Search the hashtag of your favorite immersive platform and you’re sure to find snapshots of new maps waiting to be visited and images of fashionistas in their custom avatars. What is it all about? It’s virtual photography, a popular hobby in virtual reality.
For those unfamiliar, virtual photography is the act of taking pictures of digital spaces. Photographers have been active in places like Second Life since the mid-2000s, and even before that, the term machinima was used to describe cinematic works created within video games. While the use of machinima is well established today with headsets fully embodied in simulated landscapes, the practice has taken us all the way back to the one-button ease of an instant film camera. With an endless number of environments that can be visited and artists now having access to the same post-processing enhancement tools as other photographers, something new is happening to photography in today’s social VR space.
To get a better understanding of this trend, I messaged four artists directly and asked them how they approach their art making.
Meet the Photographers
Clockwise: Kosmik, Bradlee101, Eson, and Bussan. (Images courtesy of Kosmik/Eson/Bradlee101/Bussan)
Over the years, virtual photography has become popular in VR as a pastime and a more accessible hobby to pursue – why do you think this is, and what inspired you to get into taking photos in virtual reality?
Kosmik: I think VR photography is much easier to tackle. For the most part, the things a photographer has to worry about (lighting, makeup, weather, etc.) aren’t really issues in a world where it’s always sunny or the atmosphere is perfect. There’s a certain authenticity to it.
Bussan: Many people who spend time in the virtual world feel that the time they spend there is more special than the time they spend in the real world. (There are various theories on this, but many people around me feel this way.) In other words, they want to preserve that special time in the form of photographs.
Eson: I think it’s become more accessible for the simple reason that you don’t have to go anywhere. You can stay at home and explore places you would never be able to visit otherwise from the safety of your room. I love taking pictures in video games and I always wanted to try photography properly. So I got into virtual photography. I was trying to stop myself from buying cameras in the real world and that’s when I got into virtual photography.
Bradley: I feel like there are more people here because of photographers who have been here for years. […] It shows a beautiful world and amazing avatars. What attracted me to this game was[to photography] I was sharing photos with my friends and showing everyone all the amazing places we could go.
Bradlee’s photos focus primarily on the tourist aspect, showing the world as it is. World: Unfinished Shrine by The_Heavynator in VRChat. (Photo credit: Bradlee101)
What do you want VR platforms to consider when creating their camera systems? What features does a camera system absolutely need?
Bussan: One thing that VR platforms need to consider when developing a camera system is the ease of use of the camera. It is not easy to operate the camera using a VR controller, and it is not always easy to explain how to operate it to someone else.
Eson: The problem is that most platforms have a very basic camera, and it’s usually through user-made mods or prefabs that they provide the functionality you actually want to play with. However, currently in VRChat there’s a delay before you can take the next photo, so a burst mode would be nice.
Bradley: Honestly, you can do anything that a modern camera can do. [physical-world] The feature makes taking good photos much easier.
Kosmik: Currently, I really need a way to fly the camera in portrait mode in VRChat. Since I use VRCLens, it’s not a big request. I definitely need an easier way to take photos in different aspect ratios. Also, it would be even better if all the functionality from the different prefabs (Integral, FlexFisheye) could be consolidated into one.
Esson’s photography utilizes soft shots to capture very personal portraits. (Image credit: Esson)
How does color correcting and editing your photos afterward help your work? Why did you decide to edit your photos in this way?
Esson: When I take a photo, I usually have an idea or feeling for the image in my mind at that moment, and then I use editing to help me get the shot how I envision it. I do it this way simply because that’s how I developed my creativity. I’m self-taught when it comes to photography and editing, and have spent a lot of time studying other people and their work. However, I find that following my own instincts is more creatively satisfying.
Bradley: I don’t edit my photos much, but the ones that I do edit can help me focus on something or make it look a little better.
