The Ultimate Guide to the Art of Knolling Photography

Many think that taking those amazing-looking, perfectly aligned and organised photographs is something only professionals can do. Well, you can use a few techniques and styles to improve your masterpieces even if you don’t have much experience. One style that can help us in such a case is “knolling photography”.

Knolling photography is a visually appealing technique that involves arranging objects in an organised and symmetrical manner, with each item placed at a 90-degree angle or parallel to the other. It's a popular style used by many professional photographers and has become increasingly popular on social media platforms like Instagram.

In this blog post, we'll dive deeper into knolling photography, its origin, and how you can create your own knolling photos. We'll also share tips and tricks to help you take your knolling photography skills to the next level. So, let’s get started with this fantastic photography style and learn to create iconic snaps.

The Origin of Knolling in Photography

In 1987, Andrew Kromelow, an employee at Frank Gehry’s furniture design company, was the first person who unintentionally arranged a few tools on a flat surface and created overhead photos. Over time, this method of organising objects became known as "knolling."

One of the earliest photographers to popularise knolling photography was Tom Sachs, an American sculptor and artist. Sachs began using knolling techniques in his artwork in the late 1990s and continued to incorporate the technique into his work for years to come. His artwork often featured carefully arranged objects, such as tools, toys, and other everyday items.

Over time, knolling photography gained popularity, with photographers and artists worldwide experimenting with the technique. Today, knolling is a popular style of photography that has become increasingly popular on social media platforms like Instagram.

The Principles of Knolling

Knolling is the art of arranging objects in a neat, symmetrical manner, creating a visually striking image. The principles of knolling are simple, but when applied correctly, they can transform the arrangement of random objects into a beautiful and organised work of art.

1.      Order and symmetry: To create a visually pleasing arrangement, the objects should be organised in a straight line or at right angles, with equal spacing between them. The symmetrical arrangement creates a sense of balance and harmony pleasing to the eye.

2.      Organisation: Every object should have a designated place, with each object oriented in the same direction. The organisation creates a sense of structure and discipline, a fundamental aspect of knolling.

3.      Simplicity: The arrangement should be simple and minimalistic, without unnecessary clutter or distractions. The simplicity lets the viewer focus on the objects and appreciate their beauty and organisation.

4.      Colour coordination: The objects should be arranged to create a colour scheme that is pleasing to the eye. The colour scheme can be monochromatic or complementary, depending on the intended effect.

5.      Lighting: The arrangement should be illuminated to highlight the objects' details and create a mood that complements the arrangement. The lighting should be natural or artificial, depending on the intended effect.

The Process of Creating Knolling Snaps

The concept behind knolling photography is to arrange objects in a neat, symmetrical manner, creating a visually striking image that conveys a sense of order and balance. The following is the process of creating iconic knolling photographs.

1.      Choose interesting objects: To create a knolling photograph, choose captivating objects with unique shapes, colours, and textures that add visual interest to your composition.

2.      Use a flat surface: It's best to use a flat surface as your backdrop to achieve a neat and symmetrical arrangement. A table or a clean, flat floor can work well.

3.      Pay attention to composition: Experiment with various angles, arrangements, and props to enhance the composition of your knolling photograph and add depth to your shot.

4.      Focus on lighting: Lighting is key in any type of photography, and knolling photography is no exception. Experiment with different lighting setups to find the best way to illuminate your objects.

5.      Symmetry and alignment: Pay close attention to the symmetry and alignment of your objects. Each object should be neatly arranged and aligned to create a visually pleasing photograph.

6.      Retouch your photo: Once you've taken your shot, you may need some editing to enhance the final image. This may involve cropping, adjusting the exposure, or enhancing the colours.

How Knolling Enhances Commercial Photographs?

Undoubtedly, knolling is an excellent way to enhance the look of your snapshots and give a more engaging visual representation. It’s especially used in commercial photography because of the following reasons.

1.      Knolling highlights product features by showcasing them in a visually appealing way.

2.      This technique adds organisation and professionalism to product displays and advertising campaigns.

3.      It enhances a brand's identity by creating a consistent visual style.

4.      You can use this style to create visual interest by experimenting with different angles, arrangements, and props, making the photograph more engaging and memorable.