25 Best Photo Missions Across Open Worlds

Many open-world games feature photography challenges – from capturing superheroes in action to spotting animals and identifying cars. These tasks test your visual skills as much as your reaction time. Here’s a look at some of the best photo missions in these vast game worlds, including where to find them, how they work, and what rewards you’ll get. We’ve also included the game studios behind each title, so you can explore more of their creations.

‘Marvel’s Spider-Man’ (2018) – Landmark Tokens

In Spider-Man 2, Insomniac Games has hidden 47 iconic Manhattan landmarks for you to photograph using your camera. You’ll unlock this camera feature early in the game through Spider-Man’s suit visor. Find the landmark icons on the map, line up the shot in the viewfinder, and take a picture to earn Landmark Tokens. These tokens let you buy upgrades for your suit, including new gadgets and abilities, helping you progress through the game. Plus, you can discover and photograph hidden, unmarked locations for bonus experience points.

‘Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’ (2023) – Photo Ops

Insomniac Games has added fun, random Photo Opportunities throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Look for purple camera icons on the map – they’ll ask you to take a picture of something specific, like a lively street scene or an interesting shop, using the game’s camera. Just frame the highlighted subject, wait for the on-screen cue to turn green, and snap the photo. Completing these Photo Ops earns you City Tokens and helps you finish exploring each neighborhood.

‘Dead Rising’ (2006) – Scoop Photography

In Capcom’s game, you explore a mall and earn points by taking pictures! The game scores your photos based on categories like how scary, dramatic, or action-packed they are. To get a high score, line up your shot, focus, and snap a picture during exciting moments – like saving someone, a boss appearing, or fighting off zombies. You can even boost your scores by finding magazines and rescuing survivors. As you earn points, your character, Frank West, gets stronger, unlocking more space to carry items and learning new fighting moves.

‘Dead Rising 4’ (2016) – Evidence Photography

In the game, Frank has a camera with special modes like Night Vision and a Spectrum Analyzer to help solve cases. You can use these analyzers to find hidden clues, and then take pictures of crime scenes, symbols, or important objects to move the story forward. There are also optional side missions that ask you to take specific photos around town for rewards. Don’t worry about using filters – only the subject of the photo and how you frame it matter for completing cases.

‘Beyond Good & Evil’ (2003) – Hillys Fauna Catalog

In Ubisoft Montpellier’s world, you play as Jade, tasked with taking photos of every creature for the Hillys Science Center. Use your Gyrodisc camera to center each animal in the frame and take a picture to earn credits and unlock rewards like upgrades and pearls. Finding all the species requires revisiting locations at different times, as some only appear in specific areas or dungeons. By completing the creature catalog, you’ll help fund the resistance and gain access to powerful items later in the game.

‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ (2017) – Captured Memories

In Nintendo’s Breath of the Wild, the Sheikah Slate’s Camera Rune is used in a quest where you find 12 lost memories hidden throughout Hyrule. Each memory is tied to a photograph – you have to use clues in the picture to figure out where it was taken in the game world. When you find the correct spot, a recovered memory plays. The camera is also helpful for completing the Hyrule Compendium, letting you photograph enemies, weapons, and materials for easier tracking. Finding these memories not only adds to the game’s story, but also unlocks a valuable reward later on.

‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’ (2023) – A Picture for the Stable

Nintendo’s development team has added fun side quests where stable workers ask you to take pictures of local sights. You’ll need to get the Camera again by completing some early quests in Lookout Landing, then photograph each landmark clearly and show it to the stablehand. Once accepted, the photos are displayed in the stable as a record of your journey. Completing these requests earns you rupees and items, and helps you fully explore each region.

‘The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD’ (2013) – Nintendo Gallery

The HD remaster from Nintendo EAD lets you take pictures of characters and enemies using the Deluxe Picto Box. You can then trade these photos for figurines at the Nintendo Gallery. To get a good figurine, you need to take clear, front-facing photos before certain points in the game, or you might miss out on some collectibles. If you succeed, you’ll receive a figurine with background information about the character or enemy the next day. Filling the gallery unlocks detailed character profiles and a special bonus.

