Photo by Xizhimen Church - Christmas Tree

Xizhimen Church - Christmas Tree

1. Positioning and Composition: The photographer should position themselves at a slight angle in front of the model, at roughly the same height, shooting at eye level. 2. Composition Technique: Foreground Composition: Use the white angel statue as a foreground element to add depth to the image. 3. Lens Recommendation: Use a medium to long focal length lens to blur the background, highlight the model as the main subject, compress the space to make the model, statue, and railing elements appear more compact in the frame, and clearly show the model’s facial expressions, clothing textures, as well as the details of the statue and railing. Travel Tips: ① Opening Hours: Closes at 8:30 PM. ② Lighting Time: Generally turns on around 5:00 PM.

Xizhimen Church - beside the black railings

Photo by Xizhimen Catholic Church - Stained Glass Flower Windows

Xizhimen Catholic Church - Stained Glass Flower Windows

1. Shooting Angle: The photographer stands close to the subject, slightly to the side, using an angle between looking up and eye level. 2. Framing: The subject is the main focus of the frame, with Christmas decorations in the foreground creating a natural frame that draws the viewer's attention to the subject. 3. Lens Recommendation: Using a medium telephoto lens with a large aperture can blur the background, highlighting the main subject and making the person stand out from the cluttered background. Travel Tips: ① Opening Hours: Closes at 8:30 PM. ② Lighting Time: Generally starts around 5:00 PM.

Xizhimen Church - Christmas Ornaments

The photographer is positioned on the central axis inside the church, capturing the scene at eye level. A symmetrical composition is employed, with the red carpet in the center serving as the axis of symmetry. The pews and columns on both sides are symmetrically arranged, creating a solemn and orderly visual effect. Additionally, the church’s arched ceiling structure is utilized to form a radial perspective, guiding the viewer’s gaze toward the front of the church. Travel Tips: - Admission: Free - Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM; Sunday, all day. The staff mentioned that on Sundays, the church usually stays open until around 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Xizhimen Catholic Church - Dome inside the church

The photographer stands in front of the sculpture at eye level, placing the Madonna and Child statue at the center of the frame using a centered composition. This places the sculpture at the focal point, enhanced by the circular decorations on the marble wall in the background. The floral wreath at the base adds visual depth. Travel Tip: Admission is free, and no reservation is required.

Xizhimen Catholic Church - Virgin and Child Sculpture

The photographer stands on one side of the aisle inside the church, shooting at eye level. Utilizing symmetrical composition, the red carpet in the center of the church serves as the axis of symmetry, with the stone pillars and arched ceiling on both sides symmetrically arranged, guiding the viewer's gaze towards the altar at the far end of the church. A wide-angle lens is used to capture a broad range of the church's interior, highlighting its grand structure and depth. Travel Tips: ① Admission: Free ② Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM; Sunday all day. The staff mentioned that on Sundays, the church usually stays open until around 7:00 or 8:00 PM.

Xizhimen Catholic Church - Interior Ceiling of the Church

The photographer stands in front of the cathedral and takes a shot from a low angle, creating a symmetrical and stable visual effect of the building. Using the central axis of the cathedral as a reference, the elements on both sides are symmetrically arranged, reinforcing the sense of order in the architecture. A standard lens is recommended. 1. Travel Tips: Opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM on Tuesdays through Saturdays, and all day on Sundays. 2. Additional Tips: ① Commercial live streaming, photography, and other activities are not allowed. ② Please cooperate with the management and guidance of the cathedral staff.

Xizhimen Catholic Church - Catholic Church Architecture and Sky

The model is on the street, and the photographer is positioned diagonally behind the model, shooting from a low angle with the camera aligned with the model's shoulder. The composition is centered, placing the model in the middle of the frame, with sparkling lights as the background. A medium focal length lens is used to blur the background, highlighting the model and the details of the lights. 1. Equipment Parameters: Fujifilm XT30 II, 18-55mm lens. 2. Travel Tips: ① Admission: No ticket required. ② Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays. ③ Best Shooting Time: From Tuesday to Sunday, the lights turn on at 17:00 and stay on until around 20:30. The location is small, and even on weekdays, it can get crowded. The best time to visit is just after the lights turn on in the evening, when the natural light and the artificial lights blend beautifully, creating a super dreamy atmosphere.

Xizhimen Catholic Church - Angel Lamp

The photographer stands slightly to the front of the model, who is positioned to the right front side of the Christmas tree. The shot is taken from a low angle using the rule of thirds, placing the Christmas tree in the center of the frame and the model on the right side. This composition highlights the main subject while adding variation to the image. A standard lens is used to accurately capture the spatial relationship between the model, the Christmas tree, and the church, making the scene natural and immersive. Travel Tip: The lights usually come on around 5:00 PM, when there are still relatively few people. You can secure a good spot early and take advantage of the blue hour at this time. The area closes at 8:30 PM, so you have plenty of time to compose your shots.

Xizhimen Catholic Church - Christmas Tree in Front of the Church