Be careful what you wish for, they say. In a world full of Internet trolls equipped with Photoshop, thousands of images, and an unfathomable amount of creative ideas, that warning couldn't ring truer. Welcome to the fascinating realm of James Fridman, a talented digital artist who has a particular taste for odd edits. Fridman specializes in blurring the line between your Photoshop dreams and nightmares. He can turn a rather simple request into a whimsical and often hilariously absurd reality. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a wild ride as we delve into the wacky, weird, and often cautionary tales of James Fridman's Photoshop edits!
1. Harmonica Time!
Have you ever wished you had musical abilities? Not everyone in the world is a musician, and that’s okay, but it’s not wrong to wonder what our lives would look like if we had learned how to play an instrument… even if it is something as silly as a harmonica. Of course, the woman below had different plans for her picture, but James made her a musician anyway.
In the end, what was a simple request to make her hands look less awkward becomes a completely absurd image. But perhaps this woman felt inspired to pursue a musical career after this, who knows…
2. The Spookiest Background
James Fridman isn’t just your regular Internet troll, no, no. He’s not afraid to make political commentary on his edits, and the best part is that they are still hilarious! In this seemingly lighthearted request, James goes beyond the conventional definition of scary. Instead of simply creating a spooky or eerie atmosphere straight out of a Halloween movie, he delves into the fears that plague many people in the real world.
These real-life issues can be specters that haunt the lives of countless individuals, causing stress and anxiety that can be far scarier than any ghost or ghoul.
3. True Metalheads
These days, everyone likes to pretend to be something they aren’t on the Internet. Women are the first to get criticized for this, but men are just as bad. From adding abs to their pictures to asking Photoshop artists for a “Metal” makeover, there’s no limit to how men build their online personas. But, as you might’ve guessed, these kinds of shallow requests don’t sit right with James Fridman…
He decided to take the term "metal" quite literally and transformed this famous band into a gang of Tin Men straight out of The Wizard of Oz.
4. No Extra, Please
The title of this article is no joke… You see, this Photoshop artist thrives on the ambiguity of the requests he gets, and when someone asks for something as vague as "take out all the extra things," he seizes the opportunity to exercise his unique brand of humor and wit. He doesn't just remove clutter; he wipes the canvas clean, leaving nothing but a blank concrete wall.
And the result is just hilarious! James taught this person that when asking for edits, she needs to be super clear because, to him, any ambiguity can be an invitation for a Photoshop prank.
5. Calvin Klein Fan
Men aren’t always the biggest fashionistas, and that’s okay. There’s no rule book to tell you what you can and can’t wear. As long as it’s appropriate and doesn’t offend anyone, who cares if you always wear the same clothes? Well, that’s unless you have a girlfriend. In that case, things are quite different, of course. You can’t just wear the same T-shirt over and over again because you’ll ruin all your couple pictures!
This man’s girlfriend decided to have the logo removed and save at least one picture. Simple enough, right? Well, not when you've entrusted James Fridman with the task.
6. The Greener, the Better
Sometimes, we go on vacation, and the pictures we take just don’t capture the natural beauty of the places we visit. In that case, it’s not a bad idea to contact a Photoshop artist and ask them to add a bit "more green" in our photos, perhaps improve the scenic landscape shot or just increase the saturation on the leaves. In the end, most would expect a lush forest or vibrant meadow.
But this Photoshop wizard decided to take the request up several notches! Shrek is not your typical travel companion, but who wouldn't want to go on an adventure with him?
7. Scissor to the Beach
Here’s another classic example of how asking for a seemingly simple edit can lead to hilariously unexpected results. In this particular case, a man requested James to make his girlfriend’s hand holding his finger look less awkward. A regular Photoshop artist would have made the couple hold hands or simply cover their hands instead… Well, when you're dealing with James Fridman, you must always expect the unexpected.
Instead of her hand looking more natural, this image now looks like an odd poster for a slasher. And her smile doesn’t help! She looks happy with her most recent crime.
