Chongqing - "The day I started my own family, all we had were a few noodles and some grain. My wife often hid in the kitchen to cry, but once her tears were gone, we carried on life together. From those hard days to children and now grandchildren, every moment has felt as full as grain in the fields."

This is just one of the many life stories Zhou Wenyi has captured. With 25 years behind the lens, the 45-year-old sees herself as more than just a photographer. "I think middle-aged and elderly people have so many stories worth telling," she says. That's why photographing them is so meaningful—everyone has a story of their own."

For her, the camera is just a tool; she considers herself more a writer of life stories than someone behind the lens.

Zhou hopes to preserve every client's story, leaving behind photos, memories, and words for their children and grandchildren. Perhaps, one day, when they face difficulties, these memories or words might help guide them through tough times.

Her studio in the Yuzhong District in downtown Chongqing welcomed a three-generation family on the day Bridging News visited.

An almost 80-year-old grandmother, who had never worn makeup before, visited the studio for the first time to take birthday portraits. A couple in their 60s, celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary, came to make up for the wedding photos they never had the chance to take in their youth. They even brought their marriage certificate — and the husband, his military discharge papers — to preserve a piece of their shared memories.

With the help of 27-year-old daughter Wang Haoyi, the family had traveled over 50 kilometers from Hechuan District, bridging generations and distances for these cherished memories.

Zhou admits that working with middle-aged and elderly clients can be financially challenging. Having lived through hard times, many are thrifty and hesitant to spend, while the work often demands more energy than it earns. She personally oversees every step, from makeup and photography to post-production and storytelling, yet not all clients fully understand the dedication behind each portrait.

Aging is just another chapter in life—one where people continue to embrace beauty and yearn for love. For Zhou, helping middle-aged and elderly people regain confidence through photography brings her great satisfaction.

She also takes joy in helping clients make up for the wedding photos they couldn't take in their youth due to financial constraints. These experiences make her feel she is doing something meaningful, not merely pursuing commercial profit.