The photographer uses the foreground composition technique, with hanging willow branches as the foreground to highlight the mid-ground sightseeing boats, lake reflections, and the brilliant sunset in the background. The composition should include the foreground willow branches, the middle-ground boats on the lake, and the sunset glow in the background. Travel Tip: Arrive at Shichahai around 5 PM to enjoy the sunset.

Shichahai - Evening Glow by the Lake

For the shooting angle, maintain a level perspective to ensure that the willow tree and the building are fully captured without any obstructions. In terms of composition, use the rule of thirds: the top third for the sky, the middle third for the willow tree and the building, and the bottom third for the lake, creating a clear layering. For the framing, include the shimmering lake in the foreground and the willow tree and building in the background to showcase the vitality of spring and the urban atmosphere. Travel Tip: The entrance to Shichahai is free, but there is a charge for boat tours.

Shichahai - Willow Trees by the Lake and Docked Cruise Boats

The photographer stands on the opposite bank of the river, holding the camera at chest level to capture a reflection composition. The building occupies the upper two-thirds of the frame, while the water’s reflection takes up the lower one-third. Additional tip: It is recommended to avoid holidays and visit on a weekday instead.

Shichahai - Night View of Shops

The figure is positioned on the right side of the frame, with the photographer shooting at eye level. The foreground includes the intricately carved railing on the left, the mid-ground features a red boat, and the background incorporates the illuminated buildings across the river and a deep blue sky, enhancing the depth of the scene. The person is turned sideways, looking towards the opposite shore, with a natural posture that guides the viewer's gaze towards the night view. Travel Tip: Admission is free.

Shichahai - Take a photo with the lakeside boats and night views of bridges.

Shooting Techniques: The photographer should position themselves at a 45-degree angle in front of the subject, shooting at eye level. Use the rule of thirds for composition, placing the subject in the bottom right third of the frame to make them the focal point. The bridge, weeping willows, and water should occupy other areas of the frame. Use a medium to long lens to blur the background, emphasize the subject, and compress space, making the relationship between the subject and background elements more compact. Shooting Suggestions: 1. Poses: ① One hand resting on the railing, looking into the distance. ② Leaning lazily over the side of the boat with both hands. ③ Sitting in the middle of the boat, pretending to tie your hair. 2. Travel Tips: ① Entrance Fee: The Shichahai Scenic Area is free, but some internal attractions may charge separately. ② Operating Hours: Open 24 hours. ③ Entry Time: Opens at 6:00 AM, stops admitting visitors at 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM. ④ Best Shooting Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, when the orange sunset lights up the lake, creating picturesque silhouettes of boats. 3. Props: Consider bringing sunglasses, a bubble machine, etc. 4. Dress Code: Light-colored long dresses paired with a hat are recommended. You can also bring a sun-protective jacket or a light coat. Choose comfortable and lightweight shoes. 5. Other Tips: ① Choose a day with no wind to avoid issues with boat operations. ② Try shooting from a low angle to capture the silhouette of the bridge and the Western Hills, or use a 2-second long exposure to blur the boat's trail. ③ The area near Yinding Bridge is particularly scenic and ideal for photos.

Shichahai - Houhai Dibai Cruise Ship Dock

The photographer stands by the Shichahai Lake, facing the Bell and Drum Towers. The lake surface and trees create a natural visual separation, adding depth to the composition. I recommend using a standard lens, which is suitable for medium to long-distance shooting. This way, you can capture the entire Bell and Drum Towers along with the lake and tree background.

Shichahai and Bell and Drum Towers in the same frame

The model stands beside the railing by the water, her right hand lightly resting on the railing, with a natural sideways stance. The hanging willow branches are placed at the top of the frame as a foreground element, adding depth. The composition includes the water, distant night lights, and the railing, ensuring the subject is clear and the environmental elements are complete, preserving the night ambiance. Travel Tips: ① Admission: Free; ② Operating Hours: 24/7.

Shichahai - Take a night photo with the waterside railings.

The model stands in front of the railing, resting her hands naturally on it, while the photographer shoots at eye level. Use a foreground-to-background composition, with lotus leaves in the foreground, the model highlighted in the midground, and the buildings and trees on the opposite shore with their lights in the background. Include part of the sky to balance the frame, enhancing the depth and storytelling of the image. Travel Tip: The location is free to visit, but nearby attractions may require separate admission fees.

Shichahai - Group photo with lotus leaves by the lake, railings, distant buildings, and green plants.

From the photographer's position, they should shoot from a slightly lower position in front of the subject, maintaining an eye-level angle to naturally blend the subject into the background. The composition uses a central focus, placing the subject in the center of the frame to highlight the main subject, while the background of water and sky serves as a simple and clean backdrop. A standard lens is used to maintain the true proportions of the subject and the environment, ensuring natural perspective and clear details of both the subject and the background. 1. Travel Tips: Admission is free. 2. Additional Tips: Sunset is around 19:10, and the best spot to watch the sunset is Yinding Bridge in Shichahai.

Shichahai - Riverside Group Photo

Capture the contrast between the ancient-style eaves and the neon signs, centering the composition with the pink neon sign in the middle of the frame. Ensure the sign is clear and prominent. Include the potted plants in the foreground, the wooden lattice windows and glass door of the shop in the mid-ground, and the dark eaves and blue sky in the background to enhance the depth of the scene. Additional tips: During holidays, there is a large crowd, so it’s recommended to visit off-peak hours.

Shichahai - July 7th Sunny Shop Sign