Lin Quanzhu

Lin Quanzhu (1922—1977) was born in Taichung. He was a photographer and photojournalist known for his realistic photography documenting the social and cultural landscapes of Taiwan from the 1950s to the 1970s. 
==Life==
Lin Quanzhu (1922–1977) was born in Taichung, Taiwan. His father, Lin Cao (1881–1953), was a pioneering photographer who owned a photography studio called "Lin Photo Shop." Lin Quanzhu began learning photography from his father at a young age. In 1949, he started to research color darkroom processing techniques independently. Taking over his father's business in 1951, Lin renamed it "Lin Photo Studio" and expanded its services to include commercial photography and videography.
In 1953, Lin Quanzhu became a local photojournalist for both the "Min Sheng Daily" and the "Central Daily News." In 1954, he co-founded the "Taichung Photography Research Association" with fellow photography enthusiasts such as Chen Gengbin. The association was later renamed the "Taichung Photography Association" in 1961, with Lin Quanzhu serving as a director. He played a significant role in promoting photography and organizing events in the central region of Taiwan. Lin also served as a judge for several editions of the Taiwan Provincial Art Exhibition's photography category.
His photographic works were frequently featured in publications issued by the Taiwan Provincial Government, the Provincial Farmers' Association, Taiwan Province Tourism Guidebooks, as well as in magazines like "Taiwan Panorama" and "Kuangchi Calendar."
In 1969, Lin Quanzhu captured images of astronaut Neil Armstrong's visit to Taichung after his historic moon landing. Tragically, Lin Quanzhu passed away suddenly from a heart attack during an assignment in June 1977.
==Photographic creation==
Lin Quanzhu's photographic creations primarily focused on documentary photography. In addition to running his photography studio and working as a photojournalist, he used his camera to capture local customs and rural life scenes in Taiwan. Through careful composition and mastery of light and shadow, he captured various moments of everyday life, often employing backlighting techniques effectively. Moreover, Lin independently researched color darkroom processing techniques, making him one of the early pioneers in color photography development and innovation in Taiwan.
After Lin Quanzhu's passing, he left behind over ten thousand images, the majority of which depict Taiwanese society from the 1950s to the 1970s, including rural life, working-class people, indigenous communities, and contemporary social issues. These images serve as valuable historical records for Taiwan.
During a financial crisis at the "Lin Photo Studio," Lin Quanzhu's wife, Wu Zumei (born in 1930 in Changhua), recognized the potential of the beauty industry. She decided to study related techniques in Japan. Upon her return, she opened the "Jumei Salon" and beauty training classes on the second floor of the studio, in addition to the studio's wedding photography business. Together, they provided comprehensive services ranging from bridal makeup and styling to wedding photography, pioneering Taiwan's earliest wedding photography industry at the "Lin Photo Studio."
==Exhibition Record==
In 1965, Lin Quanzhu participated in a joint exhibition with Yu Ruji and Xu Yanleng.
In 1966, he extensively photographed the ecology of egrets in the suburbs of Taichung City and held a solo exhibition.
In 1972, together with his wife, he held a ribbon flower exhibition combining bridal photography.
In September 1977, the "Lin Quanzhu Posthumous Photography Exhibition" was held.
In 2012, the National Museum of History held the exhibitions "Chronicles of Light and Shadow - Everyday Taiwan 1920-1992" and "Gaze and Encounter - The Eye of Formosa Photography Exhibition".
Category:Taiwanese people
Category:1922 births
Category:1977 deaths
Category:People from Taichung
Category:Photographers