fell through the floor”

12. This is a bit too revealing to wear at a restaurant.

13. “Is my cat upside down or downside up?”

14. Caught this hog yesterday!

A picture can reveal much more than words. In this article, we’ve gathered before-and-after photos that show how time, dedication, and effort can transform not only people but entire stories.