Internet can't keep calm over this floating woman photo: Here's how she did it

A photo recently going viral on social media has left netizens baffled and amused. It features what appears to be a woman mysteriously floating just above the sand on a sunny beach. With her legs straight, arms relaxed, and a sunhat resting on her chest, she lies as if levitating mid-air — no visible support, no props, and no shadows that give away any secrets. At first glance, it looks like a scene straight out of a sci-fi or fantasy film, prompting viewers to wonder: is she actually defying gravity?

The illusion is an excellent demonstration of forced perspective and creative positioning. Take a closer look, and the truth becomes apparent. The 'floating woman' is actually lying flat on the sand. The secret to the optical illusion is the object strategically placed underneath her. A dark, long piece of cloth — possibly a scarf or a shawl — is spread out parallel to her body. The dark material, from the angle from which the photo is taken, resembles the appearance of a shadow. It continues in a perfect line with the position of her body, and it appears as though her shadow is on the sand a couple of inches lower, creating an illusion that her body is higher than the ground.

This deceptively subtle game of light, contrast, and human psychology is what has made the picture a viral sensation. Social media have responded with equal parts amazement and bemusement. A lot of people were first taken in by the illusion and moved to the comments sections on most platforms to announce their disbelief. Some even joked about the woman being a "levitating yogi" or "beach witch.


Aside from the trickery and humor, this photograph illustrates the strength of angles in photography and how the simplest composition can be misleading to the eyes. It is a memory of how our minds can be led into viewing something that does not exist — an effect which is most commonly manipulated in magic, paintings, and photography.

Interestingly, this image is also a commentary on how viral content doesn’t always have to be complex or high-tech. In an age of AI-generated visuals and digital edits, a simple trick with a cloth and a smartphone camera can still grab the internet’s attention and spark global conversations.

Netizens have been taken aback by the peak of creativity and intelligence shown here.

"I'm definitely doing this the next time I go to the beach," says one user. "The way her hair is laying makes it extra convincing," writes another user. "It is a forced perspective taken at noon. Photoshop isn't needed," writes a third user.

The viral image of the ‘floating woman’ isn’t a case of supernatural ability or photo manipulation, but rather a brilliant and playful use of perspective. It’s a testament to human creativity and our fascination with illusions. Whether you see it as art, a prank, or just a cool beach photo, it’s the kind of content that brings a smile and reminds us not to trust everything we see at first glance — especially on the internet.