Real-life photographers are using RDR2 to take pictures while in quarantine

Photographers are finding plenty of inspiration in RDR2 and its in-game camera mode while staying indoors

Driving a carriage down a tree-lined road

While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to change and disrupt people’s lives around the world, some artists are finding ways to channel their creativity in one of the best PC games of last year: Red Dead Redemption 2. Real-life photographers are using the in-game camera to take beautiful pictures (our very own Iain also had a photographic adventure in The Division 2).

Photographer Craig ‘Sixstreetunder’ Whitehead, for example, has posted a series of his photos on Instagram (via GameStar). “As a way to stay sane while stuck indoors I’ve joined in with a few who are using Red Dead Redemption 2, and Saint Denis as their surrogate city for the next few weeks,” he says in the write-up for one, which artfully depicts a lone Lemoyne citizen sitting in a shaded street doorway.

“It’s pretty tricky chasing light that moves at the in-game pace,” the photographer notes. He’s also posted an attractive silhouette of a Saint Denis resident riding cart through its cobbled alleys, with a brooding sky above and American flag fluttering behind. Take a look here.

Similarly, Nico ‘Nicofroe’ Froehlich has shared some stunning in-game images of the Van der Linde gang and the comings and goings of Saint Denis, circa 1899, terming it “virtual street photography”.

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I am very happy about the very positive feedback on this new kind of "photography". Stay healthy. . – In game photography by @sleepingastronaut – . #virtualphotography #virtualstreetphotography #reddeadredemption2 #playstation4 #urbanstreetphotogallery

A post shared by Streetphotography Nick Fabian (@sleepingastronaut) on

You can also check out Nick ‘sleepingastronaut’ Fabian’s work here, with the photographer having captured some really effective black-and-white and muted colour shots, using the western game’s shadows to create some moody atmospherics.

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As a way to stay sane while stuck indoors I’ve joined in with a few who are using Red Dead Redemption 2 and Saint Denis as their surrogate city for the next few weeks. I’ve only had about an hour in the city (skipped a lot of the actual game and just rode there) but it’s pretty tricky chasing light that moves at the in game pace.

A post shared by Craig Whitehead (@sixstreetunder) on

If you’re similarly inspired to spend some time in-game during the virus outbreak, you might find our RDR2 photo mode guide handy on your travels, along with our list of the best open-world games with amazing scenery to capture.

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It’s really encouraging to see a lot of photographers giving this a go whilst in self isolation. The most important thing right now is to stay at home. . . . @rockstargames @playstation @playstationuk @reddead_redemption2 #playstation #playstation4 #rockstargames #reddeadredemption2 #virtualstreetphotography #virtualurbanstreet #cornavirus #stayhome

A post shared by Nico Froehlich (@nicofroe) on

The WHO has information and guidance on the COVID-19 virus on its website, which you can find here, as well as advice for the public on how to protect yourself against it.