VP Interview: LunarVP

Today we have an interview with LunarVP a pillar of the virtual photography community, positive, outgoing and polite. Not only is she wonderfully supportive but also has a plethora of emotive and fantastic virtual photographs within her gallery. Through this interview LunarVP discusses her favourite games, her inspiration and gives a few tips to help out other VPs. 

I hope you find the interview as inspiring as I did. Happy reading.

Read Dead Redemption 2

What got you into the Virtual photography hobby and why is it special to you?

Well growing up I was never allowed to play video games, since my dad said they were for boys. Later in my life my parents divorced and my mom, brother and sister bought me a PS4 for Christmas that I had been asking for. The first game I ever played was GTA5 and I honestly fell in love with scenery. I took pictures on the game but I never posted them, which was the start of my obsession. In high school I took art classes and learned about composition and all the basic art principles. I feel like that was the big moment my gaming turned into more than just playing a "silly game". I made my photography account shortly after Red Dead Redemption 2 came out so i could post my photos since i loved doing it in other games like Skyrim.

Virtual photography is special to me because it game me the ability to see so many different things I could've never imagined myself. I get taken to a whole new world with new people and am able to meet friends along the way.

I've heard many sad stories but also good ones as well. I made tons of friends online and lost contact with some as well. But I wouldn't change my experience even if I could. Virtual photography is special to me because of the people I see with me today, and the people I will see in the future as well

You say that you have made many friends online. What would you say the community means to you and why would you encourage others to be part of it?

My favourite subject is body language. Its kind of hard to depict in my photos, but a lot of them have different subjects that are in a specific pose, some bodies display serenity, confidence, and playfulness, while others may portray vulnerability, fear, or even hostility. This subject is one way I can compare all my photos which are all different because each subject has a distinctive body language.

I think this subject is my favourite because I enjoy seeing the pose and emotions what the subject is feeling. I have a sense of the subject's emotion in the picture. I think pulling the viewer into the photo is really cool and can speak to so many people in different ways.

You mentioned your love of Red Dead Redemption 2 earlier. What is it that draws you to this western setting?
Honestly i just enjoy being someone different. I've never really liked how I looked in real life so I enjoy rpg's so I can be more immersive into the games I play. It is also a plus because I really love horses.

Are there any other games you look forward to taking photographs in, or any you have that you want to explore deeper?
A game I'm extremely excited for is the Last of Us 2. I think the scenery is going to be astonishing and I cant wait to see what other games have to offer... as long as they have a good photo mode!

Being an avid virtual photographer yourself, do you have any advice for those fresh into the hobby?

There are tons of ways to get your photos into a crisp condition, such as using certain photo apps to help take off any noise or pixelation on an image.
The apps I tend to use on my phone are Photoshop Express, Remini and Lightroom. If you're just starting out into the community I'd suggest taking photos of things you love in a game. Find a subject and try to look at it from all angles and see if the photo is interesting.

Although it may seem hard at first , if you continue to practice eventually you will get the hang of it.
The main things I always try to mess with are:

1. The angle
2. The cropping
3. The tints of color
4. Shadows and highlights
5. Noise reduction

If you pay attention to these things you can give more character and life to the image you have taken.

Truck at Home!

My favourite sim game publishers SCS Software have released an event to help people have a focus during this Covid-19 pandemic. 

American Truck Simulator shot by me.

#TruckAtHome calls players to do just that, truck and clock up as many kilometres/miles as possible doing any deliveries you like. Easy and it gives you a reason to focus your energies into something relaxing. 

American Truck Simulator shot by me.

SCS Software's press release can be read below:

"Heroic drivers and support crew around the world are currently delivering much-needed supplies and providing life-saving services. Their work keeps the world moving and is incredibly challenging and dangerous.

