Invisible Mannequin
Category: Photography Technique, Post-Production
Definition: Another term for ghost mannequin technique—photographing garments on mannequins then digitally removing the mannequin to show clothing in 3D hollow form. Creates professional product presentation showing interior and exterior simultaneously.
Why It Matters: More affordable than model photography; shows 3D garment shape; demonstrates fit and construction; provides consistent presentation; shows interior details; faster production than on-model photography.
Use Cases: E-commerce product photography, high-volume catalog production, showcasing garment construction, showing interior labels and linings, maintaining visual consistency across large collections.
Example of Real Use Case: A B2B apparel wholesaler uses invisible mannequin technique for their 2,000+ SKU catalog, creating professional 3D presentations that help retailers understand product construction while keeping photography costs 70% lower than on-model alternatives.
Software/Service: Adobe Photoshop, professional retouching services, mannequin forms and neck joints, specialized clipping path services
Common Issues: Time-consuming post-production, visible seams at merge points, inconsistent lighting, collar and neckline distortion, difficulty with flowing or draped fabrics, quality variation across editors.
Do's and Don'ts:
✓ Do use consistent mannequin sizes
✓ Do photograph with identical lighting setup
✓ Do capture interior and exterior separately
✓ Do maintain edge quality and realism
✗ Don't rush photography phase
✗ Don't use different lighting for different angles
✗ Don't accept visible merge lines
Related Terms: Ghost Mannequin, Neck Joint, E-commerce Photography, Product Photography, Clipping Path
Also Known As: Ghost Mannequin, Hollow Man, 3D Mannequin Effect