Context Slice Knolling Style Guide
What is Knolling?
Knolling is a photography technique where objects are arranged at 90-degree angles to each other, creating a satisfying grid of organized items viewed from directly above. Coined by Andrew Kromelow while janitor at Frank Gehry's furniture shop, popularized by photographer Tom Sachs.
The Aesthetic
Core Principles:
- Perfect 90-degree angles between all items
- Consistent spacing throughout the grid
- Top-down (bird's eye) camera angle
- Items grouped by size, color, or category
- Clean, uncluttered background surface
Visual Elements:
- Soft, diffused drop shadows (no harsh edges)
- Even, professional lighting from above
- Items parallel or perpendicular to frame edges
- Negative space between items (breathing room)
- Symmetry and visual balance
Background Options
| Surface | Best For | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| White | Tech, minimalist products, clean look | Clinical, pure |
| Marble | Beauty, luxury items, jewelry | Elegant, high-end |
| Wood | Tools, craft supplies, vintage items | Warm, artisanal |
| Concrete | Industrial, hardware, urban gear | Raw, modern |
| Black | Bright colored items, jewelry | Dramatic, bold |
Prompt Structure
Base layout: "Top-down flat-lay knolling arrangement of [items]"
Grid precision: "arranged in perfect 90-degree grid, evenly spaced, parallel to frame edges"
Surface: "on [surface type] background"
Lighting: "soft diffused lighting, subtle drop shadows"
Quality: "high-end product photography aesthetic, 8K, ultra-detailed"
Example Prompts
Tech essentials:
"Top-down knolling arrangement of everyday tech essentials: smartphone, wireless earbuds, smartwatch, laptop charger, USB cables, portable battery, arranged in precise 90-degree grid with even spacing, on white seamless background, soft diffused lighting, subtle drop shadows, high-end product photography, 8K"
Coffee gear:
"Flat-lay knolling composition of coffee making equipment: pour-over dripper, grinder, gooseneck kettle, scale, coffee beans in small dish, paper filters, arranged in perfect parallel alignment, on light wood surface, warm natural lighting, artisanal aesthetic"
EDC (everyday carry):
"Precision knolling layout of EDC items: wallet, keys, pocket knife, flashlight, pen, watch, arranged at 90-degree angles, consistent spacing, on concrete surface, moody lighting with soft shadows, minimalist product photography style"
Editing Existing Photos
When reorganizing an existing photo into knolling format:
"Transform this image into a knolling arrangement. Reorganize all items into a precise 90-degree grid layout. Maintain consistent spacing between objects. Position camera angle to direct top-down view. Smooth out background to clean [surface]. Add soft, even lighting with subtle drop shadows."
Customization Options
Ask users about:
- Item grouping: By color, size, function, or random
- Grid density: Tight/compact or loose/spacious
- Shadow intensity: Barely visible vs. pronounced
- Labels: Add text labels below each item?
- Numbered: Number each item for inventory/reference?
- Color coordination: Items arranged in gradient or by hue?
What Makes Great Knolling
- Parallelism - Every item aligns with frame or other items
- Consistency - Spacing feels rhythmic and intentional
- Breathing room - Items don't touch or crowd
- Grouping logic - Similar items cluster together
- Visual hierarchy - Larger items anchor, smaller items fill