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Ghost Mannequin Photography on a Tight-Fitting Dress
Follow this tutorial to discover how to photograph a zip-up hoodie on a ghost mannequin using PhotoRobot’s_Cube and automation software.
Expanding on our product photography tutorials, this guide shows how to photograph a zip-up hoodie on a ghost mannequin. Using a ghost mannequin, you make apparel appear to be worn by an invisible model. Some also call this the “hollow person” effect.
To achieve the effect, we use PhotoRobot’s_Cube, and our ghost mannequin - a special mannequin with removable pieces. Removing parts such as the arms, neck, and chest allows us to photograph clothes without the mannequin visible.
Ghost mannequin photography creates a “full-bodied” 3D effect on clothing. This allows customers to your online fashion store to more effectively visualize how your brand’s clothing would look on them.
Read further for a step-by-step tutorial of the process. We’ll share how to photograph a zip-up hoodie on a ghost mannequin, and what cameras, lighting, and equipment to use.
Our standard setup for any ghost mannequin photography revolves around the_Cube. This device quickly transforms into a rotating mannequin for fashion photography. It boasts a system for quick mannequin exchange, and together with PhotoRobot_Controls streamlines workflow in the studio no matter the project.
The software has functions for style guides and for what we call Chromakey, which automatically removes mannequin poles in final images. It also automates the process of compositing photos to create the ghost mannequin effect.
Beyond the_Cube, you also need the following equipment in your workspace.
Getting started, the first step is simply putting the zip-up hoodie on the ghost mannequin. Unzip the hoodie, pull the arms into the sleeves and then pull them down neatly.
Pay careful attention that there are no visible creases and that you style the shoulders straight and even.
Next, we need to ensure both sleeves are symmetrical for the photoshoot. Level the arms, making sure they’re both in identical positions.
The main thing here is that you don’t want one arm sticking out more than the other for the camera. Line the arms up evenly, checking they look the same from the side and front views.
Now, we need to remove the neck piece from the mannequin. This way the camera can capture the zip-up’s inner lining. Detach the neck and move it out of the scene.
In the next step, we style the hood for a ghost mannequin effect. This is where we use styling accessories and tools, including clips, pins, and tissue paper.
Use the styling clips and pins to give the hoodie a fitted look around the neckline. Then, showcase the hood by padding it with tissue paper to make it look more attractive and rounded.
And just like that, we’re almost ready to photograph our hoodie on a ghost mannequin. All we need to do now is pull the drawstrings so that they’re nice, loose and even.
You don’t want to pull the hood too tight and scrunch it up, so first pull around the hood to make sure it’s completely open. From here, pull the strings so that they line up symmetrically and hang loosely down the front of the hoodie.
Finally, thanks to our suite of software for automation and control, it’s time for the easy part. Moving to the control station, the process from here takes no time and becomes routine on any torso.
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