Beijing, China - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of Ma Guoqing, camera operator, working
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese, dubbed in English) Ma Guoqing, camera operator:
"My name is Ma Guoqing. I was born on October 1st, 1986. My grandfather gave me the name. I think it was because he had served in the military and I was born on that day. So it felt appropriate."
3. Various of Ma working
4. Photo of Ma's work permit for 70th National Day celebrations
5. Ma working
6. SOUNDBITE (Chinese, dubbed in English) Ma Guoqing, camera operator (starting with shot 5/partially overlaid with shot 7):
"When I was in elementary school, I could have taken part in the 50th-anniversary celebrations. But I broke my arm and could not go. I was really disappointed. Years later, I found myself in Tian'anmen Square for the 70th anniversary. I was so thrilled that I was shaking when I found out I'd be filming there; it was overwhelming. I filmed the first crane shot, sweeping over the parade formation toward Tian'anmen."
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7. Photo of Ma at 70th National Day celebrations
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8. Various of photos of Ma's work permits in major events
9. SOUNDBITE (Chinese, dubbed in English) Ma Guoqing, camera operator (starting with shot 8/partially overlaid with shot 10):
"I feel fortunate to have witnessed China's rapid development over the years. When I began learning camera work, I used Beta cameras, then DVCAM. Now I rarely use video cameras; I mostly shoot with versatile still cameras."
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10. Various of Ma working
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11. Various of Ma working

As China marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, cameraman Ma Guoqing has a uniquely personal connection to National Day. Born on Oct. 1 and named "Guoqing" after the holiday, he has spent years documenting some of the country's landmark moments and sweeping changes through his lens.

For decades, generations of Chinese parents have named their children "Guoqing", meaning National Day, as a heartfelt tribute to the country's founding.

"My name is Ma Guoqing. I was born on October 1st, 1986. My grandfather gave me the name. I think it was because he had served in the military and I was born on that day. So it felt appropriate," said Ma Guoqing.

That name gave him a natural connection to the holiday -- a connection that took on new meaning in 2019, when Ma worked on the live broadcast of the military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

"When I was in elementary school, I could have taken part in the 50th-anniversary celebrations. But I broke my arm and could not go. I was really disappointed. Years later, I found myself in Tian'anmen Square for the 70th anniversary. I was so thrilled that I was shaking when I found out I'd be filming there, It was overwhelming. I filmed the first crane shot, sweeping over the parade formation toward Tian'anmen," he said.

From National Day celebrations to major international sporting events, Ma's lens has chronicled China's historic moments. Looking back, he says the evolution of his equipment tells its own story of a changing era.

"I feel fortunate to have witnessed China's rapid development over the years. When I began learning camera work, I used Beta cameras, then DVCAM. Now I rarely use video cameras; I mostly shoot with versatile still cameras," he said.