Flat lay Photography is one of the easiest and very simplest way to convert any boring product or subject into an attractive one.
This type of photography is everywhere.
and if you’re a full-time photographer and want to earn some real money by capturing product photos then flat lays is one of the best in the market.
you can even add your creativity to get something out of the box stuff.
and if everything works as expected then who knows you’ll get opportunities to capture some flat lays for some famous products 😀
No matter if you’re shooting for small business or large, flat lay works every time.
but As a photographer, you know it’s not easy to get bangers every time.
sometimes you need a proper plan for the shoot before you actually start shooting.
so today in this article, I’m sharing some tips and tricks to get better at flat lay photography.
no matter if you don’t know anything about flat lays and this type of photography, this article helps you to get better at flat lay photography.
Get Perfect Flat Lay Photos In 8 Easy Steps | Flat lay Photography Tips
Before we start, let me share some why and what about flat lay.
so here’s the quick definition of Flat Lay…
What Is Flat Lay?
It is a common kind of product image captured directly from above laid on a horizontal or near-horizontal surface.
It is also known as table-top photography and it is widely used for fashion shots, accessory images, cosmetics, birds eyes, jewelry, and many more…
Have a look at some of these famous examples of flat lay photos…
now, why flat lay product? did you ever ask any photographer this question??
if Not then here’s the answer which you need to know before learning more about this type of photography.
Importance Of Flat Lay Product
It gives Clear images, and it may provide a clear view of the product, which is very attractive.
Elevated shooted photographs of the products look aesthetic and make the product more appealing and impressive in looks.
It is essential to draw the attention of people to your product through photography.
now you know what and why about a flat lay product and this type of photography.
Essential Equipment For Flat Lay Photography
here is some important equipment or you can say tools you need to get started with flat-lay product photography…
Camera
You can shoot using smartphones, as they are capable enough to capture impressive images.
Model: Sony A6000
You can preferably use DSLR or a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses that will give you flexible technical control.
If you’re asking me then I’m using my Sigma 56MM F1.4 with Sony A6000.
because of the nice aperture, I can easily get the sharpness that I need, to show every small detail.
but if you’re just starting this type of photography then any prime lens is your go-to option, you can even use the kit lens to get the shot.
to get better quality image & if you want to make editing process smooth then make sure you shoot in RAW Format.
Tripod
You can try shooting a flat lay without a tripod.
but using a tripod while shooting will give you stable support, and it will save a lot of time.
It will ensure better framing and a focused image.
Lighting And Accessories
Perfect lighting is the most essential part of photography.
good lighting setup can give a clear image with desirable results.
Using accessories with the product will look amazing if used correctly.
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Capturing Perfect Flat Lay Photos
Make sure you are clear about the idea to portray through the image.
The objects you will choose will help you to convey the message you want to reflect.
The best point about using flat lay photography is to utilize as many objects in a unifying way.
Narrate A Story
Your image should narrate the story of the product and give a clear idea of the theme.
Narrating a story through your photograph is an integral part of photography.
Assemble Props
Everything depends on the theme of your image.
To achieve a cohesive look, you need to keep in mind the theme of your image.
Make sure to remember excessive and unnecessary props can make the image look awful.
Display the props that match the purpose of your photograph and should not confuse people.
Do not use vague props, and try to stick to the theme.
Find A Flat Surface
Flat lays can be captured on the dining or coffee table, floor, cushion, bed. Just remember to select a flat surface to shoot.
A flat surface with a plain background can help you get room for creativity.
for example, texture background or different color background, placing multiple props or any decoration to make the image attractive.
Arrange Your Objects
A spectacular photographer creates a movement within the frame.
The way to create movement in a flat lay is through object placement and lighting.
Object placement is essential, This can make your image look impressive.
You should place your image in multiple directions, which will make them overflow out of the frame, and few parts are inside the frame.
That creates intrigue and motivates you to feel as, you are watching a snippet of a larger scene, engaging the viewer’s imagination to think beyond the frame.
Object placement can make your image impressive, and if done incorrectly, it can provide a disastrous effect.
It depends on your object and your theme. It depends on you, how you want to arrange that.
You can arrange the props in straight format, u- curve, v-curve, s- curve, horizontal format, vertical format.
Positioning light
Light positioning is technically the most important step in photography.
You need to focus on more natural light while capturing the flat lay photographs.
Make sure the natural light falls on the image.
and it also allows the object to cadet shadows on certain parts of your background that can create spectacular dimensions.
Make sure you select the right focal length that draws attention to the image.
drawing attention to the right spots of the image can lead to amazing effects.
More Depth
You can add depth with layers, and it is a great way to add movement and depth to the image.
You can create depth by stacking different-sized plates and placing your main subject on top adding.
the cloth can give added intrigue as you create multiple layers.
Shoot From Height
Capturing photos from an elevated level to a flat surface will look impressive.
It will give a clear view of the product.
Shooting from a height can make your image get better shots which will attract the viewer’s attention.
That ensures that your photo looks flat.
Creating distance between you and the flat lay will help you fit everything into the shot.
It allows a big room for frame adjustment and, it gives an aesthetic look to the product.
Space for text and graphics
You should leave some space for text and graphics in the post-processing of your image.
Make sure you’re leaving ample space and the correct area vacant to add these post-processing elements to the product.
Editing
You can use an editing app for post-processing. It helps you to reduce any ruins, and It will help you to achieve a perfect look.
Use editing to enhance your image, and remember, excessive editing can lead to the deterioration of your photograph.
Do not take editing so far that the originality of your flat lay in the edit.
- Important photo editing tips for every photographer | photo editing guide
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Do’s of lay photography
Use visual narrative
Visual narrative can help you to stick with the theme.
To focus on the purpose of your image and what you want to display from the image.
Keep room for Creativity
Exploring different things is what makes things, images, and people different from each other.
You can experiment a little and try to figure out what new can happen with this image.
Keep it natural
The best images captured should be natural, and that will make it more attractive.
You can use seasonal photos to convey the feelings of the photographer.
You can try using the rainy season with some water droplets.
or you can use the autumn season with some dry leaves and fallen fruits, snowballs in winter, and bright sun rays in summer.
Try Adding Hands
Bringing your hands inside the frame can give a soft, warm, and cozy effect to the product.
It will make everything look effortless and attractive.
you can even follow some pro photographers like peter McKinnon to get some ideas.
here are some top to down and adding hands inside the frame kind of shots captured by Peter McKinnon.
here is one of the best product photographer ( every type of photographer ) I even know.
make sure you follow him on Instagram or on youtube for some inspiration.
Shapes Are Important
You have to imagine a symbolic shape and fill it with lots of tiny objects or props.
Creating a figure inside the frame can be incredible.
You can draw the silhouette on your background and then fill it with the objects that are connected to your purpose of photographs.
Conclusion
Flat Lay Photography is one of the best way to express your product or anything related to that…
No matter if you want to gain more likes on your social media profile by engaging more users, flat lay is one of the best techniques to choose.
It’s an easy and simple technique that required only some creativity to arrange your subject according to the surface and props which you’re going to use for the shoot.
A creative shooting surface can give room for creative experiments that can lead to desirable results.
For Flaytlays theme is a very important factor, so make sure you choose props according to the theme which you’re planning for.
And last but not the least, practice a lot.
follow some more photographers on Instagram or on youtube to learn some new tricks and composition techniques to improve your overall flat lay photos.
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that’s all from my side, hope you guys learned something new about flat lay photography.
have a good day 🙂
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