Unless you're new to the internet and social media, you're undoubtedly seeing flat lay photography on websites and Insta feeds regularly. A flat lay is just a shot taken from above showing objects arranged on a flat plane. This is known as a bird's eye view. It's a fantastic way of showing off everything from product photographs, unpacking what’s in your bag, to your most recent cup of tea.
Although Flat lay photography looks to be an easy process, it is not! It's important to have a solid understanding of lighting, object arrangement, stacking, colouring and material.
There is a technique for creating the perfect flat lay. We'll walk you through everything you need to know, from setting up the camera to editing your flat lay photos. If you use vinyl backdrops products to their full potential, you'll become an expert at creating appealing flat lay photographs.
Any flat lay photography idea should aim to narrate a story. The items you choose to establish the setting will aid in conveying the message you wish to express. The beauty of flat lay photography is that it enables you to use various things cohesively. Pick items of diverse shapes and sizes, as well as 2-3 consistent colours. It is to create a coherent setting for your image, keeping your aims in mind. Follow these tips once you've defined your goals and acquired the items that will assist you to attain them:
Select a Level and flat Surface
A dining or kitchen table, a desk, your couch, or the floor may all be the things to create flat lays. You'll be off to a good start as much as the floor you're shooting on is generally flat.
Flat lay photography is ideal for displaying a large number of items on a background with no distracting elements. If the colour combination on the surface you're working on isn't consistent, use some cardboard sheets under your backdrop to level it out.
Arranging the Items
Inside the photo, a great shot moves. Item arrangement and brightness are two ways to create movement in a flat lay.
Rather than arranging all things in the middle of the image with a border of blank space around them, organise items such that they overflow out of the frame and only sections of particular objects are in the picture for item arrangement. This intrigues the spectator and makes them feel like they are viewing a piece of a broader picture, encouraging them to think well beyond frame. You may organise your things in a single direction, grids depending on your items.
Utilise Lighting Properly
Place your flat lay setting near an open window or somewhere with plenty of natural daylight. Ensure you're viewing the light or standing off to the side of it. Light will let items throw shadows on some regions of your backdrop, giving it depth and preventing it from seeming too flat.
Choose whatever you want the main focus of the photo to be by looking at the scenario. When shooting a shot, make sure the focus item is the first thing your eye is pulled to, paying attention to where you set and how the light strikes it.
Use Layers to Add Depth
Stacking or layering is a beautiful method to create depth and motion if your design appears a little too flat. By piling various side dishes and placing your primary subject above, you can give depth and dimension to your image. Provide a napkin or a cloth beneath your plate for even more texture and depth. However, when cloth is put aside, you can locate it easily, which is not good.
If you want to add depth and flow to an image with similar-height elements, consider applying different textures below the primary object. As you construct numerous layers, adding materials like cotton cloths or crinkled paper may add interest.
Get High
The trick to capturing a nice flat lay is to shoot at an angle perpendicular to your level surface. To place your camera precisely above your subject, you may need to use a step stool or shoot your things on the ground.
Although nailing your photograph will ensure your success, look at how these easy tweaks elevate the image. You'll be an expert flat lay photographer if you understand the keys of shooting and producing excellent flat lays! Sparkle your flat lay photography and know how to add motion, organise items, and improve photographs like never before. We're excited to see what you come up with!
Just remember to play around with the composition. Set your camera up on a tripod, take a shot, review it, move things around and keep going until you get the shot you want. It all a matter of experimentation.
