Virtual Photography: An Explorative Six Part Series | Horizon Zero Dawn & Forbidden West
A 6-part limited journey through iconic games. First stop: Aloy's adventures in Horizon Zero Dawn & Horizon II: Forbidden West.
This is a limited 6-part series that is only available on Substack and will not be emailed out to subscribers.
In these posts we will explore where pixels meet photography. With new capabilities in gaming, better graphics, more powerful consoles and computers, the lens extends beyond traditional devices such as our camera gear or mobile phones.
Video games has emerged as a new canvas for photographers to hone and test their skills, offering unique perspectives and moments. It’s a medium often forgotten in photography, but it deserves recognition for what it is.
A tool to better your own skills in photography.
With instant changing of the time to get the sun or moonlight to hit just right, or experimenting with different focal lengths and lenses without renting or buying expensive gear.
It’s a tool for us photographers, professional or hobbyists, to improve our skills. Finding new angles, props, tools and lighting effects or even action scenes. Whatever it is, if the game offers it, you can most likely photograph it too.
In this 6-part limited series we’re exploring a fun and captivating new medium that transcends the boundaries of conventional photography. The series will span six parts, during which I will go in-depth on each game, character or series that I capture and feature.
Join me in the boundless world of virtual captures in this first part of a 6-part series!
Virtual Photography - An Intersection of Pixels & Photography
This post delves into the exploding realm of virtual photography, exploring the impact of in-game photo modes on the gaming industry and the evolving art of visual storytelling within virtual landscapes.
Virtual landscapes are, in many ways, limitless—much like our own world and reality. However, they offer something our world doesn’t: a wide array of environments, ranging from alien landscapes to post-apocalyptic Earth, space battles, and the ability to participate in ancient wars, as well as experience zombie apocalypses and dystopian futures. Depending on the game, the world can be either boundless or very confined, but both offer unique perspectives on worlds and environments.
In this post, we will explore a couple of my favorite games: Horizon Zero Dawn and its sequel, Horizon II: Forbidden West, with a focus on its protagonist, Aloy.
So, let’s dive straight in.
**All screenshots are captured on a PlayStation 5 using in-game graphics without modifications, alterations, or external editing software. All screenshots are presented as is.
Horizon Zero Dawn
An action role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic earth where, essentially, robots modeled after dinosaurs and animals roam. We control Aloy, a skilled huntress, as she navigates diverse landscapes and uncovers the mysteries of her world and her own existence.
The game combines exploration, combat, and a captivating, compelling story with a lot of lore to find around the world, making it an engaging and visually stunning experience.
About the Capture: This screenshot shows the largest and most harmless machine in the game, a Tallneck. I captured this image in an area called Devil’s Thirst, which is a derelict and vibrant area full of ruins from the old world.
Photo Mode Settings
Before we get into it, let’s have a look at the rudimentary photo mode that Horizon Zero Dawn offers.
As you can see, we don't have a lot of options to play around with, but that doesn't mean we won't be able to take any beautiful shots— you'll see what I mean.
On the first screen, we have the basics such as FOV (Field of View), View Roll (how we're tilting the image), and a few settings to hide or show Aloy, including posing her body, changing her makeup, and adjusting her facial expression.
The second screen features Depth of Field, Focus Distance, and Aperture. The depth of field has two settings, on or off, while the Focus Distance has a range to choose from. The Aperture ranges from f/1.2 up to f/22, providing quite a range.
On the third screen, we're delving into the effects side of things with brightness, exposure, colorization, and intensity settings. It's pretty basic from an effect/editing point of view, but enough to get some really good shots if you play around enough.
The fourth screen is just a slider to change the Time of Day, minute by minute.
The menu on the bottom of the screens show that if we press L3 the camera will automatically point to Aloy. R3 means we turn on the grid, which is very useful, L2 and R2 shows that we can pan up and down, while Triangle means that we reset the settings we’ve put in. And the X hides the entire UI so we can get a clean photo without all the text.
Now that we know what we have to play around with, let’s take a look at the results these very rudimentary settings can produce in a game like Horizon Zero Dawn.
Aloy
Aloy is introduced to us as an outcast, marked by a motherless birth and shunned by her tribe, the Nora, as a result. When we first meet her she is a mere infant, and her assigned guardian, Rost, another outcast, gives her the name Aloy in a beautiful scene overlooking The Claim.
About the Capture: This is a direct screen capture using the screenshot function rather than the photo-mode itself. But its main purpose is only to serve as a visual representation of your introduction to Aloy and her guardian Rost.
