HEY KYFAM !
If you are hooked on Instagram like I am, you’ll
know the flat lay is the way to photograph
anything and everything – your travel essentials, daily outfits, beauty
products, shopping successes, brunches, lazy afternoon
accompaniments and so much more. If you aren’t flat laying on Instagram, then
you aren’t doing it right.
Flat laying is not restricted to the blogging elite, so follow these 5
tips and you’ll be a master in no time.
1. Shoot In Square
The first rule of Instagram flat lays or any flat lays is to always
shoot the photo in square if you are taking the shot on your phone. Flicking
your phone onto square grid makes it easier to see what will fit in the frame
and you won’t have to worry about cropping it when it comes time to upload. If
you are using your SLR camera, make sure you change the image dimensions to
640×640 pixels (or as close to as possible) so the whole image is in the frame.
- TRADITIONAL
GRID
This flat lay is achieved by keeping all of your objects lined up in a
"square format" when framing your photo. You will want to keep
your items straight in a aligned manner and take the shot from a birds view (
90 degrees angle ) .Keeping all your items in a straight aligned manner gives
it a nice crisp formal look .
2. Pick a Colour Scheme
Nothing ruins an image more than colors that don’t work in harmony with
each other. When selecting items for your flat lay choose a color scheme and
stick to it for a set that works wonders.
- LIFESTYLED
I like to refer to this style as Controlled Chaos, or Elegantly
Disheveled. The trick with these flat lays is achieving the
right framing + balance. You want to choose an item to
"highlight" (hero of the picture)+ then use the other items to create
movement around it. These definitely look like everything just fell
perfectly out onto the desk, but trust me, there is a lot of handiwork involved
in creating these images. It's all about practice, so keep moving your items around until you
get the perfect snap.
3. You Need Good Lighting
When shooting a flat lay it is important to have good lighting, so shoot
in natural light when possible. Walk around your house with one item and take a
couple of test shots to help you decide where the best lighting is. Make sure
you don’t get harsh sunlight as it can give shadows in your flat lay .
-
ROOM FOR TEXT (Negative
Space)
This is basically a hybrid of LIFESTYLE photo styling. . The
difference is you intentionally leave space open so that you can go back and
add your own text in later with an app or in Photoshop. I LOVE LOVE this styling
and often use it for my blog titles.
4. Backgrounds Matter .
A good flat lay highlights the product and the background should not
steal the show . Opt for a basic white ,
wood or a light marble background . Any plain neutral toned background will do
.
-
GRID WITH ALTERNATE ANGLE
The Traditional grid works for a
formal theme whereas this one is the same arrangement put a slight change in
the camera angle . Gives a more casual vibe and is best for vacation , outfit
pictures .
5. Pick a Theme
Flat lays are supposed to tell a visual story, so when you choose a
theme stick to it.
- - FOOD SHOT
I often get asked how I take my food shots that I post on my Instagram
(@Kyriasabah) . The key is to place the dish in the centre and surround it with
elements that complement it well , and always take the picture from top . Don’t
shy from standing up and clicking a picture :P
Here are a few Flat lays I took :
P.S : The sample pics are outsourced from Pinterest .
Until next time
Polý agape (lots of love) and stay cheerful :)
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