Place the wok-like container in the center of the frame, stand directly in front of it at the same height as the container. Include the container, the large tree behind it, and the gray brick wall in the background. Add some green grass in the foreground to create more depth and incorporate more environmental elements, highlighting the integration of the main subject with the surrounding scenery.

The Palace Museum - Large cauldron-like containers and trees.

Use a centered composition with the sundial in the middle of the frame, highlighting the top gnomon and the carved details. The photographer should shoot from a frontal position, standing directly in front of the sundial, capturing the main body of the sundial, the rooftops of the palaces on either side, and the sky above, creating a historical atmosphere through the contrast between the background and the subject. Travel Tip: It is recommended to book your tickets a week in advance.

The Forbidden City - Stone Sundial and Roof Architecture

Using the rule of thirds, place the main wooden lattice bookshelf in the right two-thirds of the frame, while keeping the paper window and the light coming through on the left side. This will balance the composition and enhance the contrast of light and shadow. The framing should include the full view of the bookshelf and the left paper window, highlighting the intricate carvings of the bookshelf and the natural light ambiance.

The Palace Museum - Wooden Lattice Bookshelf with Paper Windows

Using the door frame as the foreground, it captures the stone screen inside the door, the palace roof, and the Jingren Gate plaque above, with the plaque positioned in the upper middle of the frame. The composition includes the red door frame in the foreground, the stone screen and palace roof in the middle ground, and the sky in the background, enhancing the sense of depth.

The Palace Museum - photographing the plaque and archway of Jingren Gate.

The photographer uses a high-angle shot, standing slightly elevated to shoot downward. The frame includes the red palace gate on the left and the stone balustrade on the right. The model is positioned in the center, resting her cheek on her hand, holding a skewer of candied fruit that hangs naturally, conveying a relaxed pose. The composition includes the palace gate, the stone balustrade, and the full body of the model, emphasizing an ancient and elegant atmosphere.

The Forbidden City - Taking a photo with the red palace gate

Photo by The Forbidden City's Bronze Lion Camera Position

The Forbidden City's Bronze Lion Camera Position

The model stands with her back to a red wall, holding a fan and turning her head sideways, creating a natural interaction with the ancient architecture. The photographer shoots from a low angle, placing the model at the center of the frame, with a partial view of the Forbidden City’s roof (including the ridge and tiles) in the background. This composition enhances the sense of depth. Using a medium telephoto lens, the shot retains part of the red wall, highlighting the contrast between the figure and the roof.

The Forbidden City - Taking a photo with the rooftops of the Forbidden City architecture.

Using a centered composition, place the main body of the Golden Hall in the center of the frame to highlight the golden spire and architectural details. The photographer shoots at eye level to maintain the stability of the Golden Hall's structure. The foreground includes blurred stone pillars to add depth, while the background captures the rooftops of distant palaces, which are also blurred to avoid clutter. Travel Tips: Open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

The Palace Museum - Shooting the Golden Hall of the Nation and the Soil

Using a centered composition, place the stone lantern in the middle of the frame to highlight the contrast with the red wall. Shoot from a straight-on angle, including the red wall background (with tree shadows), the stone lantern as the main subject, and the stone pathway below to enhance the depth of the scene. A telephoto lens is recommended to compress the background, making the colors of the red wall and the details of the lantern stand out more.

The Palace Museum - Red Walls and the Play of Light and Shadow with Stone Lanterns

The photographer stands directly beneath the plaque, using an upward angle to place the “Xiang Feng Wei Lin” plaque at the center of the frame, highlighting the main subject. The composition should include the ancient wooden beams above and the red walls and windows below, adding depth to the image while ensuring that the details of the plaque are clear and free from distortion. 1. Travel Tips: ① Admission Fee: 60 RMB; ② Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays).

The Beijing Forbidden City - Shooting the Xiangfeng Weilin Plaque