Hey Loves, Today I want to talk about flat lay photography.  Flay lay photography is the "new black" the "IT" trend in photography that you see all over social media right now.   [bctt tweet="Flay lay photography is the IT trend in photography all over social media" username="natoyaammon"]   If you are just starting out like I am, your untrained eye might naively think that flat lay photography is easy to do, but boy let me tell you it's a photography technique that takes practice and time to be able to get it right.  With a little effort, planning and practice, in time you too can become a pro and slay your own flat lay photographs!     "Flay lay photography is the "new black" the "IT" trend in photography that you see all over social media"     Like everything I do (blessing and curse) I research the hell out of it first before diving in.  I've scoured the internet and found some helpful tips to keep in mind, that can make taking flay lay photos a bit easier for us newbies.   So let's start with the BASICS.  

WHAT IS FLAT LAY PHOTOGRAPHY?

If your not familiar with the term "flat lay" photography I'll explain what it is. A flat lay photo is a picture that is taken directly over the subject that is being photographed.  The subject(s) are usually products or food. Flat lay photos usually  contain a theme and color schemes like a variation of pinks or blues or  greens or warm or cool  tones to even all black on white. Flat lays have similar items or props  that are grouped together.  If the flat lay was beauty related it would have similar items like lipsticks, blushes, eye shadows, mascaras, brushes and other makeup tools in the photograph.   [bctt tweet="Flat lays are similar items or props that are grouped together" username="natoyaammon"]   If the flat lay was food related, it might have items like cooking utensils, recipe ingredients, drinks and the main dish of course.   Here are some tips for taking the perfect flat lay phot0!    I've also created a handy list that you can download below, so you can remember all the tips.                              Click the yellow button here.     1.CAMERA Now a days you have so many different camera options to choose from for your photography.  It is not necessary to go out and break the back getting the most expensive camera on the market if you can't afford it.  Make do with what you have.  It's not the equipment it's how you use it.  You can use a point and shoot camera, DSLR or even your smart phone.  All of them can give you great results.   2.NATURAL LIGHT Natural light is your bestie for most photo situations.  Get as close to your natural light source as possible. This will help you get a clear photo that highlights the details.  Find the best time of day to take photos.  I find earlier in the morning up until 1 or 2pm works best for me. The color of the light is the bluest.  After 2p the light starts to change color and direction.  Chasing light is so annoying so I try to shoot when the light is the brightest and most consistent. Try to also eliminate as many shadows as possible.   3. SET UP So where do you set up a flat lay photo?   You can use the floor, a table, a chair or any flat straight surface. You read that right, a Flat Straight Surface. The first flay lay I ever tried to do I did on a desk that had a slight  slant to it.  I didn't take into consideration it was slanted forward, so when I put things like lipstick and mascara on it, it kept sliding off.  A flat and straight surface is your best friend.   4. ANGLES Angles can be tricky.  But this technique will be conquered with practice and patience. To get the right angle for your photo you have to move around your subject and take many pictures to see what works.  The key to angles for this type of photo is to not be too far away from your subject or too close.  If you are too far you might lose the focus of the photo  and too close may make the the objects in the picture appear too large and cut off portions of the photo. A helpful tool for getting the right angle on a iPhone or DSLR camera is the grid feature that will help you match up the lines, see what's in your frame and ensure everything is straight.   5. ARRANGEMENT Try arranging the objects in your photos in various different ways until you find the arrangement that works the best.  Sometimes the way you picture the arrangement in your head doesn't quite work when laid out.  Try to create a balance in your picture of big to small, bright bold colors to muted tones, simple to busier items. Rebecca from the blog From Roses says there are a few styling considerations that you should consider before actually taking your flat lay photo.