When reflecting on this we might ask the question, what can we do. The scientific advice is clear, the best thing we can do is to stay at home and keep physical interaction to a minimum. So, we are calling on you, our #BestCommunityEver, as a salute to these heroes, to unite and to #TruckAtHome. Let's stand alone together, keep the world safe, and let's participate in a World of Trucks community event!

Our slogan for this event is #TruckAtHome and our goal is simple, to get as many people involved, in any way they can, while remaining at home. Complete as many jobs as you can, there is no special cargo and no minimum distance. Choose the longest jobs possible or do many short jobs, it's up to you because we are going to track the delivery distance required for all jobs completed, then add them up. You can even use your own trailers in the External Market!

We are in the middle of beta testing upcoming updates to our games, and injecting new content into the games is just not possible unless we restart the betas. So, instead of going the usual Steam Inventory route, we have had to improvise. As an incentive to get more players involved, we are providing a free Steam Workshop #TruckAtHome paint job mod for the event. We'll be handing out free Steam keys to get even more people playing. And, we also pledge to undertake positive actions to help those who are combating COVID-19, more details in the rules. The more distance covered during the event, the more keys we will give away and the more pledges we will make. Every kilometre, every mile counts! We feel that it is crucial to send the message now, when it matters most."

American Truck Simulator shot by me.

Serene Sunday

The second theme weekly theme I run on Instagram in the virtual photography community is Serene Sunday. A juxtaposition to Fight Club Friday. Sunday focuses on peace and tranquillity.

Red dead Redemption 2 shot by Grownasskid5280

I think it makes a nice end to the week, some respite before the onslaught of a new week commences. A time to relax and breathe, take in the beauty that surrounds you in any game.

The Witcher 3 Shot by Wolfwithashield

There have been a whole host of entries in recent weeks and the number gradually grows. In this post I have showcased some of the most recent entries.  

Days Gone Shot by Dragngirle Gaming

If you wish to join in on a Sunday, upload a shot to Instagram, use the tag #serenesundayvp and tag me in it @vpvibrancy I will feature you in my Story and give you a feature in the highlights of my page.

No Mans Sky shot by Robertmcbevans

Horizon Zero Dawn shot by PS4 Shots (Left) and Stellarocity (Right)

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Final Fantasy XV shot by Dragon78

Assassin's Creed Origins shot by VP Fauna

Far Cry New Dawn shot by LeonardoxAngel

Ghost Recon Breakpoint shot by me

Gaming is Wonderful: Pikachu Saved my Life

The third Gaming is Wonderful post tells the story of how someone managed to use gaming to cope with the harsh turns life takes, isolation and self hate. Sometimes all someone needs is someone to talk, someone to listen. Think of those close to you, especially now most of us are in self isolation. Is there anyone you could be giving a phone call to? Your voice could benefit more than you know. Reach out, who knows what your simple conversation could do for someone.

Throughout this article the anonymous writer chose Stellaosityvp's work to be featured. I hope their words inspire you. Despite how dark life may seem, there is always light eventually at the end of the road. Stay safe x

Pokemon Yellow did indeed save my life. That’s a statement that I seldom think about but it’s true. At the time I was going through big life changes. I didn’t even really know what gaming was. Of course I knew what it was but I’d never done it. 

Control and Horizon Zero Dawn by Stellaosityvp

Through this time I was having severe identity issues. Having no family and no one to turn to I took to drink and temporary companionship as an escape. It was a brutal time. Time just wasn’t a thing anymore, the days blended together through insomnia and sleep. I’d get violent often with my roommate, as well as many others and eventually ended up in hospital having attacked someone and made an attempt on my life.

Horizon Zero Dawn by Stellaosityvp

It was at this time I was introduced to Pokémon. Under a form of house arrest I was trapped in my room for two weeks with little to do. My roommate gave me his (Nintendo) DS and Pokemon Yellow to play. I must have played that game at least 12 times from start to finish. People offered me more games, but I wasn’t interested. For me the chubby Pikachu was the only thing keeping me alive and sane.

