Shannon Fagan came to China in 2010. The 37-year-old American was a commercial photographer back in the US, but because of the economic downturn he decided to move his business to China.

Rather than taking pictures, he said, he makes pictures – designing a photo to capture a specific attitude, activity or atmosphere in China. Clients can purchase them from his company's library to help sell their products.

Stock photography is a fairly unknown industry in China, Fagan said, and he runs much of his business on speculation of what the market needs.

Donning knee and elbow pads during shoots, Fagan has suited up for business in China.

This is his story.

Video: Huan CAO

Producer: Flora Yue