TECNO has photographed 20 Kenyans for a global portrait project showcasing its skin-tone imaging technology, using the CAMON 50 Ultra to document people across different complexions, environments and lighting conditions.
The Kenyan collection forms the opening chapter of 100 Portraits of Becoming, a two-year project developed with Brazilian artist and photographer Angélica Dass. The initiative will feature 100 people across five countries: Kenya, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Brazil.
At the centre of the campaign is Universal Tone 3.0, TECNO’s imaging technology designed to reproduce skin tones and textures more naturally across different complexions and lighting conditions. The company says the technology combines a multi-skin-tone colour reference system, skin-tone data and artificial intelligence-powered imaging engines.
The project provides a showcase for the technology beyond controlled studio photography, with portraits captured in environments reflecting the subjects’ everyday lives and work.
TECNO is also using the campaign to promote its CAMON 50 Sees You brand message, linking portrait photography with personal stories about entrepreneurship, community development and overcoming barriers.
Among the Kenyans featured is Alex Muli, co-founder of Goshen Farm, who remained in his hometown to develop agricultural opportunities. He established export channels and used digital platforms to connect small-scale farmers with markets, helping turn potentially wasted produce into income.
Jelimo Cheboi, co-founder of GirlSkate Nairobi, is featured for her work creating a more inclusive environment for female skateboarders. The collection also includes Anita Mbithe, founder of Brushes By Mbithee, Beauty and Hair, and Brian Muchiri, founder of Boy in The Wheelchair.
The campaign pairs the portraits with interviews exploring the experiences and challenges behind each subject’s work. TECNO says the approach is intended to show the effort behind personal progress rather than presenting the participants solely through their current achievements.
Dass, whose photography examines identity, diversity and representation, leads the artistic direction of the project. The collaboration brings together her work on visual representation and TECNO’s efforts to improve how smartphone cameras capture people with different skin tones.
For TECNO, the campaign also provides a platform to demonstrate the imaging capabilities of its CAMON 50 series in a market where diverse complexions and changing lighting conditions present different photography challenges.
The Kenyan chapter is the first of five planned collections, with the remaining countries contributing to a broader archive of portraits and personal stories.
TECNO operates in more than 70 markets across five continents. Its product portfolio includes smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearables and smart-home devices.
More information about the project is available at https://www.tecno-mobile.com/100portraitsofbecoming/.