Gifted | it’s nearly Mother’s Day 🌷 albeit Gifted | it’s nearly Mother’s Day 🌷 albeit a Mother’s Day with a difference this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t pack a little hamper of treats and leave it on your mother figures doorstep 💗 why not have a zoom tea party with a beautiful Lemon Cake from @loveoggs 😍 click the link in my bio if you’re looking for some last minute Mother’s Day inspo 🌷
Some @ctilburymakeup spam for my grid 😍 what ar Some @ctilburymakeup spam for my grid 😍 what are you all doing for Valentine’s/ Galentines? I’ve got a Valentine’s Gift Guide up on the blog if you fancy a nosey or a post all about the best Charlotte Tilbury products if Valentine’s isn’t your thing!💗
I popped up a review and swatches of the stunning I popped up a review and swatches of the stunning @urbandecaycosmetics Naked Ultraviolet palette on the blog earlier today 🙊 I am obsessed 😍 this palette has the perfect mix of neutrals and pinky purple blues 💜💙 there’s a shade for practically every eye look you can imagine 😍 link in bio if you fancy a nosey ⭐️
You may have already seen me share on my stories b You may have already seen me share on my stories but I couldn’t not share here too 🙊 @lookfantastic have a fab deal on today; Get £10 off a £25 spend (for new customers) using the code RACHAEL-R2Q0 😍 this little @narsissist mini wanted palette is only £16 when you use the code RACHAEL-R2Q0 (affiliate) 🌟 what are you going to treat yourself to?😍
I’m just finishing off a belated best of 2020 sk I’m just finishing off a belated best of 2020 skincare and make up post to pop up on the blog tonight 🙊 is it just me that has a tonne of skincare favs and not many make up ones this year?! 2020 has definitely been all about pamper nights and self care rather than doing my make up to head out 🙈 what were your fav products over the past year 🤷🏼‍♀️🌟
Merry ‘Christmas Eve’ Eve 🎄 It may not be t Merry ‘Christmas Eve’ Eve 🎄 It may not be the Christmas we’ve all been hoping for but I’m still going to do some festive makeup and make the most of the Santa magic with Theodore ✨
Still so obsessed with @hourglasscosmetics powders Still so obsessed with @hourglasscosmetics powders 😍 this lil blush is in the shade Mood Exposure and it’s the perfect nude and plum combo for this time of year ✨ Cult Beauty’s Christmas sale has started early and loads of the bits I featured in my Beauty Gift Guide are reduced - well worth having a nosey if you’re in the mood to treat yourself 🎁 link in my bio to check out my gift guide🎄
AD I cannot believe we’re in the last full week AD I cannot believe we’re in the last full week before Christmas 😱 December has gone in the blink of an eye! If you’re still looking for some last minute gift ideas (or looking for some pamper treats for yourself over the festive season 🙊) then @scottishfinesoaps have kindly given me a 20% code to share with you valid until Christmas Eve! Just pop RAMBLING20 in during checkout for those last minute presents! 🎁✨ I’ll have a full blog post live tomorrow with some extra details on the beautiful Original Recipes range 🥰 have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?? 🎄
I cannot believe Christmas is next week 😱 where I cannot believe Christmas is next week 😱 where has the time gone?!? I’ve popped a Beauty Gift Guide up on the blog for some last minute gift ideas but get ordering quick because those last posting dates are looming 🙈 Link in my bio if you fancy a nosey! I’m not going to lie there’s multiple bits I’m eyeing up for myself, To me, Love me?!🤷🏼‍♀️😂 what are you hoping to find under the tree for yourself this Christmas?🎄
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Blogger Help · November 5, 2017

Flatlay Photography Tips & Tricks

I want to start this post by saying that I am by no means a photographer. To be honest I’m never happy with my photos! That being said I get compliments on my flatlays and lots of questions on how I create them so I thought I’d do a little post of tips on how to master the art of flatlay photography. I think photos are one of the most important things when blogging. Obviously being able to write a blog post is an essential too but I personally get attracted to a blog post if I see a gorgeous photo of a product on social media and this makes me want to click and read all about it.

Flatlay photography tips & tricks blogger help

Camera

Obviously having a good camera helps, I’m currently saving up to treat myself to the new Panasonic Lumix 4K CSC Camera. That being said, all photos on  my blog are taken using my trusty (and well loved) 3 year old iPhone 6 so you don’t need a fancy camera to take pretty flat lays! Fancy camera’s help, yes, but you don’t actually need one.

