If you’re one of the many who enjoy a good online challenge, then Reddit’s “Find The Sniper” thread might have caught your eye. The popular thread invites users to examine images—from household cabinets to vast landscapes—to spot small hidden items cleverly camouflaged in plain sight. The community takes pride in the thrill of these visual puzzles, with posts offering everything from beginner-friendly challenges to expert-level brainteasers.
But what if these puzzles were taken to the next level? Berlin-based photographer Simon Menner did exactly that with his 2014 project, Camouflage, where he captured actual snipers hidden in natural and urban environments across Europe. Menner’s images don’t just feature everyday items—they showcase trained military snipers expertly blending into their surroundings.
To create this unique project, Menner collaborated with the German, Lithuanian, and Latvian armed forces, arranging for real snipers to join him in various locations across three European countries. His goal? To make viewers aware of how skilled these professionals are at remaining unseen, even when right in front of us. Menner explains, “They are aiming at the camera and, by extension, at the viewer.” His project not only required technical skill but also cooperation with military officials, who he noted were incredibly supportive and open to his concept.
The Camouflage series takes viewers through diverse landscapes, from the snowy fields of Latvia to the dense forests of Germany. Each image provides an intense challenge, inviting viewers to test their observation skills and spot the hidden sniper. But these aren’t just for fun—Menner’s work highlights the astonishing skill involved in military camouflage and the real-life implications of blending into a background.
One of the most talked-about photos in the collection shows a sniper concealed in an abandoned, windowless building in the scenic Land of the Blue Lakes. At first glance, the image appears empty, but with a bit of patience, a sniper emerges—if you know where to look. Zoom in on the second-floor tower, and you’ll notice a sniper lying on the ground, aiming his rifle through the door. This is just one of the countless surprises waiting in Menner’s unique photographic journey.
For those who love the hunt, Menner’s Camouflage collection offers over 30 challenging images, each requiring a keen eye and perhaps a few zoom-ins to spot the hidden military professionals. And if you breeze through these, the “Find The Sniper” thread on Reddit is ready with even more puzzles to keep you entertained. Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast or simply curious about the art of concealment, Menner’s work delivers a fascinating glimpse into a world where what you see—or don’t see—can be just as captivating as the scene itself.
