Beijing Travel Photography Tips

Beijing Travel Photography Tips – As you know I am not an avid photographer so today’s article is written by someone who is into this. Let’s welcome Mr. Big! (Please don’t ask me why he is called that)

Mr. Big is an ESL teacher from Australia and his hobby (besides downing Victoria Bitter, buying Victoria Secrets’ knockoffs in Beijing market and Young Chinese Girls) is PHOTOGRAPHY.

Take it away, Mr. Big!

“There are many interesting spots to take beautiful photo in Beijing. And the people here are amazing. They love to pose (trust me, every Chinese girls love to take photo doing the “OK” sign with their fingers!). And taking photograph in Beijing is also a great way to chat up girls. I will talk more about this another time.

Now, for some Beijing travel photography tips

1. Be courteous. If you want to take shots of strangers here, you better make sure that permission is granted. I know of a friend who was beaten up by a Chinese soldier (he was wearing his green uniform and my African friend thought it was cool) just for not doing this.

2. At certain places of interest such as Tiananmen Square and the Palace, do not be alarmed if you are asked to have your picture taken with total strangers. If you stand long enough in Tiananmen Square in front of Mao's portrait, the locals will ask you to pose with them in a picture.

If you are not inclined, please decline politely with “I’m sorry” or “Dui Bu Qi”.

What the heck, just say “YES” and take the damn picture with them. In return, you can also take a shot of them in their famous poses.

Pure ‘Candid Camera’ moments!

More importantly, that’s how you can meet girls too. Get the numbers if there are no guys with them. And who knows, you may be out this evening for drinks with a bevy of local beauties.

3. I hate to admit this but I have rented costumes (dressed up like the Emperor with my then Chinese girlfriend as the Empress) to be photographed at the Forbidden City Palace (Gu Gong). The worst part is I asked her to do this with me. Maybe that’s why she left me.

Let’s be honest! Most of you so-called cool photographers are thinking of doing the same. Give yourself a break and be an Emperor at least once in your life. The majestic price tag: 35 RMB. Worth every cent!

4. One of the best places to take artistic shots in Beijing is at the hutongs.Hutong means a lane or alley. They are usually tucked in the older areas of Beijing City and are slowly being demolished for further development (especially for the Olympics 2008).

Many Beijing hutongs were built during the Yuan (1206-1341), Ming(1368-1628) and Qing (1644-1908) dynasties. I have heard recently that the government is trying to preserve some hutongs with rich historical backgrounds to preserve this aspect of Chinese cultural history.

With all the good old architecture around you, this is a paradise for professional photographers to take artistic black and white shots. Not forgetting the locals who have been staying near the hutong for the past 60 years or more.

Most of them are senior citizens and may not have seen Westernersbefore. So, do not give them a heart attack by budging in their house. As mentioned earlier, please ask them for permission before taking any pictures of them / their properties.

That’s all for Beijing Travel Photography now.

I will be writing soon on where you guys can develop your photographs professionally in Beijing.

Now, take a look at some wonderful photos of Beijing here

G’day mates! (The Editor added this in to sound more Oz-like)”