This week I focused on how to stage a photo. One blog that I found really informative was by Megan Shaimes.

Some of the key points that I found helpful from her post with photo staging are:

  • Demonstrate where the subject of the photo can be used.
  • What is relevant to use the subject of the photo?
  • What is in frame?
  • What is in focus?
  • Show different stages of the process of the subject development.
  • Tell a story about the subject.
  • What is your backdrop?
    • Hint: use what you have.
  • What materials give the feeling you want to the photo?
ex. cozy, rustic, girly, cheery, natural, etc.

Additional ideas to consider are:

  • lighting,
  • keep straight lines or edit them to be straight,
  • remember the rule of thirds,
  • using a tripod,
  • search for inspiration, and
  • try other angles.

To try this myself, I tried staging some of my school materials as it is very applicable to me at this time. This is how it turned out:

My first attempt at staging.

I used my planner, laptop, notebook, pens, Airpods, and water bottle. I wanted to keep the photo clean-looking and played with the focus being on my laptop versus my planner as can be seen in the photo above and my feature photo.

Update:

In further research, the key term I have been searching for in this part of my inquiry process is flat-lay.

This video really helps demonstrate this concept.

Flat-lay Photography YouTube video.

To summarize, Brooke Lark suggests to:

  • choose a theme (ex. color, pattern, shape, item, place, etc.)
  • relatable props (pay attention to size, shape and color)
  • pay attention to angles and try to create lines
  • compose your flat-lay in the dimension you want your final photo to be in (ex. into a square for an Instagram post)
  • bring in a natural element (ex. plants, a hand – keep flat as well!!!)

I hope that this helps get ideas and gives another phrase to find more of your own sources as well!

Resources:

https://megmadewithlove.com/blog-2/2017/11/4/tips-for-staging-your-photos-props-backdrops-and-mood

https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2019/02/26/product-photography

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odYBU_O3I6g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvofQgdvg4Y