Let’s kick off the new year in style, with the first AR Showcase, showing off the AR community’s best photos from 2023. There was no theme, just submit the GO Snapshot AR photos you took in 2023 that you think were your best work. We think you’ll agree, these are truly incredible!
Unedited Images
The below AR images have not been edited in any way.
‘Seaside Snowfall’ by mingosanch, Captain Cook, Hawaii, USA.
‘I’m so proud of how this photo turned out! The different shades of blue in the sky and water compliment Rockruff perfectly, and the water raining down from the crashing waves almost looks like snow.’
‘Gardenia stenophylla after the rain.’ by nana15AR, Hiroshima City, Japan.
‘Flower had a pure and scent.
Togepi gently snuggled up to her and smiled.’
By 007Fireking, NJ, USA.
‘I haven’t seen the first sunrise yet.’
‘Double rainbow’ by Mark, Derby, England.
‘The boating lake, the pirate ship, a splash of rain on a almost sunny day, what more can we ask for than the rainbow bird bringing us the rainbow and a shiny golden sparkle of it’s feathers! Thanks Ho-oh for this shot over the water!’
‘I snipe at your heart.’ by ACE📸, Tokyo, Japan.
‘an arrow shot heart💘’
‘Majestic Tyrantrum shows up the island, named Lanyu’ by pokemoninlife, Lanyu, Taitung County, Taiwan.
‘Lanyu is located off the southeast coast of Taiwan, it is a volcanic island formed by the eruption of a submarine volcano and the solidification of magma when it meets seawate. It is rarely populated and only has a large number of tourists during the peak tourist season. I met Tyrantrum at large rock walls on both sides framing a large expanse of blue sea, called Jyakmey sawasawalan.’
‘Tundra’s Walk in the Park’ by Embravery, Indiana, United States.
‘My buddy Tundra has been with me for quite a while now. Looking back, I’m not sure I really cared about Amaura or Aurorus before, but when he hatched from his egg and I looked into those big, beautiful blue eyes, I don’t know how I had missed this adorable Pokemon for so long. And so, he joined me on my adventure. Every day with Tundra is a delight! His frills change color depending on how he feels, and he is very expressive, so it’s like my own little light show wherever we go. And in battle he’s no pushover either! He looks big and slow, but charges his Weather Balls so quickly that no one will see him coming.
Of course, I was also walking him for the candy, seeing that Amaura is a pretty rare Pokemon and all. At least, it was, before the strange event in the sky that made fossils come to life all around us. After that crazy week, I had more than enough candy to evolve Tundra into his next stage in life, but something has been stopping me. I don’t know why, but I don’t feel ready to evolve my buddy yet. He’s just been by my side like this for so long, I don’t know if he’ll be the same after he evolves.
Tundra seems to me like he’s ready, though, and I’m worried I’m denying him the growth he needs to get stronger by keeping him like this. As hard as it is, I know what I need to do. Tonight, when the moon rises, it will be full, and will be the perfect backdrop for Tundra to take his energy and grow stronger. But for now, I’ve taken him out to a park, and we’re walking and exploring together. That sweet smile and wondrous eyes of his may change a bit when he evolves, but it will still be the same Tundra underneath. For now though, we put aside our worries and just take a nice walk together, and no matter what happens, our love for that is never going to change.’
‘Hello Wyrdeer!’ by Walker, Tokyo, Japan.
‘This is a photo taken right after I caught Wyrdeer. I took the picture while thinking about which angle would make the wink look cute.’
”Best of 2023′ part 1′ by ACE📸, Tokyo, Japan.
‘I can’t choose just one.’
‘Fantasy of Osaka’ by u501, Osaka prefecture, Japan.
‘”Open your eyes.”
I wonder what I saw that day…
I wonder if the dragon dancing in the evening sky was a dream.’
‘Cetoddle Spheres’ by Annab280, Canterbury, New Zealand.
‘Cetoddle is blending in with white spheres along this pathway.’
‘Carbink, the water and the sunset’ by Mark, Straws Bridge, Derbyshire, UK.
‘Carbink was enjoying the swan frequented lake and taking in the June sunset, luckily being able to slide in for this shot without disturbing it!’
‘Legendary Pokémon Night’ by ACE📸, Tokyo, Japan.
‘Rayquaza is here!’
‘Reflection in Existential Crisis’ by Alletoria, Massachusetts, USA.
‘While enjoying a good splash in a group of puddles, Froakie is perturbed to find a shadow where its reflection in the water should be. “Am I a vampire frog?!”, Froakie asks, under the light of the sun. “No, Froakie!” My smile is broad as I try to hold back laughter. “You’re augmented reality!” Froakie does not know if that’s better or worse.’
‘Eventide Divinity’ by mingosanch, Ka Lae, Hawaii, USA.
‘I spent most of Froakie Community Day driving on the Big Island in Hawaii with my family. At the end of Community Day, we happened to be at Ka Lae/South Point, the southernmost point of the 50 United States. It was incredible looking into the distance and seeing nothing but the ocean! I was lucky enough to snap this picture of Greninja as the sun was partially blocked by the clouds, which made for a beautiful background, especially combined with the striking black rocks.’
