His achievements as a paparazzo have changed Zhuo’s personality, making him a more talkative and positive person. “I am very grateful that I became a journalist. People like to look forward, but I like to look back. Since I know I’m in a better position than I was in the past, I’m more willing to work harder,” said Zhuo.
Zhuo’s studio sells dozens of news stories to different entertainment channels and magazines every month, with each story worth about 1,000 to 2,000 yuan ($150-300) including photos and videos.
For Zhuo, money was never the goal. He feels it his social responsibility to reveal both the truth and human nature.
“People have some misunderstandings about us. One is that paparazzi don’t have moral values. Second is that we make a lot of money,” said Zhuo, adding that their principle is never to break the law—only film celebrities in public spaces, without involving any type of wiretap[竊聽裝置] or tracker, and to report only what has been proven to be true.
For Zhuo, the most important thing is to love your job and believe in it. “We’ve faced tough times, misunderstandings and pressure but I’ve made it through them … I was born for this.”