8. A Glowing Orb
We’ve all had that unique idea for a photo that looked awful when executed. But why does this happen? Sometimes, things look better in our brains than in the real world, but other times, we just don’t have the skills to bring our creations to life. Luckily, there are dozens of artists who work by commission and are always ready to turn your incredible Photoshop ideas into art pieces.
Sadly, with James Fridman on the job, there’s a large chance your photo won’t look like expected. Sure, you might get what you wished for, but not necessarily in the way you imagined.
9. Giraffe Love
It seems that no matter how hard you try to make a foolproof request to James, he will always find a way to troll you. This woman thought she was clever, believing she could outsmart the Photoshop wizard. The command was actually quite straightforward, “Keep my hair out of his face, but don't make me bald." Instead of granting her simple request, James decided to take it to the most creative and weird extreme.
Once again, James proved to us all that he's the true master of Photoshop surprises! And in this case, he gave this woman a neck that's so long, even giraffes would be jealous!
10. A Little Cut
It’s hard to have high self-esteem in a world where fake social media photos are all the rage. Most of us just aren’t Instagram models… In fact, we bet even these influencers don’t look like their Instagram pictures most times. Lighting, makeup, and a little editing magic all play a significant role in getting the perfect shot. And even we, regular people, can also find little tricks to achieve our best photo looks.
This man thought it would take an army (or a pretty skilled editor) to make his bald spots disappear. In the end, all he needed was just a little trim.
11. The Dad Bod
Any ladies’ man would know what women want these days, but it seems like some gentlemen have trouble figuring it out. Don’t worry, because James Fridman knows the secret… You see, women have had their fair share of big muscles and chiseled abs. They've found that this kind of man is like a high-maintenance sports car. Sure, they might look good, but they require a lot of upkeep.
The dad bod, on the other hand, is like a reliable, well-worn sofa. It's comfortable, welcoming, and comes with a built-in sense of humor, a love for cheesy jokes, and the uncanny skill for grilling.
12. Natural Octopus
Sometimes, you have to be content with what you have. Sure, this woman’s picture of herself eating an octopus might not have looked too natural, but maybe that’s as natural as it can get. In our opinion, if you really want a truly authentic snapshot with an octopus, you need to embark on a bit of an underwater adventure. That's why Fridman’s take on this image is just pure gold.
He transformed her dining experience into an epic underwater encounter, complete with scuba gear, bubbles, and an octopus that looked like it was ready to strike a pose for the camera.
13. The Mask’s Back
No wonder The Mask is many people’s favorite movie. This cinematic masterpiece turns Jim Carrey into a living, breathing, and hilariously well-dressed embodiment of slapstick chaos. It's such a fantastic movie that you'll start to believe that wearing a mysterious green mask can transform you into an eccentric maniac with a penchant for Cuban music and dance numbers. It’s probably the first thing that comes to mind when anyone says “mask,” right?
Well, in this case, it was clear this kind of mask was not the look this couple was going for. Nevertheless, we must say they look absolutely amazing!
14. The Coolest Tower
Oh, the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Why is it that every tourist seems to strike the same old pose? Are they attempting to "save" the tower from its architectural identity crisis? Honestly, it's almost as if there's a global conspiracy to create the world's largest collection of "holding up the tower" photos. But fear not, for James Fridman arrives like a Photoshop superhero to change the trend.
In an iconic edit, he managed to turn the iconic tower into a breakdancing sensation. Who needs to prop up a tower when you can watch it drop the sickest moves?
15. No More Pole
Wedding pictures can bring a whole lot of trouble. It seems like no matter how hard the groom, the bride, and the photographer try, there’s always an issue with the end result. Luckily for couples, now they can send their images to a Photoshop artist and make all their troubles fade away. However, even if they are the best editing, there’s only so little they can do.
Sure, you might think, "Let's make this wedding pic Insta-worthy," and consider taking the poles off your tent. But beware… having a tent with no poles is a recipe for disaster!
