From Screenshot to Art: The Legitimation of Virtual Photography in Gaming Culture
Artistic journal indexed in Web of Science
scientific journal, artistic journal
1926
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27/04/2026 By Adam Kysler, Andrej Trnka

From Screenshot to Art: The Legitimation of Virtual Photography in Gaming Culture

Abstract
Virtual photography, produced for example through in-game photo mode features, represents a phenomenon that has gradually become established within the medium of digital games and player culture, while simultaneously entering the discourse of visual and media studies. This study focuses on the question of to what extent virtual photography can be regarded as a recognized form of art and what kinds of relationships it maintains with the tradition of classical photography. The analytical point of departure consists of the Photo Mode Awards and The Virtual Photography Awards competitions, which provide a space for examining the aesthetic principles and processes through which virtual photography is legitimized as independent artistic expression. The research concentrates on the comparison and analysis of community and discursive practices that have emerged around virtual photography, and specifically around these award platforms. The findings suggest that virtual photography constitutes a visual genre that builds upon classical photography, while also forming a distinct community and a further player subculture, thereby expanding both the forms of the medium and its media audiences. The study employs an exploratory case study framework to analyze the emerging field of virtual photography awards in digital gaming. By focusing on the Photo Mode Awards and The Virtual Photography Awards, the analysis is further enriched by primary data gathered through semi-structured interviews.

 

Key Words

Photography. Photo Mode. Screen Capture. Screenshot. Virtual Photography.

 

Kysler, A., & Trnka, A. (2026). From Screenshot to Art: The Legitimation of Virtual Photography in Gaming Culture. European Journal of Media, Art & Photography, 14(1), 110-119. https://doi.org/10.34135/ejmap-26-01-07

From Screenshot to Art: The Legitimation of Virtual Photography in Gaming Culture © 2026 by Adam Kysler, Andrej Trnka is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

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