The photographer shoots from a slightly lower position in front of the scene. Using color contrast, the vivid golden ginkgo trees stand out against the ancient buildings in the background, creating a rustic and vibrant autumn atmosphere. A standard lens is used to accurately reproduce the proportions and details of the scenery. Admission prices: Single gate ticket is 10 RMB, combined ticket is 20 RMB.

The Ginkgo Tree at the Entrance of the North Heaven Gate of the Temple of Heaven

The photographer stands on the steps, while the model stands at the diagonal of the red wall at the bottom. 1. Equipment settings: Fuji XT30II, lens 18-55mm. 2. Travel tips: It's recommended to go on a clear day for the best photos. On a sunny day, the background at this location can capture the CBD of Guomao.

The Temple of Heaven - Grey Bricks, Red Walls, and Glazed Tiles

The photographer stands at the end of the bridge, while the model stands near the red door. This setup allows for full-body shots to capture the bridge's elongated appearance, or you can zoom in for half-body shots. Equipment: Fujifilm XT30II, 18-55mm lens.

Temple of Heaven - North Gate of the斋 Palace Bridge

Use a medium telephoto lens to compress the spatial perspective, clearly capturing the intricate details of the Temple of Heaven's architecture (such as the painted decorations and eave structures), while softly rendering the distant background to highlight the subject's central position in the frame. Employ a centered composition with the Temple of Heaven at the center, focusing on its three-tiered roof, blue glazed tiles, and golden spire to emphasize the building's grandeur and iconic status. It is recommended to take photos when the light is best in the morning. In the afternoon, you will need a reflector, as the model will be backlit and require additional lighting. You can also shoot at night, but you will need to bring your own flash.

The Temple of Heaven - GuanTan Art Space Terrace

1. Positioning: The photographer stands in front of the central pillar of the Eastern Annex Hall, using a wide-angle lens to shoot upward. 2. Composition Technique: The shot employs a symmetrical composition with the eaves above and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest below, creating a responsive relationship and adding depth to the image. 3. Lens Usage: A wide-angle lens is used to include more of the sky in the background, enhancing the visual impact of the image. Ticket Prices: Main Gate / $1.50, Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest / $3.00, Combined Ticket / $4.20.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests - Eastern Wing Hall Eave at the Temple of Heaven

The photographer crouches low, shooting upward. The red wall occupies two-thirds of the frame, with the top third featuring the sky-blue glazed tiles, creating a red and blue color contrast. 1. Equipment: Fuji XT5, lens: XF 27mm f2.8. 2. Pose: Walking out from inside the archway creates a more dynamic feel. 3. Travel Tips: Admission is 8 RMB per person, and advance reservation is required. 4. Outfit Suggestions: White clothing is recommended, with red accents to enhance the photo. 5. Other Tips: Photographing through the archway also yields great results. The same red wall and blue glazed tiles found in the Forbidden City, the vermillion red archway and imperial blue create a striking color contrast. Sunlight filtering through the tree shadows adds a cinematic touch to the scene.

Temple of Heaven - West Gate Archway

The photographer stands on the Circular Mound and uses a telephoto lens to capture the Imperial Vault, with the top third of the frame left blank for a symmetrical composition. 1. Equipment: Fujifilm XT30II + 18-55mm lens. 2. Admission: A combo ticket is required, costing 28 RMB.

The entrance to the top staircase of the Altar of Heaven - Round Mound

A telephoto lens paired with your camera can capture the intricate details of the Temple of Heaven’s Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, such as the upturned eaves, bracket sets, and glazed tiles. Using the rule of thirds, place the iconic structures of the Temple of Heaven along the lines of the grid to add more aesthetic appeal to your photos. You can also use the railings of Tianqiao as a foreground element, employing foreground composition to blur the railings and highlight the main structure of the Temple of Heaven, adding depth to the image. Shooting angle: Stand in the middle of the bridge and shoot downwards to capture the red walls, green trees, and the layered architecture of the Temple of Heaven, creating a rich sense of depth. Alternatively, move to the side of the bridge’s railing and shoot at an angle, framing the Temple of Heaven alongside the bustling traffic, showcasing the blend of ancient and modern elements.

Tian Tan - On the first overpass outside the East Gate

Using leading lines composition, the stone balustrade extends from the lower left to the upper right of the frame, with the lines of the posts and panels guiding the viewer's gaze to the red walls and ancient buildings in the background. The frame includes the nearby balustrade, the extending lines, and the red walls and green trees in the background, enhancing the depth of the scene. Travel Tips: Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM (year-round). Major attractions (such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest) may be closed on Mondays.

The Temple of Heaven - Huanqiu Altar Stone Railing

The model stands by the left side of the ancient gate against the wall, with the photographer two meters away, shooting full-body shots with a centered composition. Equipment: Fuji xh2s, lens 18-55. Poses: 1. Stride forward and take the shot. 2. Spread arms and spin, then take the shot. 3. Lean against the wall, looking sideways towards the light. 4. Clasp hands in prayer. Ticket Prices: General Admission / $1.50, Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest / $3, Combined Ticket / $4. Shooting Time: Afternoon is recommended for shooting, as the shadows in the afternoon can create a nice effect of people and their shadows.

The red wall at the side of the Gu Xi Gate in the Temple of Heaven.