Mastering The Art Of Flat Lay T-Shirt Photography

Flat lay photography is a great way to showcase your favourite clothing and accessories. To flat lay a t-shirt, start by laying it face down on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Then, fold the shirt sideways into thirds to bring the sleeves in. Next, fold the shirt in half from the bottom up. Finally, repeat folding the shirt in half to make a small square that is easy to store.

Choosing a backdrop

When it comes to choosing a backdrop for your flat-lay t-shirt photos, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, since the background is a big part of the picture, you'll want to choose something that complements the t-shirt and enhances the overall composition of the image. Here are some tips to help you choose the right backdrop:

Choose a backdrop that complements the t-shirt: Select a backdrop colour or pattern that goes well with the t-shirt you are photographing. For example, if you are photographing a plain white t-shirt, you might choose a coloured or patterned backdrop to add interest to the image. On the other hand, if you are photographing a t-shirt with a busy pattern, you might choose a plain backdrop so as not to overwhelm the image.

Consider the material of the backdrop: Different materials will create different effects in your photos. For example, a fabric backdrop can add texture and warmth to an image, while a smooth, reflective surface can give a more modern and sleek feel. You can also try using natural materials like wood or stone for a more rustic or organic look.

Think about the size of the backdrop: Make sure your backdrop is large enough so that it fills the frame of your photo. You don't want to have to crop out part of the backdrop because it's too small. A backdrop that is too large can also be a problem, as it may create unwanted shadows or distractions in the image.

Keep it simple: While you want your backdrop to enhance the image, you also don't want it to be too busy or distracting. Choose a backdrop that is simple and doesn't take attention away from the t-shirt. Plain coloured paper or fabric backdrops are often a good choice as they are simple and effective.

Be consistent: If you are photographing multiple t-shirts, try to use the same or similar backdrops for each shot. This will create a sense of cohesion and make your images more easily recognisable, especially if you are using them for a blog, shop, or social media account.

By following these tips, you can choose a backdrop that will enhance your flat-lay t-shirt photos and help you create visually appealing and effective images.

Lighting

The success of a flat lay photograph relies on good lighting. Shadows can ruin the effect, so it's best to shoot in natural light, near a large, open window, or outside in a shady spot. Avoid direct sunlight, which will create harsh shadows. If you're shooting indoors, you can use a large piece of white posterboard to reflect light and reduce shadows.

If natural light isn't an option, you can set up a controlled light source. One light placed at a 45° angle to the side of your setup will do, but two lights placed on either side or at opposing corners, facing each other and tilted at a 45° angle, are even better. Move the lights further away if you want to create shadows, and experiment with different lighting options, such as flash diffusers, reflectors, and softboxes.

Ring lights are a good choice for flat lay photography, as they cast an even, shadowless light and allow you to shoot through the centre of the ring. Fluorescent bulb double softbox kits are another option, but you'll need to move the softboxes around to get the lighting just right.

Camera settings

Camera Mode and File Format:

Always shoot in manual mode. This gives you full control over your camera's settings, allowing you to make adjustments as needed. Additionally, shoot in RAW file format instead of JPEG. RAW format provides greater flexibility in post-processing and ensures you can preserve all image details, making necessary adjustments without losing image quality.

Aperture (f-stop):

For clothing photography, set your aperture between f/8 and f/11. This range ensures that every part of your t-shirt is sharply in focus. A narrow aperture is recommended for flat lay photographs to keep everything in focus.

Shutter Speed:

Maintain a shutter speed of around 1/125 when photographing a t-shirt. This setting will capture the necessary details while avoiding any motion blur. If you're using a tripod, you can also experiment with slower shutter speeds to capture soft shadows on the creases of the fabric.

ISO:

Keep your ISO between 400 and 800. If you're using natural light, stay closer to 400. For artificial light, a range of 600 to 800 is recommended to reduce noise in your images. Lower ISO values, such as 100 or 200, paired with mid-range aperture values, will give you the sharpest images and avoid noise.

