Tips for creating stunning flat lay photos of your mixed media art

Creating stunning flat lay photos of your art can be tricky, but SO worth it!

Here are my top tips to help you achieve the best results with your mixed media art:

Photographing mixed media art flat lays can be a great way to showcase the intricate details and textures of your mixed media artwork.

Use Natural Light

• Optimal Lighting: Natural light is ideal for flat lay photography. Position your setup near a large window to get soft, even lighting.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause harsh shadows and highlights. Use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light if necessary.

Choose the Right Background

• Neutral Backgrounds: A plain white or neutral-colored background helps your artwork stand out. Use a blank canvas, neutral fabric, or a large piece of paper.

• Textured Backgrounds: For added interest, use backgrounds like wood, marble, or linen that compliment the textures in your mixed media art.

Composition and Layout

• Focal Point: Center your artwork to make it the focal point of the composition. Arrange other elements around it.

• Rule of Thirds: Divide your frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically and place key elements along these lines or at their intersections for a balanced look.

Experiment with Angles and Perspectives

• Top-Down Shots: A true flat lay is shot from directly above. I recommend that you use a tripod to ensure your camera is perfectly aligned.

• Alternative Angles: Try slightly angled shots to add depth and interest to your composition.

  *the portrait setting on iPhone is great for an angle shot: allows for centre focus and softened focus for foreground and background!

Focus on Details

• Highlight Textures: Mixed media art often has interesting textures. Ensure your photo captures these details.

• Close-Up Shots: In addition to the flat lay, take close-up shots of intricate details to showcase your layers.

Editing

• Brightness and Contrast: Adjust brightness and contrast to make your artwork pop.

• Color Correction: Ensure the colors in your photo match the actual colors of your artwork.

• Crop and Straighten: Crop to remove any unnecessary elements and straighten your image for a professional look.

By following these tips, you can create beautiful flat lay photos that truly showcase the textures, colours, and details of your mixed media art.

When creating flat lay photos of mixed media collage art, it's important to choose props that compliment the different textures and materials in your artwork without overwhelming it.

Here are my favourites:

Art Supplies

• Brushes and Paints: Include paintbrushes, tubes of paint, or paint palettes to show the creative process.

• Scissors and Cutting Tools: Display scissors, craft knives, and cutting mats to highlight the craftsmanship involved.

• Craft Supplies: Buttons, beads, or sequins for a craft-focused flat lay.

Materials and Scraps

• Paper and Fabric Scraps: Scatter some of the materials used in your collage, such as patterned paper, fabric swatches, or textured paper.

• Threads, Ribbons and Yarn: If your collage includes textiles or stitching, incorporate threads, yarns, or embroidery hoops, string and ribbons.

• Color Swatches: Paint chips or colour cards for a design-oriented layout.

Natural Elements

• Dried Flowers and Leaves: These can add a delicate, organic touch and contrast nicely with the mixed media textures.

• Stones, Pinecones and Shells: Small natural objects can add interesting details and textures.

• Fresh flowers: Wildflowers, blooms from your garden or (my fav) treat yourself to a bouquet that you can enjoy after the photo session!

Personal Touches

• Handwritten Notes: Add a handwritten note or a small card with a quote or message related to your artwork.

• Photographs: Small, vintage photographs can add a nostalgic touch, especially if they relate to your collage themes.

• Vintage Items: Old cameras, typewriters, or antique objects for a nostalgic feel.

• Frames and Mats: Place your collage art within a frame or mat to add a finished look.

Books and Magazines

• Open Books: Display art books, sketchbooks, or magazines relevant to your collage's theme.

• Stacked Books: Use them to create different levels and depth in your composition.

Lighting Props

• Candles or Fairy Lights: For a warm, inviting glow, use small candles or fairy lights.

More Personal Items

• Jewelry and Trinkets: Small pieces of jewelry or meaningful trinkets can add a personal touch and additional layers to your flat lay.

• Sketchbooks: Your own sketchbooks or artist journals.

• Coffee or Tea Cups: A warm cup of coffee or tea to create a cozy atmosphere

• Travel Items: Maps, postcards, or travel souvenirs for an adventurous feel.

• Magazines: Art or design magazines to indicate inspiration sources.

Tips for Arranging Props

• Layering: Create depth by layering props at different heights and distances from the camera.

• Colour Coordination: Choose props that compliment the colours in your collage art to create a cohesive look.

• Minimalism: Avoid overcrowding. Choose a few meaningful props that enhance rather than distract from your artwork.

• Consistency: Maintain a consistent style and color scheme with your props to create a cohesive look.

By carefully selecting and arranging these props, you can create captivating flat lay photos that beautifully showcase your mixed media collage art.

Be sure and share your favourite flat lay photos with me! I want to see them!!