My favorite flat lay styling props!
If you've been following me for awhile you know that I LOVE wedding detail shots. I have lots of them posted on my Instagram. There is something about a classic invitation suite styled with beautiful props that I just can't get enough of. I have really practiced the art of flat lays, it definitely takes practice and time to photograph them so that each piece really stands out in a cohesive way. I personally don't like when flat lays are combined with too many props. There is a fine line between being "too simple" and "over the top". If you're not careful it can quickly look busy and hodgepodge. But if you don't have enough props it can fall flat and look boring and plain. So today I'm going to share with you my favorite props that I use at weddings here in the Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida areas when photographing details.
1: VELVET RING BOXES
I think having a variety of velvet ring boxes in your styling kit is very important. I have a bit of an addiction when it comes to buying ring boxes. I feel strongly that while you should have a couple classic and neutral colors you should also have some bight and colorful ones too. Not every wedding is going to be shades of ivory or white, some brides love color and I think having a few different color ring boxes to choose from is a great way to incorporate her colors into the detail shots. I also love having the option of different shapes too, it adds an extra pop to the photo! Here are some of my favorite ring boxe companies that I have ordered from!
2: RING DISHES
The alternative to velvet ring boxes is a pretty ring dish! You have so many options with things you can use as a ring dish but one of my favorite are faux marble ring dishes. Other options would include wooden ring dishes, hand painted oyster shells, or small pieces of pottery. Here are a few of my favorite Etsy shops that sells a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes!
3: WOODEN SPOOLS AND RIBBON
This is one area in flat lay styling that I'm still practicing with. I haven't yet fully mastered the art of using ribbons in detail shots. But I have noticed that using high quality ribbons makes all the difference. Here are a few of my favorite places to order ribbons and wooden spools from.
4: SCISSORS AND OTHER PROPS
Who doesn't love a pretty and petite set of vintage scissors. I think they are just the cutest! And other props that you can add as small door pieces are wax seals, vintage keys, stamps, and vintage trays. Here are a few shops you might find helpful!
5: FLAT LAY STYLING BOARDS
This is probably the most important part of pulling off gorgeous detail shots. I have done a lot of testing and playing with different styles of backgrounds. I have made a few myself and I've been happy with what I've made using a large 16x20 canvas from Hobby Lobby and a matte neutral plant color. However if you don't have to make something here are some ready to go options for you.
PRO TIPS:
!: ASK THE FLORIST FOR A FEW FLOWERS
Using real flowers in your photos makes such a huge impact on the images. I usually email the florist a week before the wedding and ask them to set aside a few flowers and some greenery for me to use in the bride and grooms detail shots. They are usually more than happy to give me options for the flat lays!
2: PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE
The last thing you want to do is show up to a real wedding and have never used any of your styling kit items. So buy what you want and what you think you would use the most and then whip out that camera and shoot away. Save the images to your phone so when it comes to the real wedding you can go back to your practice shots as a reference to work off of. Shooting details takes time and practice but once you master it you won't want to stop photographing them!
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! If you or someone you know is needing updated headshots, or planning luxury elopement in the Tampa Bay, St. Pete, Clearwater, or Sarasota area and is looking for a fine art photographer feel free to reach out to me about my pricing and availability. I would be thrilled to be your portrait and wedding photographer!