Visually impaired use AI technology to capture photographs

A photo of the sunrise overlooking Masjid As-Salam, located in Puchong Perdana, was taken by the visually impaired Jamaliah Mohd Yasin.

Huawei is setting out to prove that visual impairment is no deterrent to being able to take good photos. 

In a collaboration with the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) and arts NGO Plus Community (+Community), Huawei launched a three-month “Sensory Photography” series of classes for a group of visually impaired individuals and MAB students, where they were encouraged to use photography as a medium to express themselves as well as envision their surroundings.

The 10 classes were part of Huawei's "AI As The Eyes" campaign that aims to provide photography skills to the visually impaired using Huawei P20 Pro’s artificial intelligence technology.

Using the smart voice guide, as well as the phone’s AI-powered camera that intelligently assists users, participants were able to take photographs.The classes were conducted by Malaysian photographer David Lok, founder of DL Studios, who taught the participants the basics of light, shadows, forms and textures, and how to tell better stories using the P20 Pro’s camera.

“At Huawei Technologies, we believe that the visually impaired should not be left behind. They should also be able to ride the wave of technology together with us. Which is why our innovative technologies are meant to be shared among all members of the community. This initiative marks our long-standing efforts in providing the skills, products and services that expand connectivity and connect people to important technologies and opportunities,” said Huawei Consumer Business Group country director Bill Liu in a statement. 

“It is amazing to see participants so eager to learn and to observe the creative expressions portrayed in each photograph. This drives us further to do what we do on a daily basis, to play a part in giving back to members of the community and operate in a socially responsible manner because this is the core of our business,” he added. 

Jamaliah Mohd Yasin, a mother of two and grandmother of three whose condition is classified as B1 – total visual impairment – is one of the participants whose photographs have been submitted for Huawei’s Next-Image Photography Awards 2018. The award offers a grand prize of US$20,000 (RM82,100) as well as the opportunity for winners to showcase their best work to a global audience.

To learn more about the Next-Image Awards or submit your photographs visit gallery.consumer.huawei.com.