Flatlay Photography Guide : LEVEL UP!

One of the most widely loved styles of photography is Flatlay Photography. Though it looks simple, just spread some things on a flat surface and click, it definitely isn’t that easy.

There are some key factors that you have to keep in mind to ensure that the pictures come out to be pleasing to the viewer’s eye. So, let’s see what you need to know to get those perfect flat lay shots.

How to do Flatlay Photography

Choosing a background for Flatlay Photography

There was a time when I used to think I need to buy expensive backdrops, vintage wooden tables for my shots but then by experimenting you can DIY almost all kinds of flat lay backdrops and flat lay backgrounds.

Look around your house, can you spot anything that has a good texture or pattern on it? You can use anything from a simple handkerchief, table cloth, a curtain, to your own white shirt or dress as a backdrop.

A white shirt or dress crumpled a little with accessories like a watch, lipstick and a book would look amazing.

Because the frame in the picture is quite small, you can use the things you might have lying around in your house in a very creative manner. Here is an example,

Create a mood with different props

Identify the theme of your photo, whether its travel, beauty or lifestyle. According to theme find little props to accommodate in the frame along with the main subject you have.

Also Read: How To Add A Colored Background To A Photo: Picsart Editing Tutorial

Here are some flat lay props which come in handy for different moods:

Travel Flatlay Props

• Map
• Magnifying glass
• Some tan sling bag
• Watch (works with every theme!)
• Beach Hat
• Passport

Lifestyle Flatlay Props

• Everyday casual shoes(clean duh)
• Leafs
• Magazines
• Watch
• Flowers
• Perfumes

Beauty Flatlay Props

• Lipsticks
• Earrings
• Foundation
• Pastel Sheets
• Clutch

Food Flatlay Props

• Spoons, plates, and forks
• Random spices
• Cutting boards
• Napkins

Here are some references:

Choosing Your Light Source for Flatlay Photography

Light sources can be Natural or Artificial. They both have their pros and cons.  Though you have little control over natural light, it can still give you really soft looking light when you shoot at the right time of the day.

It’s pretty useful when you’re on a strict budget. Window light is the best for soft lighting in most flatlays, which can also be achieved by shooting your flatlays in shade or on an overcast day.

Also Read: Food Photography Basics: Lighting, Backdrops and more

Always make sure to not shoot in direct sunlight as it will create hard shadows which we don’t want.

Artificial light like studio lights gives you the ultimate control over your highlights and shadows.

Though you’ll need some expertise to use them to their best capabilities and of course, some extra money to invest in them. Here are some shots that were taken in natural light:

Placement is the key

Objects have to be placed and sorted in some order at all times. It can be either based on their color, size or relevance to the theme.

I recommend experimenting organizing and have shots of each so that you have a variety of pictures to finally choose from.

Fill up the frame but also don’t clutter it so much that the props collide with each other to master the flat lay art.

If there are small objects that might roll away while you are placing the items, stick them on their place using two-sided tape or a bit of clay behind them.

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