Tips and Tricks: How to Take Cinematic Photos for Virtual Photography

Tips and Tricks: How to Take Cinematic Photos for Virtual Photography

In a previous post, we shared the differences between regular virtual photography and cinematic virtual photography. While both of them require creativity and bringing art to life, cinematic photography means going the extra mile to create timeless images and display a vision beyond gaming.

To become a cinematic gaming photographer, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve this feat! In this article, we will be looking at those techniques so that you can become a better virtual photographers and take this beautiful skill to the next level!

  • Think Like a Cinematographer

To truly capture a cinematic look in your virtual photography, you need to approach it with a cinematographer's mindset. Approach each shot as if you were framing a scene in a movie. Cinematographers always consider every element in a frame, including color, composition, and lighting, to create a specific mood and visual story. Think about how these elements can evoke emotions and tell a compelling narrative in your virtual photos.

  • Create a Strong Sense of Mood, Place, and Story

Cinematic photos often have a strong sense of mood, place, and story. Consider the emotions you want to convey and the story you want to tell through your photos. Consider the location, props, and characters in your shots. Pay attention to details like costumes and atmospheric elements that can help create a captivating cinematic scene.

Harsh lighting can add a dramatic touch to your virtual photos and create stark contrasts between light and shadow. Experiment with different lighting techniques, such as side lighting or backlighting, to create interesting shadows and highlights. This can add depth and dimension to your images, contributing to a cinematic effect.

  • Consider the Time of Day and Weather

The time of day and weather conditions can significantly impact the mood and vibe of your photos. Golden hour, which occurs shortly after sunrise or before sunset, often provides soft, warm light that can create a cinematic atmosphere. Stormy weather or foggy conditions can add an element of mystery and drama. Pay attention to these natural elements and use them to your advantage when capturing virtual photos.

  • Experiment with Depth

Creating depth and interesting compositions can greatly contribute to the cinematic quality of your photos. One technique to achieve this is by incorporating blurry foreground elements, such as foliage or objects, to frame the main subject in the middle or background. This technique adds a sense of depth and draws the viewer's attention to the subject. Additionally, consider using leading lines, diagonals, and symmetry to create visually appealing compositions that guide the viewer's eyes through the frame.

  • Add a Diffuse Glow Effect

Adding a diffuse glow effect can enhance the cinematic quality of your virtual photos, especially in low-light situations. This effect softens the highlights and adds a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere to your images. You can achieve this effect through post-processing using photo editing software. Experiment with different levels of glow to find the right balance that complements the mood of your photo.

  • Experiment with Color Grading

Color grading is one of the quickest ways to achieve cinematic shots. It is an essential technique used to refine the color tone and create a specific mood. If you are looking to convey a specific mood, color grading is the answer. Experiment with adjusting the color temperature, saturation, and contrast to enhance the overall atmosphere. You can also create a cinematic color palette by selectively boosting or reducing certain colors to evoke specific emotions and set the desired mood. Note that ReShade can help you achieve your color grading goal in-game without using other editing software.

  • Edit Your Images

Post-processing plays a crucial role in achieving a cinematic appearance. Utilize editing apps to fine-tune your virtual photos. Consider adding a letterbox or widescreen aspect ratio to mimic the cinematic format. Adjust the exposure, shadows, and highlights to create the desired lighting effect. You can also experiment with vignettes, film grain, and texture overlays to add a vintage or film-like touch to your images.

Composition is key to creating visually striking cinematic photos. Pay attention to the arrangement and interaction of elements within the frame. Consider the rule of thirds, placing important subjects off-center for a more dynamic composition. Additionally, think about incorporating foreground, midground, and background elements to create layers and depth. This layered composition can add visual interest and help tell a compelling story within a single frame.

  • Experiment always

Cinematic gaming photography is an art form that allows for creative expression. This is the reason you have to experiment with different techniques, styles, and subject matters to develop your signature style or unique vision. Explore various genres, such as film noir, sci-fi, or fantasy, to expand your creative horizons. Embrace your own aesthetic and storytelling preferences to create a body of work that reflects your personal style and vision.

By trying out these tips, you will become more creative with your photos and even achieve the art of taking compelling and visually striking images that tell untold stories of your favorite games. We look forward to seeing cinematic photos from you on the Picashot community feed!


Photos from @Kennsyn, @sistasangen, @wingsforsmiles, @kiara_ma2um0, @VrPhotoGamess

Cover Photos from @VrPhotoGamess