You already know the basics like building a theme around a “hero” object and finding a good spot with great natural lighting. But what’s next? Features writer Hoe I Yune (our very own flat-lay whizz) tells you how to upgrade your game – without seeming like you tried at all.
You already know the basics like building a theme around a “hero” object and finding a good spot with great natural lighting. But what’s next? Features writer Hoe I Yune (our very own flat-lay whizz) tells you how to upgrade your game – without seeming like you tried at all.
EXPERTLY EFFORTLESS
Pick a subject and theme, then build the picture around it. But the elements of your flat lay don’t always have to line up perfectly. Layer them on top of one another instead, so you get a more natural and lived-in look. Everything should look like it just happened to fall into place.
1 STICK YOUR HANDS IN
A hand or foot in the picture makes it look more candid, and gives it a sense of movement. Cup your latte in your hands, or leave your legs (with feet in cute bedroom slippers, of course) in the frame if you’re doing a flat lay of items on your bed.
2 EDIT, EDIT, EDIT
Instead of using pre-installed filters that come with apps like VSCO, Foodie and Snapseed, switch to the manual settings. That way, you can adjust the intensity of the highlights, the contrast, and the grain of the picture to your exact preferences. It’ll totally appeal to your controlfreak tendencies.
3 DON’T SHY AWAY FROM SHADOWS
Natural lighting always makes for a nice shot, but use shadows liberally if you want a more dramatic picture. Try snapping a picture at noon, under the harsh sunlight. You’ll like what you see.
4 USE COLOURS AND TEXTURES
Change up your backgrounds and play with textures like wood, concrete and linen that provide contrast to other items in the picture – so they pop rather than appear washed out. Look to Instagrammer Tara Whiteman (@taramilktea) for inspiration – she’s attracted a strong following with her vibrantly coloured flat lays.
THE NEEDTO- KNOW HACKS
CLOTHES
Show off your #ootd in a flat lay. Create structure by folding clothes in half along the vertical and horizontal lines. Don’t sweat it if your feet are in the frame – just slip on a cute pair of shoes.
MAKEUP
Blu-tack is the pro Instagrammer’s little secret. Tuck it underneath lippies and mascaras so that they stay in exactly the position you visualised for the picture.
A CUP OF TEA OR A BUNCH OF DRIED FLOWERS
… breathe life into your photo, especially if you don’t want hands or feet to feature.
PHOTO SHERLI CHONG & HOE I YUNE
ICONS 123RF
