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Tutorial

How To Create The Perfect Instagram Flat Lay

How To Create The Perfect Instagram Flat Lay
Emily Cotton
Beauty Editor4 years ago
View Emily Cotton's profile

Flat lays are those super 'Instagrammable' pictures that you see across fashion and beauty bloggers' social media feeds. You take a photo from a bird's eye view of objects, clothing, beauty products or your GLOSSYBOX on a plain background so all the objects are the focal point.

We love featuring this style of imagery from our subscribers on our feeds - so much so that each month we choose a Glossy Of The Month based on the photos you take!

We'd love to see even more of our Glossies producing these snaps. So we've created a beginners guide to taking the perfect flat lay!

How To Take The Perfect Flat Lay Picture

Step 1:

Find a plain backdrop. Many bloggers favour using a plain white table, plain bedding or even the floor! Anything that is flat with little pattern or texture.

Step 2:

Pick the object you want to focus on. For example, your GLOSSYBOX. Place that in the centre and create a mood around the box using things like the beauty products from your monthly box, flowers, jewellery - whatever you fancy!

Step 3:

Once you have all your objects, start with the largest items as the base of the flat lay. For example, large flowers or your laptop. Then add everything else wherever looks aesthetically pleasing. Flat lays can take a lot of time, trial and error so feel free to experiment. You'll find yourself moving a lot of items around, practice makes perfect.

Step 4:

Grab your camera and take as many pictures as you want. Sometimes it's helpful to stand on a chair or lift your arms high above and snap. Or you can shoot closer to make the flat lay look busier. Play around with the angles to see what works for you.

Step 5:

Editing is a big part of achieving the perfect flat lay. Once you have taken your photos, upload it into an editing app. I love using VSCO Cam, FaceTune and Snapseed as these come with so many filters to play around with. The brightness and sharpness of the image are the most important factors of a high quality flat lay so focus on those tools.

And...post!

To make sure we get to see your creative flat lays, don't forget to tag us in them @glossyboxuk and use the hashtag #glossyboxuk!

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Emily Cotton
Beauty Editor
View Emily Cotton's profile
I'm someone who loves getting glammed up, but I feel like I never have enough time. Frequently running between work, the gym and seeing friends means my makeup routine is quick and often touched up on the go. Therefore, beauty products that serve as multi-purpose are perfect for me - a blush that works for cheeks and lips is a must in my makeup bag!
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