As we're introduced to Aloy as a baby we follow her journey through various stages of childhood, where we eventually witness the awe-inspiring transition to the grown-up version of Aloy in a stunning and inspiring scene. You can view it here, and I highly recommend that you do before we continue; you won’t regret it.
Now that Aloy is grown up, we begin exploring the world around her, and gradually, we observe her becoming more comfortable in her role as we progress through the game. Take the next photo as an example; it represents a more mature and determined Aloy than the one we’re introduced to in the video, despite only a few months having passed.
About the Capture: I captured Aloy’s portrait as I was exploring a ruin called The Grave Horde, which is a late-game area with rugged terrain, ancient ruins, and remnants of a bygone era. The location isn't as grim as the name suggests, though it is true to its name, but it is very dangerous. In this shot, Aloy is wearing the Shadow Stalwart Heavy armor, which includes a face mask and heavy arm guards.
Aloy’s journey unfolds as she trains hard to prove herself and become the best at what she does: hunting machines. Simultaneously, she uncovers truths about the Old Ones, her own origins and the robotic creatures dominating the landscape. Aloy's character is not just intelligent, determined, and strong; she's on a quest for knowledge—about the world in which she lives and her own origins, exploring why she was cast out at birth.
About the Capture: I wanted to capture Aloy as she takes aim with her bow and arrow. This virtual photo was taken at the location GAIA Prime, a late-game area that provides a very good and eerie-looking backdrop. I made Aloy wear her Outcast clothes here to signify how far she has come.
Aloy’s growth throughout the game is significant, transforming her from an outcast into a key figure in the battle against impending threats. Her journey is hard, fraught with danger and mysteries to solve, but she is capable.
So capable that she has become a formidable foe against even the most dangerous of machines.
About the Capture: I wanted a more action-packed scene, and boy, did I get what I asked for. This particular machine is called a 'Thunderjaw,' the largest and most dangerous machine in the game. It has a range of attacks, from straight-on launches towards you to sweeping with its massive tail and firing projectile weapons, creating a cluster-like effect due to launching multiple projectiles in sequence. I captured this as it was about to charge me.
Her evolution is not just physical but emotional, as we witness her grappling with identity, belonging, loss, and the responsibility thrust upon her. The games varied character development helps us feel engaged and invested in Aloy's journey.
About the Capture: Without revealing spoilers, the presence of this grave reflects the emotional depth of Aloy’s relationship with this person and holds symbolic meaning within the game's story. It's a place where Aloy reflects on the events that transpire and the impact that they have on her journey.
Aloy's visual design is a beautiful blend of practicality and symbolism. From her distinctive and striking red hair and various tribal attire to the facial expressions conveying a range of emotions, every visual element serves a purpose. Her character design reflects her tribal roots while emphasizing her individuality, creating a character that is visually memorable and relatable.
About the Capture: I captured the moment Aloy dismount from a long and dangerous slide down a hanging rail, much like the one captured in the first screenshot. You can clearly see the determination on her face as she tries to stick the landing.
Capturing symbolism and individuality in a character is challenging, especially as it must align with the general vibe of the area where the character first embarks on their journey. In Aloy’s case, her tribal attire connects her to the many diverse cultural variations within the game, while her contrasting features underscore the mixture of tradition and individuality.
About the Capture: I wanted to capture an image showcasing the Nora Brave armor, a baseline attire that highlights the tribal wear of Aloy's tribe, the Nora. The outfit bears a striking resemblance to the Outcast attire but boasts additional details. It is partially refitted with arm guards, a fur collar, and finer stitching while the colo(u)r scheme serves as an identifier for the Nora tribe.
Every aspect of Aloy’s design contributes to our understanding of who Aloy is and the challenges she faces. Everything from her hairstyle to the way she holds herself, everything with her character design serves a purpose and she is easily identifiable as a result without sticking out like a sore thumb.
About the Capture: I captured this portrait moments before entering the area, The Grave Horde, as the moonlight hit Aloy’s face perfectly. In this shot, much like the first one, Aloy is wearing the Shadow Stalwart Heavy armor, as I felt it added another level of detail and frames her eye beautifully.
While exploring virtual photography from Horizon Zero Dawn, it's hard to believe that it is a game from 2017, now almost 7 years old. It remains visually stunning, comparable to brand new games developed for the latest generation of consoles and computers.
The game offers a complex and deep storyline, a mysterious world, and interesting characters encountered along the way. Not to mention a kick-ass soundtrack that you can listen to here.
