Step-by-Step Ghost Mannequin Workflow
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 6:03 am
Ghost mannequin photography is a popular technique used primarily in the fashion and apparel industry to showcase clothing without the distraction of a model or mannequin. The end result gives the product a clean, professional, and almost 3D look, enhancing online shopping experiences by focusing solely on the garment’s shape and fit. Achieving this effect requires a systematic approach blending photography and post-production editing. Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step workflow to create ghost mannequin images.
1. Preparation of Garments and Mannequins
The workflow begins before the camera clicks. Proper preparation ghost mannequin service is critical for a smooth shoot and effective editing.
Select appropriate mannequins: Use detachable mannequins with removable parts (neck, arms) to make the ghost effect easier.
Prepare garments: Iron or steam clothes to remove wrinkles and ensure the fabric lays naturally.
Fit garments on mannequins: Position the garment so it looks realistic, adjusting collars, sleeves, and folds carefully.
Use clips or pins: Tuck in loose fabric or hold parts in place for a neat appearance.
2. Photography Session
Shooting for ghost mannequin requires multiple shots of the product with different parts of the mannequin attached or removed.
Main shot (with mannequin): Capture the product fully dressed on the mannequin with all parts assembled to show the full garment.
Inner shot (without mannequin parts): Photograph the garment from inside, focusing on the areas where the mannequin parts will be removed (usually neck or shoulders). This image helps fill in the hollow areas in editing.
Additional detail shots: Take photos of labels, tags, or special features that might be needed later.
Photography tips:
Use consistent lighting to avoid shadows that complicate editing.
Shoot in RAW for better control over image quality.
Keep the background plain white or neutral to simplify masking.
3. Image Selection and Organization
After the shoot, carefully select the best images for editing.
Choose the main shot that best showcases the garment’s shape.
Pick inner shots that clearly show the garment’s inside details.
Organize photos in folders labeled by product and shot type for efficiency.
4. Initial Editing and Cleanup
Before combining images, basic editing prepares them for seamless compositing.
Color correction: Adjust exposure, white balance, and contrast to keep consistency.
Remove dust or lint: Use spot healing tools to clean imperfections.
Crop and straighten: Align the image and crop for a neat composition.
1. Preparation of Garments and Mannequins
The workflow begins before the camera clicks. Proper preparation ghost mannequin service is critical for a smooth shoot and effective editing.
Select appropriate mannequins: Use detachable mannequins with removable parts (neck, arms) to make the ghost effect easier.
Prepare garments: Iron or steam clothes to remove wrinkles and ensure the fabric lays naturally.
Fit garments on mannequins: Position the garment so it looks realistic, adjusting collars, sleeves, and folds carefully.
Use clips or pins: Tuck in loose fabric or hold parts in place for a neat appearance.
2. Photography Session
Shooting for ghost mannequin requires multiple shots of the product with different parts of the mannequin attached or removed.
Main shot (with mannequin): Capture the product fully dressed on the mannequin with all parts assembled to show the full garment.
Inner shot (without mannequin parts): Photograph the garment from inside, focusing on the areas where the mannequin parts will be removed (usually neck or shoulders). This image helps fill in the hollow areas in editing.
Additional detail shots: Take photos of labels, tags, or special features that might be needed later.
Photography tips:
Use consistent lighting to avoid shadows that complicate editing.
Shoot in RAW for better control over image quality.
Keep the background plain white or neutral to simplify masking.
3. Image Selection and Organization
After the shoot, carefully select the best images for editing.
Choose the main shot that best showcases the garment’s shape.
Pick inner shots that clearly show the garment’s inside details.
Organize photos in folders labeled by product and shot type for efficiency.
4. Initial Editing and Cleanup
Before combining images, basic editing prepares them for seamless compositing.
Color correction: Adjust exposure, white balance, and contrast to keep consistency.
Remove dust or lint: Use spot healing tools to clean imperfections.
Crop and straighten: Align the image and crop for a neat composition.