16. A Job for Two
We know that most people believe working with your partner can lead to trouble, but there are some nice qualities to it. We think that it's all about teamwork, trust, and occasionally holding your nose in the face of adversity. Sure, you might spend your days knee-deep in the unlikeliest of adventures, but there's an odd beauty in it. Besides, you’ll be among the few couples sharing that side of life.
Sure, working in the sewers might not be a pleasant experience, but it can be a lot better with your significant other by your side, and that’s probably what James wanted to portray.
17. Supportive Friends
Having someone who supports your hairstyle choices is like a goal in the sport of finding good friends. Nothing feels better than knowing your loved ones will be there for you, even through a hairstyle mishap. And if they go the extra mile and get weird haircuts to match yours… well, you've hit the jackpot of friendship. Sadly, sometimes, they aren’t as cool.
Some friends just aren’t that supportive of the emo look. At least James Fridman can teach them a lesson on how to be a good friend by photoshopping some quirky hairstyles on them.
18. Green Screen Work
Green screens are nothing short of magical tools that help photographers, artists, and cinematographers bring their visions to life. This simple tool has the incredible power to transport us to distant galaxies, place us in historic moments, or even immerse us in fantastical realms. They can erase the boundaries of physical reality and replace them with boundless imagination. And now, green screens are also available for regular people too!
The problem comes when this tool gets into the hands of people who don’t know how to use it, or even worse, into the hands of Photoshop troll James Fridman.
19. A Conservative Statue
Ancient statues, with their timeless artistry and historical significance, often serve as a window into past cultures. However, for some older individuals who may not have grown up in a society accustomed to public displays of nudity in art, encountering these sculptures can be a surprising or even uncomfortable experience. So, next time you show the pictures from your trip to Europe to your grandma, you might consider a light edit.
If you leave the editing up to James, he will find a way to twist your request, and before you know it, you’ll end up in your undies next to a fully covered statue.
20. Lamp’s Out
Oh, the eternal struggle of aesthetics versus practicality in photography! Sometimes, you encounter one bizarre item that seems to ruin your picture. For example, an odd lamp that looks like it escaped from a '40s tabloid cover. You might think, “I have to get this thing out of my perfect shot!” But here's the twist: this peculiar lamp might resemble a UFO, but it’s also a crucial element for your picture!!
Sure, you can take it out with some editing, but then your room turns into a black hole! So, you embrace the quirkiness and let the lamp shine (both literally and figuratively).
21. Same Height
Here’s another example of how societal expectations and social media can really mess up our expectations. But this time, it’s even worse because it involves a cute couple. Height differences in relationships can remind us of how diverse we are. It's a common misconception that one partner must be taller than the other for a relationship to thrive. In reality, love knows no bounds when it comes to stature.
Some people have yet to learn this. For example, this woman. She thought it would be better if she and her boyfriend were the same size, but James taught her a lesson.
22. Half-A Boyfriend
By now, you’ve probably noticed that the whimsical realm of James Fridman's edits can indeed be a wacky place. You just can’t trick this Photoshop sorcerer into making a normal edit, that’s impossible. When you approach him with a request, you must know that, no matter how carefully you choose your words, the line between your intent and his interpretation will blur in the most hilarious ways.
Imagine asking him to edit your photo, seeking to remove an unwanted appearance in the back, but instead, he takes out your boyfriend, who was hugging you from behind, leaving nothing but his arms!
23. Spring’s Coming
Sure, digital edits are great and all, but they have nothing on nature. Yeah, you read that right. Nature is the ultimate problem solver for all your visual needs, and it can help you get beautiful images with an elegance that leaves us awestruck. For example, leaves can provide a gorgeous backdrop for a portrait, especially during summer and spring. However, during winter and fall, you need a plan B.
This man thought the simplest way to get a beautiful nature-filled photo was to hire a Photoshop artist to add some leaves on the back. Little did he know that James had different plans...
24. The Wonders of Nature
Now that we’re on the topic of nature, we should discuss just how marvelous it is. Honestly, it never ceases to amaze us. Just by taking a stroll through a park or the beach, you'll stumble upon things that seem almost human, like some rocks. These peculiar formations, sculpted by millions of years of wind and water, can take on an eerie semblance of our own kind.
