Flat Lay vs Lifestyle Product Photography – What’s Best for Your Brand?

When planning a product shoot, one of the first questions we’ll chat about is the style of photography you need: flat lay, lifestyle, or a mix of both.

Each one tells a different story and choosing the right format can seriously impact how your brand is perceived and how well your products sell. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what’s best for your next shoot.

What is Flat Lay Photography?

Flat lay photography involves arranging your product (and often props) on a flat surface and shooting it from above. Think clean, top-down shots that focus entirely on your product.

It’s a popular choice for:

• Clothing folded neatly

• Skincare and beauty products

• Accessories, packaging, or printed items

• Multi-product collections shown all at once

Why it works: Flat lays are super versatile and great for product listings, website banners, and social media grids. They’re clean, minimal, and make your product the star of the show.

What is Lifestyle Product Photography?

Lifestyle photography shows your product in use or styled in a real-life context. It might feature props, backgrounds, or styled scenes that help your customers imagine how your product fits into their life.

Great for:

• Kids clothing styled with toys or neutral backgrounds

• Wellness and beauty products shown in a bathroom or bedside setup

• Products that benefit from a “lived-in” feel to build trust

Why it works: Lifestyle shots are emotional. They tell a story, evoke a feeling, and help shoppers see themselves using your product. This can be incredibly powerful for brand building and conversions.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s my honest advice: If you’re just starting out or need foundational images for your online store, flat lays are the perfect place to begin. They’re simple, clean, and super versatile.

If you’re building a brand presence, launching a campaign, or want to connect emotionally with your audience, lifestyle shots are gold.

Most of my clients choose a mix of both. That way, you get the best of both worlds: clean, clickable listing images and engaging, brand-building content.

My Approach in the Studio

Every product shoot is styled and shot right here in my home studio in Mackay, Queensland. I keep the editing clean, the styling intentional, and the focus always on your product.

Whether you need flat lays, lifestyle images, or a blend of both, we’ll create a collection of images that feel cohesive and aligned with your brand.

Let’s Create Your Next Product Collection

Curious what your brand could look like with scroll-stopping content?
👉 Check out my product photography packages and book your shoot

Let’s bring your products to life—and make your online store look as good as it feels.

• Learn what is image licensing? – HERE
• What you can expect for studio product shoot – HERE