
Fresh flowers, everyday accessories, colorful clothing ensembles, and bits of your favorite things — sounds like flat lay perfection, right? While taking flat lay photos can take up a huge chunk of time pretty quickly without you knowing it (because it’s so fun and addicting!), I promise you’ll get better at it once you get the hang of it. Practice makes perfect, and the beauty of flat lays is that you have the freedom to really make them yours! Think of it like a creative, personalized spin of product photography that can be easily done on a cell phone. 🙂
My boyfriend usually takes my blog photos but occasionally I like to give him a break and take my own photos whenever I can. These photos typically are product/flat lay photos! With that said, I’ve been playing around with textures and bits of my favorite pieces to up my Instagram game. Wondering what makes my perfect flat lay photos? Read on to find out!
CLEAN, EVEN, & BRIGHT LIGHTING
This one, I’ve learned, is by far the most important element to any strong flat lay photo, especially if you’re taking the photo on a phone. I hate grainy flat lays, so I do my very best to take my photos in clean and even lighting. My apartment is pretty dark naturally, so if I’m indoors, I like to take my photos near the windows or on a white background for the extra pop and overall brightness. I’ve found that by using naturally great light, I don’t have to worry about unsightly shadows or graininess. At night time, I ditch the cell phone and use my boyfriend’s DSLR and artificial lighting to create sharp, well-lit photos.
TEXTURES
You can’t go wrong with shooting a flat lay against a white background (unless the item(s) are white, of course), but I like to be adventurous with my textures when it comes to taking photos. A few go-to textures I like are fur, silk, rugs, unique blankets, wood, and marble! The options are endless here, so feel free to get creative.
PRETTY (OR YUMMY) THINGS
Spice up your flat lay photo by throwing in some pretty things. Lately, I’ve been really into using macarons in my flat lays because they are different and look very aesthetically pleasing! They are also really yummy to eat afterwards. 😉 Some other props I like to use are magazines and smaller items like jewelry, nail polish, and accessories like watches or sunnies. Here, I’ve also played with several different textures including an aztec print poncho (turned into blanket for this shot) and my favorite faux fur rug.
COLOR
When scrolling through my social media feeds, I’ve noticed that my eyes naturally gravitate to photos with great contrast and color. With that said, I try to pick things with vibrancy to photograph. Color makes such a big difference and I’m all about ’em!
PROPORTIONS & POST-PROCESSING
The perfect flat lay photo is taken from directly above, or close to it. The whole idea is that the photo should look “flat” from where the picture taker is standing. I’m also super OCD about things looking straight if lines are involved in the photo… so if you’re like me, that’s another thing to consider. Getting the proportions right on the camera helps a lot with the post-processing step. After selecting the best photos, I move onto this step.
Firstly, if taken on my boyfriend’s DSLR camera, I’ll play with color adjustments on Lightroom. Then, if needed, I proceed to Snapseed and VSCO Cam. For phone photos, I don’t use Lightroom because it’s just extra work and usually will turn out just fine with Snapseed and VSCO Cam. These are two amazing (and super easy to use!) photo editing applications that work amazingly on the iPhone. I swear by them, and I know a lot of my other blogger friends do, too! When post-processing, I make sure to consider color balance, straightening, sharpness, and saturation. Since I like my flat lays bright and clean, I tend to up the highlights so that the colors come out crisper and the whites come out whiter. To bring out bright colors from items like roses, I bring up the saturation and contrast a tad. This part is really just about practice and personal preferences. After doing it a few times, you’ll learn what you like and don’t like, and hone your eye from there!
Do you have any tips for taking the perfect flat lay photo? I’d love to hear them!
To see more of my fun flat lay photos (and more!), be sure to follow me on Instagram if you aren’t already <3 xo
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Love the images you’ve created here! Would be great to see a BTS time-lapse of you setting up a future flat lay.
Thanks! That’s a great idea 🙂
Great tips! Textures are so important as they really do make a difference in photos 🙂
Thanks, Alexandra. I couldn’t agree more!
