Virtual Photography: A World of Virtual Photography

Search for the hashtag of your preferred immersive platform and you will find images of maps that are waiting to be explored or a fashionable fashionista with a customized avatar. It’s virtual photography. Virtual photography involves taking photos of virtual spaces. Since the early 2000s, photographers have created cinematic pieces in video games. The use of machinima in VR headsets is well established, but the concept goes back all the way to instant film cameras with their one-button ease. In today’s virtual reality spaces, photography is taking on a new look. Artists have access to all the post-processing tools available to photographers.

To better understand the trend, I contacted four artists over direct messages with questions about how they approach their creations.

Meet The PhotographersmachinimaClockwise:

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Four people listed by their names with their respective avatars: Kosmik (Fashion/World photography), Bradlee101 (World Photography), Bussan (Surreal/Mixed Reality), and Eson (Fashion/World Photography). — , and Kosmik. (Images courtesy of Kosmik/Eson/Bradlee101/Bussan)Bradlee101Over the years, virtual photography has caught on as a pastime and more pursuable hobby in VR. What do you think is the reason for this, and why did you choose to take photos in VR?Eson : BussanI find that virtual photography is a lot more accessible! Most of the things that are important to photographers (lighting and makeup, weather etc.) can be dealt with by VR. In worlds where it’s always sunny, or perfect moody, this isn’t a big factor. It has a degree of reliability. Some people feel the virtual time is better than real time. There are many theories, but I know many who believe this. It’s more appealing because you don’t need to leave your home to explore new places. It was because I have always enjoyed taking pictures in video games, and I wanted to try photography properly. In order to keep myself from purchasing a real camera, I started with virtual photography. It seems that the many photographers who have been around for many years are attracting more and more users to this virtual world. They show beautiful avatars, as well as stunningly realistic environments. I was drawn to the game by sharing pictures of all these beautiful places with my friends. The_Heavynator posted World: Shrine Unfinished in VRChat. (Photo courtesy of Bradlee101)

What’s something you wish VR platforms would consider when creating a camera system? What is the most important feature that camera systems must have?

KosmikBussan: What VR platforms should consider when developing a camera system is the operability of the camera; it is not easy to operate the camera using a VR controller, and it is not always easy to explain its operation to others.

BussanEson: The problem is most platforms have a very basic camera, and it’s usually through mods or prefabs users have created that give you the features that you want to actually play with. However, I would love to have a burst mode, as currently in VRChat there is a delay for when you can take another photo.

EsonBradlee: Honestly pretty much anything that a modern-day camera can do. Being able to have those

Bradlee functions makes it so much easier to take good shots.Kosmik:[…] Currently, VRChat could really use a method to fly the camera around in portrait mode! It’s not a big ask since I already use VRCLens. It would be great to have the ability to easily take pictures in various aspect ratios. I would like to see all of the different features (Integral and FlexFisheye), combined into one prefab. What does color correction or editing your photos afterward add to your work? Why do you edit your photos this way?[to photography]Eson :

A map in virtual reality depicting an unfinished stone shrine. The glow of morning or fading light pushes through the cracks in the wall. — I usually take pictures with an idea in my head or feeling. I then use editing software to bring the image to life. It’s just how I learned to be creative. But, I find it more satisfying to follow my feelings. But, I’ve found it to be more creatively satisfying to follow how I feel.

Bradlee:

I have barely edited any of my photos, but the ones where I have, you can draw more of a focus towards something or make something look a little more pleasing.Kosmik:

Often the raw photo doesn’t quite match the picture I took in my mind’s eye, so I edit them to bring them closer to how I felt when I saw it for the first time. While learning more about photography, a quote struck a chord with me. “Photography is capturing moments; editing, the photographer’s feelings.” I’ve been fortunate to meet many fellow VR Photographers, all of whom bring such a multitude of visions and interpretations of the same worlds.Bussan:

Post-shoot editing brings a definite identity and character to my work. My photos are often given a blue, purplish or light color. Later, I might add depth-of-field. When compositing photos with avatars, I add damage effects to make it look like the photo was taken using an instant camera. Photography is a hobby that anyone can take pictures of, so I try to add my own characteristics as much as possible.Bussan’s reality-blending photography is just one aspect of how virtual photos can be pushed to the limit. Some photographers prefer to capture VR scenes as-is, while others like to create a surreal editing. Where do you see yourself on the spectrum as a photographer?[physical-world]Bradlee:

I like to take the pictures for what they are, because I like people being able to see exactly what they’re getting into.Kosmik:

When I started I hewed closer to the first – I used to work in a newspaper, so the idea of journalistic integrity (i.e. I’ve always been a fan of giving the people an accurate view, and not creating a false image. In order to bring out the colors in world photos I will do some minor color enhancement and correction. I don’t go any further. I can be more creative with my avatars and portrait shots. I’ll go for a more dynamic and/or dramatic edit for them.

Bussan:

I prefer to add various kinds of processing to the photos after they are taken. The photos I take are rarely used as-is. The photo represents my personality and identity. Therefore, I try to take photos that are instantly recognizable as “taken by Bussan”.Eson:

I like to do both. Sometimes I like to do “real estate photography” where I just want to show things as they are. However, I love being creative. As my photography skills improved, I tried more and more to create surreal or artistic shots. (Image courtesy of Kosmik)Kosmik, a fashion and portrait photographer uses full-body posing in order to capture the perfect shot. How has virtual photography changed the way you take photographs of real places? (Image by Kosmik).

If this is something you do, what changes have you noticed in your own work?Bussan :

I took photos as part of my job. My style of shooting photos in real life has definitely influenced the way I take photos and videos for VR. However, my characteristic style of “compositing avatars into real-life photos” is definitely a new style influenced by VR, and I believe that this style would not have been created if I had never encountered VR.Bradlee:

I feel like it has changed the way I look at angles for certain pictures. I rarely do so, but

make me like wonder if I could get a better shot.

Eson: One of my motives for virtual photography was to avoid buying an actual camera, and well, I went out and bought a camera still. Virtual photography has taught me a lot that I can apply in the real world. In the virtual world, you can learn how to take photos and then use them in real life. The most important thing is to be able just to take the photo. Photography has become a big hobby of mine, and a major part of my daily life, both virtual and irl.

Kosmik: I didn’t really do any irl photography before I started on VR Photography. Virtual Photography actually inspired me to take up real photography. So this is the exact opposite of what you asked! (Images courtesy of K. Guillory)

Getting Started With Virtual PhotographyLike any creative pursuit, photography is a personal journey. You only need a camera, and the will to take pictures. Do not overthink what you wish to achieve with your photography. Here are some additional tips to consider:

Photograph what you love. Don’t invest in a photography subject that doesn’t keep your interest. Here are some additional tips to consider:

Don’t invest in a photography subject that doesn’t keep you interested. Follow your curiosity. Go for it anyway.

Editing programs can help. Layering textures and color gradients can make your photos more interesting. This can be done with any photo program, even simpler ones such as Prequel. Keep a copy of your photo. You can print them and place them in scrapbooks. You may find that printing your photos enhances the experience. If you plan to sell any prints, make sure you get the owner’s permission. You should always let world owners know about your plans so that you are not in trouble. You can avoid the issue by building your own worlds and taking photos.