Every week, the Virtual Photography Archive Hour invites you to revisit your virtual photography archives as a great way to reach new audiences, rediscover past inspirations and even learn from mistakes. Featured below are a selection of the entries shared over the past month.
Title: Ghost of Tsushima | Theme: HAIR
Developer: Sucker Punch | Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Initial Release: 17th July 2020
In this slightly candid shot of Ghost of Tsushima's Lady Adachi, the streaks of grey in her hair remind us of the difficult times she has faced. With closed eyes, it also feels as though she is perhaps shutting out the vibrant surroundings while reflecting on her loss.
Title: Assassin's Creed Odyssey | Theme: BLACK
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Initial Release: 5th October 2018
Although the classic solid black silhouette is arguably the intended subject of this image, it is the use of those wooden steps in the background that add the most interest for me. Just look at the way the oblique light emphasises the deep texture of the woodgrain!
Title: Ghost of Tsushima | Theme: WHITE
Developer: Sucker Punch | Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Initial Release: 17th July 2020
The huge amount of white negative space here completely draws the viewer's attention to the villager reaching down into the water on the left. All the more intriguing then, when you notice that their face is also obscured by the high exposure, lending a sense of androgynous anonymity
Title: The Last of Us Part II | Theme: REACH
Developer: Naughty Dog | Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Initial Release: 19th June 2020
It is not actually the image itself that draws me in here as I find the trees and rocks in the background to be a bit distracting, but rather it is all about what the image is showing. A simple act of handing over a rifle feels like a prelude to the events that will see the sun well and truly set on those unsuspecting smiles.
Title: Devil May Cry 5 | Theme: BLACK
The predominance of the black lets the details really stand out in this shot. Everything from the knuckle creases and the texture of tattooed skin, to the glint of jewellery and the pyramidal bracelet spikes; all beautifully framed with vertically symmetry thanks to the clever use of that reflection.
Title: Ghost of Tsushima | Theme: WHITE
Developer: Sucker Punch | Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Initial Release: 17th July 2020
I always enjoy trying to work out how a certain shot of photo mode effect has been achieved, but in this case I am really not sure. The bright white cannot be simply overexposure given that the character remains normally lit, so my only real thought is the result of entering photo mode at the exact moment of an environmental lighting flash. Given that the creator can't remember either, we may never know...
Title: Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice | Theme: HELLBLADE
Developer: Ninja Theory | Publisher: Ninja Theory | Initial Release: 8th August 2017
Throughout the last 4 years, Hellblade has had a remarkable habit of enabling people to capture shots that look like pure concept art, and this is a great example of that. Senua is immediately recognisable, but the way that her foe is obscured by the distorting effect creates the feeling of an unfinished or abstract oil painting.
Title: The Last of Us Part II | Theme: BLACK
Developer: Naughty Dog | Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Initial Release: 19th June 2020
This is indeed a very dark image, in more ways than one, but also a very thought provoking one. While the immediate subject matter is obviously a grim scene, the clever composition and camera positioning puts the viewer in the shoes of the photographer, wondering which way the torchbearer is actually facing and desperately hoping that the darkness and foliage are enough to keep you hidden.
Title: Driveclub | Theme: WHITE
Developer: Evolution Studios | Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | Initial Release: 7th October 2014
Making a plain white object look interesting in a photograph can be a notoriously difficult task, but one that this shot uses a few tricks to pull off. The splash of colour in the background contextualises the shape while light pouring in from the left creates a shaded gradient that defines its contours. Just to top things off, some funky LED lights and droplets of water complete the idea that this is the smooth painted bodywork of a fast car.
Revisit your archives and share some lost shots on Twitter every Sunday. Look out for the #VPArchiveHour theme post and simply reply with something from your existing archives for a chance to feature in next month's post.
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