A million times YES to these tips! I started out my Instagram with strictly flatlays and could have seriously used more of this help to make my photos better. I’m still working to up my flatlay game, and I love how colorful yours are! I need to start adding more textures and colors to my photos 🙂
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Thanks, Stephanie! I had no idea you started IG off with only flat lays! That sounds like fun actually haha. I think they do a great job evening out my Instagram so it’s not just photos of me all the time 😛
These photos are so amazing!! <3
Thank you, Fiori 🙂
Love your aesthetic, Sharon. Great tips on how to take the perfect flat lay. Maybe I’ll decide to be more active on IG soon… 🙂
Thanks, Rachel! xx
YES to this post! I remember the ones with all the colors, it’s so so gorgeous!! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Thank you!! I’m all about the color haha!
We learn everyday..i sure i’ve learnt from this great post.. Thanks for sharing dear
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Thanks for stopping by! Will definitely check out your blog xx
Amazing photos as always, Sharon! I can always count on you to teach me a thing or two 😉 Have a splendid day x
Thanks, Jasmin! Glad you found the post helpful x
Love the bralette photo! So many textures and omg the macarons are making me so hungry!
Thank you, Miranda! The macarons were pretty delish xx
Beautiful images. My favorite one is the one with the orange peel! How creative!
Thanks, Denise! It was a great way to recycle a peel 😉
Tbh I could never have figured out you suffer from OCD, Sharon, so thanks for telling us that, haha <3
Anyhow, to my astonishment I've only done one flat lay during my whole Insta career which is way weird in so many aspects as I'm both artistic and LOVE flay lays so basically I need to do more of them and learn from your great tips!
Love,
Thomas
LOL the struggle is real! OMG can’t believe you’ve only done one flat lay! I like to throw them in my feed every now and then for variety’s sake. Your photos look great though, Thomas! xx
Those booties are so pretty! Love how you photographed them with a fall color palette.
Thanks, Emma! They are from Zappos, by Clarks and I can’t get enough of them 🙂
You choose the best backgrounds to take your flat lays! They’re so sharp and clean — love them!
Thanks, Arielle! Glad you like the photos x
I’ve only ever done one flat lay and I think it turned out okay! Yours are always amazing! I espeically love the ones where you play with texture, a trick I will have to try next time!
Kyla
wanderlust.com
Thank you, Kyla! Your photos are great 🙂
This is a great post Sharon, amazing pictures and superb tips!
much love, Gina
http://www.artsyrunway.com
Thank you, Gina! xx
Thank you for sharing your tips! I definitely think flat lay is an area that I need to work on so this was very helpful.
http://WWW.MARIANNYC.COM
Your photos are great hun! Thanks for stopping by xx
Love the images in this post and totally agree with your tips! I swear by snapseed too!
Chelsea
Chow Down USA
Instagram
Team Snapseed! It’s the best 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! xx
Love this babe!! Absolutely amazing this post and the content you create.
I enjoy so much reading your blog
xx
Marcy
Thanks, Marcy! Glad you enjoyed the post xo
This is helpful!! I love taking flatlays and your tips for composition and lighting are the best thank you 😊
http://www.mascarandmisfits.wordpress.com
Thanks, Alyssa! So glad you found it helpful x
Wow, you are the queen of flat lays! So pretty!
Hahaha thanks girl! I wouldn’t say queen but I enjoy taking them every now and then 🙂
I’ve been wanting to get into product photography and this post has totally got me inspired! Thanks for sharing 🙂 x
Ahh! If there’s any type of professional photography that I’d get into, it’s exactly that! Product photography 🙂 Haha it can be quite fun and I think you should definitely go for it xx
Ahhh you always have the most helpful tips lol. I would love to see a post of you taking the flat lay step by step plus the end result! You are very good at it 🙂
Xoxo
Fe
http://www.fesamaia.com/three-amazing-healthy-meal-alternatives/
Thank you, Fe! That’s a great idea — thanks for that! Will have to work on your request soon 😉 xx
These tips are a BIG help! I always see you as the “flatlay queen” you know. I admire how you play with textures, colors and lighting. Great post Sharon!xx
http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com/the-overalls-catchup-x-zaful/
Thanks, Kandja! Your photos are pretty amazing too! 😉
I completely agree that flatlay photos can take up a lot of time but at the same time it’s super fun. Lighting is absolutely key and it takes some practice for it to look perfect! I typically set aside a few hours within a week to dedicate to flatlay photos.
