Back in the day, selfies were the only way to get a photo of oneself. But now, thanks to the growing popularity of Instagram, hundreds of social media influencers do this kind of photography full-time. It's called "flat lay photography," and it's all about photographing different items on a flat surface - usually a white background. Flat-lay photography is a tried-and-true way to show off your products in the best light possible, and these days there's no shortage of resources for taking flat-lay photos. Let this be your comprehensive guide!

Creating a Flat Lay Photo

To create a flat-lay photo, there are a few key things that you would require: a clean surface, good lighting, and exciting props.

  1. Start by finding a clean, flat surface. A table or the floor will work fine. If you are using a patterned background, make sure that the pattern is not too busy, or it will distract from the items you are featuring in your photo.
  2. Once you have found your surface, it's time to add some light. Natural light is always best, so if you can shoot near a window, that's ideal. If not, artificial light will work just fine. Just be sure that your light source is shining evenly on your scene so that no shadows are cast on your backdrop or props.
  3. Now it's time to start styling your shot! Add in any props that you think will look good and tell the story of your products or brand. Be creative and have fun with it! Once you have everything arranged how you like it, take a step back and make sure that everything looks balanced and pleasing to the eye before taking your photo.
  4. When you're ready to snap the perfect picture, make sure that your camera is leveled with the surface of your scene so that everything appears nice and flat in the frame. If everything looks good, go ahead and take your shot!

Equipment needed for a Flat Lay

If you want to get into flat-lay photography, there are a few things you'll need: 

-A tripod: This will help keep your camera level ad steady, especially when you're using a telephoto lens.

-A remote shutter release: This will let you take pictures without having to touch your camera, which can cause vibration and blurriness.

-A reflector: This will help bounce light back onto your subject, giving it more definition and making it pop out.

-Props: Things like books, jewelry, sunglasses, and other small items can add interest and dimension to your flat lay shots.

Creative Ideas

If you're new to flat-lay photography, it can be helpful to get some creative inspiration before getting started. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  1. Try using different props to add interest to your photos. You can use items like flowers, books, or even jewelry to add a pop of color or texture.
  2. Experiment with different angles and perspectives. Get down low, shoot from above, or try shooting from the side for a different perspective.
  3. Use natural light whenever possible. Soft, natural light will give your photos a beautiful glow. If you're shooting indoors, try setting up near a window or using a reflector to bounce light into your scene.
  4. Be intentional with your composition. Think about what story you want to tell with your photo and arrange your elements accordingly.
  5. Have fun! Flat-lay photography is all about being creative and experimenting, so don't be afraid to try new things!