Flat Lay
Category: Photography Technique
Definition: A photography style where products are laid flat on a surface and photographed from directly above, creating a clean, organized, top-down view. Often includes complementary props, styling elements, or multiple items arranged aesthetically.
Why It Matters: Cost-effective and fast to produce; shows complete product details clearly; perfect for accessories and smaller items; highly shareable on social media; demonstrates product combinations and styling ideas; minimal equipment needed.
Use Cases: Social media content, Pinterest marketing, accessory photography, detail highlights, outfit arrangements, seasonal product groupings, email marketing, blog content, showing product scale and proportions.
Example of Real Use Case: A jewelry brand creates daily flat lay posts for Instagram featuring new pieces styled with complementary accessories, makeup, and flowers. These posts generate 3x more engagement than their model photography and cost 90% less to produce.
Software/Service: Caimera.ai, artificial intelligence photoshoot, Smartphone cameras, DSLR with overhead mount, Adobe Lightroom, VSCO, natural lighting or softboxes
Common Issues: Shadows and uneven lighting, maintaining perfect overhead angle, items shifting during setup, reflections on shiny surfaces, depth and dimension loss, wrinkles in fabric items, monotonous repetition.
Do's and Don'ts:
✓ Do use natural diffused light when possible
✓ Do style with complementary elements
✓ Do maintain consistent background aesthetic
✓ Do show scale with recognizable objects
✗ Don't overcrowd compositions
✗ Don't ignore wrinkles and imperfections
✗ Don't use busy backgrounds that distract from product
Related Terms: Detail Shot, E-commerce Photography, Product Styling, Instagram Content, White Background
Also Known As: Overhead Photography, Lay Down Shot, Bird's Eye View Photography