Flat lay

A flat lay is a photography composition where items are arranged on a flat surface and photographed from directly above. This overhead perspective creates a graphic, organized look that's particularly effective for certain product categories and marketing purposes.

When to use flat lay

• Apparel: T-shirts, accessories, outfit combinations
• Beauty: Skincare routines, makeup collections
• Bundles: Multiple items that come together
• Food: Ingredients, meal components
• Stationery: Office supplies, planner setups

Composition principles

Effective flat lays follow some basic composition principles:

• Hero placement: Main product should be the focal point
• Balanced arrangement: Even distribution of visual weight
• Negative space: Don't overcrowd—let items breathe
• Color coordination: Colors should complement, not clash
• Story telling: Props should support the narrative

Technical considerations

Shooting flat lays requires even, diffused lighting to avoid harsh shadows. A tripod or overhead rig helps maintain consistent framing. For larger arrangements, you may need to shoot from a height or use a tethered camera setup.

AI and flat lays

AI can generate flat lay backgrounds and arrangements, but the composition decisions still benefit from human creative direction. Use AI to experiment with different background options while you control the arrangement of products.