By james art 
The new Oppo Reno12 FS 5G.
Oppo South Africa has unveiled a new curriculum for its 2025 Reno Academy.
Launched locally in 2022, Reno Academy focuses on upskilling people by turning their photography into art using the Oppo Reno series.
According to a statement, the Oppo Reno Academy has become a major player in SA’s creative industry, empowering new talent through affordable artificial intelligence (AI)-driven photography training.
Its focus on AI technology is in line with Oppo’s commitment to advancing smartphone capabilities, especially in enhancing users’ creative potential, it said.
The 2025 curriculum looks at mastering AI-driven photography tools that are setting new standards in the industry.
Led by photographer Craig Howes, participants will explore the transformative power of AI to improve photography and content creation.
The new curriculum includes removing unwanted elements from images, enhancing photos with intelligent processing, and using creative editing tools that offer professional-grade effects.
Upon completion, participants receive a certificate in collaboration with ORMS Cape Town School of Photography.
Over 300 students have come through Reno Academy since its inception.
“At Oppo, we believe that the intersection of technology and creativity can unlock incredible possibilities,” says Avashney Moodley, Head of Marketing at Oppo South Africa.
“We aim to transform passion into professional excellence and pave the way for the next wave of innovation in content creation.”
Enrollment in the Oppo Reno Academy is open to people who own a Reno12 Pro and want to develop their skills and use the power of AI to improve their work.
The Academy is aimed at a range of people, including those looking to turn their hobby into a profession, tech enthusiasts eager to explore new tools, content creators, and budding entrepreneurs aiming to create compelling content.
The program includes attending online seminars, completing interactive modules and participating in mentoring sessions with industry experts. It is designed to be flexible, accommodating different schedules and learning styles.
Participants have access to a variety of online content, including video tutorials, hands-on exercises and live question-and-answer sessions with Howes.
Applications for admission in 2025 have closed and the new student cohort is currently being considered.