39 Instances when photographers had perfect timing

One of the biggest advantages of modern smartphones is their ability to snap photos in an instant. While perfectly timed shots have always existed, the clarity and frequency of these moments have increased thanks to having a camera in our pockets at all times.

This means we can now capture those blink-and-you'll-miss-it moments—like someone’s exact reaction to taking a basketball to the face or the surprise spray of chocolate milk from a toddler’s nose.

You Can Hear The Heavy Breathing From Here

a darth vader hot air ballon
Photo Credit: Reddit / bigblue
Photo Credit: Reddit / bigblue

This striking image captures a hot air balloon drifting over a building, giving off an intense and ominous atmosphere—likely on purpose. After all, what better way to set the tone than with a Darth Vader-shaped balloon?

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Well, I Guess It's Time For Them To Run

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a huge wave coming over the side of a pier
Photo Credit: Reddit / Tucko29
Photo Credit: Reddit / Tucko29
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How many people managed to move out of the way in time? Probably not many. That wave is massive, and if it crashed over the edge of the pier, everyone standing there is definitely drenched now.

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There Are So Many Situations This Applies To

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Screenshot 2026-02-03 at 4.18.00 PM
Dyson_Gimix/reddit
Dyson_Gimix/reddit
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For those wondering why this child looks so distraught and what's on fire (both valid questions), the child's grandmother took his picture while the family visited a Hibachi restaurant. For fans of such places, fiery moments like this make or a spectacular experience.

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For this kid, however, it's just a scary sight. Indeed, it tends to be pretty good sense to get this scared when things suddenly burst into flames. In this case, though, there's nothing to worry about if you're not the chef. Frankly, it's amazing this photo hasn't been used in memes because it certainly has that potential.

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This Incredible Shot Is So Perfect, It's Hard To Recognize

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Wylieguy_Watson/reddit
Wylieguy_Watson/reddit
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While this photo is a tad burry, it's certainly clear that the people in it are having quite the celebration. And rather than the grim harbinger of impending doom, the fiery column coming out of that man's hand is part of the celebration.

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That's because this informal mountain-based music festival featured him setting off a Roman candle. Although there's a very small window in which a camera could possibly capture the firework in all its flaming glory, this photographer found it.

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Poor Baby Has To Learn Somehow

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puppy banging his head on a table
Photo Credit: Reddit / scourgeobohem
Photo Credit: Reddit / scourgeobohem
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One day, that puppy will grow tall enough to reach the table—and when that happens, those table legs better watch out. At least no more bumped heads after that!

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Say "OMG NO!!!"

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Spilt Drink
Reddit | u/trailtrumpet
Reddit | u/trailtrumpet
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I can't decide what’s best—the sheer joy on his face, the panic in hers, or the totally oblivious kid getting drenched with a drink. Honestly, it’s the combination of all three that makes this photo absolutely perfect.

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When Does Their Single Come Out

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a person got their photo taken just as lightening hit
Photo Credit: Reddit / heyaitsa
Photo Credit: Reddit / heyaitsa
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There's something awesome about your friends snapping an accidental fire photo that makes you look like a chart-topping rap star. Honestly, it could double as a perfect movie poster too.

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The Dog Looks So Confused

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dog failing at catching a ball
Photo Credit: Reddit / Quarafee
Photo Credit: Reddit / Quarafee
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Every dog here looks completely baffled. The two on the ground are clearly questioning what the one soaring through the air thinks he's actually doing. Catching that ball was never the point.

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It Was A Happy Birthday

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candles getting caught in girl's hair
Photo Credit: Reddit / MURPHtheSURF
Photo Credit: Reddit / MURPHtheSURF
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A birthday will always be unforgettable when your coworkers accidentally set their hair on fire while bringing you a cake into the break room — definitely one for the history books.

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Looks Like Someone Is Ready For Their Meeting

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a hawk that looks like it's holding a phone
Photo Credit: Imgur / iMispelWords
Photo Credit: Imgur / iMispelWords
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The reflection creates the illusion that the bird is holding the phone and snapping a photo of the unfortunate people trapped inside the building. It also gives a striking sense of just how large they are!

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Not Sure What The Dog Is Up To Here

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a picture of a dog jumping mid air
Photo Credit: Reddit / basshead541
Photo Credit: Reddit / basshead541
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It's clear he's about to come crashing down right on that guy's head—and it's safe to say that won't sit well. That dog sure knows how to go to great lengths to get what it wants!

