It can sometimes feel like there are 5, not 4, fundamental forces in the universe: gravity, electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force, the weak nuclear force, and… the fact that in any relationship, one partner is more likely to be a pro at taking photos while the other takes toaster-quality pictures that are way too embarrassing to show online. We like to call this the boyfriend vs. girlfriend photo effect.

Let’s start the New Year with a look at some of the most hilarious examples of ‘pics I take of my BF vs. pics he takes of me.’ Remember to upvote your fave ones, compiled by the Bored Panda team. Do you have any similar examples from everyday life? Share them in the comment section with all the other Pandas. You can find Bored Panda’s previous posts about funny BF vs. GF photo comparisons right here and here.

While some BFs are notoriously born with PhDs when it comes to taking unflattering photos, it’s not just them—their partners can be just as bad. But they’re pretty rare online. And once the internet’s got their hands on a meme (even if it’s stereotypical), it can hardly let go.

Bored Panda spoke about this stereotype with photographer Dominic Sberna who told us his personal experience with it and who also gave us some great advice to step up our photography game. Read on for the full interview.

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Image credits: k_olyvia

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According to photographer Dominic, the stereotype that boyfriends are 'bad' at taking pictures might have to do with social media and "the ease of a camera being picked up." He said: "It seems like at a quick glance, there are young females choosing to pick up a camera one day and pursue photography. Whether this is accurate or just my perception of what I've seen, who knows."

Dominic told Bored Panda that during the summer leading up to his first year of college 10 years ago, he experienced something similar to this stereotype. "I was working a summer job photographing families as they entered our local amusement park. I did my sales pitch, and the father of the family declined [and said] that they weren't interested. According to a coworker of mine, the father went to the person behind me, and said, 'Let's have her take it.' The person, in particular, had no photography background previously to the job, so the irony was interesting as I was enrolled to begin schooling in a field with photography."

The photographer added that he tends to take more silly pictures of his wife. "I think that comes down to a personality thing as well because we both take good photos of each other."

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Image credits: AriaTamagotchi

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Since we live in a fast-paced world, we tend to be pressured to do things very quickly, so patience is becoming a rare commodity. "Sometimes, it's hard not to feel rushed, whether it's on vacation or photographing a family, it does happen. I'm the kind of person that needs to take my time and work into the setting," photographer Dominic shared that slowing down and taking his time is a plus for him.

"My first few shots of any scene, aren't typically my best. I think the biggest thing to remember is to take your time and focus on what you like to take pictures of. We live in such a fast-paced world anymore, but with art, it can't be rushed. We all want to rush (myself included), but it creates lesser work at the end of the day," he explained.

"Focus on what you want to take pictures of, and if others like it too, that's an added bonus! As long as you're true to yourself, you'll be okay. Not every photo will be great or gather the praise you feel it deserves, but the important thing is to always be true to yourself in your art and in life."

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Image credits: evesimeyrich

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It’s not just couples that tend to have wildly different skill levels in photography, though. According to Know Your Meme, the internet also has a range of comparison pics that show the difference between when you take a picture of your friend vs. when they take a picture of you. The image macro series, which reportedly started in September 2014, has a similar vibe to the BF vs. GF photos (and some of us probably have at least one friend like that).

While the tools you use are important, at the end of the day, photography is an art form and it all comes down to your skills, creativity, and flexibility. If an artist can create breathtaking projects using just a pencil, a photographer can work wonders even with a low-quality blob of a phone from the Bush administration.

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Image credits: annaclendening

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In other words, if you’re just starting out on your journey to up your photography game, start by using the tools you have, instead of spending hundreds and thousands of dollars on flashy new gear. Just remember to take care of your phone or camera: clean the lenses and treat them with respect.

Next, play around with what you focus on, interesting angles, and different light sources. Just remember that it’s all about patience, too. You won’t get a brilliant shot on your first snap too often; so don’t feel disheartened, keep at it, and experiment until you feel yourself improving with each and every flash. Pretty soon, you’ll be the one posting these comparisons instead of your partner.