Styling aesthetic flat lays!
If you have ever been on Instagram, you probably know this word- flat lays. But what are they? And how do you style one that captures your audience?
Read on to find out!
What is a flat lay?
Simply put, a flat lay is a style of photography where you take a picture of your products/books/artworks/food from above without any angle or tilts. You organise your elements so that they lay flat, and then you snap a picture of them from above. Simple really, but there’s so much more to it than that! However, it doesn’t have to be tricky. There are some simple tips to keep in mind that can be very helpful in getting a perfect flat lay every time!
Use natural lighting
This is a pretty straightforward one, but very important! Using natural light is the perfect way to help the colors come out naturally vibrant. Avoid using lamps and artificial lighting unless you don’t have any other option (and you have professional equipment). Set up near a window and utilise all that natural light! However, also avoid harsh sunlight, because that can overexpose your photos. Experiment with it, and see what suits your style best!
Choose an appropriate background
Choosing the correct background helps you set the vibe for the picture. If you are photographing food, think of wooden textures or even a rich tablecloth! Of course, setting the picture on the bed would be a bad choice. These are the artistic decisions you need to make when creating the perfect flat lay!
Also, try to use colors that are either neutral or complement your subject colors well.
Here are some ideas for budget-friendly background options-
bedsheet
wrapping paper
cardstock
towels
rugs
floor (if you have nice tiled/wooden floors!)
I love consistency in my pictures, so I choose a wooden background for my pictures! I absolutely adore the way the wood brings out the pastels of my products. Experiment with different backgrounds, and see what works for you and your subject.
Stick to a color palette
Branding is everything on social media! The goal is to ensure that when somebody sees the photo of your brand without any context, they can instantly identify that the photo is yours. And the color palette plays a huge role here. Try to stick to your brand colors- and a few accent colors! If you don’t have brand colors yet, no worries! Think about what kind of emotion your products evoke in your audience. Do you think neon colors represent your products the best? Or bright colors? Think about the colors, and try to utilise them in flat lays!
As you may already know, I love using pastels, as there is a soft aesthetic feel to my brand. Also, my main brand color is pink. So I ensure that my pictures reflect that! As you can see to the right, the main color is still pink, even though there are pops of other colors too.
Use flat lay stylers
What are flat lay stylers?
These are elements that add interest to your flat lays! The flat lay is not just about the main product/food/book. It is about the story that you are trying to build around the main item. People buy not just your product, but your story! Try to build an interesting story around your product that is easily conveyed through the stylers.
However, make sure that your stylers don’t overpower your image. The image should still be about the main element; the stylers should just enhance the same!
Check out the collection of flat lay stylers available at my webshop!
Ensure the flat lay is balanced
The composition should look balanced visually. Simply put, avoid having large objects on one side of the picture, and ensure that the objects of different colors are dispersed through the photo. This helps the picture look more even and balanced. A good tip is that if you have an element disappearing into one end of the photo, make sure that the opposite end also has a similar element. Experiment with the layout a bit to get the perfect composition!
Use textures and depth
Your flat lay should look attractive and capture the interest of your audience, so try to use different types of textures to add some pizzazz! Mix and match with what looks good, and soon you will have perfect the craft!
As you can see on the right, there are different textures that attract the viewer’s attention- glass, satin, cork, and paper! It is also possible to add some faux fur or a comfy throw to your pictures for a warm look. Also experiment with lit candles or fairy lights- they add so much aesthetic feel to a picture!
This image is not a flat lay, but adding dried flowers and using earthy tones adds a wonderful homey feel to the composition!
Here are some simple items you can use to add some interest and texture to your flat lays-
paperclips
candles
plants
pens
small jewellery items
glitter
confetti
jars
paint sample cards
yarn
ribbons
crystals
There are so many more options, so don’t be afraid to try new things and see what fits your style and aesthetic!
Make it your own
This is the most important! Make sure you enjoy the process, and don’t forget to make it your own! Add unique stylers to your photos, or experiment with the colors! Have tons of fun and all the best!
