You can flat lay everything from your latte to your lipstick.
But not all flat lays are created equally - some are more yay and some are more nay!
If you want to learn to how to take flat lay photos like a boss, then read on for my 10 tips :-
1. Lighting
This will help create a clear photo highlighting all the details. Set up your flat lay near a big window where natural light will shine through and don't forget to position yourself to avoid lurking shadows in the photo. Consider getting a white foam board to reflect the light.2. Background
Plain backgrounds work best as a bold backgrounds can drown out the items you are trying to highlight. If you don't want to go for the same old solid white backgrounds, try using wallpaper, wooden floorboards, bed covers or your partner's bare back! { << just joking and making sure you're paying attention! }
3. Use Blu TackTack down the items that have a tendency to roll away, e.g. lipstick
4. Make it pretty
Use your common visualising senses here. For example - don't have too many different colours in your flatlay
Don't be afraid of having negative space because sometimes less is more. But then again, don't have your flat lay too bare because sometimes less is...erm...less! Think of balance.
Nowadays, smartphones can take great photos...but if you want to go one up, use an actual camera. A lot of cameras these days are Wifi enabled which means you can snap the photo, send it to your email and then download onto your phone to upload onto Instagram.
7. Props
Get prop happy to add a special touch to your photos, e.g. flowers, candles, inspirational quote prints, MacBook, magazines
8. Steady hands
Nobody likes a blurry eyeball-hurting shot. Hold your breath as you take the photo. Or if you really want to be a pro-flatlayer, use a tripod and remote control.
9. Practice makes perfect
Nobody is a flat-lay-born pro! Just keep practising and take a number of shots till you get it right.
Crop, change the angle, sharpen the image, brighten up the pic, etc etc.
Now go forth and slay your flatlay like a boss!
