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Information focused on eCommerce product image editing & post-production

How Do You Use a Ghost Mannequin Effect?

how to use ghost mannequin effect

In the world of clothing and fashion retail, the appearance of an outfit on a person greatly influences its sales. As having live models is not always possible, mannequins frequently take their place.

The ghost mannequin effect is a technique used in product photography to create a floating or invisible mannequin effect for clothing items. This creates an illusion of the product being worn, allowing customers to better visualize the fit and appearance of the item. By using this technique, eCommerce websites can improve the quality of their product images and enhance the customer experience, which can ultimately lead to increased sales.

Studies have shown that high-quality images can have a significant impact on conversion rates. According to a survey, 93% of customers consider product images to be the most important factor in their purchase decision. Additionally, a study by AdRoll found that retargeted ads with high-quality images had a conversion rate that was 4.5 times higher than retargeted ads with low-quality images.

Ecommerce website owners can leverage the ghost mannequin effect to create more compelling and realistic images of their products. By using specialized software and photography techniques, they can remove the mannequin and display the product in a way that provides customers with a clear understanding of the fit, style, and appearance of the item. This can result in increased customer engagement and confidence in the product, which can drive higher sales and conversion rates.

In this guide, we will show you how Pixel By Hand photo editors have been implementing the ghost mannequin effect to help clients create more professional product images. Working with numerous eCommerce brands for years, we’ve mastered this technique and can provide you with a cost-effective way to get high-quality photos of your products.

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Do Clothes Sell Better on a Mannequin?

Clothes sell better on a mannequin because they provide customers with a visual representation of what the product will look like when worn. This is especially important in the eCommerce world where customers are unable to physically touch and try on clothing items before making a purchase. A mannequin offers a lifelike representation of the product, giving customers a better idea of the fit, style, and overall look of the clothing item.

For example, let’s take a look at a women’s clothing store. If the store were to display its products on a hanger, customers would only be able to see the front of the item and may not be able to get a good sense of the fit or draping of the fabric.

However, by displaying the item on a mannequin, customers can see the product from multiple angles and get a better sense of how it will look when worn. They can see how the item fits around the waist, how it drapes across the chest, and how the fabric flows and moves. This information is invaluable in helping customers make informed purchasing decisions.

Mannequins can also be used to showcase different styles and combinations. For instance, a women’s clothing store can use a mannequin to display a complete outfit, including accessories such as shoes, jewelry, and a handbag. This not only gives customers an idea of how the clothing item will look when worn, but it also provides inspiration for how they can style the product themselves. This type of visual merchandising has been shown to increase sales and drive customer engagement.

This benefit can also be seen in men’s clothing. When displaying a suit, a mannequin allows customers to see how the jacket and pants fit together, how the jacket drapes across the shoulders, and how the pants sit on the hips. A suit displayed on a hanger will not provide this level of detail, making it much more difficult for customers to envision how the product will look when worn.

Ultimately, for online clothing businesses seeking to boost consumer engagement and sales, mannequins are a must-have tool. By showcasing how the product would look on an actual person rather than just displaying it flatly or hung up, customers can make informed decisions without any doubt they’re making the right choice. Mannequins present shoppers with all of the information they require before committing to purchase – enabling them to feel secure in their selection.

ghost mannequin effect on white shirt

How Do Ghost Mannequins Work?

Ghost mannequins are used to create product images that display the clothing item without a visible mannequin. This is done by using specialized software and photography techniques to “cut out” or remove the mannequin in post-production. The result is an image that appears as if it’s been taken on a person instead of a mannequin, giving customers a much clearer understanding of what the product will look like when worn.

At Pixel By Hand, we have implemented this ghost mannequin effect to create professional product images for our clients. We first start by taking multiple photos of the clothing item from different angles and then use specialized software to cut out or remove the mannequin from the photos. The result is a product image that looks as if it was taken on the actual person rather than a mannequin, giving customers an even better understanding of how the item will look when they receive it.

The ghost mannequin effect can also be used to create animations and videos featuring clothing items. By combining multiple photos and layering them, we are able to create a realistic video that shows how the item looks when moved or worn. Animations like this can be used on websites and social media platforms to engage customers and boost sales.

Overall, the ghost mannequin effect is a great tool for businesses selling clothing items online. By using the effect to create professional product images, animations, and videos customers can get a better understanding of the clothing item before they make a purchase.

ghost mannequin technique

How Do You Take a Ghost Mannequin Picture?

The goal of ghost mannequin photography is to create an illusion of the product being worn, allowing customers to better visualize the fit and appearance of the item. To achieve this, you need to take the following steps:

Step 1: Gather the necessary equipment

Before taking a ghost mannequin picture, it is important to have the right equipment. You will need a camera, a tripod, a light source, a mannequin, and a seamless background.

A camera with manual control options is best for this type of photography, as you will want to control the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve the desired effect.

