# Flat lay > Photographing products laid flat on a surface from directly above. Also known as: flatlay, flat-lay photography. Category: Photography techniques. Flat lay photography shows products laid flat on a surface and photographed from directly above. It is simple to set up and common for clothing and accessories, but garments look flatter than on a mannequin or model. ## How PhotoRobot uses it PhotoRobot's fashion tutorials compare flat lay with ghost mannequin photography, noting that garments photographed flat can look out of proportion, and fashion style guides typically specify which of the two methods to use. ## Related terms - [Ghost mannequin effect](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/ghost-mannequin-effect): An editing technique that makes the mannequin disappear so the garment looks worn by an invisible body. - [On-model photography](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/on-model-photography): Photographing garments or accessories worn by a live model. - [Style guide](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/style-guide): A document that defines how products of a brand are to be photographed and presented. - [Top view](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/top-view): A photo taken from directly or steeply above the product. ## Where this term appears on photorobot.com Mentioned on 19 pages. Most relevant: - [How Multiple PhotoRobot Modules Combine - the Flexi_Studio](https://www.photorobot.com/videos/flexible-studio-modules): There is information on the mannequins compatible with PhotoRobot, and integration of flat-lay photography tables for faster workflows. - [How to Create a Fashion Product Photography Style Guide](https://www.photorobot.com/tutorials/how-to-create-a-fashion-photography-style-guide): The style guide specifies elements such as how to style garments, flatlay vs mannequin photography, or still & 360 degree product photos. - [360° Product Photography - Content Formats and Production](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/360-product-photography): Through more interactive product experiences, 360° photography engages in a way flat lay or still life photography simply cannot. - [Photographing Footwear in the PhotoRobot Workflow](https://www.photorobot.com/videos/footwear-photography-workflow): There is also a second table for flat-lay photography, which we show in simultaneous operation with the 360 turntable. - [Fashion Photography of Denim Jeans on a Ghost Mannequin](https://www.photorobot.com/tutorials/how-to-photograph-jeans): It also looks much better online than traditional flat lay photography, which often leaves clothing looking flat and lifeless. - [Fashion Photography: How to Select the Best Ghost Mannequin](https://www.photorobot.com/tutorials/how-to-select-the-best-ghost-mannequin): It might be with flat lay photography, tabletop, or with a ghost mannequin effect. - [Fashion Product Photography Styling Tools & Accessories](https://www.photorobot.com/tutorials/fashion-photography-styling-tools): From styling clothes for flat lay to ghost mannequin photography, styling tools are essential to making garments look their best. - [Ghost Mannequin Photography on a Tight-Fitting Dress](https://www.photorobot.com/tutorials/how-to-photograph-a-tight-fit-dress): While it is possible to use flat lay photography on dresses, using a hanger or a live model, it doesn’t have the same visual effect online. - [How to Photograph a Suit and Tie with a Ghost Mannequin](https://www.photorobot.com/tutorials/how-to-photograph-a-suit-and-tie): This gives clothing a more true-to-life, full-bodied and 3D appearance than flat lay photography. - [How to Photograph a T-Shirt with a Ghost Mannequin](https://www.photorobot.com/tutorials/how-to-photograph-a-t-shirt-with-a-ghost-mannequin): With flat lay product photography, shirts tend to lose their appeal.