Using a level shooting angle, the photographer should stand at the side front of the text wall, maintaining a horizontal perspective to avoid tilting the wall. Center the composition, placing the main text “Ancient Chinese Calligraphy and Painting” in the center of the frame, with the background of ancient paintings on the left and the illuminated text “Cultural Heritage of Calligraphy” on the right. Include the mountain and water-shaped light strip at the bottom to ensure a balanced and complete composition.

Palace Museum - Entrance Wall Text for the Exhibition Hall of Ancient Chinese Calligraphy and Painting

The model stands beside the yellow palace walls, posing naturally. Include the model in the frame with the yellow palace walls as the background to enhance the depth of the environment. Travel Tips: Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

Take a photo with the yellow carved brick wall at the Forbidden City.

Photo by The Palace Museum in Beijing - Buddhist Mandala Models

The Palace Museum in Beijing - Buddhist Mandala Models

Using a symmetrical composition, align the calligraphy painting at the top and the embroidered cushion at the bottom, both centered. The background should feature the complete wallpaper pattern. The photographer should shoot from a straight-on angle to ensure the subject is vertically centered and the frame is balanced. The shot should include the full view of the calligraphy painting, the cushion, and the small decorative items on either side, showcasing the overall decoration. A medium telephoto lens is recommended to highlight the details and avoid distortion.

The Forbidden City - Calligraphy, Paintings, and Embroidered Pillows

Photo by The Forbidden City - Architectural Eaves and Ridge Decorations

The Forbidden City - Architectural Eaves and Ridge Decorations

Place the main green dragon pattern carving at the center of the frame to highlight the details. The photographer should stand below the carving and use an upward shooting angle to ensure the subject is complete and three-dimensional. The framing should include the main carving, the black carved pillars on both sides, and some of the lower carving details. The right side should have a portion of the blue sky to add depth, while clearly capturing the texture of the carvings. Equipment settings: Kodak Gold 200, Foma.

The Forbidden City - Close-up shot of glazed tile dragon pattern relief.

With the intricately carved doors and windows inside the palace serving as a natural frame, they enclose the view of the exterior palace buildings. Photographers shoot from inside the hall, capturing a composition that includes the dragon-patterned carpet in the foreground, the carved doors and windows in the midground, and the palace buildings in the background. This technique enhances the sense of depth and showcases the architectural details from the inside out.

The Forbidden City - internal wooden door frames, carpets, doors, windows, and iron railings outside the doors.

Photo by The Forbidden City - Ginkgo Trees, White Pagoda, and Rooftop Architecture

The Forbidden City - Ginkgo Trees, White Pagoda, and Rooftop Architecture

Photo by The Forbidden City - Close-ups of Architectural Windows, Doors, and Eaves

The Forbidden City - Close-ups of Architectural Windows, Doors, and Eaves

Photo by The Forbidden City - photographing ginkgo trees and eaves through an arched window frame.

The Forbidden City - photographing ginkgo trees and eaves through an arched window frame.