Ghost Mannequin
Category: Photography Technique, Post-Production
Definition: A photography technique where garments are photographed on mannequins or forms, then the mannequin is digitally removed in post-production to create a hollow, three-dimensional product display. Shows both exterior and interior details while suggesting human form.
Why It Matters: More cost-effective than model photography while showing 3D shape; demonstrates fit and construction; shows interior details like labels and linings; provides consistency across large catalogs; faster production than on-model shoots.
Use Cases: E-commerce product pages, high-volume catalog production, shirts, jackets, dresses, showing interior construction details, maintaining visual consistency across hundreds of SKUs.
Example of Real Use Case: A men's shirt retailer photographs 300 dress shirts using ghost mannequin technique in 3 days, creating professional 3D presentations at one-third the cost of hiring models, while showing collar construction and interior label details.
Software/Service: Adobe Photoshop, specialized retouching services (Pixelz, Path, Clipping Path India), ghost mannequin forms, neck joints
Common Issues: Visible seams where images merge, inconsistent lighting between front and back shots, time-consuming post-production, difficulty with draped fabrics, collar and neckline distortion, misaligned garment pieces.
Do's and Don'ts:
✓ Do use consistent mannequin sizes throughout shoot
✓ Do photograph front and interior back separately with same lighting
✓ Do use proper styling pins and clips
✓ Do maintain consistent camera position
✗ Don't rush the photography phase
✗ Don't use different lighting setups for front and back
✗ Don't skip quality control on final composites
Related Terms: Invisible Mannequin, Flat Lay, E-commerce Photography, Clipping Path, AI Retouching, Neck Joint
Also Known As: Invisible Mannequin, Hollow Man Effect, Neck Joint Service, 3D Mannequin