Instagram Flat Lay Tutorial

Hey all! Alex here! Today I'm taking over the blog to share some of my favorite tips for creating an Instagram flat lay. We've all seen those super pretty, styled images with perfect marbled backgrounds layered with pretty props. They're some of the best ways to create clean, filler images for your social platform, and surprisingly easier to create than you might think!

As a wedding and commercial photographer of over six years, I've been able to pick up some helpful insight that I'll be sharing with you today. So grab a notepad, a cup of coffee (that's a must, right?) and let's dive in!

1. Decide on a Theme

Your flat lay should have an overlying theme. This can be based on a color, an object, an emotion - you name it! Be sure and decide on this theme before you begin shooting. Every creative choice from here on out should revolve around this to create unity in your image.

2. Choose Appropriate Props

Flat lays are known for integrating objects into the image. For example, if I'm doing a flat lay for a blog post all about photography, I'll probably include a camera, some film, a lens - maybe even a polaroid image. The props you choose will help you tell a story through the image. Make sure your props align with your theme! You can hunt down props at local thrift stores, out in nature, or even your dusty coat closet. Don't be afraid to think outside the box!

3. Lights, Camera, Action!

Lighting is KEY when it comes to styling a quality flat lay. Refinery 29 suggests shooting in the morning to achieve a cooler end result with less harsh contrast. Utilizing a good light source is the difference between success and failure. The best lighting to use for a flat lay is natural window light. Try positioning your flat lay near the brightest window you can find. The window will naturally diffuse the light, and help to ensure that your image turns out bright and in focus.

4. Arrange on an S Curve

This tip is just exactly what it sounds like! When you go to begin styling your flat lay, a great rule of thumb is to arrange your props so that they fall primarily along an s-shape that fills the entire frame. It's definitely okay to have props outside of the s-curve, but ideally make sure to have your bulkier, more defined objects placed along this general line. The s-curve creates a naturally appealing visual, and allows for a smooth flow throughout the photograph. Also be sure and allow some of your props to spill outside of the frame. This invites the viewer in and builds a more appealing spread.

5. Shoot from Above

This one might seem obvious, but the most common way to photograph a flat lay is from above. You can accomplish this using a step stool or anything that will give you extra height. Don't be afraid to shoot wide, and then crop later - sometimes this can help you avoid in-camera distortion from shooting too closely.

If you design a flat lay using any of these tips, tag us on Instagram at @flutterbycreative422! We'd love to see what you create!

Let's get social,

Alex