Camera settings for flat lay photography.
Want to create an aesthetically pleasing shot of objects from a bird’s-eye view? Use these camera settings to make the most of your flat lay photography.
The best flat lay photography camera settings.
When you want a top-down shot that’s bound to impress, here’s how to set up your camera to capture great flat lay images. Try using:
- A narrow aperture of between f/4 and f/11 to create a wide depth of field that’ll keep all objects in focus, no matter how tall they are.
- A low ISO of 100 or 200 to reduce noise in your shot.
- A fast shutter speed of around 1/125th or 1/250th to keep your images clear and sharp.
Use the right equipment for flat lay photos.
In addition to using the best settings, it’s also a good idea to grab the right equipment to make your flat lay photoshoot go smoothly, including:
- A tripod — It’s not always easy to stand directly above your set and shoot down at a 90-degree angle. That’s why it’s a good idea to use a tripod to keep your camera at just the right angle.
- Good lighting — Flat lay photography needs plentiful lighting to support the best camera settings. Use reflectors to help bounce light around your set and diffusers to ensure evenness.
- A wide-angle lens — A lens with an angle between 30 and 50mm will let you capture the full set without needing to place the camera too far above the table.
Process images with photo editing software.
Even with the right camera settings and equipment, it’s a good idea to process your flat lay shots with photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. You can adjust settings like cropping, exposure, saturation, vibrance, and clarity to create stunning flat lay photos that are sure to impress.
Want more photography tips? Discover what more you can do with Lightroom and Photoshop to make the most of your flat lay photography.