When it comes to knowing what does and doesn’t work on Instagram, you can’t go far past They All Hate Us blogger Elle Ferguson. With 569,000 followers to her name at last count, Ferguson’s style has seen her gain fans all over the world.
Recently teaming up with Burt's Bees for its new 100% Natural Lipsticks, the launch event saw Ferguson reveal how to put together the perfect flat lay. Here, she reveals her top 10 tips:
• The background should always be super simple, think neutral. I always prefer a white background such as a plain canvas or a white bed spread. This way the items you are flat laying are the focus.
• I find the light plays a big part. If you take the photo at the wrong time of day you get a shadow, [so] if you can find a room with amazing overhead lights (think a hotel room) or in the morning with great natural light, then the colour in what you are shooting will really pop.
• I find square and smaller objects work best for flat lays, bigger bulkier items just don't look as good shot from a bird’s eye perspective. If I’m incorporating clothing, I will usually fold it or only include a small portion of it.
• I always try and tell a story with my flat lays. For example, if it's about the beach, I might have a book with a picture of a surfboard or the ocean to set the tone for the flat lay. Flowers are also great for this.
• If you’re shooting on your phone as the majority of us do, ensure you set your photos to square as then you are working within that area.
• When setting out the product, decide if you are lining everything up straight or it's more of a relaxed off-centre feel.
• Don't forget to let the product breathe - this means leaving some white space around each object in the flat lay.
• In regards to filters, I'm slightly addicted to Fade [found in the iPhone filter options]. If it's not fade, then I just pump up the light and colour in photo edit.
• If you are incorporating beauty products, such as the Burt’s Bees Lipsticks in your shots, get the product out, create colour swatches and even kisses using your lips.
• And lastly, I always take snaps along the way. I add to the flat lay shoot, move it around, shoot, take something away, shoot. You know when everything just works.
