Somnium Space has announced the Somnium City Centre Picture Contest, inviting participants to capture the best images of the vibrant heart of the virtual world.
The contest offers a chance to win 15 USD, with the prize to be delivered via the in-game Tip Jar. Submissions are open until June 29, 2026, with the winner scheduled to be announced on June 30, 2026.
There are a few simple rules:
- Images must be taken within Somnium City Centre
- Minimum resolution: 4K or 8K
- Avatars may not occupy more than one-third of the frame
- Entries must be posted on X with the tag @SomniumSpace
Now, with respect to the 4K/8K rule, make sure to select the resolution after you’ve opened up the camera app from the in-world tablet. You can find this under settings.
(Not So) Exclusive Pro Tips From the Somnium Times
To take your VR photography to the next level, focus on balancing camera mechanics with creative composition. Play with natural (VR) light to create mood, frame your subjects intentionally rather than placing everything dead center, and avoid distracting background clutter.
Composition Techniques
Rule of Thirds: Imagine a tic-tac-toe grid on your screen. Place your subject on the intersecting lines or position the horizon along the top or bottom third line.
Leading Lines: Use roads, paths, fences, or natural features to guide the viewer’s eye through the image and straight to your subject.
Frame in a Frame: Use natural elements, like doorways, windows, arches, or overhanging branches, to enclose your subject and add depth.
Depth (Foreground/Background): Turn flat 2D shots into 3D masterpieces by including an object, texture, or patch of grass in the foreground.
Symmetry and Patterns: Look for repeating shapes or reflections in water to create a perfectly balanced, aesthetically pleasing image.
Technical Settings
Control your depth of field: Play around with depth of field. This often creates a beautiful effect and a real sense of depth. Of course, a flat image can never convey the true depth experienced in VR, but blurring background or foreground surely helps.
Use filters: Somnium Space has a range of filters that can create very interesting effects. Make sure to play around with those as well.
Light and Perspective
The Golden Hour: Shoot during the first moments after sunrise and the last moment before sunset. The light in Somnium is softer, warmer, and creates long, dramatic shadows.
Avoid Flat Light: Harsh, direct midday sunlight can wash out a photo. Look for directional light that falls on one side of a subject’s face to add dimension.
Change Your Angle: Don’t just shoot everything at eye level. Crouch low to make your subject look heroic, or shoot from above to capture the layout of a scene
This competition provides an excellent opportunity for all Somnium residents and visitors to showcase the architectural beauty, atmosphere, and dynamic energy of Somnium City Centre through high-quality photography.
Good luck to everyone submitting entries. May the best shot win!
About Somnium Space
Somnium Space, the company behind the VR1, also runs a blockchain-based virtual reality platform that allows users to create, experience, and monetize content and applications. The platform is committed to building a decentralized and immersive VR world that offers users a unique and engaging experience.
Discord: https://discord.gg/somniumspace
Authencity: https://authencity.io/user/somniumspace
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