How to improve flat lay photography
Do you need to improve your flat lay photography?
You only need to scroll a few images down on Instagram before you stumble upon beautiful flat lay images which look effortless. They are a beautiful way of telling a story about a product or a feeling but it can be a fine art between getting it right and looking like you dropped a load of items on the floor and took a photograph. Below I have put together a few quick tips to instantly improve flat lay photography.
Improve Flat Lay Photography
Background
Having the right background makes a huge difference to your image. The right background can mean the difference between your subject standing out or blending in. There are lots of places where you can buy specific photography backgrounds but I prefer to use wallpaper samples as they can be longer and more flexible than a piece of board. Using wallpaper samples like the ones I use from MuralsWallpaper can be draped over boxes and across tabletops when standing products up for a seamless background.
When choosing the right background for your images people tend to prefer those with light colours like white marble effect, wooden floorboards or white brickwork. That said, don’t be afraid to experiment with colour too. I love these images I captured with coloured wallpapers.
Light
Good lighting is an essential part of photography, it can make or break your image. Try positioning your subject close to a window to get natural daylight and use light reflectors on grey or wintry days. Light reflectors are so lightweight you can easily hold them in one hand to direct the light source where you need it. Don’t be afraid to place the light source behind your products for a different look.
I sometimes use a Sokani X21 LED Light which can be used with coloured gels for an artistic feel to the images. This was a very inexpensive piece of kit I found on Amazon which comes with a cold shoe to attach to your camera, a carry pouch and a selection of coloured gel sheets.
Props
When choosing props think about items which help to convey the story. Props can bring personality and energy to your images. Charity shops are a great place to find cute, inexpensive props to store in a box until you need them. Think about candles, beads, blankets, silk or fresh flowers, plants, magazines, spectacles, books, cups and makeup. When I am looking to do some flat lay photography I tend to wander around my house looking for items which will enhance my photograph.
Framing
I don’t necessarily mean adding ‘frames’ to your images in the editing process. This is more about the artistic way in which you lay out your items. Less is more so don’t try to overcrowd the shot or it will look like you’re trying too hard. Take a few photographs and assess what looks right and what needs moving or removing. Consider leaving empty spaces to allow it to breathe and give the reader space to imagine.
Camera and Editing
Some of the best flat lay photography is taken on a smartphone. I love my Huawei P20 because it assesses the shot itself and adjusts the colours accordingly. Of course, using my phone means that I can edit the image straight away using apps like Fotor, ImageUpscaler, Picsart and DesignCap to create really cool graphics which I can use on my blog and social media.
My other favourite camera for doing flat lay photography is my Canon G7X MkII because it has a flip screen on the back which can be tilted up to make it easier for me to frame the shot comfortably without having to stand on a chair or stand awkwardly over the subject on the floor.
I recently found this ultimate guide to sharper images which is really good, I would recommend you check it out.
17 Comments
sonia cave
April 11 at 1:19 pm
These flat lays are so lovely to look at, but it is all a bit too much for me. I am lucky I have some nice wooden floor boards in our swedish home and they have to make do!! but I love browsing everyone else creative shots
Sabina Green
April 15 at 1:50 pm
I tend to save up all my photography for one day so it doesn’t feel like so much of a faff to get everything out. It makes the whole job much quicker and easier 🙂
Lyndsey O’Halloran
April 11 at 6:24 pm
I need to get some nice wallpaper samples! I have a P20 Pro and it’s great for photos.
Sabina Green
April 15 at 1:50 pm
The P20 is brilliant, isn’t it? I have now got my eye on the P30 😉
Sarah Stockley
April 11 at 6:31 pm
I love putting together flat lays, I really enjoy the creative side of it. I do now tend to use my phone as I find the quality is just as good.
Sabina Green
April 15 at 1:51 pm
I will often switch to my phone as I know that I am guaranteed a good shot with very little effort on my part x
Amy – All about a Mummy
April 11 at 7:52 pm
Really great tips here. Sometimes just simple changes can make massive difference.
Sabina Green
April 15 at 1:52 pm
They really do, I have always loved photography and love that I can still find ways to improve it x
Thoroughly Modern Grandma
April 12 at 6:49 am
I love the tip about using wallpaper for the background. And, you are definitely right about natural light, it makes so much difference to a photo.
Sabina Green
April 15 at 1:52 pm
There are so many gorgeous wallpapers out there, it makes for a very inexpensive background x
Kelly-Anne
April 12 at 7:18 am
Oh I love photography tips and you have some wonderful ones here. I needn’t to work on some decent backgrounds
Sabina Green
April 15 at 1:53 pm
Wallpaper is the way to go I’m telling you 😉
Anita Faulkner – Brazen Mummy Writes
April 12 at 1:24 pm
This is so helpful – thank you. I had no idea people were using wallpaper all this time! And I have a Huawei P20 too. It takes such a lovely photo. Xx
Sabina Green
April 15 at 1:53 pm
Wallpaper is a gamechanger for backgrounds 😉 I LOVE my P20, the camera is amazing x
mommamack15
April 12 at 8:15 pm
Ive been trying to put some of these tips into practice with my flat lays. I’ve got some professional backdrops but have also made some myself with free wallpaper samples from b&q. Ive found that sometimes, less can be more with additional props in the picture.
Sabina Green
April 15 at 1:54 pm
Yes, you’re so right, sometimes the simplest look the best. It can be really easy to overwork a shot x
Miranda (Anosa)
April 16 at 11:13 am
Thanks for these tips, I truly suck at photography in general but my flat lay is even worse.