Surviving in a digital world

Shanghai New People Photography changed its name when it moved from Huaihai Road to Julu Road in 2002.

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New technology in digital innovation has not only brought new products, more convenience and better customer experience to modern living, but also threatened to make obsolete traditional photography.

Shanghai New People Photography, the city's only State-owned photo studio, is still operating quietly in a shabby alley off Julu Road.

The studio was once Shanghai's most famous, with celebrity clients drawn from all walks of life and nationalities.

The studio was founded in 1940 by a Russian businessman, and then passed on to his staff Gu Yunming. Gu renamed the studio Qiaoshi Photograph Company before 1949.

From the very beginning, the photo studio was well-known for its unique technique in taking artistic photographs. Even without a spacious studio, the European-style establishment stood out with its neon-lit window display.

During the 1950s, foreign consulate staff as well as celebrities came for half-length portraits. Some of its better recognized clients included movie stars Bai Yang and Zhao Dan, artists Liu Haisu and Zhu Qizhan and writer Ba Jin.

Qiaoshi photographers were even invited to the home of Rong Yiren, a former vice-president of China who played a key role in China's economic reforms. It was for his daughter's wedding.