In this segment, we took a closer look at Aloy, the game's protagonist—a young 19-year-old woman who is as interesting as she is beautiful. Her voice actress, Ashly Burch, brings her to life as a character with a deep and complex personality who is impossible to dislike.
Let's continue our exploration of Aloy in the sequel, Horizon II: Forbidden West."
Horizon II: Forbidden West
The sequel to its predecessor, 'Horizon Zero Dawn,' takes us on a journey following Aloy into an unknown land of danger. As we open new doors to new worlds, explore new areas, and encounter new experiences and characters. We encounter ancient machines of war, discover secret underground bunkers, and face machines capable of delivering a fatal blow with a single hit.
Powerful quote from Horizon II: Forbidden West
'When it looks impossible, look deeper. And then fight like you can win.'
- Aloy
'Horizon II: Forbidden West' which takes place a mere 6 months after the events in Zero Dawn, offers more exploration in new lands, deeper lore,, an engaging story, and many interesting characters along the way. We’ll explore beautiful environments that provide endless opportunities for discovery. The remnants of the Old World always leave behind mysteries and intrigue that are worth exploring and theorizing about.
About the Capture: This in-game photo displays one of the areas at the start of the game. I captured this virtual photo to highlight the beauty and vibrancy of the world around Aloy, particularly with the God rays streaming in from the right and above, adding a whole new level of immersion to an already otherworldly game. While it may appear to be a jungle, it is, in fact, inside a derelict building.
The story seamlessly continues from the first game, offering a captivating and compelling narrative that is as exciting and confusing as it is beautiful.
Unfortunately, we received some sad news at the beginning of this year with the passing of actor Lance Reddick. Lance played an integral role in both Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon II: Forbidden West with his character, Sylens.
About the Capture: Lance Reddick, a pivotal and integral part of the Horizon franchise, unexpectedly passed away in March of 2023. This in-game memorial found in the Burning Shores DLC, is a tribute prepared by the Amsterdam-based studio, Guerrilla Games, which developed the games. Rest in Peace, Lance. You will be missed, and so will your character Sylens.
Before we jump into more in-game photos of Aloy, I want you to listen to the song 'In the Flood,' written and performed by Lovisa Bergdahl. The video is a beautiful showcase of the game, and the song adds a whole new level of emotion to it.
Photo Mode Settings
As we're moving on to a newer game, there are bound to be a bit more settings in the games photo mode. So, let’s have a look at what differs between Zero Dawn and Forbidden West’s camera settings
Here, we have quite a few more options to play around with, meaning we can produce better images. So, let’s take a closer look.
In the first image, you can immediately see there’s something called Precision Mode. This allows us to move our lens very slowly, letting us catch just the right angle without being afraid of messing up our movements, which is very easy to do otherwise. Something not shown in this screenshot is the option to turn off Lens Flare, which can be very useful for night shots as they can very easily get overwhelming.
In the next three images, we have the second tab where we can choose our presets—preset lenses, so nothing we're playing around with now. The second thing we see is the Focal Length and the number of lenses we can choose from, ranging from 10mm up to 300mm. Depth of Field also offers a bit more customization compared to Zero Dawn, where our Aperture ranges from f/1.2 up to f/64, allowing us to play around with much more accuracy.
In the fifth image, we can see that we essentially have the same settings as in Zero Dawn, but with one major exception—Film Grain. This can lead to some pretty amazing shots if we were to use it. Which we’re not, sorry.
In the final image, we see that we can yet again change the Time of Day, minute by minute like in the last game, but now we also have a Time Lapse Speed option, which can be very useful if we're capturing video.
The bottom menu here is a bit different to Zero Dawn, but still recognizable with L3 still toggles the camera towards Aloy, but the R3 is changed to an auto focus mode, which is very handy when playing with the DoF. The remaining buttons are identical to Zero Dawn.
Now that we have an understanding of the options we can play around with, let’s take a look at the results we can produce from these settings.
Aloy
Aloy’s personality has become more determined than ever as she has discovered that a new 'sickness' has begun spreading, killing nature and animals alike, rendering entire areas uninhabitable as crops and wildlife die.
About the Capture: This image, much like the one where Rost is holding baby Aloy in Zero Dawn, is a direct screenshot from the intro sequence to the game for a visual representation of what I said above this image.
As we progress through Horizon II: Forbidden West, we witness Aloy's evolution not only in terms of skills and abilities but also in her visual representation. Her character design subtly adapts to reflect her growth, resilience, and the challenges she overcomes. She has become a bit more worn, but also healthier and stronger than ever before.