Kosmik: Raw photos often don’t match exactly with the picture I have in my head, so I edit them to get closer to how I felt when I first saw it. When I was learning about photography, I came across a quote that really resonated with me: “A photo captures a moment, but editing captures the mood of the photographer.” I’ve been lucky to meet many fellow VR photographers who bring diverse visions and interpretations to the same world.
Bussan: Post-production is what gives each work its own personality and character. I often add a bluish or purple tint or light to the photos I take. Sometimes I add depth of field later. When compositing my avatar into a live-action image, I sometimes add a distressed effect like an instant camera. Photography is a hobby that anyone can take, so I try to make it as personal as possible.
Bussan’s reality-blended photos are just one example of how he’s pushing the boundaries of virtual photography. (Photo: Bussan)
Some photographers prefer to just photograph the VR setting as is, while others prefer to edit what they see into something more surreal. Where do you consider yourself as a photographer?
Bradley: I like to take photos candidly because I want people to be able to see exactly what they’re looking at.
Kosmik: At first, I followed the first point closely. I used to work in newspapers, so I had this idea of journalistic integrity (i.e. more accurate representation of what people would actually see, not giving a false impression). For world photos, I do some color correction and slight enhancements to make the colors pop a little, but nothing more. However, for avatar and portrait shots, it’s a way to take a little artistic liberty. I try to make the edits more dynamic and dramatic.
Bussan: I prefer to process my photos after I take them. I don’t often use them as is. Photography is a way to express my identity and character, so I try to take photos that people can immediately tell are “taken by Bussan.”
Esson: I like to do both. Sometimes I do what I call “real estate” photography because I want to show the world as I see it, but I also like to be creative. As I started taking photos and my skills improved, I began to try to take shots that I consider surreal/artistic, both to hone my skills further and to test what I am actually capable of.
Kosmik is a fashion photographer who poses full-body for the perfect shot. (Image credit: Kosmik)
You also photograph real locations, but how do you feel virtual photography has changed your work?
Bussan: I originally started taking photos for work. If anything, taking photos in reality is what prompted me to take photos and videos in VR. However, my unique style of “compositing avatars into real photos” is definitely a new style influenced by VR, and I believe it would not have been born if I had not encountered VR.
Bradley: I feel like it changed the way I look at certain photo angles. I don’t do that very often, but [those moments] It makes you wonder if you could have gotten a better shot.
Esson: One of the motivations for me to start virtual photography was to avoid buying a real camera. I ended up going out and buying a real one. Everything I learn in virtual photography can be applied in the real world. You can teach yourself how to actually take photos in the virtual world and then use those skills in the real world. Composition, direction, focus points, editing, and maybe the most important part is just being able to go out and take photos. Photography has become a big hobby of mine and a big part of my daily life, both virtual and real.
Kosmik: This question is the opposite for me, because before I started VR photography I didn’t do much real-world photography, but it got me interested in real-world photography.
Virtual photos can be anything from portraits to images of the world to close-up details of digital leaves. (Image credit: K. Guillory)
Get started with virtual photography
Like any other creative endeavor, photography is a personal journey. All you need is a camera and the desire to shoot something. Don’t overthink what you want to achieve with your photoshoot. Just go out, shoot something, and follow your own preferences. Here are some additional tips to consider:
Shoot what you love. Don’t invest in photography subjects that don’t interest you. It’s okay to change your mind about the theme or style you choose if what you’re doing makes you happy. Follow your curiosity. Don’t ask yourself if other people are shooting what you want to shoot. Just do it. Editing programs can help. Layering textures and color gradients can make your photos more interesting. You can use any kind of photo program, even something as simple as Prequel. If you want a more advanced editor, try GIMP. Keep a physical copy. You don’t always have to rely on digital storage to keep your photos alive. Print your photos and organize them in a scrapbook. Memories are memories, whether they’re in the digital or physical world. Printing your photos might make the process more enjoyable. If you sell prints, make sure you get permission if necessary. Selling photos of different worlds can quickly put you in copyright trouble. Always tell the world owners what you’re doing to avoid any issues. If you want to avoid this problem altogether, consider building your own worlds and taking creative photos.
