Hello Friend! 
 
I am so glad you are here. Every Wednesday, for the next 5 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. You can find older prompts in my creative library (password: naughtyteas).
 
 To participate:
  1. Create and Photograph your Flatlay
  2. Share it on Instagram with Hashtag #naughtyteasflatlaychallenge
  3. Don't Forget to Tag me @mangelka to be featured
  4. Check out @naughtyteas gallery to get inspired
 
Assignment #1 Review & Feedback 
Thank you for all your lovely submissions for the Circle Composition Challenge.  There were so many beautiful entries! I shared some favorites, please check them out. You will find my notes and observations saved under the Flatlay Highlight.   
Please take a moment to say 'Hi' to others who entered the #naughtyteaschallenge, watch a Circle Composition REEL tutorial and test your knowledge with a Photostudy Quiz (Answer Key included)  before you jump into the next Assignment. 
Take a moment to congratulate yourself on completing Assignment 1 - well done!
#2 Assignment: Square Composition 
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Compose your objects in a square or rectangular shape (sometimes known as a frame within a frame) 
You can use a variety of different layouts for your flatlay, but composing your images in a square or rectangle is a great way to keep your viewer’s eye within the frame. The challenge however is in making the square composition dynamic rather than stale. 
  • A square will appeal to the viewer’s natural sense of stability, creating the illusion of symmetry and balance within the scene.
  • The square is a very stable shape. Instead of following the edges of the a square/rectangle, the eye goes around the frame in a circle. When possible, try placing the objects within the frame along the diagonals to provide direction and leading lines for the eye to travel along.
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4 S's of square composition: simplicity, subtlety, shape, and space
  • Keep it simple: eliminate distractions by simplifying the background or creating a shallow Depth of Field (more tips on how to make your subject stand out in Lessons 4 & 5 of my class)
  • Cultivate subtlety and sophistication: focus on interesting textures and shapes vs. bright colors and dramatic light/shadows
  • Shapes become stronger when framed in a square
    • create repetition with similar shapes
    • take advantage of patterns
    • create interesting layers and textures
  • Define your subject by surrounding it with negative space:
    • give your subject a breathing room
    • simplify the image
    • emphasize the shape of your subject(s)
    • create and emphasize leading lines to your subject (lessons 6&7 of this class)
 
 
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How to create a Square Composition
  1. Place a square/rectangular object in the center (ex. photo frame, envelope, textured fabric, metal or wooden tray) and arrange props within that frame (fill a tray with snow/  water and arrange flowers within it) OR
  2. Bring in the nature elements (flowers, branches, leaves, berries) and arrange them under or around the square/rectangular object (works well with stationary, sheet music, vintage handwritten letters and books)
  3. Soften the edges by letting nature elements spill over the rigid square frame thus making it more organic and rounded
 
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How to Level up Your Flatlays
  1. Add layers (knits, faux fur, books, magazines, envelopes, tray/plate)
  2. Use flowers/branches/berries to add life to your compositions
  3. Create color triangles (let the color echo throughout the frame in at least 3 spots to link elements to each other)
  4. Use Flatlay Formula that works for any subject (Lessons 7&8 of my class)
 
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Camera & Lighting for Perfect Flatlays
  • Keep your camera or phone parallel to the flat surface/backdrop - turn on the grid (and level) on your phone for straight lines
  • Use Reflector/Diffusor. White foam board works well as a reflector, Parchment paper/transparent material can be used to diffuse bright sunlight.
  • 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. Try shooting late morning or early afternoon and use your reflector/diffuser combo to manipulate the light.
  • Choose a background with a bit of color and texture: 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 sketch your composition before styling (save time while on shoot and capture multiple ideas as they come)
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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)
 
Cant's wait to see what you create!
Olenaxxx
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If you like this email format you can try Flodesk at this link - and I get a small commission at no extra cost to you ❤️
 
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