About the Capture: I captured this moment as a representation of us entering a new game, leaving what was behind and venturing out into new unknown lands. Here, I played around with the settings a little bit to create a silhouette effect.
This evolution is not confined to physical appearance; it extends to her demeanor, expressions, and the way she carries herself. Aloy's visual transformation becomes a visual narrative of her journey within the game.
About the Capture: I ran around looking for the perfect location in the game where I could capture this particular shot–something I’ve been wanting to do since I first played it. Not only did it take much trial and error to capture, but it must have taken me closer to an hour to find the perfect location for it. It was worth the effort though, as the result speaks for itself.
Aloy's facial expressions play a crucial role in conveying her emotions. Whether it's the determination etched on her face during intense battles or the curiosity evident in quieter moments, the variations of her expressions forge a connection with us.
The emotional resonance created through her design amplifies the impact of the narrative, making Aloy a character you genuinely care about.
About the Capture: If the sheer size of the Slaughterspine isn’t intimidating enough, its plasma attacks will quickly and effectively kill you if you get caught, just like its massive and sharp jaw that can crush a rock as easily as you can crush a snowball in your hand. I took this shot as an explosion of colo(u)r and light brings a new visual element to an already vibrant and beautiful game, especially at night time.
Aloy's insatiable curiosity and sharp mind persist in the sequel. Her journey involves unraveling the mysteries of the past, and her inquisitive nature drives the narrative forward, encouraging you to explore the rich lore and hidden secrets of the game world.
About the Capture: I took this shot of Aloy when I came across a beautiful field of flowers, so I threw on the Utaru Whisperer armor and started posing. I felt I needed a short break, and Aloy sure earned hers. It’s also a beautiful display of the variety of photos you can take in the game; this one uses a more vibrant look to emphasize just how colorful the game is and the range in which you can capture in-game photos.
Aloy's signature device, the Focus, adds new functionalities, allowing her to interact with the environment more seamlessly, gather information more efficiently, and strategize with greater precision to identify weak points in enemy armor.
About the Capture: In this capture, you can clearly see her Focus device on her ear. Thanks to the Focus, her knowledge and information about the old world, technical aspects, languages, holographic devices, and more all become apparent. The Focus is a kind of personal computer that you wear; it functions much like your phone does, with one key difference—it contains information about the world and can quickly and effectively identify new things through learning. Without it, Aloy wouldn’t be as efficient as she is, but she would be just as proficient in taking down large machines.
Horizon II: Forbidden West introduces a wide array of new and beautiful armor sets. Among these new armors, we have the Quen Deadeye armor, which is as visually stunning as it is decorative and useful.
About the Capture: I captured this shot of Aloy wearing the Quen Deadeye armor because it is by far one of the most beautiful and visually striking armors in the game. The armor features decorative waistbands, an adorned quiver, a sturdy helmet adorned with what can only be described as strands of thick thread rather than fur, as well as beautiful arm guards. This particular armor is dyed using one of the colo(u)rs you can unlock in the game to enhance the visuals even further.
Aloy’s skills as a hunter have received an upgrade, along with everything else, and her abilities are sharper and more honed than ever before. This truly makes you feel like her combat skills have evolved with her between games.
About the Capture: Meet Snuggles; he’s a bit … flamey and angry, as I forgot to give him his snacks this morning. This beautiful enemy, aptly called a Clawstrider as you can see with his lovely claws that are as long as Aloy’s head, is as fierce as it looks and clearly modeled after a Raptor. I took this shot as I wanted to play around with tilt, different focus and lens flare. So I decided, what better way than to show a snuggly enemy that can kill you quite effectively.
Aloy's character in Horizon II: Forbidden West exemplifies a seamless blend of storytelling, gameplay innovation, and character development. When you play, it provides an immersive narrative that goes beyond the surface, delving into the complexities of her character and the mysteries that await her in the world around her.
About the Capture: In this capture, I wanted to present a rear view of Aloy while she is contemplating her journey so far, looking out towards the distant ruins of an Old World city. The only light is provided by lit candles placed around the sitting area, which is located on the top of a small island and functions as a memorial to a nameless person. Some sources say that it is a memorial for one of the developers who passed during development of the game but unfortunately I have been unable to confirm or deny, if that is indeed the case though, rest in peace and thank you for an amazing game.
Horizon II: Forbidden West isn't merely a continuation of an epic story; it's an evolution in every aspect of gameplay, storytelling, and world exploration. Not to mention Aloy, the protagonist throughout two epic tales, who has encountered a variety of machines, bandits, tribes, and environments, all of which offer a unique style, backdrop, or scene for in-game photography.
