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In today’s digital age, our smartphones have become an extension of ourselves, enabling us to communicate, create, and capture moments like never before.
As a result, the expectations of smartphone users have risen, particularly when it comes to the quality of their device’s camera.
In response to this growing demand for exceptional photography capabilities, smartphone brands have been relentlessly pushing the boundaries of technology to create camera systems that empower everyone to be a master photographer.
One such brand, OPPO, has been at the forefront of this technological revolution.
In addition to hardware innovations in lens technology, OPPO has focused on developing highly sophisticated image processing algorithms.
Their goal? To deliver clear, high-quality, and true-to-life images through their smartphones. But OPPO’s journey towards photographic excellence goes beyond just technology; it involves delving into the art and science of professional photography.
Collaborating with Renowned Experts
OPPO’s commitment to photographic excellence extends to in-depth research in professional photography. They have closely collaborated with renowned experts from various corners of the world, including portrait photographers, lighting designers, and post-production specialists.
Through these partnerships, OPPO has gained invaluable insights into the nuances of portrait photography, the intricacies of lighting design, and the art of post-production effects.
A Timeless Photography Aesthetic
Through extensive discussions with these masters and an in-depth study of their works, OPPO has unearthed a series of insights that have given rise to a unique and timeless photography aesthetic.
This aesthetic revolves around capturing the delicate interplay of light and shadow, a hallmark of professional-grade photography. And this aesthetic takes on a new form with the latest OPPO Reno10 series.
Setting the Bar for Professional Portrait Photography on Smartphones
While computational power in smartphones has skyrocketed in recent years, many brands have introduced image optimization and beautification features to enhance the visual appeal of photographs.
These features often emphasize the subject by increasing brightness and reducing background distractions. While these enhancements cater to modern aesthetics, they fall short of achieving photographic masterpieces.
OPPO’s approach is different. They sought to answer a fundamental question: How can computational photography help users capture the true beauty of the world?
They looked back at the history of photography and discovered that the desire to capture the real world’s beauty has been an inherent human instinct, transcending technological advancements.
Traditional photography, despite its complexity and the need for training and experience, has always attracted individuals willing to put in the time and effort to create authentic, beautiful images.
OPPO believes that computational photography can benefit from this deep understanding of photography and aesthetics.
Their aim is to combine this knowledge with smart computational techniques to create an imaging system capable of reproducing the realistic interplay of light and shadow, space, and true-to-life colors.
A Dedicated Team and Substantial Investment
To achieve this ambitious goal, OPPO has assembled a team of over 1,000 dedicated imaging specialists. They back their commitment with an annual investment of more than US$156 million (approximately 22 Billion Ksh).
This investment is a testament to their determination to provide users with images that boast clear details, natural colours, and ultra-realistic light and shadow effects.
Putting Professional Photography in Everyone’s Hands
OPPO’s commitment to professional photography extends beyond technology. With the Reno series, they have initiated the Portrait Expert Project, a long-term endeavour aimed at enhancing the portrait technologies of their devices.
This project leverages the expertise of a global Portrait Expert Group comprising professional portrait photographers with diverse cultural perspectives.
To kickstart this project, OPPO Kenya has launched the #100FacesofKenya campaign. This initiative celebrates the beauty of Kenya and encourages creators to capture and share inspiring stories in exceptional ways.
The campaign, running from September 14th to September 30th, 2023, invites participants to:
- Capture a stunning and creative portrait of either a person or an animal against a nature-based background.
- Share it on their page with the hashtags #100FacesOfKenya and #OPPOReno10series5G, and tag @oppo_kenya.
- Stand a chance to win amazing gifts from OPPO Kenya
As Fredrique Achieng, PR Manager at OPPO Kenya, aptly puts it, “Through never-ending exploration of what makes a good image and constant benchmarking of its technology against professional camera standards, OPPO continues to evolve its camera offerings to create the most professional experience on a smartphone. This has given OPPO the opportunity to analyze what separates a contemporary Instagram-worthy photo from a true masterpiece that transcends both time and culture. On the latest Reno10 series, OPPO continues to narrow the gap between smartphone cameras and high-end DSLRs with end-to-end improvements that put professional masterpieces in the hands of everyone.”
