How to take the perfect Flat Lay photo with your smartphone: 10 tips

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

About what Flat Lay is and how to tell the story of things beautifully.

What do a mug of hot lemon tea, a good book, and a blanket have in common? These items go well with a chilly December evening. It's also a great subject for Flat Lay photography.

Flat Lay is a snapshot of objects laid out on a flat surface and photographed from above. Usually they are filmed on a table, floor or special background. Subjects should be united by a common theme, idea, otherwise it will be just a bunch of rubbish.

Initially, this format was used by fashion magazines to create a stylish look or showcase new products. Flat Lay is on Instagram right now, thanks in part to its business opportunities. Shots like these sell everything from your laptop to the delicious donuts in your coffee shop.

But shoveling everything that comes to hand in a heap is not enough. To get a great shot, you need to think over the composition, color scheme, plot.

These tips will help you take the perfect Flat Lay photo with your smartphone.

Tip 1. Use natural light

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.

Ideal conditions for shooting are morning or evening, especially in cloudy weather. Then the light is not as harsh and creates almost no shadows.

Tip 2: Use the perspective from above

Flat Lay is a photo from above and only at right angles. Keep your smartphone parallel to the surface you are shooting.

For convenience, you can climb higher - on a chair, a ladder - or, for example, use a selfie stick. Or you can simply place objects on the floor and shoot from your height.

Tip 3. Take care of the composition

The key to a good photo is a competent composition. Turn on the grid in the camera settings and use the rule of thirds while shooting. The main items should be placed at the intersection of the lines. The net can also be used while placing items. This will allow you to immediately see errors in the composition and correct them.

Maintain symmetry in the frame, leave space between objects. But do not line up everything according to a ruler, create a feeling of slight negligence. This will make the photo 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 shot.

Experiment, don't be afraid to shift the center of the composition. This will only benefit the result.

Tip 4. Remember the proportions

When shooting, remember that the proportions of voluminous 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 place something under these items so that they are at an angle to the center of the composition. This will make the distortion effect unnoticeable.

Tip 5. Don't overdo it

The key to creating the perfect composition is not to overdo it. If there is a jumble of objects in the frame, the viewer may not understand what the main emphasis is on. Strike a balance, otherwise a cool photo will turn into a shot of a pile of junk on a desk. If in doubt, take it away.

Remember that one or two objects play the main role, the rest only maintain the atmosphere and highlight accents.

Tip 6: Match colors correctly

In addition to 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 the appropriate items for it. Keep in mind that cool colors work well with cold colors, and warm colors work well with warm ones. It is corny, but many people forget about it. Use white, black and gray for the background, because they look harmonious with any color.

Plus, warm colors look more appetizing. If you are photographing food, the color scheme should be warmer than the background.

Tip 7. Think over the plot

Each photo should have its own style. You can't just throw various junk on the table and take pictures of what happened. If you want to share your impressions of the new "Star Wars", place tickets, a Jedi sword in the frame, choose a suitable background.

If you're in the picture with the new iPhone X, highlight its features - match the wallpaper and background of the photo. This will draw attention to its framelessness.

It all depends on the atmosphere and story you want to convey through the photo.

Tip 8. Pick a background

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 is matched to the objects. This can be anything: a countertop, wood floor, fabric, or craft paper. Textured backgrounds add depth to photos. But if you are an adherent of minimalism, use plain surfaces without texture and accents.

Textures and colors in the background can be combined, the main thing is that they match. Avoid bright colors, use neutral ones rather.

Tip 9. Mark objects in pictures

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, it will probably be noticed by the brand and appear on its page.

Tip 10. Get inspired

To grow as a photographer, learn by example. Sign up to Pinterest if you haven't already. An excellent service that contains a ton of interesting and useful content on any topic.

Look at other people's work, subscribe to inspirational Instagram accounts before shooting.