‘heart floating in the sea’ by LikEevee, Yokohama, Japan.
‘At WCS2023, many Pokemon appeared in Yokohama.
This photo depicts Manaphy and Phione playing on Wailmer.’
‘Mega Rayquaza in London!’ by PkmnGOMatt, London, UK.
‘One of my favourite photos I took last year was with the release of Mega Rayquaza! Taken by the London Eye during the City Experience of GO Fest!’
‘Articuno in flight’ by phrixu, Kent, UK.
‘One of my first photos when I was getting into AR photography last summer, I had lots of fun exploring different angles and frames’
‘Do you like cotton candy?’ by ACE📸, Tokyo, Japan.
‘Memories of the festival’
‘Precious Territory’ by Embravery, Indiana, United States.
‘The role of a leader is not one that Hornet takes lightly. A leader must be strong, honorable, just, and loyal, and kind. She must be a teacher, a guardian, and a warrior when necessary. These are traits Hornet finds in fewer and fewer Bisharp these days, except for the warrior part. But that’s also because there are fewer and fewer sheaths around now, ever since King Ozymandias took his throne. A sheath of Pawniard, like a pack of wolves, is the building block of Blade Pokemon society, but something has come and disrupted the natural order. A new evolution of Bisharp: Kingambit. Hornet’s own sheath was captured by Kingambit and his army when she was just a Pawniard, and she has seen firsthand the iron fist and absolute domination of his rule. She knew she had to escape and fight back. Now Hornet is finally able to lead her own sheath: six special Pawniard who vow to help her revolt against Ozymandias and free the Blade Pokemon of the forest. Of course, this operation must be kept in utmost secrecy, so the fact that I was able to get this shot of her is astonishing. Here she is protecting her precious river; the heart and soul of her sheath’s territory. Every good Pawniard sheath has a river, as it provides protection, a source of food, a place to clean, and most importantly, sharpening stones to keep their blades as honed as razors. This is Hornet’s place, and her sanctuary against the king’s tyrannical rule. One day, Hornet and her rebels will be ready to revolt, and when that day comes she will be free. But for now, even in exile, she at least has her river and her loyal Pawniard. Even when the day is won, this place will still be home.’
‘Dyed in gentle colors.’ by nana15AR, Hiroshima City, Japan.
‘Flowers of two color s were gently nestled together.
Spinarak also snuggled close to the flowers, tinged with kindness.’
‘Sunrise’ by Walker, Tokyo, Japan.
‘I happened to be at work early that day. I noticed the sunlight which I don’t usually see, and hurried to take photos.’
‘Galarian Articuno’ by La vie en rose, Japan.
‘This is a photo I took because I was happy to catch a Galarian Articuno. I can hear the sound of fishing boats in the distance.’
”Best of 2023′ part 2′ by ACE📸, Tokyo, Japan.
‘It is difficult to narrow down to one.’
‘A boy and his Eevee’ by Mark, Penmaenmawr, Wales.
‘Beautiful scenic look from the Welsh hills around Penmaenmawr, Jonah and his Eevee sat enjoying the sun and the views of the seaside after a walk with friends.’
‘Pokéluminescence’ by Alletoria, Boston, MA USA.
‘This is one of my favorite AR photos I’ve ever taken, captured for the Halloween showcase.’
‘Vast’ by Embravery, Indiana, United States.
‘The best word to describe Lugia in all its glory would be “vast”. Its wingspan, powers, and influence stretch far across the seas in order to contain the effects of that power. I wanted to capture Lugia’s vastness in the image I took of it here at a state park by casting its enormous wingspan under the backdrop of a body of water, where Lugia is often stated to reside. A large body of water can be compared to the strength of a legendary, acting calm and quiet one moment and being stared upon with awe, or being vicious and stormy the next and punishing all that get too close. Lugia is connected to the water in this way. This is one of those moments where the lake is quiet, so Lugia wishes you to look upon it in all of its serene majesty.’
‘Petals in the Breeze’ by mingosanch, San Carlos, California, USA.
‘Although it’s a very simple photo, this is one of my favorite AR pictures I’ve taken! It was a lot of fun experimenting with different angles and techniques to make Floette stand out from the background as much as possible.’
By 007Fireking, Tokyo, Japan.
‘The sunset in Tokyo is also beautiful.’
‘A Ritual of Fire’ by Feresk, Pinamungajan, Cebu, Philippines
‘Bibbidi bobbidi BOOM!’
‘¡Ándale!’ by Alletoria, Mexico City, Mexico.
‘Like me, my Ho-oh is a little competitive. We couldn’t miss this opportunity to strike a counterpose with one of the amazing art installations in Mexico City during Día de los Muertos. Who do you think did it better?’
‘Everyone gets along very well.’ by ACE📸, Kanazawa, Japan.
‘I had a wonderful time, thank you.’
‘Rayquaza at Durdle Door’ by Mark, Durdle Door, Dorset, England.
‘During a family holiday trip to see Durdle Door, we thought a gloomy black cloud was sweeping over to ruin our sunny day, but it turned out to be a much more fantastical sight, as a shiny Rayquaza elegantly flew by.’
