How to make a perfect shot on a smartphone in style Flat Lay: 10 Tips

What unites a mug of hot tea with lemon, a good book and a blanket? These items are perfectly combined with dank December evening. And yet a great story for photos Flat Lay.

Flat Lay - a snapshot of items laid out on a flat surface and photographed from above. They are usually removed on the table, the floor or a special background. Items must be united by a common theme, idea, otherwise it will be just a bunch of junk.

Initially, such a format used fashion magazines to create a stylish image and demonstration of new products. Now Flat Lay - trends in Instagram, including through business opportunities. Such great pictures sell any thing, from a laptop to a mouth-watering donuts in your coffee shop.

But the shovel in a pile of all that arm will fall, is not enough. To the picture turned out cool, it is necessary to consider the composition, colors, plot.

These tips will help to make a perfect picture Flat Lay with your smartphone.

Tip 1. Use natural light

Optimal for Flat Lay lighting - natural. It gives a soft diffused light and color accuracy without harsh shadows. Avoid bright sunlight - it will make the picture too much contrast.

Ideal conditions for shooting - the morning or evening, especially in cloudy weather. Then the light is not as sharp and almost does not create shadows.

Tip 2. Use the view from the top

Flat Lay - a photograph from the top and at right angles. Keep your smartphone parallel to the surface which can be removed.

For convenience, you can climb higher - a chair, a ladder - or, for example, use a selfie-stick. And you can just place the items on the floor and shoot from the height of its growth.

Tip 3. Take care of the composition

A pledge of good pictures - competent composition. Turn on the grid in the camera settings and use while shooting the rule of thirds. Basic items should be placed at the intersection of the lines. The grid can also be used as long as Set your items. This will allow to immediately see errors in the composition and to fix them.

Watch for symmetry in the frame, leave space between the objects. But do not build everything on the line, create a feeling of slight negligence. So the photo will look natural.

For example, not necessarily to all the subjects in the frame entirely. If a portion will go beyond, it will add a shot of dynamics.

Experiment, do not be afraid to move the center of the composition. It will only benefit result.

Tip 4. Remember the proportions

During the shooting remember that the proportion of bulk items closer to the edge of the distorted image. To avoid this, raise the camera above. Excess can then be removed at the time of framing.

It can also be something to put under the items that they are at an angle to the center of the composition. So distortion effect will be noticeable.

Tip 5. Do not overdo it

In creating the perfect composition importantly - do not overdo it. If the frame is piling up objects, the viewer can not understand the reasons behind its emphasis. Observe the balance, otherwise the picture will become cool in the picture a heap of junk on the table. If something in doubt, remove.

Remember that the main role is played by one or two subjects, the others only support an atmosphere and sets accents.

Tip 6. Correctly match colors

In addition to the composition, it is necessary to take care of the right combination of colors in the frame. To start think over for the color scheme, and have it select the appropriate items. Keep in mind that cold colors go well with cold and warm - to warm. Trite, but many people forget about it. To better use the background white, black and gray, because they are harmonious look with any colors.

In addition, warm colors look more appetizing. If you are photographing food, its colors should be warm background.

Tip 7. Consider the plot

Each photo must have its own style. You can not just distribute the table of different stuff and nasnimat what happened. If you want to share their impressions of the new "Star wars"Put in the frame Tickets Jedi sword, pick up a suitable background.

When framing the new iPhone X, emphasize its features - make the same wallpaper and background image. This will allow to pay attention to its frameless.

It all depends on the atmosphere and the story you want to convey through the image.

Tip 8. Choose background

Background in the frame should complement the subjects and not to take all the attention currently. Style, color and texture of the background is adjusted for the items. It can be anything: countertops, wood floors, fabric or kraft paper. Textural backgrounds add depth images. But if you are a minimalist, use plain surface without texture and accents.

Textures and colors in the background can be combined, as long as they came together. Avoid bright colors, better use neutral.

Tip 9. Mark the items in the pictures

Photos Flat Lay - excellent format for advertising. Publishing pictures of branded things, mention the brand profile.

So your picture will get more views may be seen brand and will appear on his page.

Council 10. Get inspired

To grow as a photographer, learn from examples. Sign up for Pinterest, if you have not already done so. Excellent service, which collected a ton of interesting and useful content on any topic.

Take a look at other people's work, sign up for inspirational accounts in InstagramBefore embarking for the shooting.