A fount of energy and creativity during these years, Cheng explored the many different nooks and crannies of society, as well as distinguishing himself with undersea and bird photography. Cheng also spent considerable time in promoting photography as a worthwhile art and profession.
當時，他的觸角廣泛、取景生動，八年中不間斷地創作，屢見佳績﹘ ﹘從社會百態的寫實報導，到窮鄉僻壤的田野記錄；從觀察細微的鳥類攝影，到現代佈局的光影圖案；從紅外線底片的使用到水底攝影的嘗試，顯示他的精力過人。