Mastering the Designer Shoe Flat Lay
Master the Designer Shoe Flat Lay! Even if Jimmy Choo is only in your dreams (me too girl, me too!). TRUST, this flatlay is a Must watch & a Must Style!
⚡ In 12 minutes ⚡ I will teach you the skills you need to effortlessly Style your Bridal Shoes.
Bridal Shoes are a Simple (yet HARD) detail to master.. But are transformative to your brand and portfolio. They are also One of the only details you can style from your own closet! Won't you Join me.. there is going to be part 2. Where in 3 minutes I teach you how to get those Ring Shots & other Bridal Details.. I am all about getting the MOST shot on a wedding day.
A few things we are covering :
✅ How to PROPERLY showcase the label & the silhouette✅ Fresh Florals for under $15 ~ why fresh florals are a must for Luxury Flat Lay
✅ The Superhero ~ The acrylic block
✅ The LINES ~ creating that S, the soft beautiful angle with proper spacing
✅ Layering ~ Your Florals
✅ Checking the Grid
✅ How to add the Final Flourish ~ Styling Pearls.. A Must Have
✅ Creating the Diagonal Line ~ Setting up for that Next shot (part 2 coming soon)
⟡⟡ Flat Lay Styling Props Featured in today Video ⟡⟡
⟡ https://champagneandgrit.com/products/master-the-designer-shoe-flat-lay
⟡ Styling Mats ~ https://champagneandgrit.com/products/sanibel-flat-lay-rollable-styling-mat-for-photograph
⟡ the Exact shoes I am using from Amazon! $62.30.. sometimes they are even less.. I bought them in white for $40!! I love them
Master the Designer Shoe Flatlay; A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfecting Your Styling the Shoe Placement
Welcome, Photographers! Today, we’re diving into something that will take your portfolio to the next level; the Designer Shoe Flatlay.
So if you are dreaming of booking that Luxury Bride, or you are booking Luxury Weddings.. This is a MUST MASTER Flat lay. Shoe Styling is a crucial skill for your portfolio. Many photographers shy away from the Shoe flat lay, often because they can be tricky to master. You think you've got the perfect shot, but somehow, you look back and something is just not right.
Today, you're going to learn how to style what I call the "Designer Shoe Flatlay."
So why the focus on designer shoes? Think about it, if your bride is wearing shoes from luxury brands like Chanel, Jimmy Choo, or Manolo Blahnik, She is going to want that dreamy flat lay photo. You will want to highlight that label in your shots, this is the ‘Star of the Show’.
If your Bride is NOT rocking a Luxury Brand.. Chances are she still picked out a dreamy pair of shoes for you to capture. Even though I have deemed this the "Designer Shoe Flatlay." These flat lay techniques & principles I am teaching you can be applied to ANY shoes!
Step 1: Setting the Stage
While I am DREAMING of a closet full of Designer shoes.. I will be styling with these STUNNING Betsy Johnson Pumps From AMAZON!! (you can beef up your portfolio RIGHT now .. by styling at home with your own shoes or shoes like this).
Designer Demands FRESH FLORALS.. This is not up for a discussion!
Fresh florals say elevated BRAND.. They say high end, they say luxury!
Plan ahead and ask the florist.
If you are preparing & building your brand to book a higher end client, you need to show fresh florals. Let your future client see.. You are styling and shooting what they are dreaming of!!
Hit up your local grocery store or if you are lucky enough to have a Trader Joes nearby.. Invest $10 to $15 on blooms.
I personally grabbed a few blooms from Trader Joe's for under $15, and then did a little parking lot and backyard foraging. Yes, you heard that right, never underestimate the magic of foraged greenery!
I've already pre-snipped my florals for efficiency, but I’m counting that as part of the flatlay time.
Total Flat lay is right at 15 minutes.
Step 2: The Format; Right-Handed or Left-Handed?
Before we begin positioning, if you’re left-handed, don’t worry! It’s the same process as for right-handed stylists, just with a mirrored approach. I’m right-handed, so I’ll explain how I style accordingly.
