How To Master Taking The Perfect Flat Lay Instagram Photo

One of the most important on any blog is the imagery. Considering I used to study photography at university, I never dreamed that it would be my biggest weakness. It’s incredibly time consuming, and because my partner is a professional photographer, I guess you could say I’ve become complacent. I’m my own worst critique when it comes to photography (who isn’t!?), but that’s precisely why I’ve decided to step up my game moving forward.

With the help from the lovely Sam at Seebreeze Media, here are our top tips for shooting the perfect flat-lay:

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

Grab a stool

I’m 5ft 1 – but this tip doesn’t just apply to shorties. Hovering over a dining table makes it difficult to frame a shot, you’re more likely to rush it and you can’t really see what you’re doing. Any chair will do the job, or you can pick up a cheap stool at IKEA and fold it away when you’re not using it.

Collect props

Believe it or not, us bloggers don’t have gold pineapples, gigantic leaves and uneaten macaroons sitting on our desk all day. It’s not always to have fresh flowers at the ready, but you can still be prepared. I’m guilty of having a little box of prop box for when I need to quickly style a flat-lay. It’s bursting with floor tiles, pretty stationary, wallpaper and artificial flowers.

Shot in natural light

What do ALL gorgeous flat-lay photographs have in common? They are shot in good light and there is no hideous flash. Try and take your photographs at the same time everyday, and make the most of natural lighting. This can be a little bit of a nightmare during the winter, so sometimes shooting in bulk isn’t a bad idea either.

Be inspired

There are so many Instagram accounts that nail flat-lays. Follow a bunch of users that are consistently posting good photographs and you’ll naturally be full of inspiration. Perhaps even upload and print your favourite ones on Snapfish to create a wall of inspo in your office. Check out this post on The Furniture Market to get your creative juices flowing.

[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]