Love under a rocket's glow

Four months later, China prepared to launch the Chang'e 5 lunar mission. Scheduled before daybreak, it posed a creative challenge. Luo responded by crafting a transparent umbrella edged with tiny glowing bulbs, transforming a night shoot into a luminous tableau. "By that time, I had become a true space fan," Luo said. "I bought some spaceflight merchandise to try and make my pictures more interesting and unique."

In June 2021, the couple traveled to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia to witness the Shenzhou XII crewed mission. For the first time, Luo was photographing astronauts departing for China's new Tiangong space station.

The journey from Nanning took a full day, but Lou said the effort was worth it. "Seeing off our astronauts flying toward our own space station is an unforgettable memory," he said.

Since that first launch five years ago, Luo has photographed 37 rocket launches, which sent astronauts, deep-space probes, cargo ships and various kinds of satellites into orbit. His images, which feature him, his wife and their oldest son, have been shared widely online on social media. Media outlets have also used them extensively.

Family matters

Luo's enthusiasm for rockets has rubbed off on his family as well. "My oldest son is nearly 6 years old and has already seen 24 launches, including one from a ship. He is also a space fan and likes sharing what he knows about rockets and spaceflights with his friends and kindergarten teachers," said Luo. Luo intends to take him to the Xichang and Taiyuan launch centers once he's old enough to appreciate them.

Recognition has followed Luo's interest in rockets. He has been invited to participate in an official documentary about China's lunar program. A filmmaker friend has also produced a short documentary on Luo and his family's "rocket stories". What began as a hobby has become not just a career, but a launchpad for fame.

Luo's journey is a reminder of how chance encounters can change a life.

A hotel room, a balcony, a single rocket — and suddenly, a career trajectory shifts. What began as a pastime photographing his girlfriend became a livelihood. What began as curiosity about rockets became a creative identity celebrated nationwide.

zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn