Styling flatlays

When I first started this blog I didn’t know the first thing about styling, let alone that I might even end up doing some myself. You see, as with most things, everything is a learning curve and if you – like me – is a visual person, perhaps this is something you would like to do as well.

Now it seems I photograph everything from the top and down – meaning that all the things I photograph are lying on the table face up – hence the name ‘flatlay‘.

I have also become a bit of a hoarder, and collector of possible props, something I have done for years, but not as knowingly as I do now. I also look for small, quirky things I can use, and often incorporate postcards, or small pictures in the flatlays as well.

I also find looking on Pinterest a great source of inspiration. You can almost always find something to love there.  You can have a look at my boards here.

 

So these are my tips on to style a flatlay:

First find your background. You can use tabletops, wrapping paper, tissue, cardboard, everything with structure and a coherent colour unless you specifically go for pattern.

Pick an item or colour to start off with – which is the base for your styling.

Find items that match in colour or theme.

Place the key item, and then start working your way out.

Don’t overthink it, then it becomes difficult.

Have small props, fresh, dried or even pressed flowers available if you need them.

Have fun with it.

When I started out, my flatlays looked horrendous, as I tended to cram too much into the shot. But with a bit of patience,  some trial and error,  and my flatlays are beginning to look better. Trust me, I can see there is room for improvement, but the good thing about that, is that it makes me have to practise more and more! So I am a fan of flatlays now, as I think they can show off a mood, you can style products, and the whole thing just looks great from above.

Anya Jensen photography & Styling ©