From the 1940 s to the early 1950 s, Hong Kong photography studios business went well, but in 1952 the United States introduced an embargo to Southeast Asia and the transport of film and photography equipment was also stopped. Several photography studios closed and many photographers lost their jobs. From the 1960 s to the early 70 s, several unemployed photographers started working on the street near the Immigration Office, especially for those who need the picture for passports and re-entry permits. The public service of the People's Republic of China announced that '' they have the opportunity to take pictures within an hour." As it took two or three days in a general photography workshop to get the pictures, these '' fast photographers '' were a way to survive. But if an average family wanted to have a family portrait done, they still chose the well-equipped studio.