‘La Noche de la Luz’ by mingosanch, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
‘During a work trip to Cincinnati in December, I decided to explore a little before heading back to my hotel. I came across a beautiful holiday light display that seemed like a perfect backdrop for a picture of the Duskull my friend had traded to me! Using bokeh, I was able to focus on Duskull, and the setup of the lights almost made it seem like Duskull was glowing.’
Edited Images
The below AR images have been edited or filtered in some way.
‘Who You Gonna Call?’ by PoGoMiloUKYT, New York City, USA.
‘During the NYC GO Fest city experience, myself & the squad wanted to visit the location of The Ghostbusters HQ (Fire Station). On the way over a field research sparkled with my first shiny Golett of the weekend! Brand new for that GO Fest. The graffiti on the sidewalk outside worked well with shiny Golett’s short stature. A Ghost-Type by Ghostbusters, perfect.’
‘『Sea of Nemophila 』’ by Limu, Hitachi Seaside Park in Japan.
‘If there were a blue country, a world like this would definitely be waiting for us！A world where any dirty heart can be purified here.’
‘Waltz in the Shadows’ by Feresk, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines.
‘I thought fairies were supposed to be nice.’
‘The Duke and the Lei’ by ✨Mori✨, Honolulu, HI.
‘Comfey as the lei, taken at Waikiki beach during my stay in Hawaii.’
By Sogeflo, Lille, France.
‘Don’t come any closer, it’s HIS territory!’
‘Dazzling light under the elevated overpass’ by Walker, Chiba, Japan.
‘Under the elevated overpass which is usually dark, there is a small illumination that doesn’t make people stop. But for Trubbish, it’s dazzling and he’s fascinated by it.’
‘『Here we come!（参上！）』’ by リム（＠kerolimu）, Kumamoto Castle is located in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.（熊本城）.
‘A ninja in my mind!カエルと忍者が大好きです。いつも心の中にいます！’
‘Gardevoirite’ by Walker, Chiba, Japan.
‘While taking pictures with the illuminations in the background, I came up with the idea to take a picture of Gardevoir emitting light.’
‘Caught in a Bubble’ by Feresk, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines.
‘The number of takes I did to get this picture right earned me a good case of sunburn. Please use sunblock, fellow trainers.’
‘Dancing with the petals’ By Sogeflo, Lille, France.
‘The city had installed temporary decorations that were just ideal for this photo!’
‘Serenity’ by Feresk, Pinamungajan, Cebu, Philippines
‘While trekking through Pinamungajan’s mountains, I stumbled across a Diancie enjoying its solace.’
By ✨Mori✨, Tokyo, Japan.
‘Taken during the cherry blossom season in Nakameguro, which is a popular spot for the viewing.’
‘『Princess of the land of ice』’ by Limu, Sapporo City, Hokkaido, Japan.
‘Where is the prince who can melt your heart? Have you met yet? (The Snow Sculpture Festival is only for a limited time. It is held every February)’
‘Sun Dance’ by Feresk, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines.
‘Pretty yellow flowers for the pretty yellow Pokémon.’
Edits
The below images are composites/full edits, made using a combination AR, existing images, and extensive editing.
‘Temporal Rend’ by Maxotron2010, Rome, Italy.
‘Dialga has appeared in the Coliseum and is attempting to open a fissure in time!’
‘Christmas in the ice world.’ by nana15AR, Hiroshima City, Japan.
‘Pokémon enjoying the cold. When everyone gathers, it’s a lively and fun time, and smiles shine.
Each Pokemon is individually. photographed using AR, and produced. No processing has been added to the Pokemon’s expressions.’
‘Rowlet Invicta!’ by Maxotron2010, Palatine Hill, Rome, Italy.
‘Rowlet has perched atop a statue to assert his dominance over the meta.’
‘Enjoy autumn.’ by nana15AR, Hiroshima City, Japan.
‘Pokémon gathered together to enjoy the autumn leaves. Their smiles sparkle in the light.
(Each Pokemon is individually photographed using AR, and produced. No processing has been added to the Pokemon’s expressions.’
AR Masters
The below images are taken by our AR Masters.
‘Pokemon World Championships’ by kenken, Yokohama, Japan.
‘The Pokémon Championships were held in Yokohama in the summer. It was like a Pokemon festival, and it was a really fun period.’
‘Top 5’ by PokegramsTM, Everywhere!
‘These are my favourite 5. 4 of them are AR. The day of the dead is an edit for the Halloween event. I like adding elements such as water, fire or lightning to add to the immersion in the scene.’
‘This is my album cover’ by kittypokemonsalot, Lincolnshire, UK.
‘Bokehmon is my absolute favourite style of AR photography, and I think it really works with dynamic animations.I kind of feel like this looks like it could be the cover of Druddigon’s hip hop album.’
Next Submission Theme
For our next theme, submit your best photos of non-shiny Pokémon! So basically, any theme or concept, but the Pokémon cannot be shiny. Submit here by 25th February to be considered. Full rules and guidelines are on the submission form.
