Hello Friend! I am so glad you are here. Please feel free to either jump in and participate in the 6-wk Flatlay challenge, join for a week or two, or just quietly observe. Whatever you choose is fine with me. Every Wednesday, for the next 6 weeks, I will be sharing a new Flatlay Composition prompt with you here along with some inspiration, tips on how to style it and props to include. To get the most out of this challenge I encourage you to try out those styling tips, create new images for your instagram feed, meet and connect with other creators and share your art to inspire others. To participate: - Create and Photograph your Flatlay
- Share it on Instagram with Hashtag #naughtyteasflatlaychallenge
- Don't Forget to Tag me @mangelka to be featured
- Check out @naughtyteas gallery to get inspired
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Why Flatlay? Flatays are some of the most engaging photos on Instagram. They are atfully arranged compositions that offer a bird’s eye view of everything from table settings to product, books and apparel. The biggest advantage of flatlay photos is that they show your subject clearly without any added distractions. Want to grow your Instagram following? Master the Art of Flatlay. The best place to start is with an assignment prompt. Each prompt will cover a different compositional style and will be delivered to your inbox on Wednesdays. You have 1 week to complete the assignment. |
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#1 Assignment: Circle Composition |
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Compose your objects in a circle or spiral to keep people looking You can use a variety of different layouts for your flatlay, but composing your images in a circle or spiral is a great way to keep your viewer’s eye within the frame. - A circle will appeal to the viewer’s natural sense of momentum, creating the illusion of visual movement within the scene.
- Many photographers use the golden ratio to compose shots based on the Fibonacci spiral. This composition rule works well for flat lays, too.
- A spiral tends to create a more harmonious flow throughout the image, with one element naturally leading to another. Both spirals and circles work well with elements that have natural curves
- Circle/spiral composition is naturally well balanced owing to symmetry
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How to create a Circle Composition - Place a circular object in the center (ex. a cup of tea/coffee) and arrange other elements around it in a circle or a spiral OR
- Place smaller objects in a circular tray/plate to frame products you are trying to draw attention to (works really well for smaller objects like beauty products or jewelry)
- Use props as leading lines to your hero
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How to Level up Your Flatlays - Add layers (knits, faux fur, books, magazines, tray/plate)
- Use flowers/branches/berries to add life to your compositions
- Create color triangles (let the color echo throughout the frame in at least 3 spots to link elements to each other)
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Camera & Lighting for Perfect Flatlays - Keep your camera or phone parallel to the flat surface/backdrop - turning on the grid (and level) on your phone will make framing easier and help keep your lines straight
- Use Reflector/Diffusor. If you don't have a professional kit, you can use pieces of white foam board to reflect more light into your photo and fill in the shadows. If the sun is too bright, you can use a diffuser (parchment paper or transparent fabric will do the trick) and place it against your window.
- Need help mastering light? Watch Lessons 3&4 of my Class
- Set up your shot near a bright window. Natural light works best for flat lays. Look for an area with even lighting. Bright direct light with wash out your subject, and low light will create a lot of noise in your photo. Try shooting late morning or early afternoon and use your reflector/diffuser combo to manipulate it.
- Choose a background with a bit of color and texture: White backgrounds are hard to work with as it's tricky to get the white balance just right. A light grey or (pastel colored) background with a bit of texture or color variation would help minimize shadows while still retaining the details of your subject (marble, plaster, painted wood/plywood, cement floor/tile, natural linen make great backdrops)
- Print out and use the template bellow to create a perfect flatlay every time
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As a reminder, my freebie resources are always delivered exclusively through email, BUT did you know that as a subscriber you also have access to my Creative Resource Library? You'll find a lot of past goodies here (password: naughtyteas) |
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Cant's wait to see what you create! Olenaxxx |
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