If you’ve spent any time on Instagram in the past few years, you’ve likely seen those artfully arranged compositions that offer a bird’s eye view of everything from table settings to apparel. These images are known as flat lays, and they are great for creating unique and impactful images to share on social media. If you’re new to flat lay photography, read on. We’ve gathered all our best tips and ideas for creating gorgeous flat lays with your iPhone.
A flat lay is a type of still-life photography where objects are arranged on a flat surface and then photographed from above. The biggest advantage of flat lay photos is that they show your subjects clearly without any added distractions. Provided that your scene is well-lit, flat lays also minimize shadows and allow you to focus on creative compositions in a controlled environment.
There are many creative ways you can use flat lay photography, especially on social media, where flat lays are extremely popular. Don’t know where to start? Here are some of the most popular types of flat lay photos:
Now, let’s dig a little deeper into the technical aspects of flat lay photography. While taking great flat lay photos isn’t difficult, it does require some planning, settings, and light requirements. Here are some flat lay photography tips to ensure that you get bright, crisp photos using your iPhone.
Provided that you have decent lighting from all sides, shadows will already be minimized with flat lay photography. That’s because you are reducing your photo to two dimensions and shooting from above. It’s not entirely foolproof, though, so here are a few tips for keeping shadows to a minimum in your flat lay photos:
Here are some additional shooting and editing tips for beautiful flat lay photos:
Now for some creative inspiration. Here are a few ideas for composing your flat lay photo to tell a compelling story to your viewers.
You can use a variety of different layouts for your flat lay, but composing your images in a circle or spiral is a great way to keep your viewer’s eye within the frame. Many photographers use the golden ratio to compose shots based on the Fibonacci spiral. This composition rule totally works for flat lays, too. A circle will naturally appeal to the viewer’s natural sense of momentum, creating the illusion of visual movement within the scene. A spiral tends to create a more harmonious flow throughout the image, with one element naturally leading to another. Both spirals and circles work well with elements that have natural curves.
When arranging flat lays for an image, many photographers struggle with not having enough space to tell their story. You can get around this by positioning objects so they aren’t entirely within the frame. For example, when shooting a table setting, it’s fine to show a hint of the centerpiece and portions of other elements — plates, napkins, silverware, etc. Your viewer will still get the gist of what you are trying to show them, and you will create a sense of intrigue, enticing the viewer to mentally expand on the story outside of the image.
When we talk about “movement” within a composition, we’re not talking about a literal moving scene that you capture without your camera (although you can easily transform your flat lay into an animated stop motion video). Instead, we are focusing on creating the illusion or sense of movement to make your image more interesting. There are many ways to create a sense of movement within a flat lay image. Positioning items in a circle or spiral, as mentioned above, is just one of them. Clothing and shoes can be positioned in a way that they appear to have been tossed instead of folded. Hands can be strategically used to show a task being completed. Or you can show a task unfinished or food partially eaten to capture a moment frozen in time.
Using basic color theory in your images can help you create a cohesive theme that will help tell your story or promote your brand. Think about your favorite color schemes and stick with a background and items that work well together. If you are having trouble, take a look at a color wheel for inspiration. Colors that are next to each other or directly across from each other can be used to create a cohesive theme, or you can use different shades of a single color.
The best flat lays are artfully composed to tell a visual story. To do this, choose one or two items that will be the focus of your image, then surround them with a supporting cast of smaller items and props. Think about the item you are showcasing and decide on the story you want to tell.
Here are a few examples. Let’s say you want to create a flat lay for the book you are currently reading. Start by thinking about where and when you read. With your book in the center, surround it with a coffee cup, snacks, reading glasses, and your favorite bookmark.
Taking a photo of your favorite outfit? Add some props to show where it will be worn — movie tickets, headphones, or a backpack. You get the idea.
Using hands or other body parts in an image is a fabulous way to create a sense of movement, spontaneity, and depth within your image. If you just want to photograph a single hand within your shot, you can probably get by with a tripod and remote shutter. If you want to capture two hands, you’ll have better luck enlisting the help of another person. Use hands to show off jewelry, clothing, food, or flowers. No matter what type of flat lay you want to create, adding a person makes it more dynamic and relatable.
Using different textures within your flat lay photos is a great way to add a bit of depth and interest to your images. Look for a combination of curved and angular, soft and rough, shiny and dull. When photographing clothing, you can compliment soft fabric with jewelry and shoes. A smooth bowl of soup can be photographed next to a slice of crusty bread. Your background will also help create textural contrast. Photograph items that are smooth and shiny against a background of wood or concrete. Capture a fuzzy wool sweater on a shiny marble countertop.
Flat lays are great for experimenting with all the different elements of photographic composition. By creatively mixing different shapes, colors, textures, and sizes, you will find that there are limitless opportunities to tell your story. With the right lighting and lots of practice, you may discover that flat lay photography is one of the most artistic genres to play around with.