Backgrounds

If you follow me on Instagram or are a reader of my blog you’ll know my trusty little brick background. I personally love it because it’s simple, effective and creates continuity between all my social accounts. Even my media kit uses the same background!

Backgrounds are important but don’t need to break the bank. You can use a few planks of wood, wallpaper like I do, a clean white duvet cover or white board. Or of course some marble (a huge blogger favourite) you don’t need to break the bank and buy a huge slab of marble though, all you need is a bit of board and some adhesive paper that you can get off Amazon, so get creative! I personally think less busy backgrounds work better though, as there’s more emphasis on the products then.

Flatlay photography tips & tricks blogger help

Props

Another thing that really adds to a photo is props. They add dimension and texture to your photos. I love to use flowers, leaves, ribbons, other beauty products, plants. Obviously the type of props you use depends on the type of photo you’re taking. You should use objects that you’d expect to find together. For example you wouldn’t have a spoon beside a blush because they have nothing to do with each other. I always like to have a story to each photo, the photo below is all about reading blogs so I wanted to make it cosy looking as I like to cuddle up on my sofa with blankets and pillows, my iPad and a cup of ginger tea!

Flatlay photography tips & tricks blogger help

Lighting

Lighting plays I huge part in photography. I take all my photos in natural (but not direct) light. If you take photos in direct sunlight you have to fight with shadows (and trust me that’s not fun). If you take photos on a dull day or in the evening they’re likely to come out grainy. I never take photos with a light on, this creates a yellow hue and again, you get shadows. Find a space near a window to take your photos and take them on a solid object like a table or chair, something that means your wallpaper or other background won’t crease.

Flatlay photography tips & tricks blogger help

Editing

The final step after creating your gorgeous flat lay and taking 300 million photos and picking the best one is editing. I personally love bright and airy photographs so I love to brighten my photos. Colourstory is a great app, with some wonderful brightening filters. You can also use the edit function on an iPhone to up the brightness and colour of a photo. Just be careful not to over edit, especially if you have white objects on a white background as they can completely disappear. Over exposure isn’t a good look.

I hope some some of these tips were helpful. I have a whole section of blogger help posts if you’re looking for some more tips. Gemma Louise also has a great photography tips post!

 

Flatlay photography tips & tricks blogger help Flatlay photography tips & tricks blogger help

In: Blogger Help · Tagged: bloggerhelp, flatlayphotography, photography, photos, tips, tricks

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Comments

  1. lifeofangela says

    November 5, 2017 at 9:07 am

    Your flatlays are always so beautiful! I like how you add other decor and objects to enhance the products in your flat lay. You’re really amazing at picking things that go well together and tell a story, like you said.
    Thanks for sharing al these tips! 😄

    Reply
  2. Emma Drury says

    November 5, 2017 at 9:49 am

    Such amazing tips Rach! I love how you theme your props based on the time of year, your Insta feed is so autumnal atm and I can’t wait to see your Christmassy flatlays!! 😍
    Emma | emmadrury.com

    Reply
  3. kaybe610 says

    November 5, 2017 at 9:56 am

    great tips! i love your flatlays 🙂

    Reply
  4. J | thenellybean says

    November 5, 2017 at 9:59 am

    Really needed these tips, you always take incredible photos and your Instagram is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing! xx

    Janelle | https://thenellybean.com

    Reply
  5. thatfeelinginside says

    November 5, 2017 at 10:59 am

    These are such great tips – your flatlays are always so beautiful! Going to bookmark this to help me in the future, thank youu xxx

    Reply
  6. blacktulipbeauty says

    November 5, 2017 at 11:00 am

    Your photos and editing is absolutely gorgeous! I don’t think I could stick with one background for everything as I love getting creative and experimenting and I definitely haven’t mastered the “flatlay” yet haha so this was really helpful! 🙂
    Alice Xx
    http://www.blacktulipbeauty.co.uk

    Reply
  7. Louise Austin Richards says

    November 5, 2017 at 11:05 am

    Your photos are always stunning. Great tips x

    Reply
  8. jennyinneverland says

    November 5, 2017 at 11:17 am

    Thank you, photo queen! I’ve been trying to up my blog photos lately and although I can see a huge improvement, I still hate them. I’m just not a natural photo taker but I’ll definitely be trying to adopt some of these!

