7 Steps to Amazing Product Photography Using Ghost Mannequins

Ghost mannequin photography is a fresh way to show off your merchandise in greater detail. It’s a popular technique that you can do yourself. All you need is a setup with a mannequin and editing software like Photoshop. Here’s a step-by-step guide to this form of product photography.

Introduction

The ghost mannequin technique allows you to photograph an item on a physical mannequin, then digitally remove it so that just the item remains. Customers can see how the item will look in real life – the fit, the shape, and more. But the distracting mannequin is gone, so the focus is all on the garment itself. It provides another level of detail that’s great for e-commerce.

What is Ghost Mannequin Photography?

Ghost mannequin photography is a way to show off garments as they would look when worn, but without the distracting image of the mannequin they’re posed on. Essentially, the item is shown on an “invisible” mannequin. The image is photographed, and then the mannequin itself is digitally erased. All that remains is how the garment looks on a real body. It’s better than photographing it on a model, which can be distracting. It also shows more detail than photographing it laid flat. The ghost mannequin effect better highlights details like how cuffs or a particular neckline look.

Why Use Ghost Mannequins?

A ghost mannequin is basically an invisible mannequin. You style and photograph a piece of clothing on a physical mannequin. The photos are taken from a variety of angles. Then, using a program like Photoshop, the mannequin is digitally erased. Ghost mannequin product photography allows for greater detail, both inside and outside. It’s a distraction-free way to showcase clothing, allowing a customer to get a much better representation of how the garment will look in real life. 

Steps to Amazing Product Photography Using Ghost Mannequins

You can create high-quality photographs and capture the ghost mannequin effect for your products. Part of the appeal of this technique is that it’s very cost-effective and fairly simple to do on your own. All you need is a physical mannequin that’s the right size and shape for your garment. 

Style the setup and take multiple shots from all angles and sides. Then use photography software to digitally remove the mannequin from the image. Here’s more detail from our step-by-step guide.

Step 1 - Choose the Right Ghost Mannequin

Choose one with detachable arms and neck parts; that will make editing the image easier after the shoot. Use one designed to show off either men’s or women’s clothing.

Select the Correct Size and Shape

The mannequin should be able to give the best representation of the garment. Choose a torso mannequin for something like a sweater; a full-size mannequin is better suited for a dress or pants. 

Consider Material and Finish

Pick a mannequin in a neutral color like white or light gray to prevent the colors of the garment from being affected. Saga Display has the retail supplies you need, like a variety of mannequins for men and women.

Step 2 - Set Up Your Photography Studio

A white background is best for the ghost mannequin effect. Use a tripod to hold your camera, as you’ll be shooting from many angles. Soft, diffused lighting is best. Natural light from a big window can work, or you can use two soft lightboxes (one on either side of the mannequin).

Step 3 - Style the Garment on the Mannequin

Use pins, tape, and clips to fit the garment to the mannequin in a way that’s a smooth fit. Make sure the shoulders are level and that the hems are straight. Ensure any price stickers are removed or out of sight. Add relevant accessories to the shot, like a hat display that can be added to the mannequin image.

Step 4 - Master Lighting Techniques

Soft, diffused light creates fewer shadows. A key light that’s in front of but slightly off to the side of the mannequin picks up the garment’s details. The fill light should be on the opposite side to soften any shadows.

Step 5 - Capture the Right Shots

A white background will make editing much easier. Photograph the front of the garment to capture as many details as possible. Do the same on the back. Remove the garment from the mannequin and turn it inside out. Then photograph the inside, such as details on the neck. Try to take all photos from the same distance for consistency. These will all be combined during the editing process to create a fuller picture.

Step 6 - Edit for the Ghost Mannequin Effect

For the post-production process, use editing software like Photoshop. Open the files for the front-facing exterior and interior shots. Create layers of the two, with the interior below the front shot. Use the masking tools to remove the mannequin and blend the images together for a smooth look.

Step 7 - Optimize for Display and Sales

Before shooting, make sure the garment is free of snags, lint and wrinkles. Take close-ups of details like buttons or special stitching. Make sure there’s consistency across each product image in your online presentation.

Conclusion

Ghost mannequin images are an exciting new way to showcase garments. They provide a much more detailed, realistic look at fit, drape, and more. Customers have more information to drive a purchase.

Invisible mannequin photography is a technique that’s easy to do on your own. It’s a cost-effective way to drive sales, whether for an e-commerce site or retail shopping stores that want to help their customers shop more thoroughly before they buy. The retail supplies from Saga Display can help you capitalize on this exciting, effective trend in product photography !