This Instagram Account Filled With Optical Illusions Will Trip You Out
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Objects in photos are not always what they appear — and one photographer has taken that to the next level by pairing two different objects to create an entirely new one.
The images, which often combine two different spilt images with a variety of proportions, are the work of talented photographer Stephen McMennamy, an art director based in Atlanta. The project is called Combophotos and was first inspired by his daughter on her birthday. By playing around with a collage app, he ended up combining a photo of her smiling with a pink ballon. That initial result made him try another one of the Empire State Building and a banana, but it really all came down to being motivated by Instagram. "There's an endless amount of creativity to be discovered on that app," he said. "I've always wanted a more pronounced voice when it comes to my own creativity and I feel like that app has given me the voice I'd been looking for."
We've rounded up our favorites from his project, as well as included some commentary from McMennamy. You can find his work on Instagram, Tumblr, and his personal website. Enjoy the combinations and fair warning: you're going to wish some of these were actually real.
Grapes + Balloons
Fries + Smokes
"I felt like a food stylist while researching to get just the right fry box, type of fries, etc. . . . it took me roughly three trips to McDonald’s," said Stephen. "Basically, I couldn’t get their fries to work (too small and flimsy). I ended up having to go with the super size box."
Bananas + Mustard
String + Rope Swing
Tomato + Boxing Glove
Truck + Doughnuts
Toy Car + Real Car
"One of my favorite aspects of the Combophotos is the periodic need to ask total strangers for help — that was the case with the real car," said Stephen. "I passed a parking lot, saw a red car, tracked down the owner, paid her $20 bucks to let me photograph her car. Now we follow each other on Instagram, and that’s the beauty of how this stuff works."
Backside + Apricot
Winter + Summer
Hot Dog + Telehandler
Meatball + Forklift
Umbrella + Wildflower Stem
Ice Cream + Front Loader
"I just saw it while I was driving home from work, pulled over, asked the operator if he’d pose the front loader in that position and he did," he said. "I’m always blown away by peoples' generosity when it comes to helping out with these photos. I didn’t actually have lot of faith in this one, but here it is and I’m calling it a favorite. Who knew?"