    Reply
  9. Linda Le says

    November 5, 2017 at 12:50 pm

    i love those ideas

    Reply
  10. thecozydenblog says

    November 5, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    Love your blogger help posts, they are always doing what they are supposed to do: helping! 🙂 your pictures are always so pretty, it’s really nice that you are willing to share your tips and tricks. Thank you! S. xx

    Reply
  11. Ella May Garrett says

    November 5, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    You take such beautiful photos, thank you so much for the advice and tips!! xx

    Reply
  12. Rebecca says

    November 5, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    Great post thank you! Your photos are really lovely. I’ve invested in the marble and wooden backdrops x.

    Reply
  13. Breanna Catharina says

    November 5, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    Your flatlays are gorgeous! I’ve started doing flatlays myself, and I hope I get mine as good as yours. My biggest struggle is the lighting. I feel no matter what I do, I get shadows! It’s bananas. Thank you for these tips!

    xx

    Breanna Catharina
    toocuteforlife.com

    Reply
  14. Gemma Louise says

    November 5, 2017 at 7:30 pm

    Great tips Rach, playing with props is one of my favourite things to do! xx

    Reply
  15. Sophie Wentworth says

    November 5, 2017 at 8:08 pm

    This is so useful. My flatlays are terrible usually 😔

    Sophie
    http://Www.glowsteady.co.uk

    Reply
  16. A Love Affair with Beauty says

    November 5, 2017 at 8:09 pm

    I love your brick background! It’s instantly recognisable and looks really great. I hate the fact it’s getting darker early these days as taking photos is a nightmare but us bloggers must keep going I guess xx

    Reply
  17. Eleanor says

    November 5, 2017 at 8:10 pm

    So many lovely tips, I love having a little stash of blog props to add to flatlays too! X

    Reply
  18. 🌹✨ (@ROSEYGOLDBOX) says

    November 5, 2017 at 8:15 pm

    I loved this post! your flatlays look amazing, thank you for the tips!xx
    -ROSEYGOLDBOX
    http://www.roseygoldbox.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  19. Hello Bexa says

    November 5, 2017 at 8:15 pm

    Your flat lays are gorgeous 💕 I love the wallpaper in the background tip. I picked up a load of free samples from B&Q at the weekend to add to my photos 💛💜 xx

    Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com

    Reply
  20. kindcultureuk says

    November 5, 2017 at 8:22 pm

    Great post ☺️👌🏼 your flatlays look amazing, the design looks so clean!

    Reply
  21. pinkiebag says

    November 5, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    Hi, your flatlays are amazing. Thank you for sharing some really helpful tips. I shall take a look at Colourstory

    Reply
  22. Megan says

    November 5, 2017 at 9:30 pm

    Totally not the point of this post but Chloe is one of my favourite perfumes! Your flatlays are beautiful though, and I think the background you use is really striking.

    Reply
  23. Ellie says

    November 5, 2017 at 9:31 pm

    You always do such a great job of your flatlays! I think I might get some wallpaper its such a great idea! I’ve never heard of colourstay but I will have to give it a go I’m a big fan of VSCO Cam

    Ellie
    http://www.headintheclouds.me.uk

    Reply
  24. Siyana says

    November 5, 2017 at 9:40 pm

    I love your brick background, tbh I’m tired of the marble one. I also love my wooden kitchen floor, it’s wonderful for flatlays 😀

    Reply
  25. rachel louise ❄️⛄️ (@kyvbey) says

    November 5, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    I can’t believe you take your blog photos on your phone! They always look so professional, and I love the continuity you maintain between your social media accounts. This is such a great post, especially considering that your photography is some of my favourite amongst the bloggers I’ve come across – thank you for the tips!

    Rachel | kyvbey.blogspot.com

    Reply
  26. withanoceanviewblog says

    November 5, 2017 at 10:10 pm

    Wow flatlay photography goals right there. What was just as awesome was when you told us that you take these on your phone woohoo! I’ve taken some of my best blog photos on my phone. These are some great tips, thanks you sharing!

