Joie de vivre, visual storytelling – Vivo’s strategy to expand imaginations

Global smartphone brand vivo has launched the second edition of vivo Imagine Photography Awards to celebrate the power of storytelling and imagination, encouraging photographers to push the boundaries of creativity and further display their distinctive perspectives through the lens of their vivo smartphones. The entries will be judged by a jury led by filmmaker and writer Zoya Akhtar, who will be joined by other photography experts such as Rakesh Pulapa, Aamir Wani, and Vineet Vohra.

To participate in the awards, the participants will need to submit their entries through the official website of vivo (vivoimagine.com), which started on August 19th and will close on September 8th.  There, they have to provide their basic details, select the required categories (Motion & Street Photography, Night & Light, Portraits, Architecture, Nature & Wildlife), and upload the images shot by them with their vivo smartphone.

In conversation with Adgully, Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, vivo India, speaks about the vivo Imagine Photography Awards this year and how it is redefining smartphone photography in India. He also highlights the overall vision and mission of the contest, bringing on board Zoya Akhtar as the main judge, key themes, etc. He further shares his observations on the growing importance of smartphone photography in India, storytelling through the lens of a smartphone camera, and more.

What is the overall vision and mission of the vivo Imagine Photography Awards?

At vivo, our core brand purpose is to bring joy to people’s lives through simplified technology and enriching experiences. The vivo Imagine Photography Awards embody this vision by celebrating Indian photographers who bring their imagination to life through the lens of their smartphones. Photography, as a medium, offers a unique way to express oneself, capturing moments that bring unparalleled joy. Through this platform, we aim to help participants capture life’s most cherished moments in their true essence, enabling them to showcase their passion and compete in a celebration of creativity.

Could you tell us about the jury for these Awards?

The jury for the vivo Imagine Photography Awards is led by the acclaimed filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, known for her expertise in storytelling and visual aesthetics. She will be joined by three renowned photographers: Vineet Vohra, Rakesh Pulapa, and Aamir Wani. Each brings a unique perspective and mastery in photography, ensuring that the entries are evaluated with the highest standards of creativity and technical skills.

How does one participate in these Awards, and what are the key themes and timelines of the vivo Imagine Photography Awards?

To participate, contestants need to register on vivoimagine.com, where they can submit their entries from August 19th until September 8th. The competition features six carefully chosen categories—Nature & Wildlife, Architecture, Portraits, Night & Light, Motion, and Street Photography—that resonate with a broad audience. The top 30 finalists will be selected by the jury, who will then compete for the grand prize at a finale event slated to be organised in Mumbai. The winner will receive a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, while each category winner will be awarded a vivo X100 Pro smartphone.

What are your observations on the growing importance of smartphone photography?

Smartphone photography has become the preferred medium for capturing life’s moments, and at vivo, we are continuously setting new benchmarks in smartphone camera innovation. Our X series products, in particular, are among the best devices for capturing life’s moments with exceptional clarity and detail. As our brand purpose emphasizes, we aim to bring joy to people’s lives through these innovations, enabling them to tell their stories and share their experiences in meaningful ways.

How are you encouraging more people to participate in the vivo Imagine Photography Awards? Is there any age limit?

There is no age limit for participating in the vivo Imagine Photography Awards. The only requirement is that entries must be captured using a vivo smartphone. Last year, we received over 21,000 entries, and we are expecting even more this year. To encourage participation, we are focusing on digital marketing strategies, along with a few print campaigns, to reach a wider audience and inspire more people to share their creative work.

Is there any marketing strategy or social media strategy for the vivo Imagine Photography Awards?

Our marketing efforts are predominantly digital, as the awards themselves are digital-focused. We are running targeted campaigns across various online platforms to reach our audience. In addition, we are planning some print campaigns to complement our digital strategy, ensuring widespread visibility and engagement for the vivo Imagine Photography Awards.

How do you view storytelling through the lens of a smartphone camera?

The smartphone is now the camera of choice for most consumers, allowing them to tell stories in a way that brings joy and connects with others. Whether through a post on Instagram or a shared moment on WhatsApp, storytelling through smartphone photography has become an integral part of our lives. At vivo, we believe that every photograph should bring a smile to your face and enhance the memory it captures, aligning perfectly with our brand purpose of bringing joy to people’s lives.

What are your observations on the recent trends in smartphone photography in India?

 We’ve observed two clear trends in India- wedding-style photography and festival-style photography. vivo has developed special features in our smartphones to cater to these trends, allowing users to capture and share their moments beautifully. For instance, our wedding-style photography feature, developed specifically for the Indian market, has been a huge success. These features enable users to effortlessly capture high-quality photos that they are proud to share, further enriching their storytelling experience.

 What is the theme of the vivo Imagine Photography Awards this year?

 The theme, “Joy of Imagination,” celebrates the boundless power of creativity. It encourages people to express themselves beautifully through photography, touching emotions deeply and communicating without words. The six categories—Architecture, Portraits, Street Photography, Night, Nature, and Wildlife—have been carefully chosen to resonate with the widest possible audience, inviting everyone to participate and capture moments that bring joy to their lives.