White Balance:

Set the white balance manually using a grey card. This ensures that your camera accurately renders colours, especially important when trying to capture the true colour of a t-shirt.

Focal Length:

Use a focal length above 35mm to avoid distortion in the corners of your photo and maintain correct proportions of the t-shirt. 50mm is often recommended for flat lay photography, with a minimum shutter speed of 1/100 of a second to avoid distorted images.

Lighting:

Achieving perfect lighting is essential. Use professional studio lights or natural light from a window. For studio lighting, invest in two strobe lights, a transmitter, and two white umbrellas to bounce the light back and avoid unnecessary shadows. Diffuse natural light through a window with white curtains or diffuser panels to create subtle, natural shadows.

Camera Height and Angle:

Flat lay photography typically involves shooting directly from above, known as a bird's-eye view. Use a tripod to adjust the height and ensure the camera is parallel to the flat surface to maintain correct proportions and avoid distortion. You can experiment with different angles by tilting the camera slightly to the right or left for variety.

Ironing and arranging the T-shirt

Ironing the T-shirt:

• Place the T-shirt on an ironing board: Lay the T-shirt on the ironing board, ensuring it is flat and not stretched. If your T-shirt is wrinkled, use your hands to smooth out the wrinkles before ironing.
• Prepare your iron: Set the iron to the appropriate temperature and steam settings for the fabric of your T-shirt. If your T-shirt is made of delicate material or has a "do not iron" label, consider using a clothing steamer or ironing it inside out with a wet cloth between the iron and the shirt.
• Iron the T-shirt: Instead of moving the iron in circular motions, press the hot iron firmly onto the fabric for a few seconds to remove wrinkles, then lift and move on to the next spot. Avoid stretching or tugging at the fabric to prevent deformation.
• Rotate and continue ironing: As T-shirts don't have a clear order of steps like button-down shirts, simply ensure you iron all the wrinkles out without stretching the fabric.
• Let it cool: After ironing, lay the T-shirt flat to let it cool down.

Arranging the T-shirt:

• Choose a backdrop: Select a backdrop that complements the style of the T-shirt. This could be a sheet of paper, fabric, or a poster board. Ensure the backdrop extends beyond the edges of the photo to maintain the flat lay effect.
• Find the right lighting: Natural lighting is ideal, so set up your workstation near a large window or outdoors in a shady spot. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent harsh shadows. If natural light is unavailable, use controlled lighting with one or two external lights positioned at a 45-degree angle to the sides or corners of your setup.
• Prepare the T-shirt: Spread the T-shirt flat on your backdrop, taking time to arrange it neatly. Fasten any buttons, smooth out the collar, and arrange the sleeves. If desired, use tissue paper inside the T-shirt to add dimension and lift.
• Pay attention to details: Ensure any prints or unique details of the T-shirt are visible and showcased in the photo.
• Add accessories: Consider including accessories that complement the T-shirt to create a complete look. For example, you could add a hat, sunglasses, or jewellery.
• Make adjustments: Take test shots and examine them for any shadows or imperfections. Make any necessary adjustments to the T-shirt's positioning or the lighting setup until you're happy with the result.

Adding accessories

When adding accessories, think about what you would typically wear with the garments. For example, if you're shooting a swimsuit, you could include a floppy hat, beach tote, cover-up, sandals, and sunglasses. Drape a necklace over a T-shirt, or add a belt to a dress. For a simple T-shirt and jeans combo, add interesting details like lipstick, a flower, a hotel room key, or a delicious pastry to hint at a vacation outfit.

Consider how you would display these items if you were planning an outfit to wear. Shoes can be placed near the bottom of the shot or off to the side, depending on what looks best. You can also drape necklaces or scarves over other items of clothing to add interest and depth to the image.

Remember, the goal is to create a cohesive look that tells a story. Think about where someone might go if they were wearing that outfit, and add details that support that idea. For example, if your outfit is beach-themed, include items like sunscreen or a book to enhance the narrative.

Frequently asked questions