Flat Lay Photos: Pictures of Flatlays

Flatlay photography is an easy and creative way to showcase groups of products, give a stunning snapshot of a work space, or just showcase thematic elements in an aesthetically rich way.

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designers desk flatlay

Designers Desk Flatlay


flatlay of a model spelling "gold" on a blackboard

Flatlay Of A Model Spelling "Gold" On A Blackboard


close up of painted tools

Close Up Of Painted Tools


flowers nail polish flatlay

Flowers Nail Polish Flatlay


red pepper and carrots flatlay

Red Pepper And Carrots Flatlay


tablet & coffee

Tablet & Coffee


arts & crafts in blue

Arts & Crafts In Blue


neatly set desk for startup or school

Neatly Set Desk For Startup Or School


assortment of toys on pink

Assortment Of Toys On Pink


shipping materials flatlay

Shipping Materials Flatlay


flatlay on world map

Flatlay On World Map


getting business finances in order

Getting Business Finances In Order


writing tools

Writing Tools


contact us image

Contact Us Image


camping flatlay with classic book

Camping Flatlay With Classic Book


gift wrapping supplies

Gift Wrapping Supplies


berries & granola

Berries & Granola


journaling at breakfast

Journaling At Breakfast


restaurant breakfast

Restaurant Breakfast


celebrate carnival background

Celebrate Carnival Background


morning love greeting

Morning Love Greeting


macbook air on desk

Macbook Air On Desk


holiday love wreath

Holiday Love Wreath


laptop from above

Laptop From Above


tech meeting flatlay

Tech Meeting Flatlay


contact us lettering

Contact Us Lettering


roses and love letters

Roses And Love Letters


startup desk

Startup Desk


contact us flatlay

Contact Us Flatlay


love letters and roses on fur

Love Letters And Roses On Fur


baby nursery

Baby Nursery


makeup beauty flatlay

Makeup Beauty Flatlay


designer's desk with coffee and wireframes

Designer's Desk With Coffee And Wireframes


man pointing at laptop screen analytics

Man Pointing At Laptop Screen Analytics


tech group meeting flatlay

Tech Group Meeting Flatlay


business meeting over coffee

Business Meeting Over Coffee


close up red rose bouquet

Close Up Red Rose Bouquet


breakfast from above

Breakfast From Above


makeup and jewelry

Makeup And Jewelry


pink hearts background

Pink Hearts Background


makeup brush set

Makeup Brush Set


planning design & being creative

Planning Design & Being Creative


designer working on laptop

Designer Working On Laptop


easy listening

Easy Listening


laptop on desk from above

Laptop On Desk From Above


baby toys bottles & products

Baby Toys Bottles & Products


feedback for web design mockups

Feedback For Web Design Mockups


bird book and tea time

Bird Book And Tea Time


doctor's office flatlay

Doctor's Office Flatlay


children sharing and playing with toys

Children Sharing And Playing With Toys


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Tips for Your own flatlay photography

What makes this type of photography so popular is not just the look of the photography style, but that it’s relatively easy to do. Generally you don’t need to be a professional photographer to take a great flatlay image - an iPhone camera and good lighting will do!

Feel free to browse our database of flatlay images or check our tips below for creating your own beautiful pictures.

Shoot for a single color palette

Generally speaking - it’s best to select a colour pallette of about 2-3 unifying colours and work around those colors with varying patterns and textures. Having a predetermined pallette will help to unify the composition of the image and direct the mood of the piece. For example - object in navy blue and deep red will usually give the image a more somber feel to it whereas bright pinks and purples will make the image a bit more playful.

You’ll also want to make sure you use a neutral background colour as well. Most flatlay pictures use a white background, but feel free to experiment with black, grey or more muted wood tones as well. A neutral background colour will make the foreground items stand-out, complimenting the items and focusing your audience's attention towards your subjects.

Let the composition of your pictures tell a story

It’s important to consider the concept of narrative in composing flat-lay photographs. You may want to think of a “theme” before you begin and then select objects that work around this theme. For example - if your theme is “Cluttered Office” - you might choose to use objects like pens, notebooks and coffee cups. If your theme is “Brunch Time” - you might include items like toasted bagels and sparkling mimosas. Let your image tell a story through objects surrounding a common theme.

Experiment with Space and Lighting

Not all flatlay images are built the same. For some - a cluttered workspace might convey a sense of chaos to the audience while a more sparse use of objects with more negative space might give the viewer a sense of calming isolation.

With regards to lighting - it’s generally best to use calm, overhead lighting. You don’t want your lights to be too bright however, as this can wash-out some of the beauty of your colours and create jarring, odd shadows.

Natural light works best as well - especially in the morning when the sun has risen but is not yet in full force. If you’re looking for a more neutral, balanced lighting design, try going out on a day that’s a little bit cloudy to get a soft-light effect.