– Jasmine K
http://www.myeunoia.com
Thanks, Jasmine. You are so right — lighting is essential!!!
Awesome post Sharon! I LOVE doing flat lays myself- it really is addicting hey hehe. I’m defs going to check out Snapseed now 🙂 Thanks for sharing xx- Mitra
http://www.leopardcouture.com
Thank you dear! So glad you enjoyed the post. I totally agree… flat lays can be addicting and I love that I can take them pretty much whenever (even on a rainy day!).
This is so helpful, all your flat lays are perfect! And you have a great boyfriend for taking all of your blog photos haha
Thanks loves! Yes, I am indeed really lucky to have a talented beautographer 😉 haha!
Great tips! I have been wanting to experiment with flat lays myself.
Thank you Tia xx
These photos are beyond stunning!!
Good job beautiful. Thanks for the tips!!
Xx, Raysa
Thanks, Raysa! xx
These are definitely great tips!! I want to try using new materials for my flat lays so thanks for the inspiration 🙂 and yes, yes, yes to lightroom and snapseed!! Have a lovely one, Sharon ❤
XO Jenn
http://www.jennsemble.com
Thank you, Jenn! You take amazing photos too and yes — I can’t live without Lightroom and Snapseed!
You did such a fantastic job on this post! I will totally be referring to this when I am doing flat lays!
Thank you, Sydney xx
Thanks for sharing with us! I seldom took this kind of photos and its really useful for me! x
Daniel x
The Daniel Originals | Instagram: danielpoonvignez
New Post: Sporty look for fall
Thanks, Daniel! Loved your recent sporty look for fall xx
You always take the best flat lays Sharon! This was super helpful and I love your examples 🙂
http://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2016/10/13/23-Carat-Gold-Pizza
Thanks, Bernice! I love your photos too xx
I love taking flat lay photos – they prove to be very popular on my Instagram :). Your tips are great!
Thank you dear! They sure are 🙂
Love this little guide, it’s so helpful for making the perfect flay lay (something I’ve wanted to master for IG)!
xo Anna Elizabeth
http://www.annaelizabethevents.com
Thanks! I’m still no master but hey, practice makes perfect 😉
Loved this post. Great tips, and I can’t wait to try a new flay lay keeping them in mind!
Thanks, Lauren! 🙂 x
Wow thanks for the tips!! No wonder your flatlays are so beautiful!! 🙂
Thank you, Cece!
Hi Sharon,
Great tips, I especially love the one about color. You are absolutely right, when I scroll through a feed the color is always the first thing that grabs my attention. Having high quality res photos is also super important. Thanks for sharing!
xo Gennifer
http://www.GenniferRose.com
Hi Gennifer! Thank you so much for reading, and glad that you could agree with me about the color! Vibrancy is everything haha 🙂 And you are right — sharp, high resolution images are a must especially if you plan on using the photo outside of Instagram 🙂
Great tips! Love all of your flat lay shots! They are so clean, detailed and vibrant <3
xx,
http://aikocunanan.com/tea-time-with-square-cash/
Thanks, Aiko! You take pretty amazing photos as well 🙂
Great post girl!! Thanks for sharing your tips on how to achieve the perfect flat-lay! Definitely agree on having good lighting and throwing some pretty things into the frame!! I always rely on those two 🙂
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhitet.com/ootd-recap/
Thank you, Jessi! So glad that you enjoyed the tips!
These are SUCH amazing tips! I’m saving this post for the next time I take a flat lay!
Bailey | http://www.hotdresshotmess.com
Thanks, Bailey! Haha I just took a few product flat lays just now so the timing was perfect lol
These are some great tips babe, they do take alot of time which I dont have much off, BUT I def want to start doing more of them now that I am back on insta 🙂 xx
Thank you, Jasna! I’m glad you found the tips helpful 🙂
These are SUCH great tips!! I love taking flatlays but like you, my apartment doesn’t get much light! Your flatlays look AMAZING!!
xo Abby
http://www.marblelouslypetite.com
Thank you so much, Abby! I wish my apartment had better lighting… it’s getting darker and darker now too with fall/winter here haha >__<
Love these tips girl! I think that lighting and composition are both really important to making a photo look good 🙂
Thank you, Sandy! I couldn’t agree more 🙂
As a photographer myself, I totally agree that lighting really helps to create a good shot. Thanks for the tips!