‘The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D’ (2015) – Swamp Photo Contest

Grezzo’s updated version still includes the Swamp Tourist Center photo contest where you can earn rewards for taking pictures of specific subjects. You’ll get a special box on the boat tour to collect your photos, then capture the requested targets – like the Deku King or other local landmarks – to win rupees or unique items. The available photos reset every three days, giving you a chance to try again or focus on different subjects. The prizes differ depending on the photo, so it’s a good idea to check with the contest attendant before submitting your shot.

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ (2013) – Paparazzo

In Rockstar North’s Los Santos, Franklin can work with a celebrity blogger by taking compromising photos – a task known as ‘Paparazzo’. These missions involve chasing subjects and getting the perfect shot, with the game letting you know when you’ve captured a usable image. Successfully completing these assignments progresses the blogger’s storyline and earns you money. You can also use your in-game phone to take photos while freely exploring the city for fun.

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ (2014) – Wildlife Photography Challenge

The updated version of the game now includes a wildlife photography contest. Franklin receives an email in-game explaining that players can use the Snapmatic app to photograph specific animals found throughout Los Santos and Blaine County. Keep in mind that different animals appear in different areas and at different times, so check the in-game map and revisit locations if needed. Successfully photographing all the animals earns you a cash reward and a unique bonus.

‘Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas’ (2004) – Snapshots

Throughout San Fierro, there are 50 hidden photos to collect in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. You’ll need a camera – simply aim at the special camera icons you find and take a picture. For every 10 photos you capture, you’ll receive weapons delivered to your garage. Collecting all 50 snapshots is essential if you’re aiming for 100% game completion. Many of these photo spots are located on bridges or along the water, so a helicopter or boat can be very helpful for reaching them.

‘Watch Dogs 2’ (2016) – ScoutX

The ‘ScoutX’ app, created by Ubisoft Montreal, lets you take photos of landmarks and interesting people around the San Francisco Bay Area, similar to selfies. You use the app to find nearby spots, then line up a character named Marcus with the subject and take a picture to mark it off your list. As you complete different photo categories, you’ll earn rewards like followers, in-game money, and new cosmetic items that help you progress with the DedSec group. The app also gets updated as you unlock new areas of the game, encouraging you to explore hidden spots and rooftops.

‘The Crew 2’ (2018) – Photo Ops

Ivory Tower features “Photo Ops” scattered throughout a miniature version of the USA. These challenges combine different vehicles with unique environments. Each Op requires you to use a specific vehicle, go to a certain location, and perform an action—like jumping near a famous landmark—before you can take a picture. Successfully completing an Op rewards you with in-game currency (Bucks), crates with items, and profile experience. You can quickly travel to locations and switch vehicles at headquarters to complete several Ops in a row and maximize your rewards.

‘The Crew Motorfest’ (2023) – Photo Quests

The O‘ahu map in Ivory Tower features Photo Quests connected to your playlist. These quests require you to find specific locations and take photos with certain cars, in particular poses, and sometimes at a specific time of day. Completing a photo quest unlocks progress in your playlist, earns you experience points, and rewards you with cosmetic items. The game also saves your photos in albums so you can look back at them later.

‘Forza Horizon 4’ (2018) – Horizon Promo

Playground Games has introduced “Horizon Promo,” a new feature where you earn rewards for photographing every unique car you find in the game. Activate the Promo through the camera, and simply take a picture of any car you haven’t already registered to add it to your collection. You’ll get credits and cosmetic items as rewards, and it’s a great way to keep track of rare cars. Plus, special seasonal events will make it easier to find unusual vehicles while you’re exploring the open world.

‘Forza Horizon 5’ (2021) – Weekly Photo Challenges

Playground Games regularly updates its Festival Playlist Photo Challenges. These challenges ask you to take a picture of a specific car, at a certain location, or showing off a particular customization. To complete a challenge, drive the requested car to the specified landmark, open Photo Mode, and take a picture. Completing these challenges earns you points towards Series rewards and currency for the Forzathon Shop. You can even accomplish multiple goals – like completing a drift zone and taking a photo – during a single drive.

