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How to Flatlay like an Instagrammer | Best Flatlay Tips

Follow our flatlay tips and you’ll know the formula for crafting a perfect flatlay.

Last Updated on September 18, 2019 by Raye - Ryerson University
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Best flatlay tips for Instagram
Photo by @lulus – follow them for great flatlay inspo!

If you’re on Instagram constantly (hi, same here), you’ve definitely seen the wide array of beautiful and well-constructed flatlays all over your feed. Today, I’m going to show you the best flatlay tips to beautify your own feed.

There is a secret formula that allows our favorite influencers to create visually compelling and striking layouts of accessories and props that make us want to zoom in and admire every inch.

So how do they do it? What’s the secret to creating a perfect flatlay that looks effortless and yet stylish at the same time?

Let’s delve in together.

View this post on Instagram

Sketch from a few days ago inspired by one of @matildadjerf’s photos💕

A post shared by Caroline Chagnon (@caroline.chagnon) on Sep 16, 2019 at 4:59am PDT

1. Pick the Right Theme

The key to crafting a beautiful flatlay is to have a theme. This allows you to create a visual story.

Are you focusing on fashion? Beauty? Fitness? Is there maybe one specific product or piece that you want to highlight?

Choosing a theme for your flatlay will make it so much easier to pick out the props and accessories because you’ll be able to see how each item matches your featured item or idea. Like curating a collage or moodboard!

This also relates to your color scheme – do you want it to be light or dark?

If you’re going for a moody theme, you would pick darker items or a dark background, and lighter items for lighter themes. To keep it simple, pick a neutral background and let your accessories speak for themselves!

View this post on Instagram

Almost the weekend, hang in there 🖤

A post shared by The Accessory Edit (@accessoryedit) on Aug 22, 2019 at 6:31am PDT

2. Get the Perfect Lighting

The is one of the most important flatlay tips — get the lighting right!

As with most photos, it’s best to shoot your flatlay in natural lighting. When you’re taking pictures of objects (like the accessories and props you’d use in flatlays), this is especially true, as natural lighting minimizes shadows.

The best time to take advantage of natural light is in the morning or early afternoon, and ideally by a large window or door.

If you absolutely can’t take advantage of the natural light, try experimenting with bright lights in your space and the flash on your phone camera. While this will create shadows, you can totally play around with the positioning so that the shadows are like an additional accessory and don’t ruin the composition of the photo — see example below!

View this post on Instagram

am I the only one who gets oddly excited about new vitamins?! after taking off my acrylics, I've decided to try & grow my nails out & so many of you guys reccomended @humnutrition runway ready 💊💅🏻💊💅🏻 I'll keep you guys posted on the results & if you have any nail growth secrets, PLZ share! 👇🏼 #humnutrition #partner

A post shared by ERICA STOLMAN (@fashionlush) on Jul 6, 2017 at 8:16pm PDT

3. Keep it Balanced

Proportion is so important when creating a flatlay! It’s a delicate balance, but it also can be totally unique to you.

Let’s say you’re trying to showcase a magazine or book in your flatlay – since the book is a larger item, pair it with smaller accessories and props, like a bookmark or a watch. Or, take it in the opposite direction and pair it with a cup of tea or coffee – this would make the photo look cozy, and show that the theme is a relaxing day in with a book.

Balance also means working with the space in your photo. In the photo below, blogger Caroline Chagnon has her items stacked but has lots of negative space to balance out the photo.

Or, maybe you’d want to space out each item in your photo and have less negative space. As long as it looks balanced, you’re on the right track.

View this post on Instagram

Jour de pluie 🌧

A post shared by Caroline Chagnon (@caroline.chagnon) on Aug 7, 2019 at 9:02am PDT

4. Put Time Into the Layout

Whether you like your flatlays to be clean or scattered, never settle for your first layout. Take a few photos and then try swapping the items and changing their positions until you find the perfect shot.

You can be as creative as you’d like here! Try stacking items for a unique shot, turning larger items, like shoes, on their side. Another idea, as shown in the photo below, is to have some of your items just out of frame – this makes the photo look so effortless and chic.

View this post on Instagram

Lazy Monday

A post shared by Caroline Chagnon (@caroline.chagnon) on Sep 2, 2019 at 7:47am PDT

5. Accessorize with the Perfect Props

Once you have your main pieces, you can start filling up the rest of the photo! This is my favorite flatlay tip because it’s fun – get creative and “shop” your house for the perfect accessories.

Looking back at my favorite flatlays, I see that the experts tend to use dainty jewelry pieces, facial oils and lip glosses as props. However, candles, perfumes, flowers and cute household items can really complement your theme, so they’re definitely worth experimenting with!

View this post on Instagram

Some September faves 💫 . . . #vintagevibes #shadesofblanc #wearthisnext #styledujour #effortlesschic #lestyleàlafrançaise #parisstyle #fashiondetails #blogueusemode #styleblogger #beigepalette #minimalchic #neutralstyle #neutralshades #parisiennestyle #classicstyle #parisianlifestyle #parisianchic #frenchgirlstyle #frenchvibes #thenoisetier #minimalfashion

A post shared by Katie Cung (@katiecung) on Sep 15, 2019 at 1:19pm PDT

6. Focus on Getting the Angles

First and foremost, use a square template when you’re shooting. It’s easier to post if it’s already a square, and you won’t have to worry about cropping anything out. Plus, it will help with keeping the photo balanced.

Shooting a flatlay from above is a fabulous go-to, as you can see each item that way. However, don’t be afraid to get creative with your angles and switch it up from time to time.

Recently, I stayed at a hotel with a lovely view and took the photo below of a few accessories I brought – I ended up liking the photos I took with the view out of the window better than the ones taken from above! It’s a different take on a flatlay that’s unexpected and fun.

Flatlay example in NYC
Catch this on my Instagram soon, in a square crop!

What did you think of our flatlay tips?

What do you think of these tips? Any important ones that I missed? Share below with links to your proudest flatlays – let’s inspire each other.

Tags : instagram, Photos, Social Media, Technology

1 Comment
Originally published on September 19, 2019
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Comments

  1. Ama says

    September 14, 2020 at 9:01 pm

    Love these tips! I typically suck at flatlays, but that’s also because I didn’t really know how to get the lighting right. Bookmarking this post so I can try these tips for a future one. I’m determined to get it right 🙂

    Reply

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