Step 1: Connect with a Small Business Owner
Reach out to a local small business owner who specializes in crafting custom wedding invitation suites. I reached out to a wedding vendor that I worked with in the past ( Olympic Place Prints ) and she was more than happy to send over a box of beautiful custom invites for me to play around with. By collaborating with them, you'll have access to a variety of stunning stationary pieces that will take your flat lay photography to another level. These artists pour their heart and soul into creating unique designs, and by featuring their work in your photos, you'll be supporting their passion and talent.
Step 2: Get Crafty with Fake and Dried Flowers
Now that you have your beautifully crafted wedding invitations, it's time to bring in some floral magic. Head to a nearby craft store ( I chose Hobby Lobby but any should suffice) and purchase a selection of fake flowers and foliage, along with some dried gems if you desire. These artificial and dried flowers will become the centerpiece of your flat lay composition, adding a touch of nature's beauty and elegance.
Step 3: Embrace Repurposing
Here comes the fun part! Repurpose the items you've acquired. Arrange the wedding invitations artfully on a clean, flat surface. Then, experiment with the fake and dried flowers, positioning them in pleasing arrangements around the stationary. Play with color combinations, textures, and shapes until you find the perfect balance.
*TIP : Clusters of 3 look great together and larger or heaver looking items should anchor the bottom of your frame.
Step 4: Lighting and Angles
Once your arrangement is ready, it's time to capture its beauty through the lens. Natural light is your best friend in flat lay photography, so position your setup near a window or take it outside to enjoy the soft, diffused light. Experiment with different angles, overhead shots, and close-ups to create visual interest and capture the intricate details.
Step 5: Unleash Your Creativity
Now that you've mastered the basics, it's time to let your creativity run wild. Don't be afraid to incorporate other props that complement your theme or tell a story. Think about adding vintage elements, textured fabrics, or small decorative trinkets. The only limit is your imagination!
Step 6: The Artful Dimension: Elevating Your Flat Lay with Risers
Depth adds a dynamic quality to a composition, drawing the viewer's eye into a world that goes beyond a mere two-dimensional plane. Enter risers – the secret to adding depth and creating a sense of dimension in your flat lays. These inconspicuous props may seem small and insignificant, but their impact is truly transformative. Using risers effectively can elevate your photography from a flat arrangement to a captivating tableau, evoking a sense of grandeur and elegance.
Ultimately, the use of risers in your flat lay photography can elevate the humble wedding invitations and related documents to a position of prominence. With depth and dimension, they become more than just paper and ink – they become cherished artifacts embodying the couple's love and devotion.
So, next time you embark on capturing those delicate details, don't forget the power of the riser. Embrace the art of creating depth and dimension, and watch your flat lays come alive with an aesthetically pleasing allure that transcends the expected.
Step 7: Share and Collaborate
Once you've captured your flat lay masterpiece, share it with the world. Upload your photos to social media platforms, photography communities, or even your own blog. Tag and credit the small business owner who provided the custom wedding invitations and highlight the craft store where you purchased the flowers. By doing so, you can inspire others to support local businesses and unleash their own creativity.
Remember, the art of flat lay photography is all about telling a captivating story through carefully curated arrangements. By collaborating with small business owners and repurposing items, you not only infuse your work with beauty but also support local artisans. So go ahead, grab those custom wedding invitations and beautiful flowers, and let your creativity shine!
