Shooting Tips: Position the model in front of the red wall, with the photographer standing two arm lengths away, using a 2x/medium telephoto lens.

Shooting Time: 15:00-17:00, when the outdoor light is better.

Shooting Equipment: Fuji XE4 + 18-50mm f2.8.

Outfit Suggestions: The Forbidden City’s overall red walls and gray tiles create a solemn atmosphere, making it perfect for Hanfu and modern Chinese style clothing. Simple, everyday outfits also work well.

Posing Suggestions: If unsure about poses, the model can look down at the camera, look up at the sky, or look down at the ground.

The Forbidden City - Qianqing Gate Murals and Carvings

The model stands about 2 meters in front of a locust tree, and the photographer is about 2 meters away from the model, shooting from a low angle while half-kneeling to capture the model, locust flowers, and the city gate in one shot.

1. Equipment settings: Fuji XT5, lens AF 25mm f2.8.
2. Additional tips: The entire pathway is lined with locust trees, so you can stop and shoot at any time. If you bring a telephoto lens, you can take better shots from the park entrance.

Ming City Wall Ruins Park - Locust Blossoms under the City Tower

The model stands at the center of the hallway, and the photographer stands 1.5 meters directly in front of the model. Using a centered composition, the model is placed in the center of the frame. If willing to accept some distortion, a wide-angle lens can be used to add more tension to the photo.

Pose reference: Slightly turn the body and tilt the head back slightly.

Outfit suggestion: Fitted dress.

Equipment: Fuji XT30II + XF23mm F1.4 lens.

16mm CafeBar - Poster Corridor

The model is seated in the center of the sofa in the hall, and the photographer is positioned 1 meter directly in front of the model. Using a centered composition, the model is placed in the middle of the frame. 
Pose reference: One hand flipping the hair.
Outfit suggestion: Fitted dress.
Shooting time: Around 14:00.
Shooting equipment: Fujifilm XT30II + XF23mm F1.4 lens.

16mm CafeBar - Sofa at the shop entrance

The model stands next to a street lamp, with the photographer about 2 meters away, positioning the camera slightly low for an upward angle.

1. Travel Tips: In spring and summer afternoons, this location is suitable for shooting with the sun behind the photographer. Morning or midday is recommended to avoid backlighting, which can make the model squint.
2. Outfit Suggestions: Wearing traditional Hanfu or a Warring States period robe is highly recommended for a more authentic atmosphere.
3. Additional Tips: Adjust the camera aperture to a smaller setting to capture a clearer view of the city walls in the background.

Beijing Ming City Wall Relics Park - On the City Wall

The photographer is shooting the phoenix crown from a slightly top-down angle to ensure the subject is fully displayed and to minimize background distractions. Adjust the angle to make the phoenix crown appear more three-dimensional. Use a centered composition, placing the phoenix crown slightly above the center of the frame to highlight the intricate details and avoid any text descriptions at the bottom from interfering with the visual impact of the subject.

Travel Tips: The opening hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM during the peak season (April to October), and 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM during the off-season (November to March).

The Palace Museum - The Phoenix Crown of Empress Xiaojing of the Ming Dynasty in the Hall of Treasures

The model stands directly below the fish tank, and the photographer positions themselves 1 meter in front of the model, shooting from a low angle. It’s recommended to use a black organza cover on the lens for a vintage look.
Pose reference: Side profile with a glance back, hand holding a goldfish bubble water.
Outfit suggestion: Form-fitting dress.
Shooting time: Around 14:00.
Shooting equipment: Fuji XT30II + XF23mm F1.4 lens.

16mm CafeBar - Butterfly Flower Decoration Under Fish Pond

The photographer should stand slightly behind and to the side, shooting at a slightly lower angle to capture the light and shadow diagonally, emphasizing the three-dimensional feel of the window frame projections and adding depth to the image. It is recommended to use a 35mm-50mm standard lens or the 1x focal length on a smartphone to avoid distortion caused by wide-angle lenses.

1. Equipment Settings: Sony a7m4, with 16-35mm and 70-200mm lenses.
2. Travel Tips:
① Weather Selection: Choose a sunny day with excellent air quality. The sunlight will make the architectural details stand out, and the Forbidden City is most beautiful with its contrasting light and shadow under a clear blue sky.
② Shooting Time: The strong midday light in winter in Beijing can be very harsh, making it easy to overexpose the buildings and landscapes. Therefore, it's best to enter the Forbidden City early in the morning and take photos before noon or after 3:00 PM.
3. Additional Tips: Focus on capturing the changes in light and shadow on the halls, walls, and glazed tiles.

The Palace Museum - Bench next to the Right Gate of the Taihe Hall

The model leans against the railing while the photographer stands below, shooting upwards from a few steps away. You can try using a 2x/medium-telephoto lens.

1. Equipment: Fuji X4, 18-50mm f2.8 lens.
2. Pose: Looking at the camera or not is fine, but turning your body slightly towards the camera gives a more cinematic feel.
3. Outfit Suggestions: Keep it simple and clean, with black, white, and gray being versatile choices.

The Forbidden City - Taihe Hall railing side

The model is seated on a chair next to the fish pond on the terrace, and the photographer stands at a 45-degree angle to the side of the model. The framing should capture the table, chairs, and the fish pond on the terrace to add depth to the photo.

Pose reference: Rest both hands on the stool and smile at the camera.

Outfit suggestion: Fitted dress.

Shooting time: Around 14:00.

Shooting equipment: Fuji XT30II + XF23mm F1.4 lens.

16mm CafeBar - Terrace Fish Pond