Can I use AI to create a 'flat lay' from a photo taken at an angle?

Quick Answer (TL;DR)

Generally, no—converting a 45° angle photo into a top-down "flat lay" creates distortion because the AI has to guess what the top of the product looks like. However, Nightjar allows for multi-shot generation. You can upload your product and ask Nightjar to generate a "Bird's Eye" or "Overhead" view. The AI reconstructs the perspective while preserving the branding and details.

Why simple rotation fails

If you take a photo of a cereal box from the front and ask an AI to "make it a flat lay," the AI lacks the visual data for the top and sides of the box. It will hallucinate (guess) the packaging design, usually getting the text wrong.

The Nightjar Approach

Instead of warping a 2D image, specialized e-commerce AI uses a different approach:

• Multi-angle awareness: If you provide reference images, Nightjar understands the object's 3D form.
• Style Application: You select the "Flat Lay" photography style.
• Background Integration: The AI places the product on a surface (marble, wood, colored paper) and shoots it from virtually 90° above.

This is essential for organizing Instagram grids or hero sections on websites.