Hello Everyone,
Have you ever felt like you want to click a similar beautiful flat lay photograph just like the ones you have seen in Pinterest and Instagram? Well this post is here to help you out with some ideas as to how you want to shoot those pictures. In today’s era of social media and trends, photography is a must, if you want to climb your way up. Instagram is a platform that showcases these photography talents. There are different types of photo styles that one canvases, from selfies, latte art to the flat lay style. A flat lay is a style of photography where one shoots the photo on a plain or clean background with certain accessories or products to compliment the look, whether you are trying to promote the product or for a visual treat.
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The above reel depicts how to make a good flat lay using props that you have and an idea as to how you can do.
The ways to capture these photos are by using a DSLR camera or with your phone. Obviously I am using my phone to shoot these pictures as I feel more comfortable using it. I use an iPhone 8 Plus and I love the portrait mode on it. Now you don’t have to get yourself an expensive camera but you can simply perform the task using your phone whichever model you have. Now I may not be perfect in taking photographs but I love taking shots of makeup, or anything that captures my eyes.
Here are 10 tips for creating the perfect Instagram flat lay photography:-
- Planning
You need to think on ideas as to how you want to execute the shot, that is think on what background you want to use to shoot the photo on, the props you require to compliment the picture, any statement pieces or accessories to add a sophisticated look, and most importantly theme. A theme defines the style of your photography design. Like if you are going in with makeup photography, use accessories relating to that field. For example use lipsticks, mascara, maybe even a pretty makeup pouch to compliment the look. So think on the theme as well.
- Look For Ideas
Pinterest is a platform for such ideas on photography. Infact whenever I view photos on it, you just never know when the time flies. It’s like a visual dream to just keep scrolling and seeing all the lovely pictures on it. So coming to the point, look up for reference in relation to what you have in mind when taking your photo. Try to save some pins from there and come up with your own idea.
- Color Palette
As mentioned above theme is important so is the design of your flat lay, that is the colors you want to use in your photo. For example, when you think of cotton candy the colors pink and purple or violet come to your mind, or think pastels with greys and white etc. You can mix the shades and visually design accordingly, whichever makes the photograph pop.
In the above photo I have used a color palette with a mix of white, grey and black, and also added accessories like the red pouch to reflect a pop of color along the with a candle and the makeup product. But the theme and the color palette blends to give out a flawless look.
- Use The Unnecessary Space
There is always a negative space on the background you focus on, try utilizing it. If you have a lot going on, try to spread the pieces to give sufficient spacing between them. This is to show that your photo has a lot going on but it is also to depict that the photo is not too loud or not screaming to show so much is going on. It would take a little bit of your time to style it however it will seem effortless and classy once the photo shot is ready.
- Background Ideas
Always sticking to clean and plain background enables your photos to look more classy. However you can always amp up the look by using even printed or magazines as your background to reflect a well structured picture. There are so many options to use, for example you can use a white soft fluffy sort of mat or rug as your background, a plain white silk or even your light colored plain quilts will do, you can use pastel colored craft papers and arrange it accordingly to place the items. You can buy a marble wallpaper and stick it on to a flat surface, where by you can use it as a background too. These are some of the ideas you can apply.
In the above photo, I have used a yellow and pastel blue merged in the center as my background to make the product pop in the photo.
As mentioned, you can use textured or printed tables or props to amp up the look of your photography. For example I used a granite top coffee table as my background to shoot the skincare product. The look came out classy. Thus you can come up with your own creativity to shoot such pictures.
- Background Props/Statement Pieces
The way you want your photo to look depends on the background props you use. It is very important to use them in your photos, as it aids in giving out classy vibes. You can use statement jewelry pieces to capture the audience’s eyes or simply put use a beautiful candle jar, candles appear to make the photos more sophisticated. You can use fairy lights like those copper stringed tiny lights that can bring out the mood to the picture. Scarfs, sunglasses, or using your purse as extra background prop accessories also help to give out a beautiful flat lay.
- Layering
Layering means to assemble these props and make it come together. You can layer on accessories like your sunglasses as mentioned above, use a lipstick, or book, even a magazine can be used to layer as it appeals to the photographer. It adds a dimensional look. You can use a wood base slate sort of background prop and layer it with accessories or the product you want to showcase. Don’t be shy to layer, try and see, if the look comes together then go for it.
In the above picture, I have used a wood slate and the magazine as my layering tools over a plain silk cloth. This gives a very sophisticated look.
- Photography Angle
From which angle you take your shot is very important. As this factor will determine if it will receive the necessary likes on social media as you look forward to. Most of the flat lay photos are taken from above, but some can be taken below, slightly down or side ways depending on what appeals to your eyes. By working out on what angle you want you can add in more items or take out a few. It’s all about blending in the photo an how well it turns out to be.
- Lighting
A point to give importance to again. Natural lighting is the best lighting you will ever need. And sometimes you may not be able to get it, but you can always edit that part. However it is with only the natural light you can capture the beauty of your photo. Windows are your best friends as it is through that you receive the bright light, so make sure you use and also you can shoot the flat lay in your balcony or wherever you have access to natural light.
- Editing Apps
The final step in your flat lay process. Editing apps are must have in today’s world of photography, without it you cannot post your beautiful pictures. You have so many to try that you need to download the ones that you like. You can checkout snapseed, BeFunky, VSCO, apps etc. Try to choose apps that you are comfortable to use and see what filters suit your taste of photography.
Hope this post helps you to get thinking on to create a beautiful flat lay photo. Please feel free to comment and drop by again for the next post.