A picture of determination

Each photo was paired with a pertinent description about the subject's story.

"I was moved and inspired by them myself," Zheng says.

Wang Caifang, Zheng's wife, has been very supportive of his career.

She says she is attracted to Zheng for his integrity and sense of responsibility, both to his family and to society.

"I believe in what he is doing. Each time I see him laughing, I know he is doing something that really makes him happy," she says.

Zheng says that he believes a man should leave some work of value to the world.

"I hope my work can be a mirror. We should all be more dedicated to our work and dreams," he says.

Now that he has retired, Zheng says he has more time to commit to his beloved photography.

In addition to his Asian Games exhibition, he has embarked on a new project — photographing 100 model workers.

"I've taken 20 of them, and will focus on the rest after the games," Zheng says.

Contact the writer at yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn