Profoto is bringing a unique perspective to the future of mobile photography.
As pioneers in professional lighting for mobile phones, they are partnering with Above to create a superior user experience for the launch of their all-new Profoto camera app.
Together, we are redefining the future experience of smartphone photography by dissolving the lines between hardware & digital.
Images courtesy of Profoto, Ryad Guelmaoui, Victor Bruskov, and Above
Bringing innovation to all creators
For decades, light photography has been known for big cameras and bulky lighting equipment, and a steep learning curve. To master the art of lighting would require in-depth knowledge and many hours of setting up and adjustments.
Today, with sophisticated mobile phone cameras, more and more expert photographers are turning to their phones for professional shots. Profoto sees this as an opportunity to introduce professional lighting for mobile photography. To make this happen, Profoto teamed up with Above to help them explore the future experience of smartphone photography. We asked ourselves, “How can we empower mobile photographers to be as creative as possible with light, without having to worry about big equipment and steep learning curves?”
Seamless communication- app & hardware
Profoto enables every mobile photographer to have great light in their photos. The light communicates seamlessly with the Profoto app. As both hands are occupied in the photo-making process, this experience is truly a combination of physical and digital interaction.
“Our mission was to create an experience that allows users to fully focus on their creative process of taking photos. Moving around, changing camera angles, exploring light and shadow, and creating stunning results in the process”
Designing the Hero journey
What differentiates mobile photographers from early, yet ambitious, photographers is the different starting points in their journey. The latter needing copious amounts of knowledge and time to properly work with light. We designed an inclusive experience that enables professional photographers to produce creative and masterful results much quicker and through a mobile experience.
To fully commit to this mission, Above and Profoto looked at the holistic UX of both the physical and digital interactions. It is in the combination of these two that we can create new value that is unique to mobile photography, exclusively.
“Above’s delivery went above and beyond our expectations.”
An intuitive digital app interface
Profoto’s new app makes great light accessible- no matter what camera you use. The app fully caters to both the new yet ambitious and the seasoned photographer. We introduced 2 new modes in the Profoto app. Smart mode, which offers a simplified interface and is using smart algorithms to help the user adjust their settings. And Pro mode, which offers an advanced interface where the user has full control of each setting and detail. Both settings are built so that users can take their creativity to a whole new level.
Smart Mode —
Focus on the result
In smart mode, creators can directly aim and set the type of lighting they wish to achieve in their photos. Our smart algorithm analyzes the scene and works out the detailed settings for the light and mobile camera. Smart mode users can fully focus on their desired result without having to worry about specific settings. Smart mode is very quick to use and allows for one-handed interaction.
Classic Mode —
Full control
In Pro mode, users have full control of all the detailed settings from the light source to the mobile camera. Our ambition was to offer light-shapers unlimited control of their lighting from the palm of their hands. Pro mode is a powerful tool specially designed with the world’s best photographers - and those who aspire to be top of mind.
About Profoto
Profoto is a Swedish company that develops photographic flashes and other light shaping tools for professional photographers. It was founded in 1968 by Conny Dufgran and Eckhard Heine in Stockholm.
Capabilities
User Experience Design
Visual & User Interface Design
Prototyping