Let’s talk about flat lays. I know it’s an Achilles heel for many! Flat lays are something l do for every item I make. I personally feel like a great stylized flat lay can really tell your story. (Sometimes even better than modeled shots.)
With my dresses and tops I personally love to add footwear and a hair piece of some type. A lot of people put toys and coordinating items in theirs. They are so cute and can really boost your sales if you have a boutique of any sort. They are also wonderful for showcasing your props if you own a photograpy bussiness. You can really do flat lays with just about anything!
Here are a few examples of what to do and what to try and avoid when taking your photos. Let’s start with some great flat lays from some incredibly talented ladies!
This is a dress and bow set made by SewCreations by Tonya Guimond. She fanned out the skirt (I LOVE this option to really show off those circle skirts) and added some cute shows and a headband. The dress is very much the central point of this photo.
This lovely dress is by Beautiful Bella Bowtique by Faryn Eagan. She always has such a unique take on things. She personally prefers to just showcase her garment instead of added anything else into her shots that may confuse the buyer. I absolutely adore the way she does her tie straps. The dress is shown so well.
This is a really unique way to do flat lays. This is by Sew Kash Fabrics (Candian fabric company, super soft and lovely fabric, great customer service.) This one shows such a fun way to do a flatlay. She used several detailed shots, graphics, and the photo of the whole hoodie together for marketing purposes. This totally sold me on this fabric for my girl. Plus. . . pigs.
This is another fantastic flat from Faryn Eagan. It shows the beautiful rolled hem, all those ruffles, and her upcycled bodice! (swoon worthy, right?) Sometimes those tightly cropped flats don’t get enough love. I’m here to say, the detail shots are key!
This is another super fun flat from SewCreations by Tonya Guimond. She used some little toys to really bring this outfit to life. I love her use of props and how it really catches you attention. All you need is stopping power. When you’re going through a bunch of pictures, all it takes it that one with added interest to really bring you in.
This one is such an interesting use of props. DON’T be afraid of them! They can really add an element of interest to your items that may not have been there before. Lighting is also very important. The lighting and angle on this flat brings your eye in and you can almost feel how soft and flowy the skirt fabric is.
One thing that is really special about flats is that there is so little distraction. Especially when you’re selling children’s item. A cute kid is great, but sometimes they just don’t stop moving so you can truly see the item.
Here is an example of modeled versus flat using one of my garments and daughter. While I think she is a perfect model, I feel like the flat really shows the dress and GORGEOUS fabric (From Beanpop Fabrics!) so much better. The one item the flat does not completely showcase is the neckline. It’s really beautiful and was a miss in the flat lay. I added a book into my flat to just add a little more interest. I also angled it, which I really like to do at times.
Another thing to really conside is your position when taking your photos. I always try to get directly ABOVE my items. (Which is a pretty funny site! I climb on my kitchen island while one leg remains in a chair so I can get the whole picture. Short people problems.) This beautiful outfit was made by my friend Bridgett Wright. The picture with her cat is taken from a side angle where the one on the right is taken from (almost) directly above. Another great tip is to make sure the lighting is good and that your items are free from other things. . . like cats who love to get on them as soon as you pull the camera out. Close crops are important. Also, if you have a background with lines try and make sure they are straight.
This is one of my sews. The dress gets lost a little on the background. I feel like it would have been a better flat had I put it on another backdrop. I do love the accesories. Sometimes you have to theme your shots. Winter outfits, winter items. Swim suits, why not throw some goggles in there? Sunglasses. Props are so fun!
Make sure your items are nicely pressed, be congnizant of how they are laying and if there are bumps that may make them look off. Try different angles. Sometimes you can do close crops to show those detail. Grab a solid(ish) backdrop that gives your items consistency. (Mine was $9.99 at Hobby lobby and comes on a HUGE roll of paper!) Make sure that backdrop is a flat or matte finish so you don’t have flash reflection. Be aware of your own shadow. There is nothing worse than having a great shot and then realizing your shadow is on it. Play with orientation, angles, adding props, keeping them simple, do whatever makes you happy.
There is no right or wrong way to do a flay lay. At the end of the day, it’s all about allowing your creativity to shine.
Thanks for reading! Please let me know if you have some other tips, or if you may want to submit a picture for the site.