Flat Lay is a snapshot of objects laid out on a flat surface and photographed from above. They are usually shot on a table, floor or a special background. The subjects should be united by a common theme, an idea, otherwise it will just be a bunch of junk.
Initially, this format was used by fashion magazines to create a stylish image or showcase new products. Flat Lay is currently trending on Instagram*, including due to business opportunities. Such pictures perfectly sell any thing: from a laptop to mouth-watering donuts in your coffee shop.
But it's not enough to pile up everything that comes to hand. To make the picture look cool, you need to think over the composition, color scheme, and plot.
These tips will help you take the perfect Flat Lay photo using your smartphone.
The optimal lighting for Flat Lay is natural. It gives soft diffused light and correct color reproduction without harsh shadows. Avoid the bright sun — it will make the picture too contrasting.
The ideal conditions for shooting are morning or evening, especially in cloudy weather. Then the light is not so sharp and creates almost no shadows.
Flat Lay is a photo from above and only at right angles. Hold your smartphone parallel to the surface you are shooting.
For convenience, you can climb higher — on a chair, a stepladder — or, for example, use a selfie stick. Or you can simply place objects on the floor and shoot from your height.
The key to a good photo is a competent composition. Turn on the grid in the camera settings and use the rule of thirds during shooting. The main items should be placed at the intersection of the lines. The grid can also be used while placing items. This will allow you to immediately see the errors in the composition and correct them.
Keep an eye on the symmetry in the frame, leave a space between the objects. But do not build everything according to a ruler, create a feeling of slight negligence. This way the photo will look more natural.
For example, it is not necessary that all objects fall into the frame entirely. If the part goes out of bounds, it will add dynamics to the snapshot.
Experiment, don't be afraid to shift the center of the composition. This will only benefit the result.
During shooting, remember that the proportions of three-dimensional objects closer to the edge of the frame are distorted. To avoid this, raise the camera higher. The excess can then be removed during cropping.
You can also put something under these objects so that they are at an angle to the center of the composition. This way the distortion effect will be invisible.
The main thing in creating an ideal composition is not to overdo it. If there is a pile of objects in the frame, the viewer may not understand what the main emphasis is on. Keep a balance, otherwise a cool photo will turn into a snapshot of a pile of junk on the table. If you doubt something, it's better to put it away.
Remember that one or two subjects play the main role, the rest only maintain the atmosphere and place accents.
In addition to the composition, you need to take care of the correct combination of colors in the frame. First, think over the color scheme of the picture, and then select suitable objects for it. Keep in mind that cold colors go well with cold ones, and warm colors go well with warm ones. It's corny, but many people forget about it. For the background, it is better to use white, black and gray, because they look harmoniously with any colors.
In addition, warm colors look more appetizing. If you are photographing food, its color scheme should be warmer than the background.
Each photo should have its own style. You can't just throw all sorts of stuff on the table and take out what happened. If you want to share your impressions of the new "Star Wars", put tickets, a Jedi sword in the frame, choose a suitable background.
If there is a new iPhone X in the frame, emphasize its features — make the wallpaper and background of the picture the same. This will allow you to pay attention to its framelessness.
It all depends on the atmosphere and the story that you want to convey through the picture.
The background in the frame should complement the objects, and not take all the attention to itself. The style, color and texture of the background are selected for the objects. It can be anything: a countertop, a wooden floor, fabric or craft paper. Textured backgrounds add depth to photos. But if you are a follower of minimalism, use plain surfaces without texture and accents.
Textures and colors on the background can be combined, as long as they are combined. Avoid bright shades, it is better to use neutral ones.
Flat Lay photos are a great format for advertising. When posting pictures of branded items, mention the brand profile.
This way your photo will get more views, perhaps it will be noticed by the brand and appear on its page.
To grow as a photographer, learn from examples. Sign up for Pinterest if you haven't done so yet. An excellent service with a ton of interesting and useful content on any topic.
Look at other people's work, subscribe to inspiring Instagram accounts* before you start shooting.
Facebook Instagramming is prohibited in the territory of the Russian Federation.*The activities of Meta Platforms Inc. and its social networks Facebook and Instagram are prohibited in the territory of the Russian Federation.
