The model stands a bit above the steps, while the photographer stands below, capturing a view of the central left gate against the blue sky, giving a sense of a castle in the sky. 1. Camera: Fuji XH2S, Lens: 18-55mm. 2. If it's impossible to avoid passersby, you can slow down the shutter speed and have the model remain perfectly still to blur out the passersby. 3. You need to book a slot after 11:00 AM to enter; entry is not available before 12:00 PM. 4. The Forbidden City gets a lot of visitors. To capture scenes without people, it's recommended to arrive at the earliest entry time in the morning. Try not to carry a backpack to use a separate security checkpoint, reducing wait times. Go through the Xihua Gate to the Wumen entrance for ticket inspection, which avoids the security check at Tiananmen and saves time.

The Forbidden City - Zhongzuomen

The photographer stands on the central axis of the Taihe Dian Square, maintaining a certain distance from the Taihe Dian and shooting at eye level. Using symmetrical composition, the Taihe Dian is placed at the center of the frame, with the architectural structures, steps, and railings on both sides mirroring each other. 1. Travel Tips: ① Admission: Adults 60 RMB, Seniors 30 RMB, Students 20 RMB, Free for children. ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, last entry at 4:00 PM, closed on Mondays.

The panoramic view of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City.

The figure is positioned at the center of the frame, forming a vertical and stable relationship with the red wall. In terms of composition, the central positioning technique is used to highlight the subject, with the red wall serving as a simple background that reinforces the visual focus. A standard lens is employed to accurately represent the proportion between the figure and the red wall, ensuring normal perspective and precise presentation of the scene and figure. 1. Pose Suggestions: It's recommended to mimic the pose in the photo, placing your hands near your cheeks in a heart shape with a playful and cute expression, or you can hold a folding fan, smile, and face the camera directly. 2. Props: It's suggested to use a folding fan as a prop to add a classical touch to the photo. 3. Outfit Recommendations: It's recommended to wear Qing Dynasty-style clothing for the photo, as it will complement the red wall background of the Forbidden City very well.

Beijing's Forbidden City - Taking a Photo with the Red Walls

1. The model stands in front of the lion on its side, the photographer shoots from below, capturing the Taihe Gate plaque diagonally. 2. Shoot a half-body shot of the stone lion and the model, with the model looking towards the light source. 1. Equipment: Fujifilm XH2S, 18-55mm lens. 2. Reserve a time slot after 11:00 AM for entry, or before 12:00 PM in the morning. 3. Try not to carry a backpack to use a separate security checkpoint, which will reduce waiting time. 4. Go around to the Wumen Gate from the Xihua Gate to avoid the Tiananmen security check and save time.

The Meridian Gate - Stone Lions in front of the Taihe Gate at the Forbidden City

The photographer squats down to shoot from a low angle, capturing the red walls on both sides and the blue sky, trying to use the model to block the passers-by behind. 1. Equipment parameters: Fuji XH2S, lens: 18-55. 2. Posing tips: ① Face the camera, hands in pockets or playing with hair, eyes looking to the side to avoid standing stiffly; ② Stand sideways with hands clasped in front of the chest, in a prayer-like pose. 3. Itinerary tips: Book an entry slot after 11:00 AM or before 12:00 PM to avoid peak times. 4. Props suggestion: Wear a red beret or metallic earrings to add a pop of color to your outfit. 5. Outfit ideas: ① Classic red wall contrast: Wear a pure white, beige, or light apricot dress/coat to create a striking contrast with the red wall, making the photo clean and sophisticated; ② Traditional Chinese style: Choose a black or dark blue qipao/New Chinese-style top, paired with a folding fan or oil paper umbrella to highlight the classical atmosphere; ③ Minimalist modern look: Camel-colored sweater + straight-leg jeans + ankle boots, using clean lines to balance the intense red wall; ④ Autumn/winter vibe: Caramel wool scarf + gray wool coat, warm tones blend well with the red wall, perfect for low-angle shots to show depth. 6. Additional tips: ① Avoid carrying a backpack and go through the security check without a bag to save time; ② Take a detour through the Xihua Gate to reach the Wumen Gate for ticket inspection, bypassing the security at Tiananmen to save time.

The Forbidden City - Treasure Gallery, Red Wall Alleyway

The model leans against the railing, and the photographer stands back one or two arm's lengths, using a 2x/medium-telephoto lens. Equipment settings: Fujifilm X4, lens 18-50mm, aperture f2.8. Pose: It's fine whether looking at the camera or not; turning sideways to the camera adds more cinematic feel. Shooting time: Around 3 PM, with great lighting. Outfit suggestion: Keep it simple and clean, with black, white, and gray being versatile choices.

The Forbidden City - Balustrade of the Baohe Hall

The photographer stands directly below the caisson, shooting upward to ensure the camera is perpendicular to the ceiling, avoiding any tilt or distortion in the image. Using a centered composition, the symmetry and beauty of the octagonal caisson are highlighted. A camera with a 24-35mm lens or a phone with a 1x zoom is recommended to keep the shot complete and the details sharp.

The Palace Museum - Golden Coiled Dragon Ceiling

1. The model should stand by the railing, and the photographer should step back about an arm's length. 2. A 2x or medium-telephoto lens can be used to better capture the harmony between the person and the surroundings. Equipment settings: Fuji XE4, lens 18-50mm f2.8. Posing tips: You can stand with your side facing the camera, and it’s up to you whether to look at the lens or not. Best time to take photos: It is recommended to take photos around 10:00 AM when the sunlight is good. Travel tips: Note that you need to book in advance to visit Tiananmen Square. Outfit suggestions: Avoid warm tones as they can blend in with the surroundings; black, white, and gray are more versatile.

The Forbidden City - Golden Water Bridge

The photographer stood at the wall and used the rule of thirds for composition, placing the building at the one-third mark of the frame. By utilizing the symmetry of the building, the image appears balanced and harmonious. The calm water in the foreground contrasts with the building in the background, reflecting it beautifully. Using a wide-angle lens and shooting from a high angle, the photographer captured autumn leaves, people, and the river surface. Ticket Price: To enter the Forbidden City, the ticket costs 40 RMB per person (advance reservation required). Opening Hours: The Forbidden City is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed on Mondays).

The Forbidden City - North-West Corner Tower - Corner Tower and Moat

The photographer stands about two arm lengths away from the model to take the shots. Shooting time: From 14:00 to 17:00, shoot at the northwest corner for side backlit or front-lit shots, and at the northeast corner for backlit shots. Props: Use more accessories or props. Outfit suggestions: Wear brighter clothing. Additional tips: When the wind is light, try to capture the effect of glowing hair.

The Palace Museum - Northeast Corner Tower