Pareidolia (noun) :  The tendency to perceive specific, often meaningful, objects or faces in random or ambiguous visual patterns.

Discerning patterns, faces, or figures is probably the most common form of the effect. In the past, it was considered to be psychotic behavior to see such things, but now accepted as normal human [and animal] perception. For our hominid ancestors, pattern recognition was essential for recognizing the familiar or foe – for instance, a saber tooth tiger peering out of the high grass.

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Faces, representational and fantastical

Pareidolia is hard-wired in all of us… most of us… well, certainly in me. The images below are some examples of pareidolia in my work – more obvious in some than in others. Sometimes I see an entity as I frame the shot, sometimes recognition comes later and I help the creature emerge. It may be quirky, [many don’t see it] but I like it.