Lifestyle: How To Achieve The Perfect Flat Lay

When I first started blogging I never imagined that it would turn into an industry the way it has or the fact that the standard of blogging is now so high. Over the past year I’ve taken more of an interest in photography. For blogging, photos are so important and they can really draw people in to reading your content.

This isn’t a post to tell you exactly how to take your flat lay photos (as everybody’s photography style is different) but it’s a post to share some tips and tricks with you that I’ve learnt along the way.

I don’t have the money to buy the latest Cannon camera or IPhone so I’ve always ‘made do’ in that sense for blogging photography. Yes my quality of photos could be improved but I think I am doing a good job with the equipment I do have.

Find a background 

I didn’t realise the importance of a background with my blogging photos until about a year ago. I picked my marble background up on EBay but you can also find marble contact paper at B&Q. I use this for 90% of my photos, which you’ll see, on my blog. I think it’s such a versatile background and it works so well when you post your photos on social media.

If you can’t find yourself a marble background, I like to use magazines and I always make sure I pick up a couple of magazines a month including my favourite Hello Fashion Monthly and this months issue is a HFM Fashion Special. You can subscribe to the magazine here (which I am) and it's super cheap too so your magazine fix won't break the bank. 

Use Props

I have found that by using props in my blog photos, it really gives my photos a more personal edge, especially when I’m taking pictures of beauty products. Sometimes I think that flat lay photos can look very ‘samey’ but I try my best to experiment with the props that I use. You don’t need to go out and buy loads of products/props a lot of the things I use you’ll already have in your bedroom. The following photos will have links to some of the products I use for blogging props.

Artificial Plant - New Look

The Luxe Life by Fleur De Force - Amazon

Pretty Honest by Sally Hughes - Amazon 

Brushes - Eco Tools by Love Me Beauty

I also use eye shadow palettes in my photos, lipsticks even powders (if they have pretty packaging!)

Try out different compositions

I think trying to get a perfect ‘flat lay’ first time is pretty much impossible. I probably take 10-15 photos of the flat lay before I edit the photo I like the most. Don’t be afraid to experiment with angles, use the rule of thirds and just have fun with creating beautiful photography. Another tip is I use my phone for photos on Instagram as by the time I transfer them from my camera they’re too pixelated (or don’t look very clear) to post on Instagram. Speaking of Instagram you can follow me on Instagram here (cheeky self promotion!)

Edit your photos

I’m disappointed in a way that Instagram has become all about filters, achieving the perfect ‘theme’ and making sure every photo fits into your Instagram photo grid in the most aesthetically pleasing way (but I can’t help but be a little sucked in to the trend.) When I edit my photos on my phone for social media I use a mixture of Photoshop Express, VSCO, Facetune and Faded.

Make the most of natural lighting

When you don’t have the budget for light boxes, fancy lighting etc you have to make the most of natural light. I try and take my photos next to window or somewhere in the house where there is the most light. I find that natural light really helps the quality of my photos and when there’s good lighting I literally take about 8 different sets of photos for blog posts!

I hope this post has inspired you and that you want to step outside the box a little bit with your own blog photography!

Twitter//Instagram//Facebook *This blog contains sponsored content from Hello Fashion Monthly but as usual all thoughts/views/opinions are my own*