Flat lay
A photograph taken from directly above subjects arranged on a flat surface.
What is flat lay?
Flat lay photography involves shooting straight down at a 90-degree angle onto items arranged on a flat surface. This style is popular for fashion, food, cosmetics, and small products. Flat lays can show multiple items together, create patterns, or tell a story through careful arrangement. They work well on social media, especially Instagram. For flat lays, overhead lighting is essential, and the camera must be perfectly parallel to the surface to avoid distortion.
Pro tips
Use a tripod or mount for stability when shooting directly overhead
Arrange items with intention - consider balance, color, and spacing
Even, diffused lighting is crucial to avoid shadows
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