How ghost mannequin is useful in product photography?

Retailers often use some kind of mannequins or other such dummy figures for showcasing the final product. It was earlier believed that customers get a better idea if products are showcased on such models. The exact shape, size and fitting is clearer when used on a mannequin.

However, with the ever expanding online world, online shoppers have started to become very particular about what they buy. Majority of customers take a close look at the product instead of the mannequin, which is why most retailers prefer to do away with the mannequin altogether.

Ghost mannequin means removing the mannequin altogether (of course after shot with the mannequin) and allowing the product to be shown without any extra support. That is why it is called ‘ghost mannequin’ as the product stays intact without any dummy.

6 advantages of using ghost mannequin in product photography

Ghost mannequin, also known as Neck Joint, Bottom Joint and similar other names, is an important photo retouching technique. The motive behind using this feature is to make the mannequin invisible and enhancing the product. Let us look at some of the benefits of using this feature.

1. Makes the product clear: Removing the mannequin from the background enhances the image altogether. It gives a clearer view of the garment and helps customers look at the product from different angles.
2. Removes unappealing views: At times a garment being worn by a mannequin might not be too appealing. For example, the chest height might not be properly adjusted thus dissuading customers from buying the product. Removing the mannequin completely would yield better results.
3. Puts complete focus on the product: Mannequins are considered to be distractions. An online shopper is only interested on what is being sold, instead of other unnecessary background images. Ghost mannequin feature allows customers to aim at the product and avoid getting confused.
4. Allows different views of the product: Removing the mannequin allows customers to get different views of the same garment. Top view, bottom view, inside view, side view and overall view is possible when there is no mannequin attached to the product.
5. Reduces the total cost: When you use a model to showcase a product, the budget gets doubled. It is not only the product manufacturing cost, but you need to keep in mind the model’s cost as well. Online retailers pay just half the price to use ghost mannequin service and thus save money for Amazon product editing.
6. Saves time: Models take a lot of time right from getting ready for a photo-shoot to changing to a new dress. This not only becomes time consuming but the shoot goes on for days, sometimes even weeks. Instead, if you use ghost mannequin service, you would save time and display more items on the same platform.

After having looked at the various benefits of ghost mannequin, it is important to understand that this feature may not apply to all cases.

In order to carry out the ghost mannequin service, you need to have high quality photographs in studio setting. After product photography with mannequin, you also need mannequin removal service prior to displaying the product online.

The photographer should take care of proper lighting, placement of camera and shadow as all of these play a crucial role in getting a good output. Photo retouching has the ability to make a simple product look exclusive, provided you use it the right way.