Even though Halloween has passed, its eerie essence seems to linger, as evidenced by this viral photo.
At first glance, the picture may appear ordinary. However, upon closer inspection, something unusual becomes apparent.
Writer and comedian Tessa Coates shared the image on Instagram, saying: “Okay hello! Upgraded from stories to the grid.
“I went wedding dress shopping and the fabric of reality crumbled. This is a real photo, not photoshopped, not a pano, not a Live Photo.
“If you can’t see the problem, please keep looking and then you won’t be able to unsee it. Full story in my highlights (THE MIRROR) Please enjoy this glitch in the matrix/photo that me nearly vomit in the street. Also, I’m engaged!”
What exactly is happening in this image?
The perplexing photo shows Coates reflected in two mirrors, with three distinct poses between the mirrors and her position.
Understandably, many have been bewildered by the reflection.
Some have even compared the scene to something from the sci-fi series Black Mirror.
Coates humorously discussed the bizarre event and the response from her friends and social media followers.
“How… is this possible? Also, congrats!! Delighted for you. And now concerned because those guys in suits will come for you,” one Instagram user commented.
“What in the Black Mirror is happening,” another puzzled user remarked.
“I really enjoyed the spookiness of this, I half wish I hadn’t watched your story and learned the rational truth,” a third user said.
Some users tried to explain the optical illusion.
“It’s very simple. When taking any photo with a modern cellphone, especially in low light, it takes scans from left to right. Any movement will be captured even if not a pano because the mirrors are staticky placed but the subject is moving,” one user suggested.
In her highlights, Coates mentioned visiting the Apple Store to consult the Geniuses about the image.
They explained that phones are computers, not cameras, and take a burst of images from left to right.
This means her phone likely recorded each movement and merged them into a single photo.