Apply the rule of thirds to compose scenes featuring both the Forbidden City and modern architecture, enhancing the balance of the frame. Use the structure of the Forbidden City as leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye. Shoot from a low angle to showcase the grandeur of the Forbidden City. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire scene and increase depth of field. Include tourists in the foreground to add a human touch. Design interesting poses to make the photos more engaging.

Choose the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for shooting, using soft light to highlight the layers of the Forbidden City. Perform color correction to enhance the characteristic colors of the Forbidden City. Adjust the contrast to make details stand out more clearly.

The Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City - Southeast Corner Tower framed with the China World Trade Center

The model stands in the center of the painting, and the photographer shoots from a distance of 3 meters.

Shooting time: 15:00-16:00.

Shooting equipment: Fuji XT30 II.

Space-Time Collection Art Museum - Wall-mounted Painting Device

Composition Rules: Use the Rule of Thirds to balance the Forbidden City with modern architecture, enhancing the harmony of the scene. Utilize the Forbidden City's structures as leading lines to guide the viewer's gaze.

Angles and Lenses: Shoot from a low angle to showcase the grandeur of the Forbidden City. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope and add depth to the image.

Model Integration: Position the model in the foreground, with the photographer 3-5 meters away shooting from a low angle to add a human touch. Design interesting poses to increase the photo's appeal.

Choose to shoot during the golden hours of early morning or dusk. Use the soft light to highlight the layers of the Forbidden City. Perform color correction to enhance the characteristic colors of the Forbidden City. Adjust the contrast to make the details stand out more clearly.

The Forbidden City - Shunzhen Gate and Shenwu Gate in the same frame.

The model stands at the edge of the green space, facing away from the camera, looking towards the Temple of Heaven. The photographer uses a low angle and slightly upward shot, with the framing slightly offset to the right. Branches are used in the foreground to place the Temple of Heaven in the focal area. It is recommended to use a standard lens to compress the image and highlight the relationship between the Temple of Heaven and the model.

1. Travel Tips: It's best to start your visit at 9 AM or 1 PM to avoid crowds. Avoid visiting on Mondays as the main buildings, including the Temple of Heaven, are not open.
2. Dress Suggestions: Wear denim or black clothing.

Temple of Heaven Park - Take a photo with the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the surrounding wall.

The model stands next to the spring apparatus, and the photographer is 3 meters away from the model.

Shooting time: 15:00-16:00.

Shooting equipment: FujiXT30 II.

Beijing Space-Time Collection Art Museum - Spring Device

The model can lean against the stone railing on the far left of the stairs. The photographer can stay below the stairs, shooting upward or parallel to the left, or can shoot directly from the stairs of the Huangqian Hall.

Equipment settings: Fuji X-H2S, 18-55mm lens.

Posing suggestions:
1. Lean back against the stone railing, place one hand on the railing, and look to the side.
2. Place both hands on the railing, leaning to the side.
3. Stand sideways against the railing, looking forward.

Ticket prices: 10 RMB for the main entrance, 20 RMB for the Qiniandian, and 28 RMB for the combined ticket.

It is recommended to choose dark or contrasting clothing to highlight the layers between the person and the background. The model can lean against the railing, facing sideways or directly toward the camera, with the sign and architectural details of the Huangqian Hall prominently in the background.

The Temple of Heaven - Imperial Vault of Heaven Plaque and Stone Railing

The photographer stands below the stairs and needs to use a telephoto lens with at least a 200mm focal length to capture a beautiful juxtaposition of the old and new.
Shooting Equipment: Fujifilm XT4 + 70-300mm.
Shooting Time: Around 14:00, make sure to choose a clear, sunny day with high visibility.

The Forbidden City - Past and Present in the Same Frame

The model is shooting in front of a mirror, with the photographer standing 3 meters away from the model.

Shooting Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

Shooting Equipment: Fujifilm X-T30 II.

Beijing Time Collection Art Museum - Ripple Space Mirror

Composition Rules: Use the rule of thirds to frame the ancient architecture and the white marble railings of the Forbidden City, enhancing the balance of the scene. Utilize the structure of the platform as leading lines to guide the viewer's eye.

Angles and Lenses: Shoot from a low angle to showcase the grandeur of the Forbidden City. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the panoramic view, increasing the depth of field.

Model Poses: Place the model in the foreground to add a human touch. Alternatively, have the model stand below a dragon-spine ornament, interacting with the architecture in an intriguing pose to add interest to the photo.

Choose the golden hour, either early morning or late evening, for shooting to utilize soft light that highlights the layers of the white marble steps of the Forbidden City. Perform color correction to enhance the distinctive colors of the Forbidden City. Adjust the contrast to make details clearer. In the morning, choose the dragon head on the eastern side, and in the evening, choose the better light on the western side.

The Taihe Hall of the Forbidden City - A corner of the white marble platform

1. Positioning: Stand behind the railing of Huangqian Hall and choose a front-facing angle to shoot the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, ensuring the door frame is complete and centered, creating a symmetrical composition.
2. Composition: Frame the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest through the door frame in the center of the image to enhance depth and visual guidance.
3. Lens Recommendation: Use a 50mm lens on a camera or the 2x zoom on a smartphone to ensure the main subject is clear and the background is appropriately compressed.

1. Travel Tips:
① Ticket Price: Park entrance + small attractions 34 RMB;
② Opening Hours: Park opens at 6:00 AM, attractions open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest will be lit up at 7:00 PM every Friday, Saturday, and holidays, allowing for night viewing.
③ Shooting Time: If shooting in the morning, it is recommended to queue at the East Gate at 7:30 AM to be one of the first visitors to enter. If shooting in the afternoon, enter before 5:30 PM.
2. Additional Tips: The main entrance to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and the Guxi Gate are often crowded with people. It is best to arrive early in the morning at 8:00 AM or just before closing at 6:00 PM to capture your shots.

Temple of Heaven - Opposite the Huangqian Hall, to the left of the railings