When she was a primary school student, a photographer would be invited to their home to take a photo of the extended family, who gathered for her grandparents' birthdays. Sun says her parents like to visit the studio because of its long association with her family.

Sun's grandparents started to take her parents there for photos when they were kids. While growing up, her parents also went there to mark crucial moments of life, such as when they got their first job.

Zhang Yi, a freelancer, says that, although he often uses a camera and tripod to take family photos, he prefers the ones taken at the China Photo Studio.

"As a shutterbug, I have great affection for studios," the 54-year-old says. "I believe such photos are an inheritance of the past. They provide a sense of nostalgia."

Zhang says his parents took him to the China Photo Studio for his birthday photos and family photos when he was young.

"After my daughter was born, I started taking her there for her photos."

Zhang still has many old black- and-white family photos that record his family history.

In some other photo studios, images are shot following set patterns.

"People may look perfect in the images but they don't look like themselves at all."

He notices photo studios in China cater to different customer demands. Children's photography and wedding shots are popular.