Beginners Guide to Flat Lay Photography

Flat lay photography has taken social media by storm, becoming a favorite technique for bloggers, marketers, and creatives.  This guide will help you master the art of flat lay photography, offering practical tips and inspiring ideas.

What is Flat Lay Photography?

Flat lay photography is a style that involves capturing images from a top-down perspective, offering a bird's-eye view of the subject.  The subjects are arranged on a flat surface, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing composition of various elements.

Typically, flat lays fall under the category of still-life photography.  However, when photographers incorporate human elements, they transform into lifestyle photographs, adding a dynamic and personal touch to the arrangement.

Flat-lay photography offers a unique and visually appealing way to tell a story or showcase a character in a single image.  Whether you're presenting a recipe, marketing an outfit, or displaying your diverse skills, flat-lay photos are an effective and engaging tool.

Key Aspects of Flat Lay Photography

You don't need expensive gear to create stunning flat-lay photography, which is why it's so popular among personal accounts and small retailers on Instagram.

1. Composition: The success of a flat lay image largely depends on its composition.  Select the right elements and arrange them thoughtfully to create a visually appealing setup.
2. Lighting: After arranging your composition, focus on lighting. You can choose between artificial or natural light, depending on your preference.  Generally, soft light from the side and slightly above works well, minimizing deep shadows.  However, some flat-lay images can benefit from hard light, so consider your subject and desired effect.
3. Camera Positioning: The final step is to position your camera.  Whether using a smartphone, mirrorless, or DSLR camera, place it directly above the subject for a top-down perspective.  Ensure the camera sensor is parallel to the surface to avoid perspective distortion, resulting in a clean, professional look.

Top 9 Flat Lay Photography Tips & Ideas

Creating flat lay photography isn't technically challenging, but it does require precision and creativity.  Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Find the Right Light

Most flat lay images use neutral, soft lighting that creates minimal shadows, enhancing the overall look without adding distractions.  However, experimenting with different lighting setups can produce unique effects.

• Soft Light: Ideal for general flat lay images, as it gently illuminates the scene without creating harsh shadows.
• Creating Depth: For subjects like glassware, adding depth with shadows can reveal more details, such as height.  Position your light to cast subtle shadows onto the surface.
• Patterns and Textures: Use gobos to create interesting patterns, such as simulating window light passing through Venetian blinds.  This can add a creative touch and enhance the story within your image.

2. Pay Attention to the Background

The background in flat-lay photography is just as important as the subject itself.  Here are some tips for choosing the perfect background:

• Complementary Colors and Textures: Select a background that enhances the subject without overshadowing it.  The colors and textures should complement your main elements, creating a harmonious composition.
• Neutral or Thematic Backgrounds: Many people opt for solid colors, either neutral or fitting the overall color palette of the flat lay.  This keeps the focus on the subject while providing a clean, cohesive look.
• More Dynamic Choices: If you prefer a more dynamic background, ensure it adds value to the image without competing for attention.  A textured surface, patterned fabric, or rustic wooden board can add character and depth to your photo, provided it enhances the overall theme.

3. Composition is Key

Composition is crucial in all types of photography, but it takes on even greater importance in flat lay photography.  Here's why and how to master it:

• Focus on Composition: Unlike other types of photography, flat lay shots have limited opportunities for playing with different planes, lights, and shadows.  Therefore, composition is your primary tool to guide the viewer's eye through the image.
• Abundant Guidelines: Fortunately, there are numerous composition guidelines to inspire you.  These can be mixed and matched to create more captivating images.
• Practical Example: A common technique in flat lay photography is creating patterns.  To make it more interesting, you can break the pattern at a strategic point, such as one of the intersection points in the rule-of-thirds grid.
• Creative Arrangements: Explore different composition rules, such as forming shapes with your elements, arranging them in geometric patterns, following the golden spiral, etc.  These techniques help create a visually appealing and well-balanced image.

4. Use Accessories for Better Results

While you don't need expensive or professional gear to create stunning flat-lay images, certain accessories can simplify the process and enhance your results:

Tripod

A tripod is an essential accessory for flat-lay photography, offering numerous benefits:

• Increased Distance: Depending on the size of your composition and the lens you're using, you may need to increase the distance between the camera and the subject.  A tripod allows you to achieve this distance without arranging everything on the floor or climbing a ladder, saving time and effort.
• Fixed Frame: Using a tripod keeps your frame fixed, making it easier to arrange items for the perfect composition.  This is particularly useful if you're shooting tethered, as it provides a stable and consistent setup.
• Ensured Perspective: A tripod helps maintain the correct perspective, ensuring your camera remains parallel to the surface.  To further guarantee accuracy, use a bubble level in conjunction with your tripod.

Bubble Level

Ensuring your camera is perfectly parallel to the surface is crucial to avoid perspective distortion in flat-lay photography.  This can be difficult to notice while working but becomes evident once you view the photo on a computer.

To prevent this issue, use a bubble level:

• Camera Attachment: You can purchase a bubble level that attaches to your camera's hot shoe, providing a clear indicator of when your camera is level.
• Hardware Store Option: Alternatively, a regular bubble level from a hardware store can be placed on the back of the camera for the same purpose.
• Smartphone Photography: If you're using a smartphone, download a camera app with a built-in level feature.  For instance, the Foodie app displays a yellow line when the camera is perfectly leveled, ensuring accurate alignment.