To start, we’re laying one shoe down on its side to highlight its silhouette. By laying the shoe down we are showcasing the beautiful heel & silhouette & any other possible details the side of the shoe might have.
Next, we showcase our LABEL, stand the other shoe up right. The Label is the ‘STAR OF THE SHOW’. We want to show off the label on the shoe. Especially if it’s something iconic like Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Manolo Blahnik etc.
By styling the shoes in this format we have highlighted all the design aspects from the silhouette, the heel, the Lable and the front of the shoe.
*this is why it is also perfect for non-designer shoes too!! This style of shoe flat lay showcases everything.
PROP TIP : Use your acrylic block to lift the heel of the shoe. These clear blocks are a must-have. They subtly elevate the heel shoe, giving you the perfect angle without being visible in the shot. They’re one of the best investments you can make for flatlay styling!
Step 3: Perfecting the Shoe Placement
When positioning the shoes, pay close attention to the angle, spacing & S curve. This is where many flatlays go wrong.
We just covered the format. One shoe laying down the other standing up.. But the power is in the placement of each of these shoes.
Avoid too harsh of an angle; if the shoe tilted too far, it’ll feel off in the frame.
Play with the positioning until it feels balanced, almost like the shoes are “nesting” together. I aim to create a soft “S-curve” with the positioning, which makes the composition visually compelling & aesthetically pleasing.
Leave a little breathing room between the shoes so the flatlay doesn’t feel too cramped. The spacing here is key for that polished, professional look. If things start looking too tight or squished, adjust until you find that sweet spot.
This is HARD to cover in written form.. Which is why there is a video, once you watch and Style with me a few times, I promise you will master it.
Step 4: Adding Florals for Luxury Wedding Vibes
Now that the shoes are perfectly placed, it’s time to add florals. This is where the flatlay transforms from good to great. All your blooms are pre-snipped and ready to go.
I usually start at the top of my flat lay. Place a few florals & then bounce down to the bottom, this way I don't run out. Then I will bounce back up to the top, then back to the bottom to finish off the flatlay. I layer my leaves in after my flowers to fill in gaps.
When working with florals, I tend to focus on balance. If I place some flowers at the top, I’ll also add a few at the bottom to create harmony.
The Florals are to enhance the shoes, you don’t want the florals to overpower the flat lay. They should feel like they’re part of the story you’re telling. Think of it like wrapping a present.. It is the bow you put on the package.. You would not put a 12” bow on a 6” box. Sometimes it can be tempting to use ALL the florals if you arrive and they have given a HUGE box.. But don't.
For a more whimsical, romantic feel, I place the flowers at a slight diagonal, running from one side of the frame to the other.
PRO TIP: MUST HAVE ~ floral risers.. You need them.. They are a game changer for styling flowers!!
Step 5: Keep it Balanced
When layering florals, be mindful not to overdo it. The SHOES are ‘The Star Show’, the florals are the backup dancers.
We want them to enhance the shoes, we want balance. It is a design principle.. The eye will be drawn to the heaviest part, which is why we try to create balance. The eye also used to the heaviest ‘thing’ being at the bottom, so if it's at the top, it becomes very visually distressing. This is why you can have more flowers at the bottom or larger blooms at the bottom and still have a beautiful, visually compelling flat lay.
I personally like to leave the space between the shoes empty.. Some people will fill it in. If you do, just be cautious. It’s easy to get carried away, sometimes less is more.
Even though I am speaking of balance.. I don't want the exact same flowers in the exact same position. I don't want it to feel “matchy-matchy”.
For example, if I have a large bloom on one side, I might use a smaller one in the same color on the other. I will also use a mix of flowers, some laying on their side, those would be tall blooms. While shorter blooms like the mums, I would use my floral riser and stand straight up. This type of styling creates more visual interest.
