Yao Jingcai was born in Changzhou, Jiangsu province. In 1938, he joined the China Photo Studio in Shanghai as an apprentice, and started his own photography business in 1942. After the founding of New China, he successively served as the vice chairman of Shanghai Photographic Trade Union, the manager of China Photo Studio, the fourth committee member of China Federation of Literary and Art, the second council member and the third and fourth standing council member of China Photographers Association.

The production, distribution and dissemination of standard images of leaders belong to the category of political activities. They are not only required to be true and beautiful, but also to be serious, solemn and friendly in politics, which goes beyond People’s Daily experience. In addition to repairing wrinkles and other work in the revision process, but also again adjust the face light and tone, finally make the face appears full bright and clean. This standard image was soon used for Zhou Enlai’s foreign affairs activities in Asia, Europe and Africa. It has the largest circulation and the longest use time, and is also the most representative standard image of Zhou Enlai.

(Edited by Su Wenxiang, Xu Chongbao, Huang Si, 2015)