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He's Probably Wondering How Much He Needs A Brother Right Now

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a kid kicking as he is picked up
Photo Credit: Reddit / StarVulpes
Photo Credit: Reddit / StarVulpes
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Why do kids always kick up when someone lifts them up? Don't they know how terrible the outcome of that can be?! The look on this guy's face will be one that haunts that child's dreams forever.

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A Pink Windturbine?!

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a wind turbine looks pink
Photo Credit: Reddit / treedoctur
Photo Credit: Reddit / treedoctur
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The way that the sunset was hitting this wind turbine made it look pink. They should look into making more of them that color, it isn't a bad look for them at all.

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The Dad Looks Devastated

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a little kid spilling water all over herself
Photo Credit: Reddit / basshead541
Photo Credit: Reddit / basshead541
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He now realizes he'll be stuck sitting next to a wet, angry toddler for the rest of the flight, and with his luck, it's probably going to feel like forever.

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No One Seems Particularly Bothered

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some dropping paella
Photo Credit: Reddit / Dusty_Machine
Photo Credit: Reddit / Dusty_Machine
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Not just yet. Moments after this photo was taken, everyone likely realized their delicious paella had been spilled all over the strangely excessive amount of newspapers on the table. The two people staring at this mess have completely opposite reactions.

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Who Knew Something So Ordinary Could Be So Beautiful?

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someone using a lighter
Photo Credit: Reddit / Sumit316
Photo Credit: Reddit / Sumit316
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This photo captures the exact moment the lighter was sparked. It's fascinating to see it in a picture, as it happens too quickly for our eyes to fully register in real time.

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Well, That's Too Bad

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a guy sky diving dropped his keys
Photo Credit: Reddit / SkyDiveShady
Photo Credit: Reddit / SkyDiveShady
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Imagine skydiving and going to take a picture of your friend who was brave enough to do it with you, and then snapping the picture and seeing your keys! He'll probably never see those again.

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The Classic Pool Shot

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a picture of a woman diving
Photo Credit: Reddit / tencent1010
Photo Credit: Reddit / tencent1010
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She's just barely touching the water, making for a really neat shot. You can see all the defined muscles in her body and her good form. It's a perfect depiction of her dedication to her craft.

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The Exact Moment Before This Puppy Learns About Bees

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a dog looking at a bee
Photo Credit: Reddit / x_FaIleN_x
Photo Credit: Reddit / x_FaIleN_x
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What's pretty amazing is that this picture was taken with a phone camera! They're becoming so legit these days. You usually need a really high shutter speed to catch something like that.

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Well, This Is Going To Haunt Them Forever

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a couple dropped their baby right as the picture was being taken
Photo Credit: Reddit / dangerous-lhama
Photo Credit: Reddit / dangerous-lhama
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But it is also a pretty sweet picture and assuming everyone came out of it OK, they should frame this one and put it up on their walls for all their guests to see.

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Let's Hope He Got Out Of The Way

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a guy taking a selfie of a football
Photo Credit: Reddit / PM_ME_YOUR_UPPERCUT
Photo Credit: Reddit / PM_ME_YOUR_UPPERCUT
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The fact that he was taking a selfie may have altered him to the impending doom that was about to strike his phone out of his hand. At least it will be a summer afternoon he will never forget.

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Peek A Boo!

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two people surfing
Photo Credit: Reddit / GallowBoob
Photo Credit: Reddit / GallowBoob
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This almost looks photoshopped. It's just a surprise head coming out of the water checking out who dare disturb his wave. He was just too slow to catch that wave.

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Speaking Of Things In The Waves

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a shark just before breaking the water
Photo Credit: Reddit / emoposer
Photo Credit: Reddit / emoposer
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Sharks are so scary. Look at its soulless, black eyes and jagged teeth. Let's hope that this shark and those surfers were not occupying the same wave at the same time.

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What An Incredible Shot

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a picture that looks like the bee is taking away the sun
Photo Credit: Reddit / mike_pants
Photo Credit: Reddit / mike_pants
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This looks like it's out of a fairytale or something magical. The bee has decided to take the sun away after grabbing a bite to eat from this flower.

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She Was Just So Excited To Be Cheers-ing Her Dad

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a kid spitting chocolate milk out their nose
Photo Credit: Reddit / ALYXZYR
Photo Credit: Reddit / ALYXZYR
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Spitting milk, or any beverage out your nose, is an event that has to happen for every child in order for them to grow up into an adult. It happens to the best of us.

