1. Shooting Angle: The photographer stands at a lower position to shoot the sculpture from a low angle while maintaining a level angle to capture the background buildings. 2. Composition Method: Use contrast and foreground composition, placing the sculpture in the foreground while also including ancient and modern buildings in the background to create a contrast between past and present. 3. Lens Parameters: Use a wide-angle lens for the shot.

The Forbidden City in Beijing - Crane

Photo by Beijing's Forbidden City - Take a photo with the water's edge railing and buildings on both sides.

Beijing's Forbidden City - Take a photo with the water's edge railing and buildings on both sides.

Photo by The Forbidden City - Take a photo with the red walls, green trees, and corner towers.

The Forbidden City - Take a photo with the red walls, green trees, and corner towers.

Photo by The Forbidden City - Take a photo with the red walls and red pillars.

The Forbidden City - Take a photo with the red walls and red pillars.

I recommend positioning the model in front of the red palace gate, leaning slightly against the wall. One arm should hang naturally by their side, while the other rests gently on their thigh, creating a relaxed and natural pose. Use the rule of thirds for composition, placing the model on the right one-third of the frame. The left side should include the red gate and the waving flag above it, with the ancient eaves of the building visible at the top to balance the composition.

The Forbidden City - Taking a photo with the red palace gates and walls.

Photo by China First Historical Archives - Hall Staircase and Inscribed Plaques

China First Historical Archives - Hall Staircase and Inscribed Plaques

A 24mm lens is sufficient for taking photos.

The Forbidden City's Shenwu Gate and CBD in the same frame.

The photographer stands below the eaves and looks up to capture the dragon-pattern decoration and dougong in the center of the eave, with the eave lines symmetrically distributed on both sides. The framing includes the top of the eave down to the detailed pendant ridges, with a clean sky in the background. A medium-telephoto lens is recommended to highlight the patterns and structural beauty. Additional tips: It’s best to visit on a clear day.

The Palace Museum - Eave Architecture

The photographer stands slightly below and to the front-left of the crane-shaped bronze statue, using an upward angle. The statue is positioned on the left side of the frame, while the right side includes a stone pillar in the foreground to add depth. The composition captures the main statue, the roof of the palace in the background, and part of the sky, highlighting the atmosphere of the fusion of past and present while balancing the main subject and background details.

The Palace Museum - The Crane-shaped Bronze Statue at the Meridian Gate and the Palace Background

Photo by Take a photo with the branches and red city tower architecture at the Forbidden City.

Take a photo with the branches and red city tower architecture at the Forbidden City.