Inspired by Stranger Things, these 'upside down' photographs show the world in another dimension

Known for his ongoing series Glow, Xavier Portela's neon photographs are undoubtedly reminiscent of scenes from Bladerunner.

All images courtesy of Xavier Portela. © Xavier Portela

All images courtesy of Xavier Portela. © Xavier Portela

But for his latest work, the globe-trotting photographer was inspired by Netflix's Stranger Things, taking a look at how some of the world's largest cities might look upside down. As though we're looking at them in another dimension.

Armed with his trusty Canon 5D Mark III and 5D Mark IV, Xavier photographed puddles and their reflections in New York, Chicago, Hong Kong, and Busan in South Korea. He then processed the colours in Adobe Lightroom and flipped them vertically, so you see the reflection first.

Taken over the last two years, these images were never meant to be released. "I saw Stranger Things and I was inspired," Xavier told Creative Boom. "I thought, hey, let's see if I've got any pictures from my travels that have those kinds of reflections – you know, that look like the world is upside down." We're quite pleased he did. Discover more on Instagram.

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

© Xavier Portela

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