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Talk About A Light Show

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lightening and fireworks going off at the same time
Photo Credit: Imgur / mhoa
Photo Credit: Imgur / mhoa
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It doesn't seem like a good idea to set off fireworks during a lightning storm, but I'm sure that these people who went ahead with it were glad they did.

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Someone Said No To This Dress

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someone spilling drinks on a bride
Photo Credit: Reddit / Aeogor
Photo Credit: Reddit / Aeogor
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Come on, it's her wedding dress! Let's be real here, that guy did not need to be carrying that many drinks at one time. Make two trips. It's for the best for everyone.

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Ducks Are Hungry All The Time

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a duck about to bite someone's finger
Photo Credit: Reddit / myfavkitchen
Photo Credit: Reddit / myfavkitchen
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Don't stick your finger somewhere where it can be mistaken for a snack. The duck and this woman are both about to be equally as surprised and disappointed by their situation.

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Someone Was In A Hurry

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a kid slipping on the ice
Photo Credit: Reddit / angrywords
Photo Credit: Reddit / angrywords
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Even though this photo captures the unfortunate moment this little one slips and probably falls, there is also something really beautiful about it. The lighting and composition of it are just right.

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The Classic Flash Scenario

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the flash goes off and creates a cool lighting affect
Photo Credit: Reddit / ofcorse
Photo Credit: Reddit / ofcorse
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Here's another picture that looks like a sweet album cover. It's amazing how much light can change the colors of a photo. It almost looks like he's wearing a sweater that is two different colors.

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Why Doesn't He Just Duck?

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a cork about to hit someone in the face
Photo Credit: Reddit / romancreed
Photo Credit: Reddit / romancreed
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Instead, he's just going to make that face and brace himself for the impact. Whatever it takes for his girl to get the holiday picture she wants, right? Otherwise, the consequences could be worse than a black eye.

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If You Listen, You Can Hear A Mother Yelling, "Don't Drag Your Feet!"

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someone took a photo right while their hands get shocked
Photo Credit: Reddit / tootziez
Photo Credit: Reddit / tootziez
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What are the chances that he would snap a picture right as he gets a shock from the handle of the freezer? He must have known it was going to happen, otherwise, why keep your phone out?

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He Wants That High Five

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guy accidentally bunches woman in face
Photo Credit: Reddit / m0rris0n_hotel
Photo Credit: Reddit / m0rris0n_hotel
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He wants that high five so bad he doesn't even care who he is going to have to accidentally punch in the face to get it. A winner takes what they want.

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A Feeling She's Never Going To Forget

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kid stepped on Lego and it is bad
Photo Credit: Reddit / ChronicallyPunctual
Photo Credit: Reddit / ChronicallyPunctual
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This little girl is stepping on a piece of LEGO for the first time and you can see in her face not only the pain but the feeling of betrayal.

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What Majesty

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guy breaking a bow and arrow
Photo Credit: Imgur
Photo Credit: Imgur
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You know when you just know that you're going to be bad at something and then you go and do it and you're so much worse than you could have imagined?

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Not The Onions!

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a shopping bag breaking
Photo Credit: Reddit / steambanger
Photo Credit: Reddit / steambanger
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They could probably hear the bag ripping and it all happened in slow motion. Like before they knew it all of their produce was jumping down the stairs getting bruised.

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Come On, Everyone Is Trying To Have A Good Time

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a cup in mid air coming at a girl at a concert
Photo Credit: Reddit / Endless_Vanity
Photo Credit: Reddit / Endless_Vanity
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Depending on how warm it was outside, this might be a bit of much-needed relief. That or someone got tired of staring at the back of her head instead of the band.

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The People Watching Really Makes It

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someone dropping his new wife into a stream
Photo Credit: Reddit / bixnok
Photo Credit: Reddit / bixnok
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This could have been a really beautiful moment, but then they had to go and lose their balance and fall right into the water. The people in the background make it that much more pathetic.

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He's Going To Feel That In The Morning

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someone getting hit in the face with a basketball
Photo Credit: Reddit / LucilleSluggers
Photo Credit: Reddit / LucilleSluggers
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This perfectly timed shot was captured just a moment before he even realized the pain was coming. That ball must have packed a serious punch.