Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 6th to 16th August

Welcome to the monthly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from the AC Partnership Program.

Every four weeks we will be picking our top five favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community.

This special Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced launch theme has been run alongside @Assassins_UK the official account for the United Kingdom. Ubisoft are one of the leading publishers and developers in the gaming industry, most famous for their compelling Assassin’s Creed series. We would like to thank the team for agreeing to collaborate with TOWCB on this unique opportunity. We are very grateful that you took the time to pick this wonderful selection of photos for us.

Keep an eye on the site as more shots are added, we are looking for captures across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to #ACFirstCivVP for a chance to be featured.

Theme: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced

King of the Seas

Game: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced

VP Artist: @summers458

The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Theme

Judge: @Assassins_UK

Assassin’s Creed UK Team

Of all the stunning photography submitted, this one stood out for its sense of action. It has a real ‘GoPro’ feel to it, we could almost imagine a full video of the Jackdaw crashing through the waves and for that, it’s our winner.

Aaron

The Jackdaw is a pivotal brig belonging to Edward Kenway that has a huge role to play within the game. Every pirate captain needs his own ship and the tale of how Edward claims his is fundamental to setting the groundwork of the story. I love how this capture creates a feel of impending doom. The depth of field and the spray of the sea creates an illusion of the Jackdaw charging at you. As the viewer you are made to feel as if you are aboard a British or Spanish vessel, waiting to be boarded by the pirates of Edward Kenway. I agree with the Assassin’s Creed team’s assessment, the creative perspective really does make this a worthy winner.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Game: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced

VP Artist: @_GenieCrazy_

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced adds the finishing touches to an already classic video game. The blend of open world adventure and compelling story transports the player into the Caribbean, allowing us to fulfil that childhood fantasy of being a pirate. If there was ever a shot that gave me Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, then it’s this one. For me this is Black Flag in a photograph, if you mention the game my mind would always picture the Jackdaw at sea. The angle of the ship and the level of detail are insane. You can feel the ship ebbing and flowing just by looking at this shot. I particularly like the tattered sails and the skull and crossbones superbly showcased for us to see.

A Pirate’s Life

Game: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced

VP Artist: @charapof.bsky.social

Edward Kenway has a trademark appearance, one that is very fitting with the Assassin’s Creed franchise. However, you wouldn’t say his classic robes were quintessentially pirate like. So, it is nice that we have plenty of options for Edward including some very movie like attire. One of which we can beautifully see in this photograph. I can’t help but think of Treasure Island when looking at this capture of Edward standing Infront of the setting sun. The silhouette, particularly in this apparel is rather striking, especially with Kenway’s reflection on the water. I always gravitate to these story style captures, specifically ones that show a reflective mood.

Working in the Dark

Game: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced

VP Artist: @Ayghan

When a new Assassin’s Creed game is announced I often find myself getting excited for the supporting art book. The concepts that are showcased in there are both interesting and inspiring, especially as a virtual photographer. This capture from Ayghan is very reminiscent of what you would find in said books. I adore the letterbox style, creating that cinematic feel is always aesthetically pleasing. Having an action sequence is also impressive as they tend to be trickier to capture due to the amount of moving parts. I have to say the shadow work is very striking, together with the glow of the fires on either side, as a viewer you feel part of the action.

Sunset

Game: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced

VP Artist: @xspartan_aimeex

Edward Kenway has the redemption story that rivals many of the greats. The unknown Welshman who builds himself a powerful reputation as one of the most feared pirates in the world. I think intwining the Assassin/Templar conflict into this helps boost him as a cult hero. This capture evokes the feelings of completing Edward’s story. That sense of sadness and joy at what you have experienced. The shadow of Edward is quite spectacular, and thanks to an excellent composition we get to see him look out to sea at the setting sun. I really like how the fiery red is reflected on the water, working with the cold purple hue to give that feeling of dusk.

Companions

Game: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced

VP Artist: @thwippip

As it’s a celebratory theme to commemorate the launch of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, we thought a special mention was in order. I was pleasantly surprised to find animal ship companions added to Black Flag, a welcome addition given the lack of birds. Pip has a way of capturing moments that really stick with you. Here we have a delicate moment between Edward and a monkey, embracing the softer side of our swashbuckling pirate. The composition is just brilliant, with the right amount of vignette to highlight the two characters. I think the warm colours represent the time period, adding a melancholy to the shot.

Edward

Game: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced

VP Artist: @archiehanna3

One of the reason for Assassin’s Creed Black Flag’s popularity is the charismatic Edward Kenway. His natural charm and impulsive nature endear him to fans. Perhaps sadly, behind all of this showmanship is a deeply complex character with a heartbreaking story. I for one believe him to be one of the standout characters in the series. I feel like this photo captures the essence of Edward, with his signature look and moody pose. The stormy background provides the seafaring atmosphere, and the colour tones are on point. The shadow work from the hood magnificently portrays that assassin look.

And that sums it up for this Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list!

Thank you for checking out the photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next time keep those shots coming in!