You have come to the right place if you seek home flat lay clothes photography ideas. After using the ghost mannequin effect, flat lay clothing photos are a quick and easy approach to capturing clothing items.
This trendy style has been making waves since 2021, and it’s easy to see why – it produces stunning product photos that are sure to grab attention even in 2023.
So, flat lay products are popular among online shops since they require less preparation and take less time to create.
This article will look at several simple but effective flat lay clothes photography setups that everyone can execute at home.
What Is Flat Lay Photography?
Flat lay photography is a type of photography in which objects are arranged on a flat surface and photographed from a bird’s eye view, meaning from directly above.
The point of view transforms a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional plane. Shadows may be used to create depth and shape.
So, flat lay photography may be used for various subjects and styles. Because of its simplicity is well suited to creating compelling visuals that can stand on their own.
Alternatively, you might remove the shadows from the subject to create a more basic image.
How Do You Photograph Flat Lay Clothes?
Do you swoon over Instagram’s luscious flat lays? Want to appear like a pro but are not sure where to begin? Look no further.
Flat lays are critical when attracting new consumers or clients by appealing to show your goods or menus.
Using these tips, you’ll be able to take your flat lay photos to the next level!
1. Lighting
However, natural light isn’t always dependable for flat lay photography.
When it’s too gloomy or too bright to obtain beautiful flat lays, Mother Nature might throw you a surprise. There’s also the possibility that you’d want to shoot at night.
There is no need to wait for the sun to rise or set to use LED or ring lighting, which provides constancy and illumination flexibility.
Whether you’re filming for Instagram, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, or Grab, they’ll help your items seem their best.
2. Equipment
You’ll need the following items before you can begin taking flat lay photos:
- Foam boards with white or other plain backgrounds are an option.
- Camera
- Tripod
The flay lay photography kit should include a few picture-styling accessories.
3. Background
When it comes to flat lay backgrounds, it’s wise to keep things basic when picking a backdrop.
• A Simple Backdrop
A simple white backdrop is ideal since it won’t detract from the props.
But you may also choose something more neutral, like a cement floor or table if you like.
• A Colorful Backdrop
Creating a colorful backdrop by pasting some matte bubble wrap to the floor or table is possible.
• Marble Backgrounds
Using a marble texture as your backdrop is another interesting way to show your flat lay clothing photography.
• Vinyl Backgrounds
For a more permanent rustic effect, you may want to invest in some vinyl backgrounds if you plan to make a lot of flat lays.
Besides, an automated backdrop removal tool may also magically delete whatever background after the picture shot and replace it with a new one.
The following video offers interesting guides on how to arrange clothing items and capture the perfect shot.
Best Flat Lay Background for Clothes
Flat lay backdrops for your clothing products may be created using these ideas and strategies:
1. Using Black Paper Can Change the Mood
Your flat will have a distinct feel if you use black paper instead of a white backdrop.
On a black backdrop, colors soften instead of standing out. Even still, it’s a fascinating notion for a backdrop.
Baking and culinary photography benefit significantly from the use of black paper.
Flour mixed with confectionery sugar is visible on the black surface because of their contrast. They’re great for adding texture, but you can also write on your backgrounds with them if you like.
2. Wrapping Paper May be Used for Other Purposes
Wrapping paper is ideal for creating a shiny flat lay backdrop.
Lay it out on a level surface, add your objects, and you’ve got the best flat lay background for clothes.
With themed sheets, you may utilize them for many events. Christmas is an excellent illustration of this kind of behavior.
Festive scenes may be created by laying down colorful Christmas paper. Aside from making greeting cards, you can also use them to advertise birthday cakes. Use it for its shine alone if you choose.
3. You Don’t Have to Wear Your Clothes All the Time
Using clothing as a flat lay background can help you tell a story in your photos. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, bulky jumpers and sweaters carry personal meaning.
Many details may be captured in a single photograph using a jumper. We know it’s fall or winter when we see a heavy wool sweater.
7 Flat Lay Clothing Photography Ideas
I have come up with a list of flat lay photographic outfit essentials. You’ll also find them effective if you’re interested in doing so. I’m sure you can think of a few more flat lay clothing photography ideas.
Flat lay, is an excellent alternative. On the other hand, perfectionism in this style of photography may be a challenge for the viewer to accept.
In addition to other presentations, this image might be a standout feature.
Let’s take a deep look at some clothing photography ideas at home using flat lay techniques.
1. Hanging from a Hanger as Though Suspended
Photographing clothes on a hanger isn’t a flat lay, but it’s still significant.
Also, instead of placing the clothing on the ground, you must hang it on a wall.
On the other hand, the hanger is holding the clothing by the shoulders and neck, so the appearance is a bit different.
However, once the picture was taken, they looked almost identical.
2. For a Polished Appearance, Use an Iron on Your Clothing
Some may consider this a no-brainer, but many individuals overlook the need to iron them beforehand when it comes to flat-laying garments.
It’s time to have those creases ironed or steamed out before you begin your photo session!
Even though you’ve ironed your clothing, it may still seem wrinkled after you’ve dressed them. While designing your outfit, be sure to iron or re-iron your items.
Because of this, you are more than welcome to iron your flat lay things as you go along.
Fortunately, you’re going to be shooting the items on a level surface, it shouldn’t be too difficult.
In other cases, Photoshop’s Patch or Spot Healing brush tools are excellent for erasing tiny imperfections.
Correcting faults in textured goods, such as clothing, can result in an unsightly mess. When creases are removed from clothing, the outcome is unnatural-looking blotches.
Keeping your flat lay images wrinkle-free will save you from having to redo them.
