The photographer stands by the Houhai Lake, recommending the use of a medium to long focal length lens to capture the shimmering lake surface along with the Drum Tower and the trio of buildings at Guomao in the distance.
Shooting time: around 14:30.
Shooting equipment: Fuji XT30II + 18-55 lens.

Shichahai - Houhai Lake View

Photo by Shichahai Houhai - Stone Balustrades and Willow Trees

Shichahai Houhai - Stone Balustrades and Willow Trees

The model stands with her back to the sunset, and the photographer shoots from the front, slightly crouching to lower the camera angle and add depth to the frame. Place the sunset slightly above and central to the model's head to create a natural halo effect. In the backlight of the sunset, use a fill light or reflector to soften the facial shadows, balance the light ratio, and add a warm ambiance to the overall image.

Equipment settings: It is recommended to use a CCD camera for shooting and turn on the flash to enhance the brightness of the image.

Shichahai - A Symbiosis of Sunset and Lake

Positioning suggestion: The model should stand in front of the railing, with their back to the camera, and the photographer should be 2 meters away from the model.
Composition suggestion: Place the model in the center of the frame for a symmetrical composition, capturing the lake of Shichahai, with the ratio of sky to lake being 1:1.
Shooting time: It is recommended to shoot during the blue hour in the evening.
Shooting equipment: This photo was taken with a Nikon Z6 II + 28-75mm lens. The shooting area is relatively narrow, so the photographer should bring a lens with a wider focal length.
Outfit suggestion: Solid-colored, simple coats or strapless dresses.
Pose suggestion: The model should stand with their back to the camera, looking into the distance.

Worth Loving - Similar Shot - Shichahai JinDing Bridge Position

The model stands beside the stone railing by the lake, naturally leaning to the side while resting her hand on the railing. The composition is centered, placing the model in the middle of the frame. The photographer stands in front of the model for a straight-on shot, capturing the foreground with the carved railing, the lake, and the distant lights in the background, all under a blue sky to enhance the atmosphere.

Travel Tip: The best time for photos is 15-30 minutes after sunset. Using the light from street lamps can add more ambiance to your shots.

Shichahai - Taking a Nighttime Photo with the Balustrade

Capture a richly layered photograph with a small boat on the lake, willow trees by the shore, and an ancient bridge in the foreground, while the ancient buildings illuminated by distant lights serve as the background. Place the main subject along the one-third line of the frame. Use the reflection on the water for symmetrical composition, blending reality and reflection to enhance the visual beauty of the image.

1. Equipment and Settings:
① Use the flash on your phone or camera. When photographing a person, keep them 2-3 meters away from the light source. The flash will illuminate the person’s face while preserving the beautiful night scenery behind, creating a clear foreground and a dreamy, blurred background.
② For architectural or landscape photography, use a slow shutter speed combined with a flash. The slow shutter speed captures the motion of the night scene, while the flash freezes the moment, enriching the details of the photo.

2. Travel Tips:
① Best shooting time: 7-9 PM. By this time, it is completely dark, and the lights along the shore are fully lit, creating a stunning interplay of lake reflections and lighting, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Shichahai - Lakeside Night View

The model stands beside a road sign while the photographer steps back to take photos.

1. Equipment: Fujifilm XH2S, lens 18-55mm.
2. Posing Suggestions:
① Arms crossed, leaning against the pole, looking to the side.
② Back against the pole, looking into the distance.
③ Facing the camera, holding the pole, leaning to the side.
④ Side on to the camera, holding the pole, leaning back with the head slightly lowered.
3. Travel Tips:
① Admission: Free, but usually requires queuing for about 4-5 minutes.
② Best Time to Shoot: It can get crowded, so it's best to go in the morning when there are fewer people. After 2:00 PM, it gets busier, and weekends are the busiest times to avoid.
4. Outfit Suggestions:
① Vintage Chic: Khaki trench coat + turtleneck sweater + straight-leg jeans + combat boots, paired with a leather tote bag, perfect for the nostalgic atmosphere of the Drum Tower Street.
② Street Cool: Black leather jacket + hooded sweatshirt + cargo pants + dad sneakers, add silver necklaces or a baseball cap for details, great for blending modern and old architecture.
③ Gentle Winter: Oatmeal wool coat + beige knit skirt + snow boots, paired with a fluffy scarf and a coffee cup, creating a warm and soothing street style.
④ Hanfu.

Beijing Drum Tower - Gulou West Street Sign

The model leans against the stone railing, and the photographer stands to the side of the model, about 2 meters away, shooting from the side. This angle not only captures Shichahai but also the row of wooden houses in the background, with tree branches hanging down in the upper right corner of the frame.

1. Photography Equipment:
 Fujifilm XH2S + 18-55mm lens
2. Posing Suggestions:
 ① Lean back against the railing, tilting your head up.
 ② Stand in front of the stone railing, lifting one hand forward to interact with the sunlight.
 ③ Place both hands on the railing and lean forward.
3. Shooting Tips:
 It's recommended to go on a clear day with a blue sky, so that the Shichahai in the photo will also appear bright blue.

Shichahai - Qianhai East Bank Fence