Flat Lay Photography Guide

This photography trend has become an industry favourite in product photography, especially among social media Influencers.

Here follows our top flat lay photography tips:

1. Angle

Shoot from a perpendicular angle - directly above the items. Editing can cover up a multitude of photographic shortcomings, but it’s easier if you start with an image without extra shadows. We recommend photo editing apps such as: VSCO (paid) or Snapseed (free) – and Skew, to straighten images.

2. Avoid Shadows

Lighting is one of the key elements for a successful flat lay photo, so avoid shadows as much as possible. When shooting a flat lay your body, hands and phone can cast a shadow over the items – this can be avoided if you place your flat lay in the shade (if you are outside) as you will still get the benefits of the sparkly sunny light. Alternatively, you can place the items between you and the sun – your shadow should cast behind you and not over the subject of your photo.

If the sun is behind you and you lean over the flat lay, you are going to cast a big shadow – you can use this – what you need to achieve is even lighting all over the flat lay area.

3. Negative Space

Allow for sufficient negative (blank) space so the image does not become too busy. Ideally, choose a plain background - such as white bedsheets. Make sure you leave space between the items.

4. Focal Point

Organise the items to ensure the subject is clear and the eye is drawn immediately to it – all other elements should be complementary, not distracting.

5. Tags: Hashtags, Location & Profiles

A flat lay presents many opportunities for brand positioning and networking. If you take the photo at a location – such as the beach, or a restaurant – make sure you tag the specific place. When there are other people or brands featured in the flat lay, you can tag them using the @profile name. The flat lay trend is highly active on Instagram and many images on Pinterest for the fashion and beauty brands, follow this popular format, so you can join them by using hashtags such as #flatlayinspiration.

The most successful flat lay photos do more than arrange objects for a high-quality photograph – they also harness the format and optimise the post for maximum benefits. Follow these five tips and you will be well on your way to becoming a flat-lay pro.

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