Composition Rules: Use the rule of thirds to frame the ancient architecture and the white marble railings of the Forbidden City, enhancing the balance of the scene. Utilize the structure of the platform as leading lines to guide the viewer's eye.

Angles and Lenses: Shoot from a low angle to showcase the grandeur of the Forbidden City. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the panoramic view, increasing the depth of field.

Model Poses: Place the model in the foreground to add a human touch. Alternatively, have the model stand below a dragon-spine ornament, interacting with the architecture in an intriguing pose to add interest to the photo.

Choose the golden hour, either early morning or late evening, for shooting to utilize soft light that highlights the layers of the white marble steps of the Forbidden City. Perform color correction to enhance the distinctive colors of the Forbidden City. Adjust the contrast to make details clearer. In the morning, choose the dragon head on the eastern side, and in the evening, choose the better light on the western side.

The Taihe Hall of the Forbidden City - A corner of the white marble platform

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Inside the Palace Museum, Dongcheng District, Beijing.

Photography Tips

Composition Rules: Use the rule of thirds to frame the ancient architecture and the white marble railings of the Forbidden City, enhancing the balance of the scene. Utilize the structure of the platform as leading lines to guide the viewer's eye. Angles and Lenses: Shoot from a low angle to showcase the grandeur of the Forbidden City. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the panoramic view, increasing the depth of field. Model Poses: Place the model in the foreground to add a human touch. Alternatively, have the model stand below a dragon-spine ornament, interacting with the architecture in an intriguing pose to add interest to the photo. Choose the golden hour, either early morning or late evening, for shooting to utilize soft light that highlights the layers of the white marble steps of the Forbidden City. Perform color correction to enhance the distinctive colors of the Forbidden City. Adjust the contrast to make details clearer. In the morning, choose the dragon head on the eastern side, and in the evening, choose the better light on the western side.

Walking Guide

After crossing the Jinshui Bridge, continue straight for 200 meters. — step-by-step photo guide

After crossing the Jinshui Bridge, continue straight for 200 meters.

Don't go up the stairs; walk straight to the east or west corner at the base of the stairs leading to the Hall of Supreme Harmony. — step-by-step photo guide

Don't go up the stairs; walk straight to the east or west corner at the base of the stairs leading to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Pass through the Taihe Gate to enter the Taihe Hall Square. — step-by-step photo guide

Pass through the Taihe Gate to enter the Taihe Hall Square.

Enter the Forbidden City through the ticket checkpoint at the Wu Gate and proceed straight. — step-by-step photo guide

Enter the Forbidden City through the ticket checkpoint at the Wu Gate and proceed straight.