Of course, that’s not the case for this picture, but wouldn’t it be great? Can you imagine going on a hike and spotting your BFF’s face on a rock?!
25. Taking the Foreground
In James Fridman's universe, ambiguity becomes an opportunity for playful creativity. It’s like the Photoshop master we didn’t ask for, but in a weird way, we kind of needed… We all need to stop being so hard on ourselves and our pictures and simply enjoy them as they are. Otherwise, you’ll face the consequences, just like this poor woman who wanted her friend out of her photo.
Unfortunately, she wasn’t specific enough. Instead of deleting her friend completely, James took her out of the background and into the foreground, turning the scene into a completely different story!
26. A Simple Solution
One would think that after seeing James’ work, people would stop asking him for serious edits… Besides, they can always try to find a solution themselves. In the age of filters and photo-editing apps, you don't always need a Photoshop expert to turn your snapshots into marvelous creations. Sometimes, all it takes is a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of imagination unless you want your pictures to end up like this.
This man thought James Fridman would bring a creative solution to the watermark issue. But instead, he took a shortcut and cropped that part of the image.
27. That Big Metal Thing
We can all agree that a picture of the Eiffel Tower is a must-have on every traveler's checklist when visiting the City of Love, right? Well, not according to James Fridman! In one of his mischievous Photoshop endeavors, he decided to play a funny little game of hide-and-seek with Paris's most famous landmark. It all started when a woman asked him to get rid of that “big metal thing.”
Of course, she was referring to a pole standing right next to her, but to James, this was the perfect opportunity to let his Photoshop trolling skills shine!
28. A Different Angle
Changing the angle of an image can be a real head-scratcher. These days, we can all look up online dozens of apps and software that claim to make it a breeze, but let's be honest, they often leave us more frustrated than satisfied. But that’s where the masters of Photoshop shine like digital knights in shining armor. They can transform a wonky shot into a work of visual poetry.
But oh, there's always a twist with James. You hire him to straighten a group photo, and before you know it, you end up with a close-up of the ceiling.
29. Thank the Cleaning Crew
It’s safe to say that James Fridman's Photoshop edits are like a wild rollercoaster ride you didn't see coming. When this woman asked him to remove a worker cleaning in the back of a photo, they probably thought it'd be a simple edit. But James, being the creative trickster he is, didn't stop there. He not only wiped out the workers but added a little extra detail to send an important message.
He took the edit up a notch by adding trash to the picture! Not only did he make it way funnier, but he also shared a point about how important those cleaners are.
30. No More TV
You know, some things just never seem to shine in pictures, no matter how hard you try. Take appliances, for instance. Fridges, washing machines, and dishwashers may not be Instagram's darlings, but they are the unsung heroes of our daily lives. Sure, they might not be the most photogenic, but is it worth the trouble to take them out of our pictures with some Photoshop editing?
That massive flat-screen TV taking all the wall space in your living room might not be the cutest background of a picture, but it is better to have it than lose it!
31. The Tooth Queen
Have you ever gotten into etymology? This science studies words and their meaning. If you think about it, it’s just crazy how words can be like chameleons. They have a remarkable ability to adapt and change with time, often sporting multiple meanings. Take the innocuous word "crown," for instance. On the one hand, it's a symbol of regal authority that can sit majestically on a monarch's head. On the other hand, it's a dental fixture…
So, you can imagine just how messy this request was. When this woman approached James Fridman with a request for a "crown," little did she know that she was navigating a linguistic minefield.
32. A Normal Family
Every family is a unique concoction of quirks, idiosyncrasies, and endearing peculiarities. It's these very differences that make family life so wonderfully fascinating. Whether it's the way Aunt Martha insists on starting every conversation with a weirdly inappropriate joke or the fact that this woman’s husband has a slightly small head, these quirks define our families. But, if you want, you can always make them go away with a little digital magic.
