Flat Lay Friday: Wedding Flat Lay Tips from Annie Lui Photography
Welcome to Flat Lay Friday, our interview series where we sit down with wedding photographers who have mastered the art of the flat lay and learn how they do it. This week we're chatting with Annie Lui of Annie Lui Photography, a Kansas City and destination wedding photographer who shoots both digital and film. Annie is wildly talented and truly the queen of color stories. Her flat lays are scroll-stopping, and we're always on the edge of our seats waiting to see what she creates next. Below, she shares how she plans, lights and styles the detail photos her couples can't wait to see.
Enjoy this weeks interview!
Sincerely,
Tifani
How long have you been shooting weddings, and when did you start incorporating flat lays?
This is my 6th year photographing weddings! I started in Houston right before COVID (chaotic times) and moved to Kansas City mid-2021, and started doing destination weddings (my fav!) shortly after the move. I started incorporating flat lays at my second wedding, once I found out they were a thing!
How long do you like to reserve for morning detail photos?
At least 45 minutes, preferably 1 hour.
How do you prepare your clients for wedding flat lays? Do you ask for anything specific?
In my final planning call, I touch on what to bring for their flat lay photos. I also send them a small checklist of items to bring so they can pack accordingly.
Let's get into the technical side. What camera do you shoot with, and what's your preferred lens for detail photos?
I shoot with a Z8 and Zf, and my favorite lens for flat lays is the Z 50mm 1.2!
What aperture do you like to shoot at?
F4.5 and above.
Any tips for finding or making good light for flat lays?
Most of the time, I can work anywhere by a window with indoor lights turned off! My biggest tip is to not mix your lighting. Cool and warm light together is not flattering!
Are there any rules of design you try to follow?
I make sure there's a flow to my styling so that the image is pleasing to the eye. And I love incorporating florals!
Do you have a shot list for morning details?
Pretty basic shot list: wide shots, close-ups, get photos of everything!
What are your go-to items for flat lays?
Pretty ring boxes (like the Georgian ring box!), a good flat lay mat, and acrylic risers.
How has adding flat lays to your portfolio affected your photography business?
I think it elevates my wedding galleries and tells a fuller story of the wedding day. A lot of my couples also look forward to their flat lays since they know I do them well!
Any advice for someone who wants to start incorporating flat lays into their portfolio?
There's no right or wrong to flat lays! Just start practicing and you will find your flow and your style. There are so many flat lay styling kits and mentorships out there if you need a little help too.
Want to style details like Annie? Shop our Georgian ring boxes, styling mats and silk ribbon, or shop by color to build a matching set.