How to Take the Perfect Food Flatlay

Whether you are a food novice or a seasoned photography pro, taking the perfect food flatlay can really step up your social media game. We’ve rounded up the best five tips to nail your foodie flat lay, so you can make your followers drool.

Embrace natural light.
The best way to get a pop of colour to your product and food flat lays is lighting! It makes the set up easy to use, and you can really make the dish shine. Whether you are taking your flatlay on an iPhone or on a DSLR, using natural light is a really great way to perfect your food flat lay. Even better if it is an overcast day.

If you are shooting at night, try grabbing a friend’s phone and using their torchlight next to your camera – it can make all the difference and give your flat lay a great pop!

Position makes perfect.
Nothing is worse than a flat lay that isn’t flat. Make sure you are positioning your phone or your DSLR flat over your work surface if you’re using a table. But, if you have the opportunity to, aim to plan your work surface on the floor so you are able to stand above the food for the perfect flat lay.

Keep to a colour scheme.
Colour scheme in any photography is important. Adding pops of colour to a minimal backdrop can really bring out a photo. By keeping to a minimal colour scheme (beige, white, black or grey are great options for a good flat lay background), you can make the food photography pop.

Framing the food is key.
Through framing and using accessories to draw the eye around the photograph, framing around the key aspect of the imagery (in this case, food) can be a really great way of drawing the eye to the focal point of the photo. By placing the food in the centre, you can add cutlery, plating accessories, sauces, flowers, table decorations – anything you like – to frame the eye to make the food shine.

Keep your camera steady.
When you are shooting flatlays, make sure your camera is steady and you are focused on the main point in the shot (for example, the plate of food in the centre). Another great way of capturing everything in-shot is by shooting in a landscape setting, rather than portrait, so you are able to have a wider shot for your flatlay.
 

Had one of our amazing chefs cook for you recently? Try out our foodie flatlay tips and tag us on Instagram – we’d love to see your shots!