Photo Mode Guide: How to Take Pictures

This is a guide to using Photo Mode in Pikmin 3 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch. Read on to learn more about how to access Photo Mode, as well as all of the controls and features.

How to Use Photo Mode

The following steps show you everything you need to do to access Photo Mode in Pikmin 3 Deluxe!

First, you need to access your KopPad. Press the (-) or minus button. If you need help remembering what button you need to press, there's a reminder on the bottom left side of your screen.

Then, you will see 6 icons on the center bottom part of your screen. On the furthest right is where you can see a camera. Scroll there using your left stick and press the A Button to access Photo Mode and start snapping pics!

How to Take Pictures in Photo Mode

Taking pictures using Photo Mode brings you down to the level of the characters and the Pikmin. Photo Mode changes from an overhead view to a First-person POV of the leader.

Controls

Toggling Flash

Starting with the Top Left Side is an indicator reminding you to press the ZL button to toggle flash. Just like in real life, toggling flash helps brighten a dark location. Under it is an electric zap icon with the words either ON or OFF. This changes depending on whether the flash is on or off.

Adjusting Aim

At the Bottom Left Side is an indicator reminding you to move your Left Stick to adjust where your camera will aim. Keep in mind that you can only take pictures of things directly in front of your character and subjects in a 180 degree angle.

Choosing Focus Type

At the Center and Bottom Center is a box indicating the selected focus type and an indicator reminding you to press the A button to cycle through the different types of focus. More on that later.

Adjusting Zoom

At the Middle Right Side is an indicator reminding you to move your Right Stick to adjust how far you want your camera to zoom out and how close to zoom in. Meanwhile directly opposite to it are more indicators showing distance from subject and overall limit.

Exiting Photo Mode

At the Bottom Right Side is an indicator reminding you to press the B button if you want to exit out of Photo Mode.

Types of Focus

Atomatic-Length Focus

Like with every Camera or Phone Camera, the automatic focus option lets the AI determine what is your subject. Similar to the automatic mode in a DSLR camera.

Short-Length Focus

Short-length focus is a manual focus option that enables the camera to focus on subjects that are up close. This type of focus is perfect for zoom-in shots.

Medium-Length Focus

Medium-length focus is a manual focus option that enables the camera to focus on subjects that are both close and far away but at the cost of lowering the quality of the image. This type of focus is perfect for group pictures.

Long-Length Focus

Long-length focus is a manual focus option that enables the camera to focus on subjects that are far away. This type of focus is perfect for taking pictures of an area or landscapes.

Related Guides

Beginner's Guide: List of Tips and Tricks