 Horizon Zero Dawn and Assassin's Creed Odyssey by Stellaosityvp

As the weeks bled into months I eventually was social again. I quit the excessive drinking, stopped being so self destructive and managed to get a job. During this development I inherited more consoles and got into gaming more and more, to the point where I had a whole host of games and something of every genre.

Horizon Zero Dawn by Stellaosityvp

It kept me out of trouble and distracted me from many harsh realities until I was ready to deal with them. Now being a part of the virtual photography community fills me with an even greater joy. I feel I am no longer an island on my own, but a thriving individual that has a lot in common with others. It’s inspiring to be around so many like minded people and I hope that such inspiration never stops coming. So a big thank you to all of you out there!

Throughout the article I requested to have Stellaosityvp's work, as it always fills me with joy.

Fight Club Friday

On Instagram a lot of virtual photography groups run themes. Be it weekly or seasonal events, they encourage people to seek something specific for a shot. Inspired by these I have been running themes for a long time on Instagram in many forms, but for now I have decided to stick with rollover weekly themes.

MK 11 shot by Dragon78

Today's is Fight Club Friday. Having beaten down the week it is time to celebrate with anything combat related. Today I am showcasing one of the entries from everyone that participated in the recent weeks.

DOOM Eternal shot by Leonardxangel

If you wish to join in on a Friday, upload a shot to Instagram, use the tag #fightclubfridayvp and tag me in it @vpvibrancy I will feature you in my Story and give you a feature in the highlights of my page.

 WWE 2K18 shot by Aaantonisia     Control shot by Stellaocityvp

Star Wars: The Fallen Order shot by Wonkeegameshots

The Witcher 3 shot by Tonio Game Show

Devil May Cry 5 shot by Wolfwithashield

Horizon Zero Dawn by GamingTurtle

Tomb Raider by Threshold Kid

Dead or Alive 6 shot by AJ.gaming.captures

SINoALICE Coming to iOS and Android

SINoALICE is a role-playing game for iOS and Android which showcases darker versions of much loved fairytale characters such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. To fans this is not new news, as the game has been available in Japan since 2017! 

The rpg was created by the dream team of director Yoko Taro and the composer Keiichi Okabe, who had the sames roles on Nier. The game already has quite a following and if you are keen to get on board straight away, there is a pre-regestration link here, allowing you to get on board. The more people that sign up, the more rewards will be unlocked! 

SINoALICE players will be delighted to hear that the game will feature characters and nods to the Nier series of games, with a Nier: Replicant tie-in planned shortly after the global launch on the 1st of July 2020.

While there will not be any virtual photography here, the artwork is divine and most of all it looks like it could be a lot of light fun.

Doom Eternal

I was a late adopter of DOOM (2016). I loved Wolfenstein and the classic DOOM when I first played them and I do still frequent them from time to time. There was something about a modern DOOM that just did't appeal to me. Wolfenstien New Order was fun but I didn't think I would enjoy something so linear and level based again. 

Shot by Focal Disposition

Well like most judgements I throw upon myself, I was wrong, horribly wrong... DOOM was a visceral masterpiece of high octane, demon-smashing violence. The story was there but under the surface (If you wanted to read the files and look at the information you collected during the game) but it didn't let the narrative slow the pace. As a first person shooter, it couldn't be more pure and true to its genre. The action is frantic, fast and frenzied. If you aren't shooting something, being harassed or crushing a demons head with your first, your probably diving off of a freakishly high ledge. 

Shot by Gamezyscreenshotz

Using this as a platform to launch from id Software could have just thrown some new levels together and delivered a satisfying sequel. Instead they have taken the beauty of the 2016 game and bulked it out in every direction.

