If you’re a blogger, the idea of a picture-perfect post (pun intended) is always on your mind; and if you’re like me, it probably gives you migraines. If you’re not a blogger you are someone who fancies a nice picture for your social media profiles, or just a good wallpaper for your home screen.
Flat lay photography, for me, is heaven sent. The subtle art not only saves you the trouble of location scouting but also allows you to capture a mood without the hassle of getting dressed or made up.
Below are 5 easy flat lay photography layouts for the perfect visual story;
Outfit flat lay
This may be the most common type of flat lay. It usually consists of a half/full outfit. I like to keep it realistic and casual; something I am actually going to wear. A fashion flat lay does not always have to be folded, but it is best to keep the frame in a perfect square.
Beautiful chaos
Here I like to have a theme first. For a pink theme, different shades of pink work perfectly. However, do not be carried away; not everything goes. Choose items that are related. Mostly fashion and beauty goes together. The set-up has to be really busy, ergo the more the merrier. With that in mind, stick to small items and only show half or part of the larger items.
The lazy flat lay
This type of flat lay may look quite effortless and lazy, but I think it requires the most work. The idea is to pass off a lazy vibe (as the name suggests) but it is actually about staging the perfect ‘crime scene’. To achieve this kind of flat lay, simply rough up a sheet here and casually tuck in a book there.
Product flat lay
I personally like to keep product flat lays really simple and uncomplicated. However, taking a product flat lay with just the one product may seem a little dull and or boring. Use plants and flowers as complementary pieces. Alternatively you can incorporate other related products into your photo, but always remember to place your star product in the limelight. Dwarf the other products by blurring them out, placing them around the main piece or just showing a glimpse of them.
The close-up
This may be my favorite flat lay photography layout, and the easiest to take. You can achieve this by simply finding the right angle and making sure the lighting is perfect. The close-up flat lay can belong to any of the above groups. The reason why I play favorites when it comes to the close-up is the fact that after you are done with a complicated flat lay layout, you can simply zoom in on one area, and voila! You have your close-up shot.
Use the tips for flat lay photography and try out these layouts for your next session.
What is your favorite kind of flat lay? Let’s chat in the comment section below
xo
Anda-The busy shelf
I super appreciate that you gave examples with diverse objects! I am a book blogger and bookstagrammer and more often than not, I would either find examples only for books, only for clothes, only for makeup..you get the point. So thank you for being inclusive and an inspiration ❤
And yay, tips for flat lays ❤
Marion
Thank you for the read. I’m glad you found these inspiring.
Ellyn Rebecca
I like to colour coodinate my flat lays, I also try to switch up the backgroud, whether its on a marble backgroud, white floorboards, duvet/pillow case or displayed on my makeup table.
Ellyn x | Life Of A Beauty Nerd
Marion
Great, I also like different backgrounds, although at the moment I’m still in search for a marble one. Thank you for the read
Rochelle
I am awful at outfit flat lays haha. I’m definitely better with products
Chelle | http://www.chellebelle2016.blogspot.co.uk
Marion
I also think products are easier.
Laura
I always struggle so much with my flat lay layouts because they just never look right. So thank you so much for your tips! Really helpful!
Laura / https://www.laustworld.com/
Marion
Glad I could be helpful. Thank you for the read
Laura
This is really helpful. I’m starting to take photos for my blog, and this just gave me some really good layout ideas. I want to try them all. Thanks!
Marion
Don’t mention it… I’d love to see your work. I hope to get better with time as well. Thank you for the read
Chantal Porter
These are beautiful! I’m not good with taking pictures but I think these tips might be a really big help.
Marion
Thank you. I hope they help
Lisa
I love your flat lay ideas! I’ve been experimenting with some and I will definitely keep your tips in mind. Thank you for the inspiration!
Marion
Glad they could help. All the best. Thank you for the read
Mandy
Got to love a good flatlay, great examples 💕
Mxndychxrlotte.co.uk 💻
Marion
Thank you for the read
Lina
This is really helpful! I struggle with flat lays and you provided great examples
Marion
Glad you found it helpful. Thank you for the read
Alghashiyah
I like the close up all of your pics are nice. I love Playing around with flat lays I need to do more. I appreciate the plants to add to the product which make it simple and clean. Great post
Marion
Close ups are indeed effortless. Thank you for the read
Mykki
I love this post and I’m definitely going to take some of these tips into consideration next time I do any photography of my own for the blog. ^_^
Marion
Thank you for the read. I hope you get the best results out of your flat lay photography 😊
Ana
Great tips! Love your flat lays– beautiful. I like taking my own photos for my blog. I think it adds warmth and a creative touch that you don’t get from stock photos. Thanks for the helpful post.
Marion
I do too, but I don’t always get the chance to use my own photos, so I go for stock sometimes 😬… I would however looove to use my own exclusively. I’ll check out your blog for inspiration. Thank you for the read
katy gilroy
such a helpful post, I’m rubbish at flatlays but I’ll definitely be making more of an effort now x
Marion
All the best Katy. I hope to get better as well. Thank you for the read.
Emily
This is such a great post! I personally have always struggled with flat lays- mainly because I don’t have a fancy camera, just my phone. But you have some great ideas and I didn’t even know that there were different types of flat lays! I feel really silly now. It really makes me want to try to step up my game so I don’t have to use as many stock photos anymore.
Emily | https://www.thatweirdgirllife.com
Marion
Do not let not having a camera stop you. I still use my phone for some of my flatlays… As long as you take the shot in good lighting and make good use of editing apps later, you should have a good enough flatlay.
Thank you for reading
Britt
You’ve got some great examples here! Flay lay photography is something I’ve never really been that good at and keep putting aside, but you’ve inspired me to go back and attempt it once again
Marion
I’m glad you got inspired. All the best, and thank you for the read
Jenn
Im terrible at the flat lays haha they look so damn pretty though! I just gotta practice more I guess.
Marion
I am also at the practicing phase 😀. I am sure with more practice you’ll get better, as will I. Thank you for reading.
Marshalee
I like the one with the magazine. These are all lovely photos! Great flat lays. I think flat lays are amazing when done right like your photos! Great post!
Marion
Thank you. I like including magazine pages that are in line with the theme…and thanks for the read
Up Your Flat Lay Game; Tips for Flat lay Photography - House of Kesar
[…] newest and most favorite hobby (obsession) is flat lay photography. There are different flat lay photography layouts and it can involve anything you like; be it clothes, food, products, etc. As the name suggests, the […]
chloe
It always takes me a lot longer to take flat lays than I think it will. I take a while to make sure everything is equal and looks good
Marion
Same here. And sometimes you end up with an entirely different arrangement.
Lauren
i really think that my favourite idea is the lazy one, it looks so comfy and inviting
Marion
It surely is a vibe 😀… Thank you for stopping by