[…] The ability to take the perfect flatlay picture is a gift. Here are some techniques to help you nail your next perfect Instagram worthy flatlay pics. […]
I can pretty much style anyone in my sleep, but when it comes to product styling and flatlays, more times than not I find myself stumped. I reached out to my friend + “tribe” member Kaye McCoy, owner of 7th Street Studio, a boutique design + photography firm based in Atlanta for tips on better product styling.
I absolutely love both Kaye’s personal IG feed + what she creates for 7th street: the editing is extremely cohesive, and while she’s a professional photographer (if you’re in Atlanta she offers Blogger Style Sessions too), she can take some killer pics with her iPhone as well. But…Kaye’s always switching up her feed to keep it seriously curated, so you have to keep watch or it may be gone!
I’ve written before about curating your IG feed and keeping it cohesive so that people can get a true understanding for what your blog/business/brand stands for, and her images exemplify that. Check out her tips she gave me, plus some of the images she’s created for IG.
Pick a Theme
Having a theme helps. Buy things that relate to your theme, so that you always have stuff to toss in a photo. I don’t have a process, really, but right now I’m into the whole monochromatic thing, and trying to purchase things that have the same color/tone.
Background Essentials
A few white foam boards from Walmart to use as a backdrop. Colored foam boards from Michael’s or Hobby Lobby (if you don’t like white), marble slabs or pieces of wood from Home Depot, small dainty jewelry, fresh flowers, magazines, clutches, cute flats (shoes), sunglasses, perfume bottles, candles, makeup with cute packaging, makeup brushes, a mug with coffee, lemon water, tea, and other little knickknacks that relate to the look you want to go for.
all photos c/o 7th Street Studio.
In addition to the tips that Kaye gave, always remember to USE NATURAL LIGHT. Don’t ever use your flash, go where the light is (so that your photos are well-lit and look crisp), make sure that you use your camera/phone’s focus feature, and snap away. Play around with your composition (the overall set-up as well). Our favorite editing app? VSCO, of course. IG makes great filters now, but VSCO is our jam, lol.
Be sure to visit www.7thstreetstudio.co/ to see more of Kaye’s work!
How do you create your flatlays?
7th street studio business of blogging Fashion photography tips
Kim, thanks for featuring pearls in your post! It’s something most every girl already has in her jewelry collection. That makes it easy to begin the transition into the season’s look!
Thanks!
Cami
http://www.bycamixoxo.blogspot.com/
yes indeed!
Natural lighting is always key! I was trying to explain that to someone the other day who didn’t understand why I wasn’t interested in using the flash. It’s a good idea to try to buy props that fit with your theme. I would have just tried to use whatever it is that I already own.
-M
http://www.violetroots.com
the same! I’m going to start shopping with more intention with props.
I’m just getting around to commenting but I love Kaye’s aesthetic. Thank you for sharing these tips.
Yaaaas, I DIE over Kaye’s work! She’s so talented. 🙂