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.

Are you looking to launch your online business? Try Shopify for free!

flower petals huddled together near a candle

Flower Petals Huddled Together Near a Candle


summer dinner party setup

Summer Dinner Party Setup


gold pocket watch on a black notebook

Gold Pocket Watch On A Black Notebook


shipping supplies

Shipping Supplies


shipping label

Shipping Label


stylish nail polish

Stylish Nail Polish


healthy flatlay featuring potatoes

Healthy Flatlay Featuring Potatoes


back to school knolling flatlay

Back To School Knolling Flatlay


paper pen envelope

Paper Pen Envelope


gift wrapping

Gift Wrapping


present with ribbon

Present With Ribbon


preparing to be creative

Preparing To Be Creative


view from above as person sits at white desktop

View From Above As Person Sits At White Desktop


tiles lay on a black surface reading mental health matters

Tiles Lay On A Black Surface Reading Mental Health Matters


record vinyl playing music

Record Vinyl Playing Music


black and white halloween candy flatlay

Black And White Halloween Candy Flatlay


baked apple pie

Baked Apple Pie


base coat beauty

Base Coat Beauty


trick or treat on an orange background with candy corn

Trick Or Treat On An Orange Background With Candy Corn


writing in notebook at desk

Writing In Notebook At Desk


gold christmas gift wrap

Gold Christmas Gift Wrap


nail polish with flowers

Nail Polish With Flowers


halloween treats

Halloween Treats


numbers, pencils & chalkboard

Numbers, Pencils & Chalkboard


coffee beans laid on a pink background

Coffee Beans Laid On A Pink Background


lip gloss from above

Lip Gloss From Above


gift bag with bow

Gift Bag With Bow


man hand with tea and granola

Man Hand With Tea And Granola


fall harvest basket

Fall Harvest Basket


school supplies knolling

School Supplies Knolling


files and hammers flatlay

Files And Hammers Flatlay


halloween cady boxes

Halloween Cady Boxes


cleaning supply flatlay white

Cleaning Supply Flatlay White


halloween candy

Halloween Candy


vintage silver camera surrounded by foliage

Vintage Silver Camera Surrounded By Foliage


earth day written in dirt

Earth Day Written In Dirt


drone knoll side angle view

Drone Knoll Side Angle View


what does a brain need?

What Does A Brain Need?


french fries pile on yellow

French Fries Pile On Yellow


eye shadow palette & brushes

Eye Shadow Palette & Brushes


back to school flatlay

Back To School Flatlay


stationary ready to set new year goals

Stationary Ready To Set New Year Goals


dried leaves on branches and paper background

Dried Leaves On Branches And Paper Background


living room with coffee table with hot chocolate

Living Room With Coffee Table With Hot Chocolate


baby nursery diaper products

Baby Nursery Diaper Products


road race from above

Road Race From Above


holiday flat lay

Holiday Flat Lay


survival equipment flatlay

Survival Equipment Flatlay


pinecones on blue

Pinecones On Blue


gemstones and tools flatlay

Gemstones And Tools Flatlay


Start a business

Most everything you need to get started — photos, suppliers, and more

Flatlay Stock Photos for Businesses, Articles and More - HD and Royalty-free

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.