Incorporating artful, curated flatlays into your work not only elevates your brand, but it also enhances your storytelling as a photographer. Pulling various objects, colors, textures, and layers together to achieve a thoughtful composition takes practice, but when done correctly, it’s stunning. With my background in design and passion for styling a striking flaylay, I’ve picked up plenty of tips and tricks over the years that I’m excited to share here.
The key to any successful flatlay is knowing why you’re creating it in the first place. It sounds pretty simple, but identifying the meaning behind it makes all the difference. Ask yourself what you’re trying to achieve and the ultimate goal of the photo. Once you’ve done that, the rest falls into place—it’s easier to focus on the subject, tie all the elements together, and ensure each piece has a purpose.
Photography: Grace & Ardor Co. / Vintage Prop Styling: Vintage Betty Rentals / Stationery: Elephant Limbo
After designing and photographing a wide array of flatlays, I’ve found that these five components are key to making them something special.
FIVE FLATLAY COMPONENTS:
Composition: The foundation for any beautiful flatlay, composition will showcase the subject and set the tone for the rest of the piece. Spending time practicing, pulling inspiration, and trying out different configurations helped me build my own style here.
Movement: A flatlay needs to keep the viewer’s eye moving throughout the photograph. You want it to have an effortless flow from one object to the next, without looking too cluttered or disorganized.
Odd Numbers: Don’t make it too perfect. It should look natural, and one way of doing that is to include an odd number of pieces, which will instantly add more appeal to the viewer.
Layers/Dimension: Despite its name, a flatlay should be anything but flat. Artfully layering objects creates dimension and height, and will bring your flatlay to life.
Sourcing Unique Props: The truly magical props in flat lays are those unique finds from antique stores, as they will better showcase your personal style. Starting with a hand-painted or fabric styling mat, add interesting pieces to better communicate your story to your audience.
After some trial and error and lots of practice, flatlays are now one of my favorite things to photograph. When done correctly, they really capture the essence of the subject. Hopefully, these tips will leave you feeling inspired, creative, and confident for your next flatlay!
xx Erin