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Guide to Flat Lay Photography: Ideas, Tools, and Engaging Product Shots

31st Mar 2023
5 mins

Are you also one of those sellers who want to showcase their brand as stylish, minimal, and perfect? You want to showcase the variety of products (clothing, food, cosmetics, and books) in a very surreal manner, but fail to do so.

With the introduction of online shopping in the 90s, and until now, there have been several changes in the rising demands. One of them is the need for high-quality visuals to set your brand apart.

There are different types of photography according to the different types of products. One of them is flat lay photography, which makes your brand look voguish! 

What is Flat Lay Photography?

To explain you in a very simple language: A bird’s eye view of products arranged on a flat surface is what we call a flat lay photography. You want to showcase your product in a thematic manner? Go for flay lay! 

Flay lay product photography is all about being cost-effective while photographing clothing, skincare, tech accessories, or electronics. 

What is Flat Lay Photography?

Why Flat Lay Photos Work So Well?

  • Clarity: The bird-eye view provides you with a clean and distraction-free product photo

  • Creativity: You have full control over the story, deciding the props, their placement, and the color theme that will be used while conducting the photoshoot of your product.

  • Versatility: Flat lays are perfect for website banners, product listings, and social media. 

How to Do Flat Lay Photography: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to create compelling flat lay images that resonate with your audience and align with eCommerce standards:

1. Plan Your Concept with a Mood Board

Plan Your Concept with a Mood Board

Initially, you should be well aware of the shoot’s purpose: For instance, will you be posting this on your socials, or will you use it to promote a new product line? 

  • Pinterest or Instagram hashtags can be used for research purposes (i.e, gather visual inspiration).

  • Be very clear about the colors, types of props, and brand aesthetics.

  • Pen down the possible arrangements

2. Pick the Right Flat Lay Background

Pick the Right Flat Lay Background

Brand storytelling is all dependent on the flat lay background you choose. So, this is what I suggest: 

  • Plain white: Perfect for a minimal look

  • Textured surfaces: Add warmth to your shoot, go for wood, fabric, or stone

  • Vinyl backdrops: This is the best option when you shoot frequently and want flexibility. 
ai background generation using AI tools like dresma

3. Assemble Props That Support (Not Steal)

Assemble Props That Support (Not Steal)

Choosing the props that complement your hero product is a must. Some options include: 

  • Apparel: sunglasses, bags, heels

  • Skincare: small stones, towels, flowers

  • Books: pens, glasses, coffee mugs

Pro tip: You should always keep a balance. Using an odd number of props and various sizes helps to create a visual effect. 

4. Set the Scene with Smart Placement

Set the Scene with Smart Placement

Flat lay photos look out-of-the-box when everything feels intentional. 

Try layout compositions like:

  • Grid style: Balanced and structured

  • Triangular: Guides the eye to the hero product

  • S-curve or V-shape: Adds dynamic flow to still objects

Layering can be beneficial as it adds depth to flat lay photography. For instance, placing a book over a vintage newspaper. 

5. Find the Right Lighting

Lighting makes or breaks your flat lay shot. 

  • Natural light: Aware of the golden hour? That’s the best natural light!

  • Artificial light: Using ring lights or softboxes can assist in maintaining consistency. 

Please note: Do not use both in one frame. 

Conducting clothing photography at home, a combination of daylight and a clean flat surface, can be surprisingly effective. 

6. Time to Shoot!

ai product photography using domyshoot

I highly recommend using a tripod, which can make your life super easy when it comes to a stable shot! 

Tips for sharper flat lay photos:

  • Use the grid lines present on your phone to center the product.

  • You can prevent harsh shadows by diffusing light.

  • Add text overlays too! 

7. Edit Like a Pro with AI

Post-production helps to uplift the product visuals by:

  • Adjustment in brightness, contrast, and white balance.

  • Background clutter or unwanted shadows are removed.

  • Brand graphics or callouts are added, too! 

How to Do Flat Lay Clothing Photography at Home?


Being a fashion brand or a small business owner, you must be pondering over “how to do flat lay clothing photography at home?” Here’s your cheat sheet:

  • Use hangers or lay garments flat on ironed surfaces

  • Highlight textures (e.g., denim, knitwear) with side lighting

  • Add accessories like shoes, bags, or belts for storytelling

  • Maintain symmetry or layering to avoid a flat, boring look

  • Edit with AI tools to polish for marketplace listings

Why Use DoMyShoot for Flat Lay Product Photography?

Being an eCommerce seller is a task! I get you here. You are manually managing product photos for every platform (Amazon, Walmart, Shopify, etc.) 

Dresma’s AI helps you:

  • In a guided photoshoot, we provide you with smart overlays of correct angles. 

  • Get clean and clear backgrounds instantly.

  • Product images that comply with various marketplaces.

  • Save time by receiving market-ready product images within a span of 48 hours (timeline is dependent upon the number of SKUs and the requirement).

Just take a top-down photo of your product and let the platform do the rest! 

Flat Lay Photography Ideas You Can Try Today

Need inspiration? Try these setups:

  • Skincare Sunday: Face mask + towel + flower petals

  • Bookworm Vibes: Book + glasses + candle + coffee mug

  • Tech Drop: Phone + earbuds + stylus + case

  • Street Style: Sneakers + jeans + sunglasses + belt

Let each image reflect your brand’s personality!

Final Thoughts

Flat lay photography in itself is an art. It helps you in bringing your product to life, building brand recognition, and increasing conversions. With perfect lighting, and using proper AI tools like Dresma, even beginners can create engaging visuals. 

Ready to transform your product shots?

get perfect hero image using dresma ai tools

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