Are you planning to invest in a complete setup for ghost mannequin photography? If you have recently started an ecommerce or online business, you may have a strict budget. However, a professional setup will benefit your business in the long run.
No one can deny how high-end equipment affects image quality. Plus, it will improve the overall workflow efficiency. Here, we come up with all ghost mannequin photography equipment requirements to help you create a complete setup.
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera Vs. Smartphone
Digital Cameras
There is no doubt that DSLR and mirrorless cameras are the best choice for professional-grade photography. You get the best camera angle and best lighting in each shot.
But should you use DSLR and mirrorless cameras for ghost mannequin photography? Choose a reliable camera with tethering capability for faster and more efficient photo shoots.
- DSLR Cameras: They are excellent for realistic shots. These devices have optimized Viewfinder to get real exposure and composition of the product.
- Mirrorless Cameras: They are great for creative, high-quality shots. You will love it if you want to capture something unique.
Smartphones
Modern smartphones are no less. They are equipped with advanced hardware and software to take your photography to the next level.
Flagship mobiles have wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. The following are some of the best smartphones for high-end ghost mannequin photography.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Vivo X200 Ultra
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Camera Lens
Camera lenses can affect the color accuracy, sharpness and contrast level of product images. A telephoto or prime lens with a focal length of 50mm–85mm is a good choice for ghost mannequin photography.
They are great for producing sharper images without any distortion. These lenses are versatile to use for both small (close-up shots) and large garments (distance shots).
Lighting
Primary Light Sources
Continuous and strobe lighting are widely used as primary lighting for ghost mannequin photography.
- Continuous Lights: They are great for colorful and bright product images. You can see how the light and shadows fall before taking a shot.
- Strobe Lights: Strobes are excellent for group or freeze motion shots. You have better control over manipulating the light and creating a specific lighting effect.
Light Modifiers and Accessories
- Softboxes: minimize harsh shadows and unnecessary reflections
- Umbrellas: create a natural and well-balanced light quality
- Reflectors: Improve light direction and illumination
- Light meter: help to understand relative exposure and lighting ratio
- Barn doors: help control light in different areas and decrease light spill
Mannequin
When it comes to professionally presenting clothing or fashion items, a mannequin can make a huge difference. Matte white finish mannequins have a non-reflective surface to avoid unwanted glares and reflections.
The mannequin size should match the specific clothing size. It should not be too big or small.
Different Material-based Mannequins
- PE Plastic Mannequins: Plastic mannequins are lightweight, affordable, and easy to move and transport. They are not prone to impact and wear easily.
- Fiberglass Mannequins: Fiberglass mannequins have a real human-like figure. They offer better product presentation due to a more refined finish.
Different Types of Mannequins
- Full Body Mannequin: A complete body from head to toe
- Torso Mannequin: Only upper body parts up to the hips with or without hands
- Abstract Mannequin: A fancy body shape and body figures
- Headless Mannequin: A full body without a head
- Modular Mannequin: Detachable or interchangeable parts (up to 6)
Tripod
A heavy-duty functional image can help you capture smooth and steady clothing shots. You will get consistent framing across all photos.
- Invest in a studio tripod that can handle heavier cameras and equipment
- Height adjustment function to modify the spread of the legs at different heights
- Leveling system to keep a camera or equipment perfectly level and aligned
- Quick release plate to change a camera position from horizontal to vertical
Background
A pure white background is the standard choice for ghost mannequin photography. It keeps the main product well-focused. Most importantly, white backgrounds speed up the post-production task.
However, a light grey background is okay to use for better contrast. If the product has lighter tones, you can use gray backgrounds.
Accessories
Designers use various types of accessories to dress up mannequins. The following are the common ones:
- Bobby pins: to hem clothing pieces
- Safety pins: to secure fabric layers or fix a dropped hem
- Binder clips: to hold the excess fabrics in place and create a flattering shape
- Double-side tape: to outline pattern pieces for draping
- Styling tools: to highlight finer details of garments
- A steamer or iron: to remove wrinkles and creases
Photo Editing Equipment and Software
Hardware
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- Computer: Apple Mac or Windows PC
- Color-calibrated monitor: to view accurate and consistent color
- Graphics tablet: to speed up the editing task efficiently
- External storage: to back up and quickly transfer files between multiple devices
Software
- Adobe Photoshop: Most professional standard software
- GIMP: Best free but professional standard software
- Adobe Lightroom: Great for batch processing for bulk images quickly
Conclusion
Now, you know all the ghost mannequin photography equipment requirements. Create a list of which you need the most and which not. If you have a tight budget, prioritize those ones that you need urgently to complete the photo shoot. Research online and offline and compare the alternatives to get the best value for money in your investment.
