Produced by Square Elephant Productions in collaboration with BBC StoryWorks, the compelling short film Portrait for Everyone shines a spotlight on TECNO’s groundbreaking Universal Tone technology. This powerful campaign explores how innovative advancements in AI-driven imaging technology ensure that every skin tone is beautifully and accurately represented—eliminating historical biases and allowing technology to see the world as it truly is.
For decades, digital imaging systems have struggled to capture the rich diversity of human skin tones. The history of photography is riddled with biases, dating back to when film toning was standardised on lighter skin tones, leaving many people marginalised and underrepresented. Even with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), biases persist as algorithms learn from historically limited and skewed datasets. Dr Kaida Xiao, Associate Professor in Colour and Imaging Science at the University of Leeds, explains, “AI is only learning from [the] existing data of photos which have been historically biased.”
Recognising this issue, TECNO embarked on a mission to revolutionise smartphone photography. In collaboration with researchers and professors from the University of Leeds and Nanyang Technological University, TECNO developed Universal Tone—a cutting-edge AI-powered technology designed to accurately represent the full spectrum of human skin tones. By meticulously studying the colour science of skin tone and aesthetics across cultures, they created a more inclusive imaging system.
At the core of Universal Tone technology are three powerful engines:
- The Multi-Skin Tone Restoration Engine ensures that individual shades are faithfully preserved.
- The Local-Tuning Engine harmonises subjects with their environments, adjusting for lighting conditions, colour temperatures, and landscapes.
- The AI-Powered Computational Portrait Engine delivers a more personalised and authentic imaging experience, ensuring that every photo accurately reflects the beauty of diverse skin tones.
Jack Qiu, Shaw Foundation Professor of Media Technology at Nanyang Technological University and TECNO’s Advisor on Asian Skin Tone and Portrait Aesthetic, emphasises the cultural significance of this innovation. “Aesthetics aren’t universal. Aesthetics carry enormous weight, especially in diverse markets like Asia,” he explains. By integrating these advancements into their camera system, TECNO ensures that every individual, regardless of skin tone, is represented authentically and respectfully.
Beyond technology, Portrait for Everyone delves into the emotional impact of accurate representation. Professor of Psychological and Behavioural Science, Dr Thomas Curran, highlights the profound psychological effects of self-image. “Our confidence and self-worth aren’t solely shaped by individual reflections, but also by how we perceive ourselves within a community. Authenticity in images helps maintain this delicate balance, grounding us in reality.”
The campaign underscores TECNO’s commitment to inclusivity, customer-centricity, and a global approach to imaging technology. It acknowledges that every face tells a story and every culture deserves a canvas that reflects its unique beauty. By refining its camera technology with unbiased data, TECNO aims to redefine portrait photography as a truly inclusive and emotionally resonant experience.
Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO, states, “From this thrilling film, we want to convey our mission behind Universal Tone, which is to redefine portrait photography, making it a truly inclusive and emotional experience. We aim to ensure that every individual, regardless of skin tone, feels seen and included through the lens of our technology.”
As technology continues to shape the way we see the world, Portrait for Everyone stands as a testament to the power of innovation in fostering true representation. TECNO extends an open invitation to all to embrace the future of portrait imaging—one where authenticity shines brightly, and no one is left unseen.