14 photographs that prove everything you've seen on Instagram is a lie
Instagram permeates all walks of modern life, and many of you may be familiar with the fine art of employing just the right photographic filter to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary (and then pass it off as the ordinary).
For those previously unaware, the slightly cycnical skill is the modus operandi of incredibly photogenic fashion bloggers, fitness fanatics, and food nom nom nommers.
Well, yoga shots and burgers aren't the only facet of existence to experience the Instagram treatment in a bid to garner as many likes and as much social media kudos as possible. Famous attractions around the world have also fallen victim.
From cropping out the scores of selfie-sticks to filtering appearances beyond recognition, tricks of the trade used by travellers to ensure their trips look as enviable as possible only really mean one thing. You shouldn't choose your holiday on Instagram. You'll only end up disappointed.
1. The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Romanesque tower may provide a fascinating insight into the architectural quirks of a 650-year-old building - but it also provides a fascinating insight into how funny perspective photos need to stop.
The Instagram
The reality
2. The Great Wall of China
The beautiful seclusion of an ancient barrier that spans 13,000 miles of one of the world's largest countries - or "let's all visit this bit".
The Instagram
The reality
3. Trolltunga
Judging from what's within the frame, this Norwegian rock formation provides a secluded balcony to the world, ideal for creative, daring and witty selfie ideas. What you can't see is just out of shot, the waiting rabble.
The Instagram
The reality
4. The Mona Lisa
Ok, so not everyone is Beyoncé and Jay-Z. But it takes a power couple of such monstrosity to be afforded so much as an inch of elbow room when viewing this enigmatic smile in the Louvre, Paris.
The Instagram
The reality
5. The Little Mermaid
The Copenhagen statue sits serene in the city's harbour waters, with nothing for company but her thoughts. Or so it seems. In reality, the poor fairy tale character, in place since 1913, can't hear herself think for all the tourists.
The Instagram
The reality
6. The Taj Mahal
The majesty of the marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna River in the Indian city of Agra is undeniable. Now, if there was only enough room to take a photo.
The Instagram
The reality
7. The Pyramids at Giza
This filtered shot makes it seem like the photographer travelled mile after mile by camel to reach the majestic pyramids. But so did all the others, probably.
The Instagram
The reality
8. Machu Picchu
You'll notice the Instagrammed version of the Peruvian ruins doesn't feature someone planking on a rock.
The Instagram
The reality
9. The Northern Lights
The planet's most spectacular light show has the power to hypnotise, to break hearts, to affirm life. It is also, however, unpredictable. Beware disappointment.
The Instagram
The reality
10. Christ the Redeemer
Perhaps one of the most famous photo opportunities in the world, Cristo Redentor inspires awe as it stands high above the city sprawl. One might expect to find salvation in a meeting with the statue - or more likely scores of selfie morons taking pictures mimicking Our Lord.
The Instagram
The reality
11. Venice
Serenissima is one of Venice's many nicknames and translates as "the most/very serene". Are we talking about the same Venice?
The Instagram
The reality
12. London
Our capital is an incredible city, but this filtered #Puddlegram gives a false impression of just how pleasant a soggy London is.
The Instagram
The reality
The filter facade doesn't just apply to attractions - but also transport.
13. Flying
Leg room on planes only exists on social media.
The Instagram
The reality
14. The Tube
Similarly, the Tube. Magnificent. An engineering feat. A triumph of human endeavour. Social media gold. Until some drunk guy passes out in his own dribble.
The Instagram
The reality
