Creating Awesome Screenshots
Beginner
Taking a screenshot in game is quite an easy task. However, understanding how to take an AWESOME screenshot that will amaze the viewers will require a little more work.
BraindG 5715 2020-08-22
Taking a screenshot in game is quite an easy task, you go into photo mode, press left mouse button and upload to social media. However, understanding how to take an AWESOME screenshot that will amaze the viewers will require a little more work,
In the past I have delved into photography, where I focused mostly on automotive creations. They were overly engineered creations, using multiple exposures with lashings of Photoshop applied and this was the challenge I thrived off,
Listen team, before I continue i want you to know that I will never admit to have mastered photography, let alone consider myself an expert. I do however believe that I reached a high level of understanding and gained a lot of valuable experience. I wouldn't call myself a expert in anything, I consider every day a learning day and you improve on yesterday each and every day of your life.
When I started playing Satisfactory I found myself taking a long time attempting to take the most amazing screenshot. I would adjust my position, wait for the sun to be in the correct position before taking the shot. As I continued, I started to realise that the learning from the real world are also applicable in the virtual world!
So here we are, this guide will provide you with a toolset that you can use, allowing you to be more mindful when taking a screenshot in Satisfactory. It could be the difference getting a lot of exposure, or, like most, blend in with all the others screenshots being posted on social media.
We will cover the following aspects
- The Rule of Thirds
- The Scene
- Light
- Lines
- Perspective
- Share
RULE OF THIRDS
The rule of thirds is the most common and easiest of all the composition techniques, it will quickly become the most powerful tool to create those awesome screenshots!
With the rule of thirds we divide the image into nine equal sections, using two horizontal and vertical lines. Luckily for you, this is already built into the photo mode within Satisfactory, sadly though, we cannot see player names whilst in photo mode.
The rule of thirds says that you should align the subject, object or scene along these lines, at one of the four intersecting points.
THE SCENE
When taking a screenshot, you should also consider the following factors; in no particular order.
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Will the background help enhance the image, will coming in closer on your framing help?
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Are there any distractions in the background that will take focus away from the main subject, Try where possible to keep the background as simple as possible.
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Can adding some foreground objects help deliver a more overall appealing screenshot by adding depth to the image.
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Try not to pack too much into the same screenshot, it will just end up looking chaotic and confusing.
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Try to keep to one or two points of interest your audience won't be confused at what they are supposed to be looking at.
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Consider filling the screenshot with the subject to emphasise the importance, rather than leaving a lot of space as this can make the subject feel small.
LIGHT
Light in photography is extremely important, often more important than the camera you are using. I have found even in Satisfactory, light plays a significant role when creating that awesome screenshot. You should consider the following when taking a shot, so much so that I have found myself waiting 10, 15, 20 minutes for the light to be "just right" before clicking that left mouse button.
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Reconsidering taking a screenshot with the light directly behind you. It creates boring, flat light on the subject.
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Focus on taking a screenshot with the light source to the side or behind the subject, This will allow you to shape your subject with the light, creating a more interesting screenshot.
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Look to take the screenshot 10 minutes before sunset and sunrise
Below are two time-lapse videos, showing how light affects not only the subject but also the scene. Pay close attention to the shadows and how the light positioning directly affects the final screenshots!
The sun rise in the North West, you might want to consider this when building your next factory.
Our first time-lapse video covers the Peen located below
My second time-lapse video portrays the below truck.
The sun rise in the North West, you might want to consider this when building your next factory.
LINES
More specifically leading lines, these will help control where the viewers eyes move - sometimes revealing a hidden secret. Lines that come together create depth and engage the viewer.
I like to try to tell a story a visual journey, make the viewer question what they are viewing, leave them wanting more!
PERSPECTIVE
I find that the perspectives are far more engaging when we view the subject from an unusual angle, for example crouch down or elevate you position in reference to the subject.
Before you take your screenshot, try moving around, go lower, higher, try to apply the discussion points above and watch how this can have a dramatic change on the end result.
SHARE
Now that you have armed yourself with some tools to consider when taking your next screenshot, start sharing! Each week Coffee Staines Studio shows off community screenshots in their livestream. Let everyone see your new AWESOME Screenshots!
Thanks for reading! Barry
I strongly suggest you also google, educate yourself more, learn how the above (and more) are discussed and utilised in the photography world. Bring that knowledge and understanding back and show off your creations in a better more interesting light!
This guide was written by BraindG, a content creator who regularly streams Satisfactory over on his twitch channel equally you can find some great content on his youtube channel.
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