HONOR, currently the fastest-growing smartphone brand in Europe, has recently deepened its collaboration with the acclaimed British photographer Rankin by launching a special three-day edition of RankinLive in Central London. This event marked a significant moment in HONOR’s strategy to merge cutting-edge technology with creative artistry, showcasing the power of the HONOR 200 Pro smartphone in professional portrait photography.

The launch event, attended by media representatives from across Europe, was a comprehensive exploration of how modern smartphone technology can deliver studio-quality portraits. Rankin, renowned for his iconic portraits of celebrities and influential figures, shared his expertise through an in-depth tutorial, focusing on how to achieve perfect portrait shots using the HONOR 200 Pro. This was followed by a live Q&A session where Rankin delved into his career, the evolving landscape of photography, and the influence of AI on the art form.

Rankin’s eight-step process for creating the perfect portrait was the highlight of the event. His approach, designed to be accessible for both amateur photographers and professionals, covered essential aspects of portrait photography:

1. Location: Rankin emphasized the importance of good lighting and a neutral background. He advised that these elements help the camera focus more effectively on the subject, minimizing distractions from the backdrop.
2. Subject: He suggested working with people who are comfortable and relaxed, particularly when one is still honing their photography skills. Familiar subjects are likely to be more at ease, leading to more natural and engaging photos.
3. Styling: Rankin stressed the significance of considering the subject’s hair, clothing, and props. He warned against using patterned clothing, which can detract from the subject by drawing the camera’s focus away from the face.
4. Lighting: According to Rankin, lighting is pivotal in setting the mood, creating shadows, and bringing out textures in a portrait. He demonstrated that even simple household items, like a table lamp, can provide a variety of lighting effects, proving that professional results don’t necessarily require a studio setup.
5. Settings: While pre-set modes and filters, like the Harcourt mode on the HONOR 200 Pro, offer a great starting point, Rankin encouraged photographers to experiment with manual settings as they gain confidence. Adjusting the aperture, focal length, and contrast can significantly alter the final image.
6. Posing: He recommended experimenting with poses, using hands, props, and facial expressions to add variety and dynamism to portraits.
7. Connect: Building a rapport with the subject was another key point. Rankin advised photographers to engage their subjects in conversation and make them laugh, as a genuine connection often results in more authentic and expressive photographs.
8. Review: Finally, Rankin underscored the importance of reviewing the shots with the subject. He believes that both the photographer’s and subject’s instincts often lead to selecting the best images.

The event also featured a live demonstration where Rankin used audience members as subjects to showcase the HONOR 200 Pro’s portrait capabilities. This hands-on session highlighted how subtle changes in posture, styling, and lighting can drastically improve the quality of a portrait. The HONOR 200 Pro, with its advanced features, including Harcourt portrait modes co-developed with the legendary Studio Harcourt, proved to be a powerful tool for achieving these professional results.

HONOR’s collaboration with Rankin is not just about promoting a smartphone; it is about democratizing high-quality photography. The HONOR 200 Pro comes equipped with a 50MP Portrait Main Camera, a Super Dynamic H9000 Sensor, and an AI-enhanced HONOR AI Portrait Engine. These features allow users to capture images with an exceptional balance of light and shadow, even in challenging lighting conditions. The smartphone’s 50MP Portrait Telephoto Camera, with a customized Sony sensor, further enhances its capability to deliver clear and detailed images of distant objects.

During the Q&A session, Rankin shared insights from his illustrious career, discussed the impact of AI on photography, and offered advice to young photographers. He also entertained the audience with anecdotes from his experiences photographing some of the world’s most famous faces.

Rankin expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating that the HONOR 200 Series enables anyone to capture stunning portraits with ease, using just a mobile phone. Tony Ran, President of HONOR Europe, echoed these sentiments, highlighting how the collaboration with Rankin reflects HONOR’s commitment to merging artistry with technology to redefine mobile photography.

The HONOR 200 Series, including the HONOR 200 Pro, is available in various stylish colour options and can be purchased through HONOR’s official website, Amazon, Argos, Very, Currys, and several UK network providers. This availability underscores HONOR’s strategic focus on the European market and its aim to provide consumers with the tools to create professional-quality portraits, further solidifying its position as a leading smartphone brand in the region.

In conclusion, the RankinLive event was more than just a product launch; it was a celebration of how technology and creativity can come together to empower users to explore their artistic potential. The HONOR 200 Pro, with its sophisticated features, stands as a testament to this vision, offering everyone the opportunity to capture moments with the quality and precision of a professional photographer.