Step 1: Collect Your Objects

You want to include at least two of the following:

• Things you like    (ie: food, music, clothing, art)

• Things you do      (ie: sports, clubs, hobbies, subjects you enjoy)

• Things that are important to you   (ie: family, friends, heritage, something you believe in, life   experiences) 

Step 2: Arranging and photographing your objects

When you arrange your objects consider things like pattern, balance, and lighting. Plan to safely get high up with your camera so you may include everything in your photo. 

Suggested Process:

• Find a Flat Surface

Flat lays can be captured on a dining or coffee table, a desk, couch cushion, your bed, or the floor. As long as the surface you’re shooting on is relatively flat, you’ll be starting off on the right foot. Flat lay photography works really well when there are items laid against a simple background, free of distracting patterns or textures. If the surface you are working on is not neutral in color or texture, you can find a neutral colored piece of fabric, wood, or foam core to place over your flat surface.

• Arrange Your Objects

A great photograph creates movement within the frame. The way to create movement in a flat lay is through object placement and lighting.

For object placement, rather than placing all of your objects in the center of the shot with a border of negative space surrounding them, you can arrange your objects so that they overflow out of the frame and only parts of some objects are in the frame. This creates intrigue and encourages you to feel as though you are seeing a snippet of a larger scene, engaging the viewer’s imagination to think beyond the frame.

Depending on your objects, you can arrange them in a variety of ways. You will want to experiment with several different layouts. Consider pattern, positive and negative space, balance, and lighting. 

•  Harness The Power Of Light

Position your flat lay scene close to an open window or somewhere that receives a lot of natural light. Make sure to place yourself facing the light or stand to the side of the light. Light will allow objects to cast shadows on certain parts of your background, creating dimension so that it doesn’t appear too flat.

You want to consider and plan a time for when you are going to take your photo. I recommend photographing during the day, and outside can be tough (shade can help). 

Shadows can work in your favor, but this may be a little advanced. But if you have a plan please try it out. 

• Create Depth With Layers

Layering is a great way to add depth and movement to your frame if it’s looking a bit too flat. You can create depth by stacking different sized plates and placing your main subject on top, adding fabric under some of your objects for even more added depth and texture.

• You may need to put a distance between your camera and your arrangement

The key to a great flat lay is to capture the photo from an angle that is parallel to your flat surface. In order to do this, you must get directly above your subject. This may involve grabbing a SAFE step-stool or photographing your items on the ground to position your camera directly above your scene.