What Is Ghost Mannequin Photography? Everything You Need to Know
- sgretov3
- May 8
- 3 min read
Introduction
In the world of e-commerce and fashion photography, presentation is everything. Customers want to visualize how products fit and move—without the distractions of models or visible mannequins. That’s where ghost mannequin photography comes in. This powerful technique creates a clean, professional, and dimensional product image that makes apparel look its best online.
At Momentum NYC, we brought this method to life for a luxury shoot with one of fashion’s top designers Peter Do, delivering flawless results that captured every intricate design element with clarity and elegance.
What Is Ghost Mannequin Photography?
Ghost mannequin photography (sometimes called invisible mannequin photography) involves photographing apparel on a mannequin and then removing the mannequin in post-production. This gives the appearance that the clothing is floating, maintaining its shape.
This technique allows brands to:
Highlight fit and structure of garments
Customer-focused: Helps customers better understand how clothes fit and fall on a human body.
Consistent results: Offers a uniform style across product listings, improving brand cohesion.
Whether you're showcasing jackets, shirts, dresses, or pants, ghost mannequin images offer a professional and uniform look perfect for online stores and product catalogs.
The Process: How It Works
At Momentum NYC, our workflow includes:
1. Preparing the Garment Steam and style the garment to ensure a perfect presentation on the mannequin.
2. Photography Session We shoot multiple angles, including detailed shots of interior labels, collars, and hems. Additional shots of sleeves or necklines (known as “plates”) are captured to fill in gaps later.
3. Post-Production Editing Our expert retouchers remove the mannequin and composite the plates seamlessly to create the "ghost" effect. This results in a clean, floating garment with beautiful shape retention.
Why Choose Ghost Mannequin Photography?
E-Commerce Friendly Ghost mannequin photography offers a clean and distraction-free view ideal for online shoppers.
Brand Consistency Perfectly uniform product shots improve brand credibility and make your online store more cohesive.
Showcase Garment Details Intricate details like stitching, lining, or logos can be captured and highlighted effectively.
Case Study: Our Shoot for Peter Do
For Peter Do, known for architectural silhouettes and luxury craftsmanship, ghost mannequin photography was the ideal choice. The collection required showcasing structure, texture, and premium detailing — all while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
Our team executed this flawlessly, delivering images that brought the garments to life while preserving Peter Do’s brand ethos.
Ghost Mannequin vs Other Photography Styles
While ghost mannequin is ideal for many apparel products, it may not suit every scenario. Fashion lookbooks or lifestyle brands often opt for model-based shoots for a more relatable, aspirational feel. Flat lay and Pin Ups photography, meanwhile, works best for accessories and casual apparel.
(For an in-depth comparison, see our post: Ghost Mannequin vs Pin Up vs Flat Photography →)
FAQ
Why is it called "ghost" or "invisible" mannequin photography?
The term "ghost" or "invisible" refers to the illusion created—clothing looks 3D and shaped as if worn, but no model or mannequin is visible, giving it a "ghostly" appearance.
Is Ghost Mannequin photography expensive?
No — it’s generally more affordable than hiring models and delivers highly professional results. However it is slightly pricier than simpler photography styles like Pin Ups or Flat lays because it involves shooting multiple images (e.g., front, back, and interior details) and compositing them together during editing, it tends to be more time- and labor-intensive.
Can you photograph all clothing types this way?
Most garments can be shot using ghost mannequin techniques, though very flowy or transparent items may require creative adjustments.
How long does editing take?
Our studio typically delivers ghost mannequin images within 3-5 business days depending on volume.
Can I use Ghost Mannequin images for all my eCommerce listings?Absolutely. They are especially effective for online fashion retailers who want a clean, uniform look across all product pages
Do I need a special mannequin for ghost photography?
Yes, it requires a mannequin with detachable parts (e.g., neck, arms, chest plates) to make editing easier and to photograph hidden areas like collars and inner linings. At Momentum we have various sizes and shapes which cater to all brand needs.
Ready to elevate your brand’s product photography?
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