The Sims 4 offers boundless opportunities for creativity and skill development, and the photography skill is one such avenue to express your artistic touch. Whether you’re documenting your sim’s life milestones, enhancing your sim’s income streams, or creating gallery-worthy masterpieces, the photography skill can significantly add to your gameplay. For players who want to master the photography skill without the grind, cheats are a fantastic way to level up quickly. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the photography skill cheat, leveling up naturally, and how to use this skill to make your Sim the ultimate shutterbug.

What is the Photography Skill in The Sims 4?

The photography skill is a fun, creative skill in The Sims 4 that allows your Sim to take stunning photos, sell them for Simoleons, and even use them to decorate their homes. Originally introduced in the “Get to Work” expansion pack, this skill has become a favorite among players who enjoy playing aesthetically-driven and creative Sims.

The skill is relatively easy to use. By taking photos—through either the smartphone or a camera object—your Sim picks up experience points to level up. For those with additional packs like Moschino Stuff Pack, the photography skill becomes even more dynamic by adding career options and additional features like backdrops, posed subjects, and studio settings.

How to Level Up the Photography Skill Naturally

1. Taking Pictures

The simplest way to improve your photography skill is by taking pictures. Sims can take photos using their smartphones or purchase high-quality cameras as they advance through the level-ups. By engaging in photography frequently, your Sim will naturally gain experience points and level up this skill.

2. Owning a Camera

While your phone functions as a standard camera, upgrading to camera objects can significantly boost your experience. Here are the three camera choices in Sims 4:

  • Bare-Bones Camera: This entry-level camera is great for beginner photographers but has fewer zoom options.
  • Crystal Clear Digital Camera: A mid-tier choice that offers decent zoom quality and higher-level experience bonuses.
  • Appreciably Average Digital Camera (or higher-end equipment): These cameras allow for better photo quality, more zoom, and larger photo dimensions, boosting skill progression.

3. Inspired Mood and Traits

To get the most out of your photo sessions:

  • Mood: Having your Sim in an Inspired mood will enhance the chance of producing Outstanding photos.
  • Traits: Creative or Art-Lover Sims excel at photography, as their affinity for art leads to better photo outcomes.

4. Editing Photos

Once your Sim has taken enough pictures, you can increase their skill further by editing these photos. If your Sim owns a high-tier PC, this is another natural way to boost creativity while refining the overall simplicity of their photographic techniques.

How to Use Cheats to Max Out the Photography Skill

While progressing naturally is rewarding, using cheats can immediately unlock the creative potential of photography. Here’s a step-by-step guide to implementing the cheat:

Step 1 – Enable Cheats

Before activating any cheat codes in your game, you’ll need to enable cheats:

  • For Windows and Mac: Press Ctrl + Shift + C, then type testingcheats on or testingcheats true.
  • For Consoles: Press all four triggers (L1, L2, R1, R2) and type the above-mentioned command.

If the command is entered correctly, “Cheats are enabled” should appear on the screen.

Step 2 – Use the Photography Skill Cheat

Once cheats are enabled, type in the following cheat to modify the photography skill level:

stats.set_skill_level Major_Photography X

Replace “X” with the desired skill level (1 to 5). For example:

  • Enter stats.set_skill_level Major_Photography 1 to start as a beginner.
  • Enter stats.set_skill_level Major_Photography 5 to instantly max out the skill.

The Benefits of Using the Photography Skill Cheat

  • Save time by skipping the grind and start focusing on creative aspects like posing, staging backdrops, or setting up a photography studio.
  • Maxing out the skill grants access to Outstanding-quality photos that can sell for higher prices.
  • With higher levels, your Sim’s photos are more impressive and better suited for gallery walls or home decoration.

Benefits of Getting to Photography Level 5

At level 5, your Sim reaches the pinnacle of the photography skill. Here’s what you unlock:

  • Outstanding Photo Quality: Sims at level 5 continuously produce high-quality photos, which can be sold for a premium.
  • Creative Autonomy: Level 5 lets you experiment deeply with photo sizes, filters, and settings without fear of messing up.
  • Increased Earnings: Taking photos in the Inspired mood further boosts photo values and helps rake in Simoleons efficiently.

The Ultimate Photography Setup with Moschino Stuff Pack

The Moschino Stuff Pack elevates the creativity within the photography skill. Here are some enhancements exclusive to this pack:

  • Photo Studio Equipment: Access subject markers and tripods for professional setups.
  • Freelance Photographer Career: Turn your photography hobby into a lucrative career with client-based assignments.
  • Backdrops and Poses: Add flair with themed backdrops and unique character poses.

How-To Guide for Setting Up a Photo Studio

Step 1 – Build Your Studio

Purchase photography gear in Build/Buy mode under the Creative Activities section. Items include:

  • Tripods
  • Lighting rigs
  • Backdrops

Step 2 – Customize the Space

Use furniture, rugs, or paintings to add flair and create visual interest. Incorporate functional seating for posed shots.

Step 3 – Conduct Photo Sessions

Invite Sim families, pets, or clients and toggle the subject marker to help direct poses. Hire photography services for additional Sim-to-Sim interactions!

Additional Tips to Master Photography

  • Keep Photos Stocked: Always store photos in your inventory for selling when prices peak.
  • Take “Inspired” Photos: Combine drinks or moodlets to help the Inspired aura influence your work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sims 4 Photography Skill Cheat

What is the cheat to max out the photography skill?

The cheat is stats.set_skill_level Major_Photography 5 for instant maxing.

Do I need any expansion packs for the photography skill?

The photography skill was introduced in the Get to Work expansion pack. However, additional features can be unlocked if you own Moschino Stuff Pack.

Can I earn Simoleons through photography?

Yes, selling outstanding-quality photos can generate income for your Sim.

What traits improve the photography skill?

Creative and Art Lover traits are the most beneficial for photographers.

How many levels are in the photography skill?

The photography skill has a maximum of five levels.

What’s the best camera in Sims 4?

The Appreciably Average Digital Camera offers the best quality and features for budding photographers.

Can toddlers or pets be subjects for photos?

Yes, toddlers, pets, and even objects can appear as photo subjects when you use packs like Moschino Stuff Pack.

How do you take group photos?

Set up a tripod and assign Sims to stage group shots using backdrops or posed positions.

Are there any photography-focused careers?

The Moschino Stuff Pack introduces the freelance photographer career, ideal for Sims passionate about photography.

Can edited photos sell for more?

While editing improves photo quality, it doesn’t significantly impact their sale value.

Conclusion

The Sims 4 photography skill offers a world of creative and financial opportunities for your Sims. Whether you prefer the immersive, natural gameplay style or want to use cheats to quickly level up, this skill brings life to each captured moment. Don’t forget to explore all the additional possibilities unlocked with Moschino Stuff Pack, from professional studios to highly detailed poses. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to turn your Sim into a renowned photographer!