Shot by Focal Disposition

Eternal is a direct sequel to the 2016 game. We see DOOM guy return to earth to find it swarmed by demons. Already possessing all of the abilities you unlocked in the previous game, you are free to shoot and smash your way through the games more open and beautifully designed levels. Like the previous title, it is important to stay moving, dodging both the hordes of hellfire and the denizens of the abyss. Being stationary will result in a quick and merciless death.  This swift and fast-paced combat remains mostly unchanged, the gruesome finishers are as brutal and satisfying as ever and we have a host of new weaponry at the marines disposal.

Shot by Gamezyscreenshotz

The soundtrack is in itself as impressive as the game, really making the atmosphere and violence far more potent. Much like its predecessor the score is fresh but still quintessentially DOOM. 

As I have stated before I do not run this blog to review games. I am here to share the hype and the enjoyment of the hobby. Having not played it myself it would be a pointless exercise to slam a review together, but you probably already know if it looks like something you would enjoy. 

Shot by Focal Disposition

I am hyped for it and I hope in the near future I get to give it a spin. The streams and extracts I have seen, were more than enough to get my blood pumping and my trigger finger lusting for blood. Instead I leave you this overview and the wonderful virtual photography of Gamezyscreenshots and Focal Disposition. 

I feel these shots say more about the game than I ever could.

Shot by Gamezyscreenshotz

Gaming is Wonderful: Online Gaming Saved Me

Many of us in the modern day world struggle to find a purpose in life. With social media and news streams in our face most of our waking moments, it is hard to switch off. Many of us get lost and feel displaced in a society as we gradually feel less and less connected to the world around us. For some this is just an annoyance, perhaps a frequent disappointment and mild pain. For others it can lead to much darker roads, end in perpetual torment and even death.

The media is full of such stories, but as always it lacks the positive. Now, especially with all the social distancing measures going into place, it is important to reflect on the positive. Here is a gamer's story on how online gaming allowed them to cope in their times of hardship.

May it enlighten you and hopefully inspire you to focus on the good that you have going on in your own life, no matter how small it may seem.

Throughout the article the writer chose Luna.vp as their inspiration within the virtual photographer community. 

Most of my social life at school went from good to downhill as time went on. Too many turned away from me and only thought that my presence was never worth their time and effort. I figured that I needed to find something to make me happy at least just a little bit. I then discovered Video Games. All the homework, assignments and projects that needed to be worked on were always thoroughly done and completed at my earliest convenience, just so I could get to gaming. The good grades were a good thing, but when I was relaxed and gaming, that was truly me feeling okay emotionally. This was true even during my school days that always deterred me from wanting anymore social contact. The digital world behind the screen was there for me, always.

Horizon Zero Dawn by Luna.vp

Eventually, I randomly ventured into Instagram after graduating in 2016. An Xbox One was gifted to me by my Mother. I didn't expect much, I assumed I'd be doomed with no friends, but I did find a player as I played Call Of Duty: Black Ops 3 and we have remained in touch to this day. Some time after there was a new announcement for a game. It was a game changer in the online world. This caught my attention greatly. I can't remember how I stumbled upon the community following the game, but I ended up making more and more friends throughout my time in that community. I was finally experiencing what I missed out on for many years: friendships

Horizon Zero Dawn by Luna.vp

To be honest, video games saved my life. Even though I've still lost many online friends since 2017, I don't feel lonely. I'll never drop gaming, ever. Like I said... it saved me from what I could have gotten myself into and eased my depression and loneliness, which could have led me down a very dark path. Video games are indeed magical. The adventures you can embark on, the visuals you can enjoy. The friends you can meet through it all.

Red Dead Redemption 2 by Luna.vp

Feelings of happiness and contentment is what these digital worlds have given me and I am grateful for that.

Horizon Zero Dawn by Luna.vp

Call of Duty: The Latest in Battle Royale

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Warzone recently had an update. This update added into the free-to-play battle royale mode a solo, one vs all mode. Of course, in many respects this is harder and perhaps less fun than the team based gaming, but certainly feels more like the Japanese movie released back in 2000.

