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Why I Even Care About Overhead Shots
When I started shooting products, I thought front angle, clean background, done.
Clients wanted more. Instagram wanted better. And the one trick that changed everything was shooting from above.
Overhead shots and flatlays give a bird’s-eye view that people instantly connect with. They stop scrolling, they look, and sometimes they even buy.
The good part is you do not need a two lakh camera or a fancy studio. You just need a steady setup, some basic lighting control, and a bit of patience.
Why They Work and Why I Use Them So Often
- You get full control of the frame. Nothing random sneaks in.
- You can build a story with props. A candle next to a book suddenly feels like a cozy evening.
- They are social media magnets. I have seen flatlays outperform eye-level shots by a long shot.
The thing is, overheads are also brutally honest. Every crooked line, every awkward shadow, every extra prop shows immediately.
The Struggles Nobody Warned Me About
The first time I tried a flatlay, I balanced my camera on a chair and leaned forward. The photos were shaky, my back hurt, and the lighting was uneven.
Overhead photography has its challenges.
- Handheld shots never work. Even the smallest shake kills sharpness.
- Lighting falls differently from above, shadows get distracting.
- Composition needs perfection. One misplaced prop ruins the entire frame.
I once had to reset an entire flatlay because a spoon was slightly tilted. Overheads can be that unforgiving.
Flatlays: Looks Simple, Actually Hard
Flatlays are everywhere. From beauty products to food to stationery. But the good ones are styled with intent, not just props thrown around.
Here are a few things I rely on:
- Odd numbers always look more natural. 3, 5, or 7 items feel right.
- Leading lines guide the eye. Ribbons, brushes, or fabric folds help.
- Colors should be limited. Three to four tones at most, otherwise the frame feels messy.
- Leave empty space. Negative space makes the hero product stand out.
Styles That Work Well
- Minimalist with a single hero product
- Lifestyle with props suggesting daily use
- Seasonal with Diwali diyas, Christmas décor, or summer flowers
- Brand-based where colors and props echo brand identity
A mistake I see often is people cluttering props just to fill space. A good flatlay feels intentional.
Tabletop Angles: When Flatlays Are Not Enough
Flatlays can make some products look lifeless. Bottles, gadgets, or food packaging often need depth. That is when tabletop angles work better.
My go-to tabletop setup:
- Main light at 45 degrees to create soft shadows
- A white foam board or reflector on the opposite side
- Backgrounds kept simple with paper rolls, wood, or fabric
Angles that sell:
- Three-quarter view shows multiple sides
- Eye-level is perfect for labels or packaging
- Low angle adds drama and makes products look more powerful
Adding Video to the Mix
Photos sell, but videos build trust. A short overhead video can double engagement because people see the product in use.
A few tips I follow:
- Keep the camera locked. Shaky overhead videos are unwatchable.
- Play with focus. Shift attention from one element to another.
- Mix real speed with timelapse for variety.
Some easy content ideas are styling a flatlay in fast forward, unboxing, or showing a before and after process.
The Gear That Saved My Back and My Sanity
Overhead shots are impossible without stability. I tried chairs, books, and DIY rigs. None of it worked. Either my camera wobbled or I did.
Then I picked up the DIGITEK® DTR 520 BH tripod. It made overheads not just possible but reliable.
Why it works so well:
- Adjustable from 18 inches to 5.5 feet which covers flatlays and tabletop angles easily
- Ball head rotates 360 degrees and locks firmly
- Solid aluminum build with no wobble, even on longer exposures
- Real use case: I shot a jewelry campaign using just this one tripod for overheads, close-ups, and BTS reels
If you are serious about flatlays, forget balancing your phone on random furniture. Get a proper tripod and make your life easier.
Accessories That Help a Lot
- GODOX strobe lights as they serve for both photography and light videography. Check out here. More on it later.
- A remote shutter release removes handshake blur.
- A 5-in-1 reflector kit under ₹1,000 is enough to control light quality. Check out here. More on it later.
- Backgrounds with different textures like wood, marble, and fabric keep things fresh. More on it later.
Editing and Post-Production
Editing is where overheads really sharpen up. Do not skip it.
- Straighten the frame with perspective correction
- Keep colors consistent across the set
- Add light sharpening for clarity
- Lift shadows slightly but avoid making the image flat
Final Thoughts
Flatlays and overhead shots are not just aesthetic tricks. They are powerful for product photography. They sell experiences, not just items.
If you want to start, begin small. Use a table, some natural light, and a stable tripod. Style with everyday objects, keep practicing, and refine as you go.
The gear will help, but what really makes the shot is your eye. Once you train yourself to see balance, light, and story, your product photos will stand out anywhere.
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)