Step 6: Check Your Grid Lines (camera or iphone will do)
At this point, I pull out my iphone to check the flatlay’s composition using the gridlines in my camera. Make sure the key elements (the shoes, label, and florals) align with the crosshairs of your grid for the most balanced and eye-catching shot.
Take a test shot!!! Look at the photo & Adjust!!!
Trust me.. These 60 seconds might be the most important!
Step 7: Adding Final Flourishes
You could be done.. However if you are ready to take your business to the next level, take 60 more seconds, add that Final Flourish..
I’m all about layering in extras for added texture & visual interest. These are small details that create WOW moments & set brands apart.
Today, I’m using champagne colored pearls, which add a touch of elegance to the flatlay. I am using a few ping ponged around the florals to just take up another notch.
There is already a lot happening so I am only adding a few to be mindful of not overcrowding the shot.
The key here is variety in size. Different-sized objects create a layered, dynamic look, which keeps the viewer’s eye moving across the composition. I love how the pearls bring a little sparkle and enhance the luxurious feel of the flat lay.
Step 8: Knowing When to Stop
Sometimes it’s tempting to keep adding more, but knowing when to stop is crucial. I’ve added some small flowers near the heel of the shoe to trail off towards the edge of the flatlay, creating a soft, flowing movement, it keeps your eye moving through the flat lay.
LAST ONE.. Take another test shot!!! Look at the photo & Adjust!!!
Trust me.. These 60 seconds might be the most important!
If everything feels balanced, you’re done! The shoes, label, and florals are all working together to create a cohesive, beautiful image.
Bonus: Transforming the Flatlay
If you want to take things further, you can easily transform this flatlay into a bridal detail shot by adding elements like a ring box, veil, or other wedding accessories. This way, you’re getting even more content from one setup. I will be adding this Video in a few days! I am ALL about creating as MUCH photo content as I can from one flat lay!
Final Thoughts: Congratulations, you’ve just mastered the designer shoe flatlay!
Remember, flatlays are about balance, so always check your spacing, angles, and lines. With practice, you’ll be able to create stunning images that elevate your portfolio, brand & book those dream clients.
Thank you so much for styling with me today!
All props used are linked & ready to add to your flat lay kit!
Drop a comment below on what you need help styling.. I am always here to help!
Xoxo ~ Jaime
10 STEP ~ Designer Shoe Flatlay Styling Checklist;
this is a quick overview so you can a screen shot for day of Styling
1. Gather Materials
- Designer shoes (or any shoes)
- Fresh florals (purchase or forage)
- Acrylic block (for Heel)
- Floral risers
- Scissors or snips
- Champagne pearls
2. Prep Your Florals
- Snip flowers and greenery.
- Forage for extra leaves or blooms if needed.
3. Position the Shoes - STAR OF THE SHOW
- Stand the you LEFT shoe up (it will be on the right side of the frame - this is for my RIGHT handed Stylers)
- Place Left shoe on its side to show off its silhouette & heel
- Use an acrylic block to elevate the heel of the shoe that is laying down
4. Check Shoe Angles
- Ensure the lines and curves of the shoes are balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
- Create a soft “S-curve” between the shoes.
- Leave even spacing between the shoes for the flatlay to “breathe.”
5. Add Florals
- Layer florals around the shoes, focusing on balance ~ I always start at the top
- Create a diagonal line with the florals to add movement.
- Keep the bottom of the flatlay heavier in floral weight.
- Avoid overcrowding the space between the shoes ~ I usually do NOT add florals.
6. Adjust for Balance
- Make sure the florals feel harmonious,
- You do NOT need the same exact flower composition at the top and bottom, just a similar feel.
7. Check Composition
- Use the gridlines on your phone or camera to check the alignment.
- Ensure the shoes, labels, and key elements are at the crosshairs.
8. Add the Final Flourish
- Ping Pong champagne pearls around the flatlay.
- The 3 different sizes of the pearls is what makes the magic & creates visual interest.
9. Final Touches
- Adjust anything that feels off balance, spacing, or florals.
- Take 60 seconds & take a test shot and re-adjust!
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