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**A Photographer with a Red Legacy: Lu Houmin's Story**
When people think of Lu Houmin, many photographers immediately associate him with the title "Red Photographer." At 82 years old, Lu is not only a veteran photographer but also a literary artist with deep roots in photography. He served as an official photographer for Mao Zedong from 1961 to 1964, capturing some of the most iconic moments of the era. Recently, as a guest judge at the National Weihai Photography Competition, Lu shared his unique experiences and insights on the theme of "Lanwan Yiting" during an exclusive interview.
Mao never restricted my photography.
Born in 1928 in Yilan County, Heilongjiang Province, Lu Houmin has always been driven by a strong passion for photography. In 1948, he left school to pursue a career in the arts, inspired by the world beyond. That same year, he was accepted into the Northeast Film Studio, marking the beginning of his lifelong journey in photography.
After several transfers, in the spring of 1950, Lu joined the Beijing Film Studio’s Photographic Section and was later assigned to Zhongnanhai, where he documented the daily lives and work of China’s leaders. “At first, I was very nervous when taking photos of Mao Zedong and other leaders,†he recalls. “But I soon realized that they were approachable and very open.†Over the next 12 years, Lu had the privilege of photographing Mao closely. He never saw Mao reprimand anyone, and he always encouraged the staff around him. Whether at work or at home, Mao never told Lu what to do or not to do. He would even participate in staged scenes with a smile.
Because of this freedom, we are able to see Mao in more natural and human moments—such as his travels along the Yangtze River or playing table tennis. These images give us a deeper understanding of his personality.
The lens is used to express emotions.
Throughout his decades-long career, Lu Houmin has captured countless memorable moments. One of his most famous works was taken after the 24th session of the Central People's Government Committee in 1953. As the participants left the hall, Lu remained focused on the scene. When he spotted Premier Zhou Enlai walking toward Chairman Mao, he quickly climbed onto the stage and captured a classic image of the two leaders together.
Another of his renowned photographs, "Farewell to Volunteers Returning to China," gained international recognition. It won silver in Germany, gold in the Soviet International Photographic Art Exhibition, and first prize in Cuba. His photo titled "Duck" was awarded the first prize by the Belgian Royal Photographic Society.
As an experienced photographer, Lu believes that photography is not just about light and shadow—it's about conveying emotion and drawing attention to important moments. He emphasizes the importance of using photography as a documentary tool to capture life in its simplest form, creating a powerful and authentic visual story.
Photo contests should spread the beauty of Weihai.
Photography is one of the most direct and effective ways to record and present the world. The National Weihai Photography Competition is not only a way to showcase the beauty of the new Weihai city but also an opportunity to introduce Weihai to the entire country and the world. On January 2nd, after participating in the selection process for the competition, Lu praised the event for its significance.
Lu first came to Weihai over ten years ago on official business. “At that time, the city was still in the early stages of development. The urban greening and landscape design were far less developed than they are today.†This time, he returned and was amazed by the beautiful coastline, the modern architecture, and the overall transformation of the city. “Weihai has changed dramatically.â€
During the competition, Lu was deeply impressed by the theme-based works such as “Blue Weihai,†“Living Weihai,†“Fast Weihai,†and “Ecological Weihai.†He particularly appreciated the photos that captured the local culture and the leisurely lifestyle of the residents. “These images bring Weihai to life in a vivid and three-dimensional way,†he said. He also expressed his belief that such events play a crucial role in promoting the city’s image and tourism industry.
On the same day, after completing the morning judging session, Lu eagerly wrote a message for the readers of the Weihai Daily and the Weihai Evening News: “Wishing you a happy new year and a brighter future for Weihai.†His words reflected both his love for the city and his hopes for its continued growth.