A tripod is also essential to keep your camera steady and prevent any blurring of the image.

A light source such as a softbox or umbrella can help you control the lighting and create a more professional-looking image.

A mannequin is necessary to hold the clothing item in place, and a seamless background can help to create a clean and distraction-free environment.

Step 2: Prepare the mannequin

Once you have your equipment ready, it’s time to prepare the mannequin. Make sure the mannequin is properly dressed in the clothing item you want to photograph. You may need to make some adjustments to the fit of the clothing to ensure it looks natural on the mannequin. Pay close attention to details such as creases, wrinkles, and folds, as these will be important when editing the image later.

Step 3: Set up the lighting

Lighting is critical in ghost mannequin photography, as it can greatly impact the final result. You will want to use a light source to illuminate the clothing item and create a bright, evenly-lit image. The type of light source you use will depend on the look you are trying to achieve.

For example, a softbox can help to create a softer, more natural-looking light, while an umbrella can create a more dramatic effect. Experiment with different light sources and positioning until you find the look that works best for your product.

Step 4: Take the picture

Once you have the mannequin and lighting set up, it’s time to take the picture. Place the mannequin and camera on the tripod, and use the manual controls to set the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve the desired exposure. Take several shots from different angles to ensure you have a good selection to choose from later.

Step 5: Edit the image

Editing your photos is the last crucial step. This is where you will remove the mannequin and create the illusion of the product being worn. It also helps improve the overall quality of the image and makes it look more professional.

There are a variety of tools you can use to edit your photos, such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. You may also want to consider using a ghost mannequin photo editor like Pixel by Hand, which has specialized features designed to simplify the editing process and help you create the perfect ghost mannequin photo.

Start by making basic edits such as cropping and adjusting the brightness and contrast of the image. Then, use the clone stamp or content-aware fill tools to remove the mannequin and blend the edges of the clothing item. Pay close attention to details such as creases, wrinkles, and folds, as these will be important in creating a realistic, wearable image.

Once you have finished editing, you should be left with a professional-looking product image that is sure to impress customers.

editing ghost mannequin effect

How Do You Take Good Pictures of Mannequin Clothes

How you photograph your mannequin clothes depends on the look you are trying to achieve. Whether you’re shooting for a fashion catalog or an eCommerce website, there are some key steps you should follow to ensure your photos look professional and attractive.

  • Choose the right background: A plain and neutral background like white or light gray can provide a clean and professional look for your mannequin clothes pictures. This will help the clothes stand out and grab the attention of potential customers.
  • Proper Lighting: Good lighting is key to taking great pictures of mannequin clothes. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not available, use a soft box light to provide even and soft lighting. Avoid harsh shadows and over-exposure.
    Use the right mannequin: Choose a mannequin that is appropriately sized for the clothing you’re photographing. It should fit the clothing well and provide a flattering representation of the garment.
  • Style the mannequin: Take the time to style the mannequin by positioning it in a way that showcases the clothing to its best advantage. Pay attention to details such as buttons, zippers, and pockets.
  • Experiment with angles: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles to find the one that showcases the clothing in the most appealing way. Try shooting from above, below, or at a slight angle to find the best view.
  • High-quality camera and lens: Invest in a high-quality camera and lens to capture sharp and clear images. This will give your online shop an edge over your competition and help you stand out in the market.
  • Edit and enhance: Use photo editing software to enhance your images by adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness. You can also use it to remove any distracting elements and to make any necessary corrections.
  • Multiple shots: Take multiple shots of the same garment from different angles to give your customers a comprehensive view of the item. This can also help you choose the best shot for your online shop.
  • Show scale: Use props or include people in your shots to give customers a sense of scale and to show how the clothing might look on a real person.
  • Product descriptions: Accompany your images with detailed product descriptions that provide information about the garment’s materials, care instructions, and sizing. This will help potential customers make informed purchasing decisions.

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Pixel By Hand Ghost Mannequin Photo Editing Service

Pixel by Hand offers a professional ghost mannequin photo editing service for online stores. Our experienced team of designers can help you create perfect images that capture the true essence of your product. We offer high-quality image editing services such as color correction, background removal, image clipping path, and photo retouching to make sure your product photos look their best.

By outsourcing your photo editing needs, you can free up your team’s valuable time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business. Instead of spending countless hours editing images and perfecting their shots, they could focus on other important aspects of running their business.

Not only is outsourcing photo editing services incredibly efficient, but it’s also much more affordable than the cost of buying equipment and software to do the job internally. Since our team has years of experience using professional photo editing software and techniques, we have a keen eye for detail. We understand how to showcase clothing in a way that captures the customer’s attention and entices them to make a purchase.

Start your FREE trial today! Chat with us to get started. We can’t wait to show you how our ghost mannequin photo editing services can help your online store stand out from the competition.

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