Flat Lay Photos: Pictures of Flatlays

Flatlay photography is an easy and creative way to showcase groups of products, give a stunning snapshot of a work space, or just showcase thematic elements in an aesthetically rich way.

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makeup brush set

Makeup Brush Set


lipstick

Lipstick


eye shadow palette & brushes

Eye Shadow Palette & Brushes


beauty products

Beauty Products


makeup brush in flowers

Makeup Brush In Flowers


lipstick from above

Lipstick From Above


lip gloss from above

Lip Gloss From Above


solar eclipse checklist

Solar Eclipse Checklist


solar eclipse notebook

Solar Eclipse Notebook


solar eclipse flatlay

Solar Eclipse Flatlay


travel flatlay

Travel Flatlay


stylish nail polish

Stylish Nail Polish


reading doing fingernails

Reading Doing Fingernails


preparing to travel

Preparing To Travel


nail polish gems

Nail Polish Gems


high fashion fingers

High Fashion Fingers


have cameras will travel

Have Cameras Will Travel


fashion nails

Fashion Nails


fancy finger nails

Fancy Finger Nails


celebrating silver

Celebrating Silver


base coat beauty

Base Coat Beauty


a touch of glamour

A Touch Of Glamour


a toast to yourself

A Toast To Yourself


crayons & pencils flatlay

Crayons & Pencils Flatlay


teacher flatlay

Teacher Flatlay


school supplies

School Supplies


school notebook flatlay

School Notebook Flatlay


numbers, pencils & chalkboard

Numbers, Pencils & Chalkboard


math cards & colored pencils

Math Cards & Colored Pencils


education flatlay

Education Flatlay


colored pencils on pink

Colored Pencils On Pink


colored pencils & crayons for school

Colored Pencils & Crayons For School


back to school

Back To School


back to school flatlay

Back To School Flatlay


nail polish

Nail Polish


creating with reds

Creating With Reds


arts & crafts in blue

Arts & Crafts In Blue


tablet & coffee

Tablet & Coffee


gaming glasses & mouse

Gaming Glasses & Mouse


easy listening

Easy Listening


writing tools

Writing Tools


writing stationary

Writing Stationary


paint palette brushes

Paint Palette Brushes


paint brushes, palette & canvas

Paint Brushes, Palette & Canvas


art supplies

Art Supplies


writing in notebook at desk

Writing In Notebook At Desk


writing in journal

Writing In Journal


writing down goals

Writing Down Goals


work journal

Work Journal


taking notes at desk

Taking Notes At Desk


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Tips for Your own flatlay photography

What makes this type of photography so popular is not just the look of the photography style, but that it’s relatively easy to do. Generally you don’t need to be a professional photographer to take a great flatlay image - an iPhone camera and good lighting will do!

Feel free to browse our database of flatlay images or check our tips below for creating your own beautiful pictures.

Shoot for a single color palette

Generally speaking - it’s best to select a colour pallette of about 2-3 unifying colours and work around those colors with varying patterns and textures. Having a predetermined pallette will help to unify the composition of the image and direct the mood of the piece. For example - object in navy blue and deep red will usually give the image a more somber feel to it whereas bright pinks and purples will make the image a bit more playful.

You’ll also want to make sure you use a neutral background colour as well. Most flatlay pictures use a white background, but feel free to experiment with black, grey or more muted wood tones as well. A neutral background colour will make the foreground items stand-out, complimenting the items and focusing your audience's attention towards your subjects.

Let the composition of your pictures tell a story

It’s important to consider the concept of narrative in composing flat-lay photographs. You may want to think of a “theme” before you begin and then select objects that work around this theme. For example - if your theme is “Cluttered Office” - you might choose to use objects like pens, notebooks and coffee cups. If your theme is “Brunch Time” - you might include items like toasted bagels and sparkling mimosas. Let your image tell a story through objects surrounding a common theme.

Experiment with Space and Lighting

Not all flatlay images are built the same. For some - a cluttered workspace might convey a sense of chaos to the audience while a more sparse use of objects with more negative space might give the viewer a sense of calming isolation.

With regards to lighting - it’s generally best to use calm, overhead lighting. You don’t want your lights to be too bright however, as this can wash-out some of the beauty of your colours and create jarring, odd shadows.

Natural light works best as well - especially in the morning when the sun has risen but is not yet in full force. If you’re looking for a more neutral, balanced lighting design, try going out on a day that’s a little bit cloudy to get a soft-light effect.