Flat lay photography is a trendy way to highlight fashion, and mastering it can boost your social media or website. Whether you’re a fashion blogger, influencer, or business owner, knowing how to capture great flat lay photos of clothes can make your pictures pop.
The charm of flat lay photography lies in its simplicity—arranging clothes and accessories on a flat surface for an eye-catching shot. This guide offers eight creative tips to help you take incredible flat lay photos of clothes.
Flat Lay Clothes Requires You to Choose the Right Background
To improve your flat lay clothes photography, start by picking the right background. A neutral background like white, grey, or beige highlights the clothes without being too dominant. For a creative touch, use wooden tables or textured fabrics. The key is to complement, not overshadow, your clothing setup.
Flat Lay Clothes Requires You to Use Natural Lighting
Lighting is crucial for flat lay clothes photography. Natural light is ideal because it shows the true colors and textures of your clothes.
Shoot near a window or outdoors in soft morning or afternoon light. Avoid harsh light or direct sun. Indoors, use a soft box to mimic natural light.
Incorporate Layers
Adding layers to your flat lay setup brings depth and dimension to your photos. Fold or roll clothes and add items like jackets, scarves, or accessories for a more dynamic look.
Place smaller accessories on top to create interest, but keep the layout balanced to avoid cluttering the main items.
Stick to a Color Theme
Picking a color theme is important for creating polished and visually pleasing flat lay photos. Whether you’re using neutral or bold colours, stick to two or three main shades for consistency.
You can also use contrasting colours to highlight certain items. For example, add a pop of color with accessories or background elements to make the image stand out.
Add Props for Context
Using props in your flat lay clothes photos can add context and tell a story. For a summer look, include items like sunglasses or a beach towel.
For winter outfits, add props like a coffee mug or blanket. Props make the scenes more relatable but keep them minimal to ensure that the clothes stay the focus of the image.
Mind the Composition
Good composition is key in flat lay clothes photography. Arrange items so that the viewer’s eye moves naturally across the photo. Use the rule of thirds by placing key items off-center for a dynamic look.
Symmetry can balance the image, but experimenting with asymmetry can keep it interesting. Ensure that each item has space and that the layout feels harmonious.
Use Textures
Adding textures can make your flat lay clothes photos more engaging. Combine different fabric textures, like knits with denim or silk, or use textured backgrounds and props.
For instance, placing a soft sweater on a rough wooden surface creates a nice contrast. Textures help make the image more visually interesting and immersive.
Experiment with Angles
Flat lay photography is usually taken from above, but experimenting with different angles can enhance your shots. While shooting directly overhead gives a neat look, tilting the camera slightly can add interest and show details like embroidery or fabric patterns.
Make sure the angle still clearly displays the outfit without distorting the image.
Final Words
Flat lay clothes photography is a great way to show off fashion, and using the right techniques can make your photos look professional.
With these eight tips, you’ll be on track to perfecting your flat lay photography and capturing impressive images that will wow your audience.
