Flatlay vs. Lifestyle Photography: Which is Best for Branding?

Visual is everything for online marketing. Your images have to catch the audience's attention to drive them to take action. However, flatlay vs. lifestyle photography? Which one should you go for to brand your business?

While flatlay images are taken from a top-down perspective, lifestyle images show real-life situations in an artistic manner. Both photography styles are entirely different. So, in this article, I will explain everything you need to know about flatlay photography and lifestyle photography. Also, tips on how to do both types of photography. Without further ado, let's start.

What is Flatlay Photography?

Flatlay photography is where you style your subject on a flat surface and take the image from above. You can call this photography style a bird's-eye view or a top-down perspective. The best part about flatlay is that the photos look super unique and capture the audience's attention instantly, as if they are looking at the product details from above.

Flatlay product photography is well-suited for fashion, food, technology, beauty, and travel. For example, taking jeans images on a flat backdrop that highlights their details.

What is Lifestyle Photography

Just like the name "Lifestyle", lifestyle shots photography shows how the product fits into your life. The images show how the products are used in real-life situations in a natural way. For example, if you are promoting formal clothing, you can take the image in an office setting. It will allow your target audience to visualize themselves in the apparel and entice them to make a purchase.

You can use lifestyle photography for any niche you see fit. You can take the images indoors and outdoors according to your needs. Ensure the setting and styling go perfectly with the subject and convey its needs.

Flatlay vs. Lifestyle Photography: The Key Differences

You can distinguish flatlay and brand lifestyle photography with these 8 differences. It is simple, just skim through it, and you can remember the features super easily.

Key Factors	Flatlay	Lifestyle Photography
Photography Angle	Top-down. Feels like you are looking at the products from above or while standing up.	No particular angle. Just capture the subject in a way that the audience can resonate with.
Purpose	Showcase the products with an aesthetically pleasing view.	Tell your subject's story with a relatable scenario. You can use models or props to convey your message.
Focus	Point directly to the subject.	Subject with the setting so that customers can relate.
Lighting	Studio lighting to create a soft and even vibe.	Natural lighting to create a real-life feeling and moments.
Props	Object. Anything that can complement the subject.	Subject + Object. Must create a setting that target customers can relate to.
Styling	Flat surface, backdrop, subject, and necessary props. Often, flatlays are taken without props, simply focusing on the subject.	Style it according to the theme, ensuring the image conveys the message.
Branding	Product marketing and e-commerce.	Brand storytelling and personal branding.
Focus Industries	Fashion, Product, Beauty, Food, and Technology.	Goes for all types of niches. Especially fashion, real estate, product, and more.

How to Do Flatlay Photography in Simple 5 Steps

Follow these steps to capture the best flatlay shot.

Choose the Right Backdrop

For flatlay photography, the proper background selection is very important. You can go for a white background. However, to create a unique look, you can choose a backdrop that complements your subject. For example, a white background and a chocolate color combination.

Necessary Props

Use necessary props to beautify and highlight your product details. For example, beautiful flowers beside the wedding ring. Fruits over the chopping board and many more examples. However, keep it essential and simple. Ensure the customer's focus stays on the product.

Studio Lighting

Artificial lighting is best for flatlay product photography. Place the soft boxes beside your setting. Ensure the lighting directly falls on the subject. The diffused lighting is soft and creates a natural lighting vibe.

Position the Camera

Set the camera above the subject. Fix the camera settings and start taking pictures. First, do 5-6 test trials to set the camera settings with the lighting. When you get the perfect shot, your photography process will become faster, and the picture will look great.

Final Touch

No photography is perfect without post-production. Choose your best images and check for flaws in Photoshop. Edit the flaws one by one. Correct the lighting and color, remove unnecessary props, smooth the shadow, and do other editing to ensure your image looks polished and attracts audience attention.

How to Do Lifestyle Photography in Simple 5 Steps

Lifestyle shots photography is fun, as you can connect with your audience with real-life examples. Follow the steps below to create the ultimate branding.

