5 Tips for Taking Fantastic Flatlays

If there's one thing that's crucial for a blogger, it's definitely knowing how to snap beautiful images.

As a blogger or content creator, mastering a good flatlay is pretty much a must. It's just part of the job.

I love checking out stunning flatlays on Pinterest and Instagram. They always shine on those platforms, and I get so many lovely comments and questions about my flatlay photos, whether it's on my blog or Insta.

I find doing flatlays a bit therapeutic. When they turn out perfectly, it's such a satisfying feeling!

If you're curious about how I make my flatlays look great, here's a little guide. I'm not claiming to be a pro—there are plenty of talented creators out there who do flatlays even better than me. But I'm happy to share my tips and tricks with you today!

How I slay my flatlay (and you can too!)

Use natural light

Unless you're a pro photographer or have an amazing camera setup, natural light is your best friend. Nobody wants dull, shadowy photos when showing off their stuff. Trust me, that built-in camera flash can really ruin the vibe sometimes.

For me, lighting is key. I always snap my flatlays with my trusty iPhone. Good lighting turns my flatlays into perfect little pieces of art. Look for a spot with beautiful light from at least two angles.

I usually go outside for those bright, delicious rays. The photos on my blog and Instagram are mostly taken near two big windows. Sometimes, for softer shadows, I shoot in the evening during that gorgeous golden hour. Play around with the light and experiment—it's so rewarding once you get it right. 

Stick with a theme

Having a theme really helps make your flatlays look cohesive. Whether you're going for luxury, clean, whimsical, or minimal, having a theme ties everything together.

You could just grab random items from around the house, but a theme will elevate your flatlays. Check out my photos below to see how the props I use fit into the overall theme.

Add texture

Many people think that texture doesn't matter in flatlays simply because they can only see it, rather than touch it. I don't know about you but my eyes are extremely perceptive and can pick up very fine details in an image. 

I personally think it's important to incorporate different textures and elements to add characters to your flatlays. It's one of those little things that makes a huge difference to the final result. I like using wood, fur, silk, glass, paper, and even some faux plants and dried flowers. There are so many options!

Edit with care

Editing is where the magic happens for me. I always take time to tweak my flatlays using the Lightroom app. It's super handy for creating filters and presets. I pick my preset, adjust the saturation, tints, and sharpness, and keep everything consistent for a cohesive look. I would say, keep the editing simple. Don't overdo it or you'll lose the true colors of your flatlays. If you're not into heavy editing, using a pre-made VSCO filter can work too. They're not my favorite, but they can do the job.

Look for inspiration

Pinterest and Instagram are my go-tos for inspiration. Scrolling through beautiful flatlays, especially those with beige and cream tones, always sparks new ideas. It's great to look at others' work and get inspired, but make sure not to copy them. Pay attention to their lighting, theme, and other elements. Keep experimenting until you find your own style.

With all these tips, I will never be tired of telling you to experiment, experiment and do lots of experiments. Take as many shots as you can until you find your style and what's the best way for you to finesse it. Hopefully, these tips help you take some gorgeous flatlays!

What are your tips for taking fantastic flatlays?