Thank you, Jessica! I’m honored that you found my tips useful as a pro photographer!
What amazing tips, and even better photos! You’re so talented, Sharon! Love seeing your images on Instagram xx
Aww thanks, Kate! I appreciate your love and support 🙂 x
I love this, Sharon! Such good tips and photography. You’re very talented! I LOVE a good flat lay photo! 😉
Thanks, Tiffany! It helps to date a photographer 😉 haha!
Love all your flatlay images girl! So crisp and beautiful!! Always love your posts girl xx
Helen
http://CH1K.com
Thank you love! The feelings are mutual 😉 xoxo
These images are amazing love. Your tips are always on point. 😍
Thanks, Deddeh! xx
These are all great tips and I love these flat lays you shot. Gorgeous! Sometimes I’m out and wanna do a flat lay,but the lighting doesn’t always play out to my favour, but I still take it and use editing apps to help me out. Haha. Thanks for sharing!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Thank you, Miki! So glad that you found these tips helpful and relatable. Editing apps definitely can make a bad picture look good sometimes — it’s incredible. I’m with you on that one!
Amazingly beautiful photos Sharon….love the boots….xoxo, Neha
Thank you, Neha! I appreciate the support xo
Oh I love those tips Sharon! I really have to give it a try with those textures – this example looks so cool 🙂
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com
Thanks, Carmen! xo
In love with your Blog! Very good tips and photography. Thanks for Sharing.
http://www.waihuini. com
Thank you so much! x
Thank you so much for sharing these great tips, Sharon! I really needed them as I haven’t mastered flatlays at all!
I love the idea of using textures (and macaroons – maybe that’s the eating part that appeals!) and I’m going to check out Snapseed and VSCO! (I can’t believe I’ve never even heard of them before!)
Thank you so much!
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
Thanks for reading, Julia! Glad you found the tips helpful. I definitely recommend checking both of those apps out! They are amazing 🙂
Omg you are actually flatlay queen!! Thanks for the advice 🙂
Enclothed Cognition
Thanks, Keri!
Your tips (and examples) are not only helpful but they are GORGEOUS, Sharon! Many thanks for sharing this post. Really enjoyed it and I am bookmarking it for future flat lays guidance & inspiration.
xox Nadia
http://www.mielandmint.com
Thanks, Nadia! Glad you enjoyed the post xo
I thank you for the tips! I needed this! I am so bad with flat lays!
Thanks for your sweet comment, Linh! But you are great at what you do! Gotta give yourself more credit love xoxo
Those photos are absolute perfection! I’m always envious of people who have the eye for great pictures; I just can’t make flatlays work for me, AT ALL!
Thank you, Susanna! It takes time and practice dear xx
Wow, such great advice! I always fail at flat lays, gonna give these tips a try!
Jasmine | http://www.mysuitcasejourneys.com/
Thanks for reading! x
Great tips, Im still try to do a better flatlay photos :). Thank you for the tips 🙂
– Lily Kanaya
http://www.Glowlicious.Me
Thanks for reading, Lily! Glad you enjoyed the tips xx
Great post babe, thanks so much for sharing!!
xo-Nina
http://www.ninalnguyen.com
Thank you, Nina xx
Omg your flatlay game is seriously the best thing I’ve ever seen! Not only are your pictures super vibrant, but I love all of the different textures you okay with in each photo (shoutout to that orange silk pic with the blue booties!). Thanks for the awesome tips babe 🙂
-Michelle Sun (@missmisschelle)
http://Www.missmisschelle.com
Thanks, Michelle! Glad you like the photos 🙂 xx
Although a white marble background always looks fresh and focused, it’s been done to death! Especially loving how saturated your gallery is babe… Brilliant move incorporating the silks…so lush!
Xx- Julie
Haute Khuuture Blog
Thank you, Julie! Don’t get me wrong… I do love a good marble shot haha but yes! Variety is key 🙂 xx
Great post and great tips! I did a few on my IG earlier this summer, but now that I’m shifting my direction and starting to blog more, I’m going to need this. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by Stephanie! Glad you found it helpful xx