7 Tips from 7 Days of Flatlays

plus watch me style a flat lay in real-time

I’ve mentioned this a few times…
In the Photo Club for November, members were invited to a bonus challenge. The task was to design our own unique challenge through November, commit to it, and show up to the idea we outlined.
I chose to do seven festive flatlays in 7 days.

I've always had a soft spot for flatlays, but lately, I haven’t been shooting them as often as I used to.
The first day felt a bit clumsy… the second a little less so, and with each new day, it started to flow a little easier. I also used the same props on repeat, adding a few elements or changing up the table, backdrop, etc, to tell a slightly different story.

So, in the spirit of the holiday season and the joy of creating, I'm here to share my top 7 tips from creating festive flatlays for seven days straight.

Also, I use the term ‘flatlay’ very loosely. Perhaps I should say from above.
Let's just go with the term 'flatlay today.

So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's get dive in!

1. Space - Is Everything (in my opinion)
When setting up your festive flatlay, start by pulling back, or should I say, pulling up. Leave ample room in the frame for the viewer's eye to rest. This can never do you wrong. A completely filled frame works sometimes, but giving your flatlay some breathing room just works.
This sense of space can evoke the peaceful, quiet moments we all cherish as opposed to a bunch of plopped props with no invitation to linger a little longer in the frame.

2. Theme - Tell a Story
Have a (holiday) theme in mind and pick your props accordingly. Think of it as a short film. If you're creating a narrative, such as settling down with a cuppa and wrapping gifts, what other elements would contribute to this tale? Perhaps a cozy blanket suggesting the chill of winter, a pair of reading glasses, or a scattering of holiday ornaments to set the festive mood.

3. Spacing between Props
Leave space between your props unless they're meant to overlap. This creates balance and allows each prop to shine on its while still contributing to the overall story. Think of each prop as a character in your festive tale, each needing space to shine.

4. A Human Touch
Add a human touch to your flatlay. Get your hands in the frame, tying a bow on a gift or holding a steaming cup of cocoa. This adds a sense of life and movement to your flatlay, making it more relatable and engaging.

5. Depth and Layers
Depth and layers pull the eye in. Create a sense of depth and dimension by focusing on the element closest to the lens and layering objects in the background. This could be a stack of holiday cards, a pile of gift boxes, or an array of festive cookies.
If you’re shooting a table scene, pull up and show the chair, something on the floor, or even you sitting down.

6. Texture - The Not so Secret Ingredient
Texture adds a tactile element to your flatlay, (any photo, really), making it more interesting and visually appealing. A touch of linen or ribbon, something with texture, can make your flatlay feel more festive and cozy.
A knitted sweater, the roughness of pine cones, or the smooth glow of Christmas baubles.

7. Details Make the Difference
The details in your flatlay can distinguish between a so-so flatlay and an elevated one.
It's about adding extra touches that elevate your scene. A foaming cuppa over a flat cuppa tea or steam rising up from your hot cocoa.
Or perhaps it's the glittering of an ornament, a candle burning or handwritten addresses on your holiday cards.

These small details help to create an authentic and immersive feeling.

8. Creating a Sense of Place - This is Everything
Finally, incorporate elements in your flatlay that hint at the wider world beyond the frame. This could be a window sill that suggests a snowy landscape outside, a plant that hints at a lush indoor Christmas tree, or a postcard that speaks of far-off holiday destinations.

And there you have it, my top 7 tips (plus a bonus one!) for creating more pleasing and festive flatlays this holiday season (and beyond). Just to remind you, your goal is not just to create a pleasing flatlay, but to transport your viewer into the world you've created.

I can't wait to see the festive flatlays you create. Happy Holidays! : )

Styling Video | I used all of today’s tips in this styling video.

Regarding My Camera Settings

For the shot below, I set my camera up on the C-stand and tethered my Nikon to my iMac.
This allowed me to control the camera settings w/o having to climb up a ladder to select focus and change settings.

I locked focus on the mug (closest to my lens), allowing everything else to fall gently out of focus.
I played with f/stops for varying depth of field.

My Camera Settings for the Photo Below

F/stop 3.2. Locking focus on the cup.
The shutter speed was set to 1/30, and to capture the motion blur I quickly flipped the postcard back and forth as the shutter clicked.
To allow for both hands in the frame, I used my handy-dandy remote with a 2-second delay.

One More Tip

If you’re shooting a tabletop scene, consider keeping the chair in the frame, possibly draped with a piece of linen. If you wanna be extra add something beside the chair for another layer of depth to your frame.
ie. the pine branches and twinkle lights beside the chair.

Over to You

Questions, thoughts? Do you see any festive flatlays in your future?
♡

xx

Kim

Over to You

Questions, thoughts? What platforms are you currently sharing to?

xx

Kim

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