Los Angeles is a fashion engine—new drops, tight timelines, and shoppers who expect premium visuals. If you sell apparel online, ghost mannequin photography (also called invisible mannequin or hollow man) is one of the most effective ways to show true shape, drape, and construction without using a live model. This guide explains what it is, when to use it, and how Zeelum’s LA studio delivers consistent, marketplace-ready results at scale.
What is ghost mannequin photography?
Ghost mannequin is a product photography technique that makes clothing appear worn—without showing a model or the mannequin. We photograph a garment on a fitted form, capture a few “interior” plates (like the inner collar or lining), then composite those layers in post so the mannequin disappears and the neckline/inner details remain visible. The result: clean, three-dimensional images that highlight silhouette, structure, and finishing details.
Why LA brands love it
- 3D realism, without distractions – Shoppers see how a piece actually hangs and fits.
- Catalog consistency – Perfect for large SKU counts, replenishments, and colorways.
- Efficient & scalable – Faster and more cost-effective than on-model for core PDP needs.
- Lower friction on returns – Clearer visuals help set accurate expectations.
Ghost mannequin vs. flat lay vs. on-model
USE THE RIGHT TOOL
Ghost Mannequin – Best for tops, dresses, outerwear, and denim where depth matters. Great for PDPs, wholesale portals, and line sheets.
Flat Lay – Ideal for basics and accessories. Fast and budget-friendly, but looks 2D and can hide shape.
On-Model – Highest lifestyle impact and essential for campaign/editorial, lookbooks, and ads. Use for hero styles; support the rest with ghost or flat lay.
How we shoot it at Zeelum LA (our proven workflow)
- Pre-production & styling
- Fit map: match garment size to the correct mannequin form for real-world proportions.
- Prep: steam, de-lint, pin, and shape for symmetry; standardize hem, cuff, and placket treatments.
- Shot list by SKU: front, back, inside plates (collar/lining), plus detail macros as needed.
- On-set lighting & capture
- Uniform light recipe for consistent whites and true color across the entire collection.
- Primary angles + required detail plates for compositing.
- Post-production
- Composite exterior and interior plates to remove the mannequin.
- Retouch to smooth minor wrinkles, hide labels/tags as requested, refine symmetry, and unify edges.
- Color QA against a master sample or brand swatches.
- Delivery
- Web-ready JPEGs (white or transparent background), marketplace-compliant margins, consistent aspect ratios and file naming.
- High-resolution masters (3000px, 300 dpi) available for zooms, catalogs, and wholesale sheets.
- Optional layered files upon request.
Why this works in LA: Our studio is built for high-volume apparel with repeatable lighting, properly sized forms, and a retouch pipeline that keeps weekly drops on schedule—without sacrificing polish.
What affects pricing and turnaround?
- Complexity: sheer or glossy fabrics, reflective trims, interior linings, and asymmetric shapes require more styling and retouch time.
- Angles & deliverables: front/back only vs. multiple detail plates, alternate crops, or transparent backgrounds.
- Volume: batching SKUs reduces unit cost and speeds colorway rollouts.
- Rush needs: accelerated timelines are available; standard scheduling keeps rates lower.
Tip: For a precise estimate, share your SKU count, example styles, preferred angles, marketplace specs (Amazon/Shopify/wholesale), and your launch dates.
Pre-shoot checklist for apparel teams (copy/paste)
- Finalized shot list per SKU (front, back, inside plates, detail macros)
- Mannequin size mapping (avoid stretch-pin distortions)
- Finish standards (steam, de-lint, thread snips, label-hide rules)
- Color policy (master color per style; tolerance notes per fabric)
- Export specs (background, margins, aspect, min 3000px on the long edge, file naming)
- Retouch scope (wrinkles, symmetry, minor dust, label removal, logo visibility)
- Delivery (web JPEGs + optional layered masters)
Common mistakes (and how we avoid them)
- Neckline gaps or warping → solved with the right form size and clean interior plates.
- Inconsistent whites → solved with calibrated lighting, exposure targets, and batch corrections.
- Color drift across SKUs → solved with master color references and fabric-specific LUTs.
- Over-retouching → solved with brand-approved standards that preserve natural fabric texture.
FAQs
What is ghost mannequin photography?
A technique that composites multiple images so the mannequin disappears, leaving a clean, 3D representation of the garment—including neckline and interior details.
Is ghost mannequin better than flat lay?
For most structured tops, dresses, and outerwear—yes. You’ll get realistic shape and fit cues. Flat lay is fine for basics and accessories when speed and budget are the priority.
How much does it cost in Los Angeles?
Budgets vary by garment complexity, number of angles, and volume. We’ll quote per project; batching SKUs typically reduces your per-image cost.
How fast is the turnaround?
Standard timelines cover prep, capture, and post for your SKU count; rush options are available. Share your drop dates and we’ll align.
What file formats do you deliver?
Web-ready JPEGs (white or transparent background) with consistent margins and aspect ratios; high-res 3000px/300 dpi masters for zooms and print. Layered files on request.
LA brand? Let’s make your PDPs sing.
Book your ghost mannequin shoot at Zeelum LA. We’ll align to your brand style guide, deliver consistent color and margins across the entire collection, and keep your release calendar moving.
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