Have you noticed some high-end online clothing stores? Ever wondered why they look so attractive and professional that you can’t stop yourself from visiting the site? So, what is the secret sauce? Most leading clothing and fashion brands use ghost mannequin effects in their product images. This powerful technique transforms typical product photos into stunning visuals. This article will give a complete idea of what is ghost mannequin effect in product photography.
What is the Ghost Mannequin Effect?
A ghost mannequin effect involves taking photos of clothing or fashion products after putting them on the mannequin. Then, you remove the visible mannequin parts, add the neck joint and other parts, and finally merge them in the post-production phase.
Experts also call this fashion design technique invisible mannequin or hollow man photography. It creates a 3D hollow-man or floating effect. The final result creates an illusion that an invisible model is wearing the garment.
Customers can visualize the true fit and draping of the clothing. It creates a true-to-life 3D effect for a realistic view of the product.
How Does Ghost Mannequin Effect Work?
There are three phases for creating ghost mannequin effects. Let’s learn about them one by one.
Pre-production Setup
- Choose lifelike and static mannequins that have removal parts, like chest, arms, legs, and neckline.
- The mannequin size must be compatible with the clothing size. Choose multiple options or a standard one.
- Use softboxes or umbrella lights and LED continuous lighting systems to create evenly distributed lighting.
- Set up the DSLR camera at the Chest level or across from the hip area to take photos of the clothing’s structure.
- Keep the ISO (100-200), aperture (f/8 to f/11), and shutter speed 1/13 initially.
- Use a plain white or gray background to simplify the post-production task.
Photography Phase
- Take front photos of the garment by positioning the camera at the shoulder level.
- Capture the back side while keeping the clothing open.
- Take inside-out shots to capture inner details.
- Snap close-up shots for small details like the back collar, neck label, etc.
Post-production Editing
- Keep all images in a folder to merge them appropriately.
- Use professional-grade software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP to remove visible mannequin parts.
- Combine all front, back, and inner images seamlessly to create a hollow-man effect.
- Adjust the color balance, contrast, and brightness level to create an even and natural look.
- Add a natural shadow effect to create an appealing look.
- Adjust the whiteness level of the background. If you have used another color background, remove and replace it with a white backdrop.
Ghost Mannequin Effect vs. Other Photography Techniques
Ghost Mannequin vs. Flat Lay Photography
| Specifications | Ghost Mannequin Effect | Flat Lay Photography |
| Image Type | Three-dimensional images | Two-dimensional visuals |
| Other Names |
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| Camera Position | At the shoulder level | Directly above the object |
| Setup | A bit complex and expensive to setup | Easier and affordable to setup |
| Visual information | Detailed visual information | Limited Visual information |
| Styling | Easy, consistent styling | Complex consistent styling |
| Editing Complexity | Requires advanced skills in editing | Requires basic skills in editing |
| Best Suitable For | Almost any type of clothing | Tops, pants, skirts, and some accessories |
Ghost Mannequin vs. Live Model Photography
| Specifications | Ghost Mannequin Effect | Live Model Photography |
| Need | Mannequin (removed later through editing) | Real human model |
| Image Type | Professional and clean images | Creative, lifestyle-oriented images |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost | High charges of real models |
| Editing Complexity | Requires advanced skills in editing | Requires basic skills in editing |
| Styling | Easy, consistent styling | Complex consistent styling |
| Best Suitable For | Almost any type of clothing | Active sportswear, swimwear, high-fashion items, etc. |
| Brand Storytelling | Limited storytelling potential | Strong storytelling via model expression |
Ghost Mannequin vs. Traditional Mannequin Photography
| Specifications | Ghost Mannequin Effect | Traditional Mannequin Photography |
| Visibility | Mannequin is removed digitally | Mannequin remains visible |
| Presentation | Seamless, 3D-like hollow effect | Static and less immersive |
| Focus | Full focus on garment structure | Divided focus with mannequin distraction |
| Fitting | Accurate fit depiction | Unnatural drape |
| Editing Complexity | Requires advanced skills in editing | Requires basic skills in editing |
| Brand Perception | More premium and modern | A bit simple |
Which Products Are the Best for Ghost Mannequin Effects?
Not all products are suitable for ghost mannequin effects. Professionals mainly use this technique for clothing items and wearable accessories.
Clothing Items
- Structured Garments: Well, defined shaped and tailored fitting
- Dresses & Tops: Relaxed fit, gathered hems, and draping loosely
- Winter clothing: Heavier fabrics and clothing with textural details
| Structured Garments | Dresses & Tops | Winter Clothing |
| Blazers | Gown | Hoodies |
| Corsets | Jumper | Sweaters |
| Formal Wear | Frock | Wool Coats |
| Tailored Dresses | Kimono | Knit Cardigans |
Wearable Accessories
- Bags & Purses: Structured handbags and backpacks
- Belts: Highlight buckle designs and overall shape and fit
- Scarves & Ties: Showcasing fabric design, style, and texture
Which Products Are Not Suitable for Ghost Mannequin Effects?
Some product items are not suitable for ghost mannequin effects. They don’t have a body fit or lack body structure. The following are the primary ones.
- Jewelry: Too small, intricate item
- Flat Accessories: Decorative objects or items with thin and two-dimensional
- Electronics: No natural drape and movement
Why Do Professional Brands Use Ghost Mannequin Effect?
Professional Brands have options to use various photography styles. However, many prefer to use the ghost mannequin photography style for the following reasons.
Clean, Distraction-free Visuals
Ghost mannequin photography removes unwanted objects and distractions. It keeps the main product well-focused and highlights the value proposition.
Convenient Shopping Experience
Customers can visualize the exact fitting and shape of the clothing. They get complete imaging of the product through 360-degree views.
Business Benefits
Accurate product presentation increases trust and loyalty. This reduces return rates and boosts sales growth.
Distinctive Advantages
Ghost mannequin effect provides customers competitive advantages over rivals who are not using this technique. It makes them stand out by showcasing products in a premium and professional vibe.
Consistency Across Listings
Invisible mannequin effects create consistency across all product listings. It creates a sense of familiarity and reliability through a uniform visual style.
Conclusion
If you want to provide the next level of transparency in your product images, nothing can beat ghost mannequin photography. It creates an illusion that an invisible person is wearing the clothing item. We have already outlined what is ghost mannequin effect in product photography and why it is more effective than some other photography styles for some specific products.
