The Fine Art of Flat Lay
with Philippa Stanton
July 2 – 30, 2025
Course Description
“I had this notion of what I called a democratic way of looking around, that nothing was more or less important.”- William Egglestone
The magic of flat-lay photography lies in the simplicity and depth of everyday objects, waiting to be uncovered. Before creativity can take shape, we embrace the art of truly seeing, allowing the world around us to reveal its hidden wonders. This online workshop explores some foundational principles behind creating flat lays, focusing on observational techniques that make all the difference. It’s a space for experimentation, curiosity, and process.
Artist and photographer Philippa Stanton, based in England and author of Conscious Creativity, helps you explore and refine your flat lay photography using a grassroots approach she practices herself. The everyday objects right under our noses—the ordinary, the overlooked—often lead to the most surprising inspiration. These unspoken layers form both the foundation and the essence of Philippa’s flat lay compositions.
Each week, you practice deep observation of your surroundings and engage in a flat lay exercise inspired by what you see. Philippa encourages experimentation with colors, textures, and your senses, urging you to slow down, consciously connect with your environment, and challenge your usual comfort zones. Throughout the workshop, Philippa demonstrates how to translate observations into compelling flat lay compositions, explaining her techniques in real-time. Weekly assignments and image reviews offer ongoing support, helping to refine your creative process.
Philippa’s creative approach to flat lay photography allows you to move beyond static compositions, with her guiding you to incorporate personal meaning and expression into your work. The focus is on process, experimentation, practice, and play, rather than perfect final results.
Additional Information
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
What You Should Know:
Participants must be able to select and organize images using image editing software for class sessions.
This is not an introductory flat lay course. Instead, Philippa will guide you through her personal process of creating flat lays, sharing her techniques and approach, rather than covering the basics of flat lay photography.
Special Notes:
Class will meet 9:30 – 11:30 am (Mountain Time) on Wednesdays starting July 2 and ending July 30 (five online group sessions). Enrollment is limited to 12 participants.
Zoom Video Conferencing software (available for no charge from Zoom.com) will be used to facilitate the class sessions. Further details will be emailed to registrants.
Santa Fe Workshops always aims to produce a high-quality experience for our online attendees. That said, variables including regional and local internet provider speeds, traffic on Zoom's servers, and your own computing hardware can contribute to a less than ideal streaming event. While we do our best to minimize the impact of these variables, they are outside the control of Santa Fe Workshops.
Policies:
View Withdrawal and Transfer Policies for online programs.
For the convenience of participants, recordings of each class session are posted privately for one month after the end of each session. Santa Fe Workshops takes the recordings down after one month to protect the intellectual property of our instructors.
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about
Philippa Stanton is an artist and photographer based in Penzance in the UK. She is the author of the Conscious Creativity books and Creative Prompt cards, all of which have been incredibly popular. Her first book has now sold over 25,000 copies. Her photography focuses on colour, the seasons, nature, objects, and transient texture; inspired by feeling, rather than meaning.
Philippa’s images also play an integral part in her painting practice, serving as sketchbook-like observations and studies. Her painting and photography have led her to create content for brands and organizations as diverse as The Crown Estate, TUI, Green and Blacks, Barclays, Spotify, The History of Modern Biomedicine Research Group, Illuminum Fragrance, Vogue London, Boutiquey Gin, the Royal Society Summer Exhibition and even painting the sound of a pianist playing Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures At An Exhibition’ live at the Cheltenham Science Festival. Philippa loves cycling, rowing, being outside in the rain, taking photographs of telephone boxes, and sitting in silence looking.
Website: 5ftinf.com
Instagram: @5ftinf
