Sending Christmas cards isn’t as popular as it used to be back in the old days but that’s not to say that getting greeting cards (even e-cards) isn’t still part of the holiday season traditions.
In a few weeks, family portraits filled with smiley faces are going to start taking over your Facebook and Instagram feeds. Before you feel left out of the fun, we had a chat with Dave Hanssen from Dave’s Studio for his insider tips on the best family portrait locations in Beijing.
“Beijing has seasons and if you’re taking the photo in the winter, you’re going to have a hard time finding a photogenic park.” says Hanssen.
That said, The Great Wall is going to be a beautiful venue for the families who are willing the brave the cold and the wind. It gets windier up there than in the city but it also makes it a less attractive tourist destination during the winter which means you’ll be able to get those gorgeous shots without anyone photo bombing your masterpiece.
798 is a great location if you’re going for an untraditional background. You’re not going to find your typical holiday elements there, but you’ll be able to strike a pose in from of some fascinating works of modern art by contemporary local artists.
Red Brick Art Museum is another one of those beautiful backdrops that doesn’t exactly scream Beijing but is pretty obvious to anyone who’s lived here for a while. One of the perks of taking your family portrait here is that you can always run inside for a bit of reprieve from the cold.
Address: Maquanying West Road, Shunbai Road, Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Town, Chaoyang District
Houhai might not be as beautiful as it is during the summer but that doesn’t mean those hard-working rickshaw drivers aren’t there all year round. They’re usually jolly and more than happy to lend you their rickshaw (provided that you pay them to take you on a tour of the lake) for a family portrait.
While you’re out there, around the Drum and Bell Towers are little hutongs where locals move at a slower pace. For those who are happy to invite some strangers into their family holiday portrait, this is the place to go.
Hanssen has been working with beijingkids for years and is the mastermind behind some of our iconic covers. Some people have a knack with computers. Others have a knack for cooking. Hanssen has a knack for making kids laugh and capturing the exact moment of pure joy.
“I’m not just saying this because we’re currently offering a Christmas portrait package, but it’s a lot easier to take photos inside a studio than it is outside. You’re able to control your environment and when there’s no passerby staring and taking photos on their phones, you’re able to relax and get into the moment.” Hanssen tells beijingkids.
Dave Studio’s RMB 999 holiday package at their new location includes 5 retouched digitals, and one 5X7 print of each of the images along with hair and makeup to help the whole family look picture perfect.
Dave’s Studio
www.davesstudio.rocks, dave@davesstudio.rocks, 186 1296 3661
Photos: trip.com, anydoko.com, China Daily, dfic.cn, teanabroad.org, globalheritagefund.org, Dave’s Studio
