How To Flatlay
Flatlays are some of my favorite photos to create. They help me flex a different type of creative muscle and really tell a story through just one image. They also don’t require my hair and makeup to be done, which is always a plus. But sometimes it can be confusing to figure out how to make a pile of pretty stuff come together in one cohesive image. So here are all the steps I take (and tricks I use) to create the perfect flatlay.
What To Shoot: Subject Matter
The first thing to decide on is the subject matter of your flatlay. A popular one is the OOTD flatlay to highlight an outfit and accessories. A career or study-related subject might include a laptop, notebook and headphones. Whereas a beauty flatlay would focus on different makeup and skincare products, perhaps styled with a mirror or towel.
Think about what the focal point of the image is and then brainstorm other types of objects that would be used with it or found in that environment.
Choose Surface & Lighting
Flatlays are typically shot from a bird’s eye view, or directly above, as the name would suggest. When choosing a surface, your options are virtually endless but there are a few key things to look for. A neutral surface is ideal for making the objects pop. I usually like a solid white or neutral background such as a piece of white furniture or a bedsheet. A bedsheet is a bit softer and more textural, which gives off a different look.
Having access to plenty of natural lighting is also a necessity for any photography I do. Consider the direction and intensity of the lighting too. Usually I go for a soft diffused light by shooting at certain time of day but sometimes stronger lighting just works better for the subject matter.
Add Texture & Objects
Texture can easily be added into the image through a number of different objects, my favorite being clothing. I love mixing together soft silk and flowing fabrics with more structured cotton, leaving in details like buttons. It’s also easy way to add in a strategically placed pop of color with clothing too. You could also use a piece of fabric, a towel or a blanket depending on the subject matter.
You can achieve balance in an image with a mixture or small and larger objects. Consider a natural element like dried flowers and trinkets like a book or two to add height, an art print, a mirror, vase or glass. If you’re doing a fashion flatlay then you should definitely include not only clothing but bags, shoes and accessories like sunglasses and jewelry.
Determine Your Layout
And now for the fun part, setting up the shot and moving things around until the image looks balanced. Depending on your style, the layout could be very busy or clean, super styled or more candid.
I personally prefer a more busy and undone looking setup, as if the items were casually strewn about in an aesthetically pleasing way. I like to describe my flatlays, and the complete mess I leave behind when creating them, as a pretty mess.
An alternative layout is the minimal, organized look, where objects are carefully placed, often in some kind of grid format. This is great if you’re going for a clean and minimal aesthetic, but the subject matter could be anything. It really just comes down to personal preference.
Create Effects & Moods
There are a ton of creative effects you can create while shooting, and they don’t even involve tampering with the camera settings.
One trick I like to use a lot is to hold a reflective objects like a glass in the frame. This gives the photo a more ethereal or dream-like vibe. You can also add more depth to the photo by playing with larger objects that extend from and disappear off the side of the frame. Placing objects closer to the lens will create a blurred or bokeh effect.
And depending on the type of lighting you’re shooting in, the object will appear more cold or warm in tone. Use this to your advantage to set the mood for the image. For example, a summer outfit flatlay might look nicer in a warmer (more yellow-ish) light that resembles the late afternoon sun.
