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The Wave: expectation vs. reality.

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Suttipun Sungsuwan/Shutterstock, MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images

Some naturally-occurring optical illusions require standing at a particular angle or visiting at a certain time to work.

Others are just tired cliches, like taking a photo appearing to hold up the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.

These 14 photos show that expectations don’t always match reality.

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Real-life optical illusions can present unbelievable views when the conditions are just right. But some phenomena remain invisible unless they’re experienced from particular angles or at certain times of the year.

These 14 photos of optical illusions from around the world show that expectations may not always match reality.

Sand dunes in the distance at Deadvlei, a white clay pan in Namibia, look like a painted backdrop from a low vantage point.

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Dead camelthorn trees at sunrise in Deadvlei, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia.