1 | Don't Put it on the Ground
As with any artist, the last thing you want to see your hard work on is the ground. Bring some fabrics with you, or a flatlay styling backdrop, use what materials or interesting textured tables are around you.
But don’t put it on the ground, please
cue "i threw it on the ground" by thelonelyisland" #IYKYK
2 | Details & Props,
the more the merrier
Some of my favorite flatlays of my work are the ones with a lot of props! It creates a magical environment and sets the tone of the vibe. Stationers take their own photos of their work but as a photographer, we greatly appreciate it when you spruce it up!
Ask the florist to use some leftover florals, grab the brides jewelry, perfume, earrings, details (wax seals, postage stamps, a cute trinket tray lying around) Or bring your own kit with you! (check out Styling Archives or The Flatlay Styler) But use things that make sense.
3 | Don't cover the stationery
It’s okay to have some things overlap the stationery to be part of the scene, but please don’t cover the wording or important design elements. ESPECIALLY NOT WITH SHOES.
We typically don’t get to see the stationery for the event, so we rely on the photographers of the events for us to see our designs in their environment. We want to use these as portoflio pieces just like you! Especially if it’s a styled shoot.
4 | Make 'em kiss
Use movement for the pieces if needed, cozy them up together like they belong. Just don’t cover too much of the wording or design. When they’re too separated like the photo on the left, it feels like those photos of couples or friends that are too far from each other and look awkward. Put an arm around each other - so to speak.
Think of it as a composition, the same way you would compose a photograph of people. Arrange them like a puzzle.
Another helpful tip is to prop the stationery on top of something so you get that 3D look and shadows. When it’s flat with nothing underneath, it doesn’t POP
5 | Cover important information
I can’t tell you how many times I see brides and couples share their stationery flat-lays online and their full home address is front and center
As designers, some of us have created “faux” envelopes to give our couple’s to give to their photographers that have their venue address or a false address so that it doesn’t matter!
Hide part of the addressed envelope under something else, or turn it over if there’s nothing on the back, or simply leave it out.
6 | Everything takes practice
I’m sure if you’re a photographer many of these things didn’t even come to mind, and that’s okay! Many of our clients spend thousands on their stationery and we want to make sure they get beautiful memories of it, as do we. We’re one of the only vendors who aren’t there on the day of to style things how we want or get the photos we want. Which is why I wanted to share the perspective from a stationery designer.
Overall, it takes practice just like anything else. To see what settings make the words on the paper show up clear, to figure out what works and what doesn’t and also finding the time on the big day!
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