3. Mannequins May be Used for this Purpose
Show a product’s fit is a challenging task for anybody working in the garment business. Flat and folded displays cannot provide customers with accurate information about a product’s shape.
If you’re interested in using mannequins for your clothing photo shoot, this guide on how do you photograph clothes with mannequins’ 3d effect on your clothes will be helpful for you.
However, to avoid using mannequins or paying for models, the product photography should show the items in use.
Using a model does not imply flat lay photography. It is also possible to remove the model from a shot and create a hollow 3D effect using photo editing.
4. Shooting Equipment that You Should have on Hand
For Flat Lay Photography, the tripod is the essential piece of equipment. You, of course, want something that’s going to last a long time.
However, it is necessary to have something that allows you to climb beyond your topic.
A standard tripod isn’t going to work for this. To get good results with flat lay product photography, you’ll need a high-end DSLR. Of course, a degree of skill is a must.
By the way, I found an interesting video clip for making a budget stand for capturing flat lay clothing photos. You can refer to it too.
5. Style Clothing for a Better Layout
A flat lay clothes photography setup requires several items to be arranged in a certain way.
The first need is the availability of a level surface. It might also be the floor, a huge table, or anything that can be used.
Once you have it, you’ll need a big, firm cloth to cover the surface. As a result, there is no risk of clothing being moved or misplaced.
Without a fan, the environment should be steady. The wind hinders stable photography.
In addition, you must ensure that the lighting, camera equipment, and experienced camera operator are all in place.
You may save money by not hiring a professional camera operator.
6. Choose Whether to Clothe One Person or Several
When photographing your clothes, it is helpful to fold them in specific ways. Everything you own will be visible at a glance.
Flat lay options include standing up or “filing” your shirts, pants, sweaters, or socks upright.
For an eye-catching appearance, of course, you may apply your unique flat lay clothes photography ideas.
7. Reduce Distortion by Using a Lens with a Focal Length of 50mm or Greater
When photographing clothing on a flat lay, almost any lens will suffice. It’s even possible to pick and choose between prime and zoom lenses at will.
However, for flat lay photography, you must not use a focal length of less than 50mm.
Wide-angle lenses distort the objects in their field of view to make more room for them in the final image. This may be enticing when photographing landscapes, this may be enticing, but when photographing flat lays.
Your flat lay photographs will seem wrong if there is too much distortion. A picture of goods that appears considerably different in real life will be shown.
To avoid this, shoot at a 50mm or more focal length.
In our opinion, 50mm & 85mm prime lenses are the most often used.
Why I did say so?
You don’t have to go on a stool to acquire all of the components in the shot using a 50mm lens.
Even if you have to raise the camera to snap the photo, an 85mm lens provides the most excellent distortion-free images.
Clothing Flat Lay Tips for Perfect Shot
The following tips have always helped me capture more unique flat lay photographs, and I hope they inspire you to experiment with different flat lay clothes photography ideas.
1. Make Sure the Backdrop is Nice
Place an array of random items on a clean, flat surface. It’s best to have a white or marble table as a backdrop.
A concrete floor, hardwood planks, and even crumpled sheets can do if none of those options are available.
2. The Appropriate Lighting is Essential to The Success of Any Project
Your greatest ally is undoubtedly the sun’s rays.
Take your flat lay clothing photography in front of a large window so natural light may flood in, and wash your layout in splendorous rays of sunshine.
To avoid a washed-out image, avoid shooting photos at a time whenever the light is too high.
Do as the experts do and get yourself a box lamp with such a day bulb if you’re more inclined to do a flat lay at night. It’s a big purchase, but think of the number of likes you’ll get!
3. Edit, Edit, Edit
“Write Drunk; Edit Sober” is a writing adage that could apply to editing flat lay photos.
Do not upload it immediately away, no matter what! Lighting, saturation, and eliminating undesired shadows are all critical considerations.
4. Identify a Theme Using Colors
The feeling you want to express may be evoked via color, so go with a hue that fits that theme.
Blue hydrangeas are synonymous with summertime, so they were a natural choice for the shoot’s focal point.
5. Don’t Use a Square Setting for Your Shots
Instagram now allows you to submit photos that are bigger than square, so make use of it!
Taking a picture outside the square format has been more engaging than taking a picture inside the square.
With a conventional picture frame, you’ll have more room to work with when it comes to photographing your subject.
6. Make a Difference
Adding contrast to your photos may dramatically enhance the overall quality of your images.
Everything from colors, sizes, forms, textures, and lighting may be used as a contrast.
Flat lay photography may be enhanced by combining small items like acorns, crystals, or paperclips with more significant components like plants, candles, or boxes.
7. Find Your Style by Experimenting
Get the best flat lay shots, and give yourself plenty of time to set up.
Do not hurry, and do not be afraid to make a few adjustments to your props to achieve the right shot.
To develop a sense of the best way to arrange your flat lay clothing photographs, you will need some experience.
Conclusion
In this article, I provides ideas and tips on flat lay clothing photography, a trendy style that has been popular since 2021.
So, the article defines flat lay photography, offers tips on photographing flat lay clothes, and suggests different types of backdrops that can be used for flat lay clothing photography.
It also gives specific ideas for flat lay clothing photography, such as using a jumper as a background or creating a colorful backdrop using matte bubble wrap.
Besides, you can refer to my previous article on backdrop ideas for clothes photography to create more unique flat lay photos.
In addition, it’s important to consider clothing photography ideas to be more creative in your flat lay clothing photo shoot.
Justin Parker is a professional photographer and has been in the industry since 2007. He attended the University of Georgia. Justin combines his passion for photography and his interest in writing to give life to this blog which talks about photography in order to help and inspire young photographers.
