What is a Flat Lay Photo and How to Shoot It
Learn to create these popular images and bring your Instagram profile and other social networks to life
Flat lay photography is one of the most popular styles on social networks, especially on Instagram. It provides an ideal way to present products, projects under development or travel arrangements.
Mina Barrio (@minabarrio), product photographer at Melon Blanc studio, tells you everything you need to know about this approach and how to easily create the most striking flat lays using only your phone.
What is flat lay photography
Flat lay photography is a type of composition that arranges objects on a flat surface, with an aesthetic intent, for a photo to be taken from above (zenith).
Mina encourages you to unleash your creativity when composing a flat lay, creating an environment with surreal or fun touches, or one that conveys certain values or emotions.
Composition tips
1. Before you begin, do research and seek inspiration online.
2. On paper or in your mind, create a grid on the background space.
3. Place the objects in separate focal points and following the order of the reticle.
4. Take into account your photography style, as well as the essential characteristics of the product you are going to photograph.
5. Think about the message you want to convey so you can incorporate suitable attractive elements in the composition.
Steps to make your flat lay
1. Buy a solid colored paper at an art store. They usually come in sizes various sizes. If you get a smaller size, use two pieces taped together.
2. Look for the objects you are going to photograph and present them with other elements that highlight them, such as plants or office supplies.
3. Place the paper on the floor. Make sure the background color contrasts with the colors of the object.
4. Decide your framing. You can make a horizontal frame and then crop it for a square format if needed.
5. Check the framing on your phone and fix the position of the different items.
6. Be sure to raise flat objects to prevent unwanted shadows.
Take the flat lay photo
1. Check your light sources.
2. Play with the focus function of your phone to set the correct exposure.
3. Lean your body forward so that the photo is as top-down as possible and does not change the perspective of the objects.
4. Take the picture!
Here are some examples of the flat lay photography Mina has taken:
If you want to learn more tricks to make and edit amazing photographs for your social networks, sign up for the course Professional Photography for Instagram by Mina Barrio.
0 comments