Most people probably think the battle royale mode is inspired by the Hunger Games or originated in Fortnite. The genre of battle royale video games, in which players fight to be the last man standing in a shrinking battle field, was inspired and took its name from the film. In turn the film was based on the novel published in 1999 by Koushun Takami. 

I first saw the student vs student fight to the death on its UK television debut in 2001. I was 12. It changed my life forever. Personally I think it is a film all teenagers should be encouraged to watch. It explores many of the insecurities and perils of growing up and also the relationship between adults, authority and young adults. It certainly made me reassess my perspectives. Granted the age of 12 is probably a little too young to be watching such a hyper violent film, but I have since seen it many times since and it still retains its powerful messages in adulthood that everyone can relate to on some level.

The film did not get a release in America until 2010 due to the fears of the impact on unstable teenage minds and a potential increase in high-school shootings. It is no surprise that the very same year we saw versions of the idea pop up in ARMA 3: Day Z and many more titles thereafter such as: H1Z1: King of the Hill, Player Unkown's Battlegrounds, Fortnite, Knives Out, Rules of Survival, Garena Free Fire, Apex Legends, Realm Royale and Call of Duty 4 Black Ops 4's Blackout mode.

ARMA 3

Eager to get involved I watched some streams of ARMA 3's Day Z. It looked fun but a little too hardcore for me, some time later during Season 2 of Fortnite I was encouraged to join in with a friend. Lacking the speed and quick reactions to build fortifications, I was never able to gain the glory of 1st place, but due to a mixture of cowardice and cunning I could generally get into the top 10.  Vowing not to waste my time on battle royale format games, I moved away from it. Much like I turned away from my Call of Duty addiction back in 2012, after having spent many years with the series. 

Roll forward to last Wednesday, scrolling the PSN Store I saw that Call of Duty Warzone was available to download and free to play. My close gaming buddy wanted me to get Modern Warfare on release, which I swiftly shunned as a "waste of money and time". Feeling a tad guilty and overly critical, I downloaded the whopping 100+ gigabytes and dived into the battle royal frenzy. 

The latest update added a solo 1 vs 149 mode but prior to that the game had squad based modes. One that is more classic to the battle royal format, a last man standing, while the other is a race for the first team to get to a sweet one million in cash. Having both as options keeps the game entertaining, fresh and soon I found myself in way too deep.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Warzone is what I have always wanted from a battle royale game. It allows me to feel like I am capable and doesn't distract with building, custom abilities or other fluffy extras. You get thrown into a huge arena, which is a delightful blend of many Call of Duty fan favourites, such as Terminal, and allows you to knuckle down salvaging and shooting in classic Call of Duty fashion. The visuals are beautiful and I feel really pushes my PS4 Pro to the limit. Out of all the games I have played it is the only one that eventually leads to the console sounding like its about to leave a runway.

During the match there is enough distraction and variation to prevent the boredom that I have been faced with in other battle royale games. Picking up mission contracts, along with standard season and daily objectives to carry out, gives the game a greater lifespan. Also, the season pass, much like other games such as Fortnite, Rocket League (plus others), provides a huge host of cosmetic goodness, that are all non essential but allows you to pump more customisation into the visuals of your experience. Unlike the other games mentioned there is also no breathing room in between seasons, as one ends the next begins. Waiting for the Outlaw Pass to start in Red Dead Redemption Online always leads to me leaving the game for a time, as I no longer have any objectives or goals in the now mostly objectively barren Western Landscape. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Warzone goes above and beyond to immerse me, give me my sense of gaming purpose and prevents me from zoning out with the active map, 149 other players and a very impressive host of customisation options.

Like many I was sceptical that Warzone was held as a "game changer" for both shooters and battle royale games, but I am addicted and can support these statements wholeheartedly. If you are a fan of FPS, Online gaming or battle royale games, clear some space and download it. Its a treat.