Research Your Product

You need to learn everything about your product to take the ultimate relatable image. Research what your product is made of and how, why, and when people use it. Your images need to convey the customer's need for the product. So, when they see the picture, they feel Wow! It's perfect. Let's see the product in more detail. Research will help you connect with your audience's needs and generate more sales.

Plan the Photoshoot and Set the Mood

Based on your research, you need to set the mood for the photoshoot. Choose a setting based on your product usage. For example, beaches, forests, office, school, home, living room, and more. If your setting is indoors, you need to use props to create the mood.

Choose Your Props Wisely

When choosing a prop, ask this question. Is it complementing the subject? For example, if you are promoting a cake, place the cake on the table surrounded by its ingredients. Decorate it in a way that the audience's focus stays on the subject, but enjoy the view.

Use Model or Become the Model

Customers can relate to models more than props. So, if possible, hire a model or become the model to promote your own products. For example, if you are promoting rings, take the ring photo with your hand, which will allow the audience to imagine how it would look in their hands.
With models, you can create relatable moments to make the audience feel the need for the product. Such as applying suncream to go out in the noon or making a cup of coffee after coming home to energize.

Ensure Your Images Tell a Story

Product photography lifestyle is all about telling a story and creating an emotion in your audience. Take the images in a way that triggers the audience's attention and entices them to take the action. After taking the images, retouch your raw shots and make them flawless.

Turn Your Flatlay into Lifestyle in Simple Steps

Can you combine flatlay vs. lifestyle photography? Yes! With props. Let’s see how in detail. This professional product photography tutorial is especially helpful for fashion, food, and cosmetics.

1. Research your product. What is the product made of? Why do your customers need them? Understand from the customer's point of view. It will help you create an image that the audience can resonate with.
2. Style your product with the necessary props. Gather the essential elements that complement the product. For example, if you are promoting spring clothes, create a spring vibe in the flat surface. If you are promoting casual clothes, set the setting with related elements like coffee, books, and others.
3. Fstyling, take pictures from above, creating a bird's eye view. Ensure the image looks lively and conveys your brand message. Remember to do photo retouching to ensure all the flaws are edited and your picture looks lively.

Flatlay vs Lifestyle Product Photography: Which One is Better for Branding?

Lifestyle photography or flatlay photography: which one is better? I say both. If you can use them wisely, your brand will get found soon and improve engagement, conversion, and sales.

Use Flatlay Photography, If

1. You want studio-quality images for e-commerce or catalogs.
2. You want to keep the focus on the product details, such as clothing material, color, texture, and more.
3. You want to create a clean and aesthetically pleasing look that not only your audience loves to see but also becomes engaged.
4. You are short on budget. Flatlay product photography is cost-effective. You can take the images at home and make them eye-catching even without spending a penny.

Use Lifestyle Photography, If

1. You are telling a brand story. Lifestyle images show product value, your expertise, and the need in customers life, increasing brand awareness and enticing them to convert.
2. You want to bring the product to life. The setting, the mood, and scenario bring the products to life, allow the audience to live the moment, and become your customer.
3. You want to engage with your audience. Lifestyle images are engaging. They show the product's relevance in customers' lives and make them want the product in their home.

Summing With

Did you read the flatlay vs. lifestyle photography article? Was it helpful? Which one are you going for? Flatlay, Lifestyle, or Both? I suggest trying both types of photography in your brand because both are unique and eye-catching, which is essential to stand out in this competitive era.
However, if you are new to business and do not have much money to invest, go for a flatlay. It is cost-effective. However, if you have the budget for model lifestyle photography, do not hesitate to try lifestyle photography for your brand because the sales will double in no time. You can also combine both types and take lifestyle flatlay images with props.
Lastly, if you need professional help for taking trendy flatlay and lifestyle images, contact Product Photography Dhaka (PPD). Though the company is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, we offer services worldwide. You can ship your clothing to us following our instructed method, and we can do the branding for you. Visit our website today to check out our portfolio, why you should choose us, and contact us. Tell us your instructions and see how we can turn your instructions into a quality image. That’s it for today. Adios!

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