Galaxy SOHO from Hongyan Hutong

This photo was taken along Hongyan Hutong, looking onto the Galaxy SOHO building. To get this perspective, make sure to reference the GPS coordinates in 2D mode on your maps. By public transportation: - Closest station: Chaoyang Men Station (via Line 2 or 6) - Head west on Nan Zhu Gan Hu Tong - Turn onto Hongyan Hutong

You're able to shoot this Hongyan Huntong perspective of Galaxy SOHO during any month of the year.

At night, the complementary colors of the traditional Beijing street (warm orange) against the modern architecture (cold blue) will be at their most photogenic.

You'll have to stand in the middle of the street for this shot — be careful with any passing vehicles.

Since you're going to be photographing at night, I recommend using a tripod.

Having a model in the frame will allow you to create a sense of scale. Galaxy SOHO is massive and with a person in the shot, the size of the building will become more apparent.

I like to get creative with my model's wardrobe. Suggest that they wear a hat or bring along another prop, like an umbrella, that they can hold to enrich the silhouette effect.

I highly recommend venturing toward the building and going inside Galaxy SOHO to marvel at the architecture from up close.