Different Flat Lay Set Ups
What do you mean there are different flat lays? I thought a flat lay was just a flat lays! My friend, there are literally so many different flat lays and each one is tailored to what kind of product you are shooting. I am not going to go into a HUGE amount of detail, simply because each flat lay will have a different blog post, but let’s look at the different ones and how they can help you achieve the overall look you are trying to achieve.
The Basic Flat Lay
This flat lay is so easy to achieve, especially when you are trying to capture larger products. A stool for sure comes in handy when trying to capture these flat lays. But a basic flat lay is where the board or paper is laid out flat & you are most likely shooting form above. A side board might be helpful when trying to reflect light on the shadows, but for this flat lay you are mainly shooting from above.
The Box Flat Lay
Most people call this the white box flat lay, but for the sack of I don’t want you to feel like you have to stick to a white background let’s just call it the box flat lay. A box flat lay is basically like you are creating a scene for your product. The product could be standing up or even have a different color bottom and a different color background. This is super great if you are trying to achieve the 3D feel of a product or even if you are trying to capture movement.
The Vertical Flat Lay
I use this flat lay literally the most when I am shooting products that need to be on hangers. This is also really great because you can plug stuff in and out so easily. This flat lay is really great for consistency on your website. So easy to set up and even easier to take down, but I highly suggest this flat lay when you are starting out, because it requires less equipment and gives you the ability to shoot a lot of products at one time.
The Lifestyle Flat Lay
The lifestyle flat lay is also another flat lay that I do suggest. Simply because this can be done from anywhere. You're a baker, then take these products in your kitchen. You are a teacher, then take these photos around your classroom. If you are chatting about office life, then my friend your office can literally be at your fingertips. Lifestyle flat lays break all the rules, while still needing some rules. You might need a white board or light to reflect light back on to the product you are shooting, but for the most part you are shooting free range. I love this version of Flay Lay because you can literally shoot them from anywhere.
Disclaimer: with all flay lays you may or may not need a white board or even light to even out your shadows. There is honestly no right or wrong way to do a flat lay. If you are achieving the overall look that you are going for, then my friend you are doing them right. If you are looking for an easier way to create a flat lay then check out the “5 STEPS TO AN EASIER FLAT LAY” blog.