How to Take Beautiful Quilt Photos: Part 2

July 31, 2025

This post is the continuation of How to Take Beautiful Quilt Photos: Part 1.

Now that you have the materials that you need and are feeling inspired by the pretty photos you've explored online, it's time to take some of your own! Today we are talking about styling and photographing your flat lays.

Styling

Here's where you get to play around and find out what you like! Lay your main subject (your fabric pull, block, etc.) in the center of your board. Then take your props and use your creativity to decide where to place them. Generally, I like to have something, like a small stack of fabrics, up in the top left corner and something in the bottom right corner for balance. Harken back to the photos you admired when you explored social media. How were props posed in those photos?

Try laying a prop slightly on top of your subject. Cross some flowers over the corner of the quilt block or drape a string of beads along your fabric. Add another layer by putting your fabric on a cute tray or flat basket.

Taking Photos

When it comes to actually taking photos, just go for it! We're not taking Polaroids here. You can always delete them and try again! Typically with a flat lay, I try to get at least one good shot from three different angles:

An overhead shot looking directly down on the display.
A shot from an angle, still getting most of the display.
An up-close shot from an angle or straight on that is focused on a smaller portion of the whole display.

Keep in mind the rule of thirds. Sometimes it's better to have the main object of the photo on the side of the photo (not necessarily the side of the photography board), rather than smack in the center.

Take a few photos from these different viewpoints and then review them. Would the photo look better if it was a little close to the display? Do any props need to be rearranged, removed, or added? Try switching out one prop for another to see which one works best.

After you land with a few photos you like, I highly recommend editing them. I don't use any special editing apps, though if you have one you like, that's great! I just use the tools in my Google Photos app.

I have an Android and the image modifiers I usually use are: Brightness, White Point, Highlights, and Shadows. I turn all of these UP! Make your photos bright, but be sure not to make them look washed out. Try to get the colors in the image as close to real life as possible. Sometimes this requires making slight adjustments to the Saturation, Warmth, Black Point, and Contrast.

When you're satisfied with the editing, post your photos! Over time, take notice which photos get more attention on social media and lean into that style.

It takes practice to train your artistic eye to know what styling looks good and how to get the best representation in editing. Just like anything, the more you do it, the easier it will become and the better you'll get at it.