    Reply
  27. Emma says

    November 5, 2017 at 10:40 pm

    It’s crazy how different a good background can make your blog photos look isn’t it? I love that brick background – it looks brilliant! x

    Reply
  28. Corinne and Kirsty says

    November 5, 2017 at 11:23 pm

    Your flatlays are so gorgeous! All the pictures are amazing! I am loving your ipad cover! where did you get it from? xx corinne

    Reply
  29. Single Vegas Girl says

    November 6, 2017 at 1:57 am

    One day I too will have the talent for a gorgeous flat lay! Thank you for this so I know that I can keep working at it. (:

    Single Vegas Girl
    http://singlevegasgirl.blogspot.com

    Reply
  30. Morgan (@JustMorgsx) says

    November 6, 2017 at 7:08 am

    Definitely helpful in these cold months where the lighting is terrible for blog photos! x
    Morgan x

    Reply
  31. Carolina says

    November 6, 2017 at 11:06 am

    Amazing tips! You have such gorgeous photos xx

    Carolina’s Makeup Life

    Reply
  32. charlotteannelane103 says

    November 6, 2017 at 1:46 pm

    These are great tips and the lighting is definitely key! I’m experimenting with playing with props at the moment, as I’m trying to up my flat lay photography game!xo

    Char | http://www.charslittleblog.co.uk

    Reply
  33. ofbeautyand says

    November 6, 2017 at 2:24 pm

    It took me so long to become happy with my photos – I really think a decent camera helps! x

    http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk

    Reply
  34. DreamsAndLashes (@DreamsAndLashes) says

    November 6, 2017 at 7:27 pm

    I love your photos! I feel like I used the same background for a couple of weeks now and I’m getting sick of it! But I do get what you mean of it being the same over all your social media, everytime I see your photos on instagram or twitter I can always tell they’re yours! haha
    Loved the post!! xx

    http://www.dreamsandlashes.com

    Reply
  35. Anna says

    November 6, 2017 at 7:54 pm

    I’m really keen to spend more time working on my flat lays so this post is going in my bookmarks. Thank you so much for these super helpful tips! x

    Reply
  36. gemmaorton says

    November 6, 2017 at 9:50 pm

    Some great tips thanks, pinning this to look back on later. Your photos are always stunning!

    Reply
  37. janmary says

    November 7, 2017 at 7:11 am

    I discovered flatlays earlier this year …. and just love creating them, although not a beauty blogger. As well as ColorStory and Snapseed I use PicTapGo from an airy vibe

    Reply
  38. Aditi Kaushiva says

    November 7, 2017 at 10:49 pm

    Your photos are stunning! Thanks for these great tips

    Reply
  39. Megan Garner says

    November 8, 2017 at 7:59 am

    I need to invest in some more props. I have a few different background that i like to use but just lacking in props! 🙁

    Megan | http://www.mummyandharrison.co.uk

    Reply
  40. Chloe 👠🗽✈️ (@imjustagirl_16) says

    November 10, 2017 at 11:25 am

    Your blog and Instagram photos are some of my absolute favourites so I loved reading this post from you as I know I can trust your advice! Your brick background also looks amazing and complements every photo! xx

    http://www.imjustagirl16.co.uk

    Reply
  41. xhighlandbeauty says

    November 12, 2017 at 12:08 am

    Your flat lays are taken on an iphone? I would of never of guessed! Thats amazing! Your photos always drag me into your post as they are amazing.

    Heather xox || http://www.xhighlandbeauty.co.uk

    Reply
  42. Grace says

    November 12, 2017 at 9:20 am

    This post was so useful and I love your flat lays!
    Grace xx
    gracexkate.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  43. asparkleofgrace says

    November 13, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    I was so happy when I saw you did this post, you’re pictures always looks so good and I could always improve on mine.

    Reply
  44. Joyce Ka Yan Lau (@joycekayanlau) says

    November 16, 2017 at 6:47 pm

    Love these tips. I tend to stick to a wood or white background since it fits in with my theme and then I can insert colours in x

    Reply
  45. themymanylovesblog says

    November 19, 2017 at 7:50 pm

    I’ve always been a fan of your photogrpaghy! I take my photos on my iphone too but mine never look as good quality as yours! x

    Reply
  46. Jen Ratcliffe says

    November 26, 2017 at 3:28 am

    These are great tips, especially about not having to break the bank with the backgrounds. Some of my favourite flatlays are on peoples duvet covers!

    Jen
    xxx

    Reply
  47. Clipping Path Service says

    August 6, 2018 at 6:06 am

    Thank you for a informative post.

