Photographing the Great Wall of China?

6 years 6 months ago #548942 by Wyrick Photography
I've never been to China and just thinking about doing a trip there in March.  Do you happen to know if you can just walk up this and walk on it?  Or is via appointment/approved tours only?  

Lastly, to photograph it, is there any special permission needed? 

Thanks, I'm just trying to plan ahead of time.  

Canon 5d Mark II • Canon 24-105mm F/4.0 • Canon 135mm F/2.0 • Canon 50mm F/1.8 • Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 • Canon 580ex ii
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6 years 6 months ago #548994 by Juan Anthony
My sister went to the Great wall 2 years ago, and I'm pretty sure you can go with a Tour group.  But once you are there, you can look around pretty freely. 

I'll need to ask her.  She told me, but that was 2 years ago.  


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6 years 6 months ago #549082 by Kayla Deis
OMG what a fun location to visit, I'm pretty sure all can go right up to it and photograph it. 


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6 years 6 months ago #549087 by tgkelly
I was there in May this year. There are a few places where you have full access to do what you want but be aware it's very popular and there can be big crowds. I was with a tour group but I'm pretty sure you have to pay admission to access the parks/location. Where we went you took a tour bus up to a gondola ride up to the wall. It was hot when we were there and the sky was hazy all the time. I forgot to take a polarizing filter it might have helped with the haze not sure I haven't tried it in those conditions. As you can see from the pic the hazy background is a hard workaround. Anyway the last 2 pics are the area we were in. Hope it helps.



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6 years 6 months ago #549091 by effron
Take a wide angle lens....

Why so serious?
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6 years 6 months ago #549212 by tgkelly
You don't need anything too wide it is a vast vista. A mid range zoom would do.


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6 years 6 months ago #550301 by albinpix
You might find this blog post helpful - lots of information on what different sites have to offer and just general tips on photographing the wall.

chinaphotographyblog.com/great-wall-photography-tips/


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