Have you ever wondered if you could spot a sniper hidden in plain sight? Photographer Simon Menner has created artwork that challenges viewers to do just that.
Regular visitors to Reddit might be familiar with the Find The Sniper thread. This community encourages users to post images of various settings, from kitchens to gardens, with small objects cleverly concealed within them.
These puzzles provide a fun way to pass time, especially on a rainy day, with difficulty levels ranging from easy to expert, catering to those confident in their observational skills.
Typically, these games feature hidden items such as rings or glasses rather than real snipers. However, Simon Menner, a photographer based in Berlin, took his project up a notch.
In 2014, Menner launched his project Camouflage, photographing military figures hiding in abandoned structures and natural landscapes across Europe.
To achieve authenticity, Menner approached the German, Lithuanian, and Latvian Armies, requesting an actual sniper to be part of his photographic series.
After gaining their cooperation, Menner and the sniper traveled through three European countries to capture these unique images.
“Even though they are invisible due to their professionalism, there are hidden snipers in every of these images,” Menner noted on his website. “They are aiming at the camera and therefore at the viewer.
“I am extremely grateful for the openness I did encounter,” he expressed, acknowledging the officials for their cooperative spirit.
The Camouflage series by Menner showcases various settings, from Latvia’s snowy plains to Germany’s dense forests.
Many of Menner’s images, designed in the ‘Find The Sniper’ style, are notably challenging.
One particularly striking image features a deserted, windowless building in a location known as the Land of the Blue Lakes.
Menner captured this seemingly empty scene while positioned at a short distance, under the cover of trees.
Though the image appears lifeless at first glance, a sniper is indeed present in the photograph—can you locate it before we reveal its position?
If you have some spare time or wish to test your eyesight, you might spot the sniper yourself.
If not, try using your device to ‘zoom in’ and examine the second-floor tower closely. Still can’t see it? Allow us to end the suspense.
The sniper is positioned on the ground of the tower’s upper floor, aiming his weapon through the door.
Didn’t see him this time? No worries, Menner’s Camouflage collection offers over 30 images to explore. And if you complete those, the Find The Sniper Reddit thread awaits.
Happy hunting!