About the Capture: As we're leaving Aloy and Forbidden West behind, I wanted to capture a moment where Aloy is walking out into the water to gaze into the distance as a symbol of what's to come.
Guerrilla Games, the studio behind both Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon II: Forbidden West, has truly surpassed expectations regarding the visual quality of Forbidden West. The texture work is superb; you can capture almost photorealistic images within the game. Just look at the details in the face paint and the intricacies in Aloy’s eyes and lips.
About the Capture: I captured this image because I wanted to highlight the texture work a bit more than I previously have. The graphic capabilities of the PlayStation 5 are incredible, and the graphic output of the game itself showcases this beautifully. The face paint almost looks like it’s smeared on, and the intricacies in her eyes and lips show everything our own eyes and lips do. Even the wood on her headgear looks like a roughly carved piece of wood.
We can easily observe the differences in photo modes between the games, as it's evident that Horizon II: Forbidden West offers a more varied and advanced photo mode system than that in Horizon Zero Dawn. This evolution becomes even more apparent when we look at the quality of the images themselves.
This is not just because Forbidden West is a much newer game; it's also due to the capabilities within the photo mode itself.
In Forbidden West, it's much easier to achieve a more natural depth of field (DoF) or to select a specific lens since you have actual lenses to choose from, increasing the realism. In Zero Dawn, we only choose the field of view (FOV), requiring more experimentation and much more of a challenge. However, I have found that an FOV of 50 is somewhat comparable to that of a 38-50mm lens in Forbidden West, so if you want to experiment on your own, now you know where to start.
This isn't the end for Aloy or the Horizon series, not yet, but it does mark the conclusion of this first part of Virtual Photography: An Explorative Six Part Series.
I hope you enjoyed part one and look forward to part two! Have you experimented with virtual photography before? Or is this your first time knowing about it? I’m curious and would love to know!
I'd like to leave you with a quote from Rost in Horizon Zero Dawn.
Virtual Photography - An Invitation to Inspiration
Let this post serve as an invitation for you to traverse the fascinating intersection of pixels and photography, either with me as we continue to explore more games, or by yourself.
As we’ve delved into the realms of two distinct games, we witnessed the technical capabilities of in-game photo mode and the exploration of virtual landscapes through the virtual lens.
Each photo is unique in its visuals, showcasing how a tiny change in factors like the time of day, pose, and angle can completely transform the picture. In in-game photography, you enjoy much more freedom than in real life, as you can instantly travel to get a new backdrop or change the time of day while taking the photo.
In-game photography, or virtual photography, provides numerous opportunities for photographers to expand their horizons (no pun intended) and discover fascinating new ways to capture scenes.
If nothing else, it can serve as inspiration for a future photoshoot.
What’s Next?
With each game, character or series I will uncover various techniques in different ways, different games and different environments.
Next up on this journey is Cyberpunk 2077 in February 2024.
Much like the Horizon series, I will journey through the game world and play with new techniques in Cyberpunk 2077’s photo mode. In this game, we will cover more of the world, the fascinating characters that roam Night City, and the unsettling narrative of a dystopian future, rather than focusing solely on the main protagonist, V.
We have seen the power of virtual photography as a medium in its own right already, but there is still much to cover.
Numerous games remain to be explored, each equipped with its own photo modes that vary significantly. Some photo modes, like that of Horizon Zero Dawn, are more simplistic, while others go beyond, providing functionalities comparable to those found in very basic entry-level DSLRs and basic image editing software, such as the photo mode in Horizon II: Forbidden West.
Certain mods for games on PC offer functionality that matches a more advanced DSLR with Lightroom combined. Modders usually take things to the next level with everything they do.
I will not engage in modded photography as I am on Playstation 5, but it is worth mentioning if you’re playing on PC and want to engage in virtual photography with more options.
This is an experimental post, available exclusively on Substack and the Substack app. It is a venture into uncharted territories where virtual and visual storytelling converge. As we wrap up Part 1 of this series, the virtual lens is aimed towards new horizons, more games, diverse characters, and fresh perspectives.
We will continue this odyssey of pixels next year with Cyberpunk 2077, where I’m inviting you to another captivating photo series, one virtual frame at a time.
Fantastic images, and such a novel idea to consider the photography of games. I don't have a PS5, but the graphics of the games you include here are outstanding.
I am currently playing Zelda TOTK, and you do have a camera function in-game, so I will be thinking more carefully about this going forward!
This is beautiful! Can’t wait to see what you can do with Cyberpunk.