Wang Qiuping brought all the tools he could use for taking photos, including a digital camera, tripod, and flashlight.

In the early 1980s, Sony launched the world's first digital camera, the Mavica, which had three lenses and ushered in the era of digital SLRs.

Wang Qiuping used this camera. Regardless of his technical skills, he already surpassed most photographers in terms of equipment.

Chu Yu stepped forward with a big smile: "Teacher Wang, I am Chu Yu. I asked a friend to invite you to take photos."

Wang Qiuping hadn't expected Chu Yu to be so young. He'd heard that the person who asked him to take photos was a clothing store owner who wanted to shoot a New Year's calendar. Wang Qiuping had imagined that she would be a shrewish, middle-aged female boss, but Chu Yu was not only young but also incredibly beautiful.

Beautiful women inspire Wang Qiuping's creativity. Just thinking about being able to photograph such a beautiful woman made Wang Qiuping excitedly shake hands with Chu Yu.

"I'm taking your photos, right? You're very versatile and suit any style. We're sure we can work together to create perfect photos."

Chu Yu smiled and shook her head, "Teacher Wang, we're not filming me, we're filming the 12 models I found. They've already done their styling, and we can start filming once you've rested."

Wang Qiuping lamented that Chu Yu was too versatile, with top-notch looks and figure. Wang Qiuping had worked with many artists, including leading ladies from drama troupes, performing arts troupes, and film studios, but none of them could compare to her.

This ethereal charm is rare. Wang Qiuping even wanted to recommend her to audition in Beijing. With her looks, she could make a name for herself anywhere, even in Hong Kong. Top stars in Hong Kong earn millions of Hong Kong dollars per film. If Chu Yu makes a few movies and gains fame, she can earn a considerable salary.

Then I thought about how gangs were entrenched in Hong Kong and how actresses in the entertainment industry were controlled by them, so it might not be suitable for young girls.

Wang Qiuping then gave up on his persuasion efforts. He was a hard-working person, but the journey was tiring and his old back pain flared up. He planned to rest for one night and start working again the next day.

Chu Yu first introduced him to the models. She then arranged and hung up the clothes to be photographed. Chu Yu had her own ideas about the scene composition. For example, in the photo of Fang Fang wearing a motorcycle outfit, Fang Fang with bright red lips straddled the motorcycle, holding a helmet, facing the camera.

Wang Qiuping was highly skilled, but he lacked the experience and knowledge of Chu Yu from two lifetimes. Many of the ideas Chu Yu proposed excited him.

"I'll think about it in bed tonight, and I'll come to the site early tomorrow morning."

"No rush, you can start working after you've rested. Since you've traveled a long way, I won't invite you out to eat. I'll have someone pack some dishes and send them to the guesthouse later, so you can eat and rest."

Touched by Chu Yu's hospitality and thoughtfulness, Wang Qiuping felt all the fatigue of his journey disappear after eating the hand-pulled mutton that Chu Yu had given him.

The guesthouse had a shower and a toilet in the room. Wang Qiuping took a good hot shower. Although he was there on a business trip, the treatment was better than at home, and the salary was higher. Wang Qiuping was willing to stay a few more days to experience the local customs and culture of Deyang.

The next morning, Dai Donglin lent his car to Chu Yu. Chu Yu carried a floor-standing clothes rack full of garments to the outdoor shooting location. She also took a silver board from the car.

Wang Qiuping was quite surprised, "What is this?"

"A reflector is used to help with taking photos. I learned it from a photographer when I went to Guangzhou. Take a good look..."

Chu Yu pointed the reflector at the model, and sure enough, the shadows on the model's face disappeared instantly, and the model's complexion looked much better in the photo.

Chu Yu found several materials that could be used to make reflectors: a type of decorative roll material and a type of foam box. Large areas of white and silver could achieve the effect of a reflector. Even if it was not as good as the finished products of later generations, making several of them would still achieve the desired effect.

Wang Qiuping didn't have this concept. In the days before Photoshop, photos relied entirely on the models themselves. If the person being photographed was good-looking, the photo would look good; if the person being photographed was ugly, the photo wouldn't turn out well.

Wang Qiuping realized for the first time that appearance could be used to cheat; in fact, makeup and physical attributes could give a model an edge.

Wang Qiuping was overjoyed. Chu Yu discussed model poses with him, helped with lighting, and offered styling suggestions. With her help, Wang Qiuping took photos of an unprecedentedly high standard. He even felt that this shoot was a watershed moment in his career.

The atmosphere on set was great; the models chatted, the photographer was professional, and the perks were good—after all, Chu Yu had bought a bunch of snacks on hand so anyone could have a bite if they got hungry.

Even though changing clothes was tiring, the models were still quite happy.

Wang Qiuping spent two whole days shooting before he finished. After the shoot, Chu Yu distributed the salaries and gave each model a beret. Red, black, and khaki berets looked great with the clothes. They were popular in Hong Kong and Taiwan, but nobody in mainland China wore them like that.

The models were quite excited; their permed hair paired with berets instantly gave them a different vibe.

Before leaving, Qiu Meizhen said, "Boss Zhou, please contact me again if you need any work in the future."

Chu Yu smiled and nodded: "No problem. After the calendar is finished, you can come to my shop to pick up a copy as a souvenir."

Fang Fang took off her motorcycle jacket, hesitated, and struggled for a long time before saying to Chu Yu, "Swimsuit photos... Do you think I can try it? I'm just afraid that the villagers will point and whisper about me after the photos are taken."

Chu Yu's ideal woman is Fang Fang. Fang Fang has a large bust, a small waist, and a petite frame. She has a kind of innocent charm and would definitely look amazing in a swimsuit.

"This swimsuit isn't particularly revealing; it's a one-piece. It's just that you have to stand in the pool to take the photos, so your expression needs to be a little seductive. If you're worried, you can give yourself a stage name, and when you go back to the village, straighten your hair. When people see such a big difference, they might not even think of you."

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