‘Final Fantasy XV’ (2016) – Vyv’s Photo Assignments

In Final Fantasy XV, Noctis can take on photography side quests from Vyv in Lestallum. These jobs involve traveling to specific locations to photograph landmarks, animals, and places important to the story. Each quest shows you a search area – park your car nearby, approach the spot on foot, and press the button to take a photo from the right angle. Once you deliver the photo, you’ll earn money and experience points, unlocking the next set of quests. Keep in mind that photos taken automatically by Prompto don’t count towards these Vyv assignments.

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018) – Arcadia for Amateurs

In Red Dead Redemption 2, you can help wildlife photographer Albert Mason with a series of quests across several states. Arthur will assist with setting up and safeguarding photo shoots, usually involving guiding or protecting animals. Each successful shoot earns you money and advances the storyline, leading to a final mission. Keep in mind that animal appearances are influenced by hunting pressure and the weather, so if you can’t find a specific animal, try again later.

‘No Man’s Sky’ (2016) – Space Station Photo Missions

In No Man’s Sky, Mission Agents from Hello Games give you photography assignments that are different for every player. These jobs ask you to take pictures of specific things – like certain plants, animals, buildings, or landscapes – on planets that meet certain conditions. To complete a mission, simply find a suitable planet, open the Photo Mode, and capture the requested subject. You’ll earn rewards like units, nanites, and reputation with the guild. Completing multiplayer Nexus missions gives even bigger payouts, and helpful waypoints and scanners can help you locate rare structures to photograph.

‘Death Stranding’ (2019) – The Photographer Orders

As a huge fan of the game, I’m really enjoying the side missions with the Photographer in Knot City! Basically, she gives you jobs related to her camera work. You’ll be running around collecting gear, heading to this beautiful cliffside location to take pictures – sometimes for memorials – and then delivering the finished photos. The tricky part is the orders are super specific about how you transport the cargo and the route you take. I’ve been having to build things like PCCs or ladders to make sure I can get to the right spot safely. But it’s worth it! Completing these orders really boosts your connection with the Photographer and unlocks some helpful fabrication plans, which is awesome.

‘Lost Judgment’ (2021) – Photography Club Cases

In Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s School Stories, you’ll investigate as part of the Photography Club, needing to secretly take pictures of suspects. Using Yagami’s zoom lens, capture them in the act from specific spots without being noticed. The photos need to meet certain requirements – the right subject, timing, and quality – to be accepted as proof. Successfully completing these cases rewards you with SP and opens up new side cases to investigate around Ijincho.

‘World of Warcraft’ (2004) – Field Photographer

As a big World of Warcraft player, I was really excited about the ‘Field Photographer’ achievement! Basically, you get this cool little camera, the S.E.L.F.I.E. Camera, through a quick quest. Then the real fun begins – you have to travel all over Azeroth, and even into different expansions, to snap photos at dozens of famous landmarks. It’s a great excuse to explore everywhere, use flight paths, jump through portals, and even run a few dungeons! Once you’ve taken all the pictures, you get the achievement and unlock a bunch of different camera styles for your Toy Box. It’s a surprisingly addictive way to see the world!

‘Tom Clancy’s The Division 2’ (2019) – Photo Ops Commendations

Massive Entertainment games feature Commendations – challenges that ask you to take pictures at specific locations like control points and landmarks, or during battles with enemy factions. You’ll use a camera emote to frame your shot, making sure to include what’s requested, and capture the photo while things are happening or under certain conditions. Completing these Commendations earns you Commendation Score, patches, and occasionally keys for new outfits. During live events and for clans, the photo challenges change regularly, offering fresh objectives.

‘Horizon Forbidden West’ (2022) – Vista Points

Okay, so in Horizon Forbidden West, there are these things called Vista Points. Basically, they’re like AR puzzles where you find old ‘ghost’ photos and have to line them up with the ruins you see in the game. You go to the spot, activate the Vista overlay, and then move Aloy around until the old image perfectly matches what’s around you. It’s super satisfying when it clicks! Each one you complete unlocks a little bit of backstory and counts towards finishing an area. Some of them are tricky and need specific gear like the Sunwing glider or the diving mask, so it’s a good excuse to come back later once you’ve upgraded your stuff.

Tell us about your best photos from a mission! What picture took the most effort to get right, and did you think the final result was worth it?

2025-11-19 06:47