If after browsing through the site you still aren’t sure how to take a ClearlyClosed picture, here are some tips to help you get started:

What Should I Be Looking For?

See the What is ClearlyClosed page for an explanation.

Composition is Key

Composition is a very important part of expressing the ClearlyClosed concept. Try including a door or window that you can see into to show that the store is empty or a security grate to convey that the store is in fact closed. Surrounding stores with no lights on also help to enhance this concept. Be creative and have fun with it!

Always Have Your Camera With You

Although cell phone pictures are possible to capture a ClearlyClosed photograph, there’s no match for a high resolution, digital photograph taken with a point & shoot or digital SLR camera. Scans of traditional film pictures are acceptable too.

Quantity Sometimes Equals Quality

Digital photography makes it easy to take a great picture and since ‘film’ is virtually unlimited, you’re encouraged to take as many pictures as you can in order to get the right shot. Try out a few different camera settings and angles as well as multiple close-ups and far shots in order to get the perfect photo.

Since most ClearlyClosed photo-ops occur at night, when it’s dark out, here are some tips to help enhance your photos:

Use a Nighttime Mode

If your camera has a nighttime preset, this may be your best bet.

Long Exposure Time

A longer shutter exposure and smaller aperture setting can help give your photo a great light balance.

A Tripod Will Always Help

Using a tripod will help to steady your camera to minimize blurring and help take a crisp photo.

Avoid Zoom

Both optical and digital zoom may increase “camera-shake”, especially when a tripod is not in use.

Using a Flash May Hurt Your Photo

Using a flash from a distance at night might not always help your photo. Try some with the flash and some without to see the difference.

Increase the ISO

Although a higher ISO setting introduces a slight level of noise to your photo, it will also increase your camera’s sensitivity to light making for a brighter photo.