How to Start Your First Ghost Mannequin Project
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 4:34 am
Starting your first ghost mannequin project can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, especially if you are involved in fashion photography, e-commerce, or product marketing. Ghost mannequin photography — also called invisible mannequin photography — is a specialized technique used to showcase clothing products in a way that highlights their shape and fit without showing a live model. This style creates a “floating” effect where the garment looks worn but the mannequin is invisible, helping customers visualize the product better.
If you want to dive into ghost mannequin editing or photography for the first time, here is a step-by-step guide to help you start your first project smoothly and professionally.
1. Understand What Ghost Mannequin Photography Is
Before you begin, it’s important to understand the concept and ghost mannequin service purpose behind ghost mannequin photography. The goal is to create clean, attractive images where the product (like a shirt, dress, jacket, or pants) looks natural but without a visible mannequin or model.
Typically, this involves photographing the clothing on a mannequin or model and then using photo editing software to remove the mannequin parts, leaving a hollow effect that shows the interior of the garment — like the collar, cuffs, or waistband — enhancing product appeal.
2. Gather Your Equipment and Tools
To start your first ghost mannequin project, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment:
Mannequin or Model: A dress form or mannequin that fits the clothing well is essential. The mannequin should have detachable parts (like neck, arms) to allow for easy editing.
Camera: A DSLR or high-quality mirrorless camera is recommended for sharp images with good resolution.
Lighting: Consistent studio lighting with softboxes or diffusers to avoid harsh shadows and highlight garment details.
Backdrop: A clean, neutral backdrop (usually white or light grey) ensures the focus stays on the clothing.
Photo Editing Software: Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for ghost mannequin editing. Familiarize yourself with layers, masking, and retouching tools.
3. Prepare the Garments and Mannequin
Preparation is key. Ensure the garments are clean, ironed, and free of wrinkles or lint. The better the initial presentation, the less editing required.
Dress the mannequin carefully:
Fit the garment properly to avoid folds or unnatural shapes.
Use pins or clips to keep the garment taut and well-shaped.
For certain parts (like collars or necklines), shoot additional shots with the mannequin parts removed or positioned differently to reveal inside details.
4. Shoot Multiple Angles and Parts
Ghost mannequin photography requires multiple images of the same product:
Main shot: The full garment on the mannequin.
Inside details: Separate shots showing the inside collar, neck, or back (sometimes taken without the mannequin parts).
Additional parts: If the garment has detachable elements (like a hood or sleeves), photograph those separately.
Having these shots allows you to merge and composite them in post-processing to create the ghost mannequin effect.
If you want to dive into ghost mannequin editing or photography for the first time, here is a step-by-step guide to help you start your first project smoothly and professionally.
1. Understand What Ghost Mannequin Photography Is
Before you begin, it’s important to understand the concept and ghost mannequin service purpose behind ghost mannequin photography. The goal is to create clean, attractive images where the product (like a shirt, dress, jacket, or pants) looks natural but without a visible mannequin or model.
Typically, this involves photographing the clothing on a mannequin or model and then using photo editing software to remove the mannequin parts, leaving a hollow effect that shows the interior of the garment — like the collar, cuffs, or waistband — enhancing product appeal.
2. Gather Your Equipment and Tools
To start your first ghost mannequin project, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment:
Mannequin or Model: A dress form or mannequin that fits the clothing well is essential. The mannequin should have detachable parts (like neck, arms) to allow for easy editing.
Camera: A DSLR or high-quality mirrorless camera is recommended for sharp images with good resolution.
Lighting: Consistent studio lighting with softboxes or diffusers to avoid harsh shadows and highlight garment details.
Backdrop: A clean, neutral backdrop (usually white or light grey) ensures the focus stays on the clothing.
Photo Editing Software: Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for ghost mannequin editing. Familiarize yourself with layers, masking, and retouching tools.
3. Prepare the Garments and Mannequin
Preparation is key. Ensure the garments are clean, ironed, and free of wrinkles or lint. The better the initial presentation, the less editing required.
Dress the mannequin carefully:
Fit the garment properly to avoid folds or unnatural shapes.
Use pins or clips to keep the garment taut and well-shaped.
For certain parts (like collars or necklines), shoot additional shots with the mannequin parts removed or positioned differently to reveal inside details.
4. Shoot Multiple Angles and Parts
Ghost mannequin photography requires multiple images of the same product:
Main shot: The full garment on the mannequin.
Inside details: Separate shots showing the inside collar, neck, or back (sometimes taken without the mannequin parts).
Additional parts: If the garment has detachable elements (like a hood or sleeves), photograph those separately.
Having these shots allows you to merge and composite them in post-processing to create the ghost mannequin effect.