The model stands to the right of the road sign, positioned on the right side of the frame, with the photographer using a low-angle shot to highlight the road sign and red brick wall. The subject is placed on the right, the road sign is in the central upper part of the image, and the red brick wall serves as a backdrop to enhance the scene. 

Travel Tips: Admission is free.

Dongjiaomin Alley – Photo with Road Sign and Red Brick Wall

Use a low-angle shot to emphasize the three-dimensionality of the stone pillars and the stone tablet. Employ the rule of thirds in composition, placing the left stone pillar and iron gate on the left third of the frame, and the right stone tablet on the right third, achieving balance. Frame the shot to include the entrance, the "St. Michael's Catholic Church" plaque, the stone tablet, and the leaves above to add a natural atmosphere.

Shooting time: It is recommended to shoot during clear weather when natural light is good.

Beijing Dongjiaomin Alley – Church Entrance Gate and Stele

The photographer stands slightly to the side in front of the road sign, shooting from a perspective slightly higher than the road sign. Use central composition to place the road sign in the center of the frame to highlight it. It is recommended to use a medium telephoto lens, which can blur the background and enhance the clarity of the road sign.

Dongjiaomin Alley – Dongjiaomin Alley Directional Sign

The photographer stands across the street, capturing the scene from a low angle looking up, enhancing the towering sense of the building and the dynamic effect of the characters. Place the orange-red brick building and the characters in the center of the frame to highlight the visual focus of the subject.

1. Dressing Suggestions: It is recommended to wear light-colored cheongsams or French-style dresses, paired with straw bags. Due to the long cobblestone road, it is essential to wear flat shoes.

2. Travel Tips: The best photography time is suggested to be from 7:00 to 10:00 in the morning or from 16:00 to 19:00 in the evening. It is advised to avoid shooting between 12:00 noon and 15:00, as some parts of the road may lack shade.

3. Other Experiences: It is recommended to stroll or cycle here on a sunny day for a pleasant experience. During the visit, pay attention to the historical plaques on the walls. You can scan the QR codes to learn about the past and present of the buildings. When the streetlights come on, the bas-reliefs of the buildings will have a more film-like feel under the warm light.

Dongjiaomin Alley – No. 23 Courtyard Orange-Red Brick Building and Iron Gate

The photographer stands diagonally from the building at a slight distance, using a flat shooting angle with the camera position slightly lower than the building's ridgeline to highlight the architectural sense of three-dimensionality and light and shadow effects. A character is placed on the right side to enhance the storytelling and sense of space.

Dongjiaomin Alley – Chinese Architecture

The model stands next to the road sign, with the photographer placing the model and the sign at the center of the frame to highlight the subject. The horizontal and vertical lines of the sign contrast with the form of the figure, enriching the layers of the image. It is recommended to use a standard lens to present the scene from a realistic perspective, restoring the true spatial relationships.

1. Equipment specifications: Nikon Z30 (prime + zoom lenses).
2. Travel tips:
   ① Admission is free;
   ② It is recommended to go for a shoot in the afternoon or evening.

Dongjiaomin Alley – Photo with Signpost

Photo by Dongjiaomin Alley – Chinese Arch Building and Stone Lion Sculpture

Dongjiaomin Alley – Chinese Arch Building and Stone Lion Sculpture

The photographer stands parallel to the sign and building, capturing the scene from a slight distance with a direct line of sight, employing a framing composition technique. By using the architectural arches and windows as frames, the sign is incorporated, enhancing the sense of depth in the image.

1. Travel tips: It is recommended to take photos after 3 PM when the light is softer, resulting in a better atmospheric feel in the photos.

2. Wardrobe suggestions: It is advised to wear simple vintage French or American-style clothing, which matches the architectural style more effectively.

Dongjiaomin Alley – Dongjiaomin Alley Road Sign and Buildings

The photographer should position themselves at a close distance and low angle in front of the church, looking up; use vertical lines in the composition to emphasize the solemnity with the towering spires and other vertical elements of the church; it is recommended to use a wide-angle lens to capture the entirety of the church and surrounding buildings, using perspective to enhance the sense of height and grandeur of the church.

1. Travel tips: Daily mass at 07:00, and Sunday masses at 07:00, 08:00, and 18:00.

2. Additional experiences:
   ①The east side of the church is partially blocked by residential buildings, and it takes about 2 hours after sunrise for light to gradually reach the church; in summer, the light might be the best, warmest, and softest around 6 PM, while in winter it might be around 4 PM.
   ②You can enter the church during mass, but you must adhere to the church's regulations.

Beijing St. Michael’s Cathedral – Residential Buildings and the Church

The model stands on the zebra crossing while the photographer captures the scene with a medium telephoto lens, including the model, road, vehicles, European-style buildings, red brick walls, and trees in the frame. The red-roofed European-style building is centrally located to highlight the subject, and the brick wall serves as a background to enhance the color contrast in the image. 

Travel Tips: Shoot on a sunny day for better lighting and more impressive photos.

Dongjiaomin Lane – Red-Brick Wall Photo Spot