    Reply

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Gifted | it’s nearly Mother’s Day 🌷 albeit Gifted | it’s nearly Mother’s Day 🌷 albeit a Mother’s Day with a difference this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t pack a little hamper of treats and leave it on your mother figures doorstep 💗 why not have a zoom tea party with a beautiful Lemon Cake from @loveoggs 😍 click the link in my bio if you’re looking for some last minute Mother’s Day inspo 🌷
Some @ctilburymakeup spam for my grid 😍 what ar Some @ctilburymakeup spam for my grid 😍 what are you all doing for Valentine’s/ Galentines? I’ve got a Valentine’s Gift Guide up on the blog if you fancy a nosey or a post all about the best Charlotte Tilbury products if Valentine’s isn’t your thing!💗
I popped up a review and swatches of the stunning I popped up a review and swatches of the stunning @urbandecaycosmetics Naked Ultraviolet palette on the blog earlier today 🙊 I am obsessed 😍 this palette has the perfect mix of neutrals and pinky purple blues 💜💙 there’s a shade for practically every eye look you can imagine 😍 link in bio if you fancy a nosey ⭐️
You may have already seen me share on my stories b You may have already seen me share on my stories but I couldn’t not share here too 🙊 @lookfantastic have a fab deal on today; Get £10 off a £25 spend (for new customers) using the code RACHAEL-R2Q0 😍 this little @narsissist mini wanted palette is only £16 when you use the code RACHAEL-R2Q0 (affiliate) 🌟 what are you going to treat yourself to?😍
I’m just finishing off a belated best of 2020 sk I’m just finishing off a belated best of 2020 skincare and make up post to pop up on the blog tonight 🙊 is it just me that has a tonne of skincare favs and not many make up ones this year?! 2020 has definitely been all about pamper nights and self care rather than doing my make up to head out 🙈 what were your fav products over the past year 🤷🏼‍♀️🌟
Merry ‘Christmas Eve’ Eve 🎄 It may not be t Merry ‘Christmas Eve’ Eve 🎄 It may not be the Christmas we’ve all been hoping for but I’m still going to do some festive makeup and make the most of the Santa magic with Theodore ✨
Still so obsessed with @hourglasscosmetics powders Still so obsessed with @hourglasscosmetics powders 😍 this lil blush is in the shade Mood Exposure and it’s the perfect nude and plum combo for this time of year ✨ Cult Beauty’s Christmas sale has started early and loads of the bits I featured in my Beauty Gift Guide are reduced - well worth having a nosey if you’re in the mood to treat yourself 🎁 link in my bio to check out my gift guide🎄
AD I cannot believe we’re in the last full week AD I cannot believe we’re in the last full week before Christmas 😱 December has gone in the blink of an eye! If you’re still looking for some last minute gift ideas (or looking for some pamper treats for yourself over the festive season 🙊) then @scottishfinesoaps have kindly given me a 20% code to share with you valid until Christmas Eve! Just pop RAMBLING20 in during checkout for those last minute presents! 🎁✨ I’ll have a full blog post live tomorrow with some extra details on the beautiful Original Recipes range 🥰 have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?? 🎄
I cannot believe Christmas is next week 😱 where I cannot believe Christmas is next week 😱 where has the time gone?!? I’ve popped a Beauty Gift Guide up on the blog for some last minute gift ideas but get ordering quick because those last posting dates are looming 🙈 Link in my bio if you fancy a nosey! I’m not going to lie there’s multiple bits I’m eyeing up for myself, To me, Love me?!🤷🏼‍♀️😂 what are you hoping to find under the tree for yourself this Christmas?🎄
#ad You may have seen my post the other week all a #ad You may have seen my post the other week all about my new fav spot treatment from @botanicallabuk. It’s become a permanent part of my skincare routine so I thought I’d try out some more from Botanical Lab’s range. I’ve been trying out their Turmeric Balancing Face Wash and Hemp and Matcha Tea Clarifying Face Mask. The Turmeric Face Wash in particular works beautifully with the serum. It contains turmeric extract and salicylic acid to help minimise breakouts whilst gently cleansing your face. I love how soft and clean my face feels after my night time skincare and it’s making a huge difference to my hormonal breakouts plus at only £4.99 it’s a bargain cleanser. 🙊
All @botanicallabuk products are vegan friendly, cruelty free & include natural ingredients 😍. You can pick them up from www.botanicallab.com, superdrug.com or at your local @superdrug #BotanicalLab #ItsNaturalChemistry

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