StudioV:
What are some of the things you initially look for in trying to create better screenshots?

Fly2e:
Here is what I try to do to create a better screenshot.
1.      Dramatic lighting. Flights that are set just after dusk or a few minutes before dawn, will give you same very interesting shots. Runway lights will illuminate but yet you still have natural light. In the real world, professional photographers would agree that this time of day is the best for a photo as something called “pink light” will present itself. Also, if your machine can handle it, “ground scenery cast shadows” should be turned on as this will really enhance the environment!
2.      Angles, angles, angles! Any angle that is out of the normal, everyday shot will always impress! I would highly recommend “Walk & Follow” as this program is a “must have” for any professional screenshot taker. It enables you top go anywhere and everywhere within the simulator. Just as a pro tries to get a unique shot, this allows the screenshot taker to do the same.
3.      Creating a real situation. I will always try to create a scenario that would be true in real life. If I am in British Columbia, my planes of choice are beavers, amphibians, Twotters, small GA Aircrafts that are usually seen in this environment. A screenshot will look a bit funny if it were a 777 landing in the Bush!
4.      I always try to capture a “sequence of events”. The 1st shot is usually the aircraft right before take off. Then usually a take off shot, a few in air shots, and finally, a landing or approach shot. This way the viewer gets a sense of “being there’ during the flight. Sometimes I will do what I call a “photo shoot”! Just as a real photographer might get a call to go take some shots of an aircraft at the local airfield, I will do the same. Basically just have the aircraft parked in its spot, all doors open, engines off, etc… I will basically just walk around the aircraft and take shots as I would in real life. Many of the Payware companies like these shots as they will display open cowlings, tie downs, exposed engines, cargo waiting to be loaded, etc.
5.      The Aircraft and Environment in which you fly. This is first and foremost the most important part of your simulator. Remember, this may not matter to somebody flying a metal tube 35,000 ft above the earth, but since I love flying VFR in remote parts of the world, it is very important to me. If the world that you are flying in does not look real, your screenshots will not look real. High mountains, deep valleys, impressive skies, these are all variables that go into creating this “virtual world”. Second, if your aircraft does not look real, your screenshot will not look real. An awesome repaint of an aircraft will make for a very dramatic screenshot. Especially those “beat up’ repaints. I am always looking to create a scenario that is unique, as this type of screenshot will always catch somebody’s eye.

In conclusion some ominous clouds, dramatic lighting, dense forests, towering peaks, a detailed airstrip, a great repaint and a unique angle… Add this all together and you will have yourself one impressive screenshot!

Studio V:
It seems very few SimV members are familiar with the quality and excellence of your screen art. As an administrator, do you feel your screenshots have a more limited exposure on Simviation, and if so is that an issue with you?

Fly2e:
I am not sure I quite understand your question Clipper? As far as I can see, I have my usual regular “fans” that like to comment on my shots. Even if people did not comment, I am always happy to see over 100 views for my post. I get pleasure out of taking the shots and sharing them. It is very much appreciated when somebody posts a comment, even if it is the simple “nice shot”. I am constantly trying to push the limits of my screenshots. Right before I ever click my “FSAutostart” icon, a new folder is created. This folder is basically my new “roll of film”. I have hundreds of folders from every single flight or scenario I have ever created within the simulator. My biggest problem is going through them and trying to decide which ones to post. I am very critical of them, thus why I usually only post about once a week, if that. I find myself confused on which ones to post, and in the end wind up not posting any! Go figure, ehh? I could stop taking screenshots tomorrow and still be able to post a new thread every day for the next year. I don’t feel that my screenshots have a more “limited” exposure due to me being a moderator. From what I can see, people comment on my screenshots just like they do to everybody else’s shots. I think having a “Mod” status does not change things. If anything it is quite the opposite! When I find myself in the “Graphic Gallery”, it is the only time I don’t feel as if I am Mod, rather just another member enjoying the forums. This is where I first started to post when I joined Simviation; I guess that is why the Screenshot forums feel like home.