Right!

Now that you've received your boards or banners, here are a few easy steps to get started and set up so that you can start creating content in no time. Here, we're focusing on beginners using natural light.

1. Find a place in your house, studio, office with good natural lighting.

• You're looking for spaces next to large windows, but preferably no direct sunlight.
• I have a covered patio that is south-facing, that lets me move around but there is no direct sunlight.

2. Set up on a table or on the floor on the left or right of the light source.

• I like to keep the light source on the left so that my natural shadows fall left to right. This makes sense visually for me, but it is not a hard and fast rule.
• Do not set up facing the light source, or with the light source behind you.

3. Create your mini studio with your Flatlay Studio backgrounds

• If you've purchased two boards and brackets to create a mini studio, set it up as desired.
• If you're doing a flat lay only with one board or banner, then simply place your board or banner on the ground.
• If you have a banner, you'll need to ensure you can tape up your banner to create the flow you need.
• If you have an XL banner, you'll need more equipment such as a banner stand and boom arm and clamps to hoist and suspend your banner up.

4. Gather your products neatly, and prepare your props. You should have a moodboard or inspo ideas before you get started to help you along your creative journey. If in doubt, keep it simple.

5. Start taking photos!

• Our tip is to take lots of photos and move your props and subject matter around to make sure you have many visual options come editing time.
• Keep styling simple.

6. Edit your photos in the Lightroom app on your phone or on your desktop. 

• We organise our photos in special albums on our phone and computer in the cloud, so they're always accessible. 

And that's the simple way to get started with your products!

For any issues setting up or queries, please drop us a WhatsApp on +27729855425 or email info@flatlaystudio.co.za.