In the end, it would have been better to just embrace these quirks that make family life so rich and vibrant. After all, every family is a beautifully unique masterpiece!
33. Bring the Chips!
Have you ever felt like there’s no solution to some problems? We’ve found that sometimes, the key is to add food into the equation. For example, do you struggle with awkward situations? You can turn them into a party easily by adding some tasty food. In this case, someone's hand looked a bit strange in a photo, but instead of making it disappear with Photoshop, James Fridman does something much more clever.
All he had to do was add a bowl of yummy food right on that hand. Suddenly, the whole scene changes. What used to be an awkward moment becomes funny and quirky!
34. On Their Way to Retirement
Beauty standards always seem to be pushing the idea that youth equals beauty. It's like everything, from media to even our friends and family’s opinions, makes us feel like growing old is some sort of uphill battle against the tides of time. Many of the characteristics that come with aging, like wrinkles, gray hair, and a few extra laugh lines, are unfairly stigmatized as "imperfections" in a world obsessed with youthful aesthetics.
Honestly, we love this edit! This couple has a chance to see what their future will look like. Not to mention, they both look great!
35. No More Awkwardness
There’s no need to become a victim of Photoshop trolls like this poor person. We can help you with those awkward hand poses! When it comes to finding something to do with your hands in pictures, a dash of creativity can be your secret weapon. Instead of going full-on bizarre (we'll leave that to James Fridman), try incorporating something extra into the mix that's both fun and relatable.
The key is to pick props that match the setting and mood. That way, you can turn an ordinary shot into something extraordinary without resorting to anything as strange as a pool table.
36. Fixing the Plumbing
Picture this: a gorgeous bride, ecstatic on her big day, scrolling through her wedding photos only to find an unsightly pipe that had sneaked its way into the shot, killing all the perfection of the moment. Desperate to salvage her treasured memories, she reached out to none other than James Fridman, the Photoshop master. But instead of simply erasing the rogue pipe, James worked his magic to add a comical twist.
He might not have removed the pipe, but he did add a fully decked-out plumber, with all his tools at hand, ready to tackle the "issue" right there in the wedding photo.
37. Remotely Happy
Even the cutest couple’s pictures cannot escape the digital claws of James Fridman. Here’s another example of how the different meanings of a word can become a chance for this artist to completely misinterpret someone’s request and turn their picture into a weird and funny mess. This poor woman was tired of her boyfriend frowning in all their pictures, and she probably expected a simple Photoshop tweak, but she underestimated James's knack for comedy.
What she got was a hilarious masterpiece. With some of his Photoshop magic, he literally transformed her boyfriend into a computer screen. But hey, at least he looks much happier!
38. Love Yourself
In an age where perfection is everything and reality is curated for social media, the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards can be too much for anyone. This is precisely why self-love is so important! You should never let anyone else make you feel like you’re not enough, even if they are your family or friends. In the end, you are the king or queen of your body!
We love that James took the time to share this important message about self-love and acceptance with his followers. Maybe we can all take his advice and remind ourselves that we’re good enough!
39. Clumsy Lady
Oh, the classic scenario of trying not to look clumsy and ending up in an epic disaster. We've all been there, haven't we? You know the feeling: you're trying to gracefully navigate a crowded room, attempting to avoid knocking anything over or tripping on that rogue carpet corner. You give your all to remain graceful, but alas, it's like the universe (or James Fridman) conspires against you.
This cute lady thought it would be best to take her glass off her picture because it made her look clumsy. Still, the edited image ended up being way worse!
40. No Nuts
Sometimes, we think we’re being crystal clear with our requests, but then, someone like James Fridman comes to show us just how wrong we are. A simple “Can you remove the nuts?” doesn’t sound like the kind of request that can get misinterpreted. In any context, you might think this person is asking for some nuts to be taken out from a dish. But at least this image could work to spread awareness.
The removal of nuts took on a deeper meaning in this picture, highlighting (perhaps unintentionally) the importance of men considering vasectomies as a responsible choice for birth control.