As we move into 2023, flat lay photography continues to evolve, blending artistic expression with commercial necessity. For creators-whether you're a small business owner, a content creator, or a hobbyist-staying ahead of these trends is key to creating fresh, engaging imagery that captures attention and tells your story. Based on the current visual landscape and the needs of modern photographers, here are the key flat lay photography trends to embrace this year.
1. The Rise of Authentic, "Unfinished" Narratives
Gone are the days of overly polished, sterile flat lays. In 2023, viewers crave authenticity and a sense of process. The trend is towards imagery that tells a story of creation, not just the final product.
- What it looks like: Incorporate elements that suggest work-in-progress. Think scattered raw ingredients beside a finished dish, a paintbrush resting on a palette next to a completed illustration, or tools neatly arranged around a handmade product. This "behind-the-scenes" approach builds a genuine connection with your audience.
- How to execute it: Focus on natural, asymmetric compositions. Allow for intentional negative space that feels organic, not empty. Use props that are relevant to the creation process itself, not just decorative.
2. Bold, Monochromatic Color Stories
While muted palettes have had a long reign, 2023 sees a powerful shift towards confident, singular color statements. This trend is about mood, impact, and sophistication.
- What it looks like: Building an entire scene within a single color family-deep emeralds and forest greens, rich terracottas and clays, or calming shades of cobalt and slate. The variation comes from texture and tone within that spectrum.
- How to execute it: This is where your surface selection becomes the foundational hero. A surface in a bold, solid color or with a subtle, tonal pattern provides the perfect stage. Layer textures like linen, brushed metal, or raw wood within the same color family to add depth without breaking the monochromatic illusion.
3. Dynamic, Multi-Level Compositions
Flat lays are literally getting more dimension. The classic "flat" plane is being disrupted by introducing different heights and levels, adding a modern, architectural feel to the composition.
- What it looks like: Using risers, small boxes, books, or even other surfaces turned on their side to create elevation for key subjects. This technique draws the eye through the frame and creates a more engaging, dynamic scene than a single-plane layout.
- How to execute it: Start with your primary surface as the base landscape. Then, use smaller, complementary surfaces or sturdy props to create distinct tiers. Pay close attention to the shadows and lighting this creates, as they become integral design elements.
4. Integrated, Cohesive Video Elements
Static images are now just one part of the content ecosystem. The trend is for photography and video to be conceived together, creating seamless assets for platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube.
- What it looks like: A flat lay is styled not just for the final photo, but with movement in mind. This means considering how a hand might enter the frame to interact with a product, how ingredients might be poured, or how a shadow might move across the scene in a stop-motion clip.
- How to execute it: Plan your shoot for both mediums simultaneously. Ensure your surface and backdrop setup works for portrait (vertical) video formats as well as traditional square or horizontal photos. The portability and manageable size of dedicated photography surfaces are huge advantages here, allowing you to easily move your set to the perfect light for both photo and video capture.
5. Textural Maximalism with Purpose
Minimalism is making thoughtful room for more-is-more-but with control. The trend is towards rich, tactile overload where every texture is deliberate and contributes to a sensory narrative.
- What it looks like: Combining highly contrasting materials: the cool smoothness of marble against nubby wool, the gleam of polished metal on raw concrete, or glossy ceramics on matte paper. It’s a feast for the eyes that makes the viewer almost feel the image.
- How to execute it: Begin with a surface that has a pronounced, realistic texture-like grainy wood, veined stone, or woven concrete. This sets a strong tactile foundation. Then, carefully layer on 3-5 physical props with contrasting finishes. The key is cohesion; the textures should feel related by theme or color, not randomly assembled.
6. Personal, Handwritten Elements
In a digital world, the human touch stands out. Incorporating handwritten notes, sketches, or labels adds immense personalization and charm.
- What it looks like: A recipe card with handwritten instructions beside a baked good, a sketched diagram next to a DIY kit, or a personalized label on a jar of preserves. This trend screams "crafted with care."
- How to execute it: Don't worry about perfect penmanship. The authenticity is what resonates. Use nice paper, a quality pen, or a chalkboard slate. Let this element interact naturally with your main subject on your chosen surface.
7. Sustainable & Natural Material Focus
Audiences are increasingly values-driven. Imagery that reflects sustainability, natural materials, and an earthy ethos is powerfully resonant.
- What it looks like: Props made of unglazed ceramic, woven seagrass, recycled glass, untreated wood, and linen. The colors are earthy and natural-ochres, moss greens, browns, and creams.
- How to execute it: Choose surfaces that mimic these organic materials as your base. Style with real, tactile natural props. Lighting should be soft and natural, mimicking a cloudy day or gentle window light, to enhance the organic, unfussy feel.
Your Tool for Trendsetting Imagery
Ultimately, these trends are about storytelling, authenticity, and creating a connection. The foundation of any great flat lay is the surface it’s built upon. It’s the stage for your narrative, the first layer of texture, and the element that ties your entire composition together. By starting with versatile, high-quality surfaces designed for both photo and video, you equip yourself not just with a backdrop, but with the essential tool to bring these 2023 trends-and your own creative vision-to life.
The best trend you can follow is the one that helps you achieve your goals and create photos you're proud of. Now go make it happen.
