Flatlay Photography Hacks to Try at Home
Simple Flatlay Photography Hacks
We all know flatlay photos are in popular demand. But sometimes, they can be a little too generic for your brand. Maybe the colors are off, or the subjects aren’t quite right –I mean, there’s only so many photos out there, am I right? Here’s some flatlay photography hacks I’ve come up with that you can try at home:
Gather your props
Flatlay photos are known for its simplicity. No need to get crazy, here –I typically grab things from around the house! In fact, popular props include everything from pens and notebooks, to staplers and paperclips. But, if you’re not in a service-based industry like me, then you probably won’t want pictures of office supplies –ha! Try taking photos of your products if you’re a seller, ingredients and utensils if you’re a food blogger, etc.
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Find a background
On top of its simplicity, flatlay photos can look really nice with a bright and clean or even textured background. I recommend purchasing a large white canvas or textured photo board (they make them in wood, marble, brick, etc.) to act as the backdrop for your photos. It’s much less distracting to have a clean focal point rather than a picture of your couch in the background… we’ve all been there, lol!
Find your light
You’ll find you’ll have easier time taking pictures in natural light –so be sure to clear some space on a table or the floor in your brightest room for your photoshoot.
Style your shot
Once you’ve prepped your space, it’s time to style the props on top of your chosen background. I’ve found that less is more –but it’s really up to you and your branding. This has got to be one of my favorite parts because it’s fun once you get the hang of where to place things (TIP: check out the dollar bins at Target or Michaels for small accents –like ribbon or flowers, to finish off the look).
Start snapping!
Yes, you can totally pull this off with your iPhone. In fact, that’s how I started before I got my Canon. I recommend using or purchasing a little stool that’s tall enough to hover over your setup. Standing works too, but it’s a whole lot of bending/squatting and tippy-toe nonsense you probably don’t want to deal with. Once you’ve found enough distance between the camera and your subject, start snapping! I typically move my stool around the subject, so I can get it from different angles (TIP: make sure you’re leaving enough room in your shots to crop and edit later!).
Time to edit
Whoohoo –you did it! Now, you’ll want to edit your photos to achieve the final look. If you’re no editing pro, not to worry. Most social media platforms have a built-in editor that you can use at your disposal. For a super natural look, I recommend passing on the filter and simply adjusting the size, brightness, contrast, and saturation levels (for a little color pop). Once you’re happy with everything, upload to your desired platform and enjoy!
If you have any questions on these flatlay photography hacks, please let me know in the comments below. Be sure to pin this article for later, too!
