Basic Buddy Photo Tricks in Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go is an augmented reality (AR) game, which means that it can and has to take advantage of the latest and greatest in technologies for this, like ARCore for Android. Even so, some may still utilize phones that do not support this technology to play (or choose to disable it), and I have to admit that I'm one of those. Regardless, some features that now utilize advanced AR technology can still utilize a basic form without it, like taking pictures of Buddy Pokémon, and there are some basic but still neat things that can be done and/or may be helpful to keep in mind.

In this basic form, the impressions of Buddy Pokémon are maintained even when photographed, and this can become a simple way to add effects. Particularly, as the Buddy Pokémon earns a heart, the reaction can be photographed and preserved along with the photograph. Doing this along with well-timed shots and well-planned backgrounds can result in great photographs, such as in places with lots of hearts that befit the reaction or places that complement the forms of the Pokémon (for example, Victreebel in a garden). Therefore, it is not only simple but also very neat.

A simple way to elicit a reaction from a Buddy Pokémon is to tap it to get its attention, which will also make it perform an attack, often making it leap, pounce, swing, or do other similar movements. Tapping it twice or more times quickly will also get its attention and make it perform a different attack, usually consisting of something stationary such as a roar or a yell. All of these are, predictably, also retained in photographs, which is also true for the standard reaction gained from playing (petting) the Buddy Pokémon. Likewise, good timing and good sceneries will contribute to good pictures.

Some other elements can also be included to make Buddy Pokémon pictures more attractive. A Buddy Pokémon holding a gift can have its picture taken before opening the gift, which might make a nice touch during certain times in certain circumstances. Buddy Pokémon can also be twirled around to take a picture of it from a different angle by tapping it, then holding and swiping in a horizontal direction; the Buddy Pokémon will become surprised - another photogenic reaction - then twirl in the direction of the swipe. This leads to different possibilities of snapshots as well.

With the above tricks, even if one isn't equipped for AR with Pokémon Go, one can still take good pictures with a Buddy Pokémon, and if the timing and scenery is spot on, those good pictures can become excellent pictures. AR and its associated technologies are still a prime directive for something like Pokémon Go, furthermore with even more new features that take advantage of them, but it is nice to know that those who are lesser-abled with their phones may still take advantage of some basic tricks for Buddy Pokémon photography until the point that AR becomes accessible for them.

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