5. Don't Underestimate the Depth of Field

Achieving complete focus across the entire image is crucial in flat-lay photography.  Despite the flat surface and parallel sensor, the height of your items can significantly impact the depth of field.

Complete focus is essential whether you're photographing shallow objects like cookies or taller items like a cake on a stand.  To ensure everything is sharp, consider the three factors that determine depth of field: aperture, focal length, and distance.

• Aperture: A smaller aperture (higher f-stop number) increases the depth of field, keeping more of the image in focus.
• Focal Length: Shorter focal lengths generally provide a greater depth of field, which can be advantageous in flat-lay photography.
• Distance: The distance between the camera and the subject also affects the depth of field.  Adjusting this distance can help you achieve the desired focus.

By carefully considering these factors, you can maintain sharpness throughout your flat-lay compositions, ensuring all elements are clearly visible and contribute to the overall impact of the image.

6. Choose a Theme

Flat lay photography can feature a variety of subjects, from clothing and food to products and more.  However, it's crucial to establish a connection between the objects to create a cohesive and meaningful image.

A well-chosen theme helps communicate a message or tell a story, engaging the viewer.  Here are some examples:

• Clothing: If you're photographing clothes, consider using the same item in different colors for an e-commerce shoot.  Alternatively, showcase a complete outfit-shirt, pants, shoes-to highlight styling options or personal fashion choices.
• Seasonal Themes: For instance, photograph summer clothes to evoke the feeling of an upcoming beach trip or vacation.
• Food and Lifestyle: Arrange ingredients for a recipe, or items related to a specific hobby or interest, to create a narrative around the image.

The objects you choose to include in your flat lay significantly influence the message conveyed.  Selecting a theme ensures your image communicates effectively and captures the viewer's attention.

7. Establish a Color Palette

A color palette is a carefully selected series of colors used to create a cohesive look, whether for an outfit, home decor, or a photograph.  The colors you choose can significantly influence the mood and emotional impact of your image.

• Emotional Impact: Different color schemes evoke different feelings.  A monochromatic palette can be soothing and calm while contrasting colors can make the image vibrant and exciting.  Consider the story you want to tell with your flat lay when choosing your color palette.
• Trend Awareness: Color palettes also follow trends.  Staying updated on current color trends can help you create eye-catching, stop-scrolling images that resonate with viewers.
• Thematic Choices: Alternatively, you can choose a color scheme that reflects a specific era or theme.  For example, to evoke the 80s, use bold, bright colors like yellow and fuchsia.

By thoughtfully establishing a color palette, you can enhance your flat lay photography's visual appeal and emotional impact, making your images more engaging and meaningful.

8. Include a Person

While flat lay photography often focuses on still life, there isn't a rule that says it must ONLY include objects.  Incorporating a human element can add depth and interest to your flat lay images.  Here's why:

• Human Touch: Including parts of a person, such as a hand or feet, can make the image more relatable and engaging.  This subtle addition can help viewers connect with the story you're telling.
• Enhanced Storytelling: A human element can bring your flat lay to life, making it easier for the viewer to envision the character and context of the scene.

By adding a person, even just a small part, you can create a more dynamic and engaging flat-lay photograph that draws the viewer into the narrative.

9. Using Lightroom Presets for Flat Lay Photography

Lightroom presets are an excellent tool for enhancing your flat lay photography.  They allow you to apply consistent edits with a single click, saving time and ensuring your photos maintain a cohesive look.  Make sure to consider how different presets can complement your look to bring out its best features.

Here are some specific preset recommendations to try:

1. The Clean Edit Portrait Workflow Collection is the perfect option for most flat lay images, especially food and lifestyle flat lays.  These presets enhance natural light and create a clean, fresh look, which is what most photographers strive for with a good flat lay.

2. The Clean and Colorful Millennium Collection is another great option for infusing your flat lay images with clean and vibrant colors. These presets were designed specifically for Lightroom mobile, making them the perfect choice for photographers on the go.

3. For certain fashion and product flat lays, the Wildheart Evolution Preset Collection is an excellent option for adding depth and richness to images.  This collection helps create dramatic effects with enhanced shadows and highlights, bringing out the intensity and texture in your photos and making them stand out with a bold, artistic touch.

Image edited with Clean Color Base, S-Curve Pop, and Split Tone (Cool) presets from the Clean Edit Portrait Workflow Collection.

These Lightroom preset collections will elevate your flat lay photography, making your editing process quicker and more efficient while ensuring a polished and professional look.

Conclusion

Flat lay photography offers a creative and accessible way to captivate your social media audience.  By mastering composition, selecting the proper lighting, and paying attention to details like backgrounds and color palettes, you can craft engaging visual stories that truly resonate with your viewers.

With these insights and tips, you should be well-equipped to create eye-catching flat lay images that leave a lasting impression on your followers.

Do you have any questions or comments about Flat Lay Photography?  Leave us a comment below - we would love to hear from you!  And PLEASE SHARE this post using the social sharing buttons (we really appreciate it)!