When capturing scenes like this, you can create an immersive atmosphere by leveraging the ecological theme of the background. Place the subject in the center of the frame, use animal models in the foreground and background to create a sense of depth, and low-angle shots can enhance the spatial hierarchy. In terms of lighting, use the ambient light in the exhibition hall to evenly illuminate the subject and the background, allowing the main body and the scene to blend naturally. You can also guide the subject to interact with the exhibits, adding a sense of liveliness, making the image both scene-specific and highlighting the vitality of the person.

Qinling Wildlife Park, Xi’an – Animal Sculptures

The photographer stands slightly lower to the left rear of the subject, capturing an upward shot to include both the person and the swans on the water in the background; the subject is placed at the left third, while the water and swans are on the right two-thirds, creating a balanced composition with the railing serving as a frame to highlight the main subject; use a mid to long focal length lens to blur the background, emphasizing the person and the swans, and compressing the space to enhance the compactness of the image.

1. Wardrobe suggestion: A black and white strap top paired with jeans is both casual and refreshing. It is recommended to wear comfortable and energetic casual clothing to stand out more in photos.

2. Additional tips: It is suggested to purchase or bring a headband to perfectly integrate with the zoo when taking photos.

Qinling Wildlife Park – With Swan on Water

Utilize the horticultural features of shaped greenery to incorporate waterfalls, rockery, flowers, and clouds into the frame. Experiment with various human positions: close-ups focus on fashion details and facial expressions to highlight the integration with greenery; medium shots capture the person with some greenery, adding a narrative to the image; long shots include the backdrop of waterfalls and rockery, enriching the layers. Switch shooting angles flexibly: slightly higher angles to show the spatial relationship between the person, greenery, rockery, and sky; squat down and shoot upwards to emphasize the vertical extension of greenery shapes, uncovering different visual effects. Opt for simple and energetic fashion styles, light colors and basic models that match well, or try contrasting color combinations to echo or contrast with the greenery, making the photos more eye-catching.

Qinling Wildlife Park – Scenic Landscape Display

Incorporate natural and artistic elements into the frame using the vintage style of wall paintings, animal patterns, and stone textures. Experiment with various human poses: close-ups focusing on faces and hand-on-waist/interaction details to highlight expressions and精致的outfits; medium shots capturing full body and the entirety of the wall painting, telling the story of "people encountering an art wall in a zoo"; long shots including surrounding greenery and zoo paths to enrich the layers. Switch up the shooting angles flexibly: low-angle shots to emphasize the vertical extension of the wall painting and the blending of the person; high-angle shots to reveal the amusing composition of people in front of the wall painting. Opt for simple styles and light colors in attire, such as basic white T-shirts and light blue pants, which match well with the vintage wall painting and can also be worn with contrasting color items to make the picture more striking.

Qinling Wildlife Park Xi’an – Wall Murals

Photo by Future Eye east-side railing

Future Eye east-side railing

As shown in the figure, the photographer and the model are 2 meters apart, with the photographer shooting horizontally. When shooting, be mindful to avoid pedestrians to keep the frame clean and avoid distortion.

It is recommended to use a camera with a zoom lens of 24-70 for shooting. The focal length should be around 40mm with an aperture of about f/4. The best time for shooting is around 10 a.m.

Future Eye Science Park – Lawn & Color Block Wall

The photographer uses a high-angle shot, capturing from above. The bridge and pavilion are positioned at the left third of the frame, with the sunset placed at the intersection point in the upper right corner to balance the composition. The scene includes the foreground water, the bridge in the middle ground, the distant mountains in the background, and the sunset, enhancing the sense of depth. It is recommended to use a standard focal length and slightly reduce the exposure compensation when shooting against the light to preserve details in both the sunset and the shadows.

Xi’an Eastgou Reservoir – lakeside pavilion & mountain woods

The photographer stands at a slightly farther position from the lakeside, adopting a parallel perspective, and uses the rule of thirds to place the pavilion architecture on the right side of the image, occupying one-third of the frame. With the vast lake and the continuous green mountains as the background, the picture highlights the beauty of the architecture as an embellishment in the landscape, creating a tranquil and poetic natural atmosphere. 

Opening hours: Open all day.

Xi’an Eastgou Reservoir – water tower & mountain woods

As shown in the diagram, the model stands on the lower step, and the photographer shoots from above. When shooting, pay attention to avoid pedestrians to keep the frame clean, and be careful not to distort.

It is recommended to use a camera for shooting, with a zoom lens of 24-70, a focal length of 35, and an aperture of about 4. The best shooting time is around 10 am.

Future Eye Science Park – on the steps

Use a low-angle shot. Place the pavilion on the golden section line, framing the scene to include the lake, bridge, pavilion, and distant mountains, with the foreground featuring the water's reflection to enhance the sense of depth.

Additional suggestions: It is recommended to shoot on a sunny day to ensure ample lighting and improve the transparency of the image.

Xi’an Eastgou Reservoir – waterfront pavilion & distant hills