Rankin takes to the streets to capture a return to UK night-time culture

Three UK partners with world-renowned photographer to showcase how to capture quality night-time memories, as Britain marks its first lockdown free Spring in two years

To celebrate the first lockdown-free Spring in two years, Three has partnered with renowned documenter of British culture Rankin, to capture Londoners enjoying the start of British Summer Time restriction-free.

Rankin took to the bustling streets of Seven Dials in Central London on Saturday evening to capture revellers on their nights out, all taken on a smartphone to mimic how most of us photograph our night-time memories.

Three’s collaboration with Rankin comes off the back of new research highlighting that most of us want to keep the alfresco culture born from the last few years of restrictions – something synonymous of European culture that has previously evaded Britain – but that we’d struggle to capture the moment properly on our smartphone.

A whopping 89% of UK adults would like to see alfresco culture remain despite the unpredictable English weather, with more than half (58%) planning to dine or drink outside almost every time they go out.

The survey also showed that more than 1 in 2 Brits (54%) struggle to take a photo or video at night due to low light conditions and a limited knowledge of the photographic capabilities of their mobile devices. In addition, more than a fifth (22%) like to post photos or videos to social or send to friends immediately on a night out.

By teaming up with Rankin, Three hopes to inspire the nation to level up their night-time photography game by showing how to capture those special evening moments, and share them instantly through Three’s 99% coverage and fastest 5G network**.

While doing so, he posted his tips and tricks to Three’s Instagram page, demonstrating how to frame a night-time picture, minimise light interference or movement and also insight into some simple device settings, to capture the moment perfectly.

His tips revealed how easy it is for anybody to use the many photography features available on today’s smartphones, to enhance the quality of the image they are taking and make it ready for immediate upload. It just requires delving slightly deeper into the phone’s capabilities.

Rankin, photographer and director, said: “Many struggle to take good quality photos in the dark on smartphones – with blurred faces, shaky silhouettes and blackout pictures the most commonplace. However, the trick to great night-time photography is already in the palm of your hand! I wanted to show that the effects and functions on our smartphones aren’t as intimidating as they might seem. With this know-how and Three’s reliable network, everyone can capture and share their twilight memories in just a few clicks.”

Andrew Foy, marketing director at Three UK, said: “We couldn’t have partnered with anyone better than Rankin to help the nation expand their night photography skills. This expertise together with our network will ensure Brits can continue to snap and share their memories no matter what time of day it is.”   

To see Rankin’s top tips and tricks for capturing nightlife memories, visit Three’s Instagram page.