I’ve been obsessing over photobombs (or as Urban Dictionary informed me, in Canada they’re known as pop-ins) for a couple months now and it seems I’m not the only one. I’ve noticed people photo bombing all over the place these days. There are even several websites out there specifically for posting your awesome photobombs: thisisphotobomb.com, photo-bombers.com, and more. However, what I’ve realized by viewing these websites is that clearly not everyone understands the act of photo bombing. It’s really quite simple, and I’m hoping that today I can give everyone a little insight, so that in the future when I’m visiting these sites to get my afternoon photobomb laugh, I don’t have to instead get annoyed because someone took a photo of himself scaring his cat and decided to call it a photobomb.

It’s not a photobomb if:

#1. The “photobomber” is not intentionally trying to get in the photo, rather a random bystander who just happens to be in the background of the photo (and may not even be looking in the direction of where the photo is taking place). See Ex 1. Yes, there is a random odd lady in the photo, looking in the general direction of the camera, but that does not make a photobomb. And never mind my goofy face, the sun was in my eyes…which brings me to #2.

#2. If you intentionally placed a person in the photo to do something silly (make a weird face, etc) to make your photo funny/a photobomb, it’s not a photobomb. The people originally in the photo should not have knowledge that the photo is being bombed by the intruding party. And with that, if you purposefully stand near someone whose butt crack or thong is showing so that you can get a picture with it, listen, I agree it’s funny, I’ve done it, but that’s not a photobomb-that’s you purposefully taking a photo with that person.

Oh, and while I don’t agree that pets should really be considered photobombers, I’m not considering it a rule out. However, if you intentionally take a photo of your cat doing something crazy, that’s not a photobomb either. See Ex #3

And that’s it. The rules are really quite simple, so I’m hoping there is no further confusion in the matter. Now get out there and get in the action. My favorites are the sneaky ones, where someone hides in the crook of your arm or gets their face in a tiny space between 2 people.

That takes some talent though so feel free to start small. Here are some well maneuvered, perfectly executed photobombs in case you need a little help:

 

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