A ghost mannequin effect is a great tool that brings your product to life. It gives your product dimension. Also, it highlights those parts and features which would otherwise have been overshadowed by a model or a mannequin. There are professional agencies to help but you can also opt for ghost mannequin online tutorials in case of an emergency or a budget crunch. In this article, we will discuss ways you can set up the whole process in your Photoshop. So, let us start without further ado!
What is a Ghost Mannequin Effect?
Also known as invisible mannequin photography, it is used by brands in order to give their items the 3D, hollow man effect. In particular, this technique is useful for apparel like jeans, jackets, shirts, and blazers. The customers can better imagine them in these garments with the help of the invisible mannequin effect. They can visualize the products in their minds. And you give your products and your brand a professional touch. So you can understand how important a tool it is for businesses. But getting the details right is quite tricky. We hope that this ghost mannequin online tutorial helps you!
Step 1: Choose Your Mannequin
Firstly, you need to prepare your studio and get it ready for the shoot. Then, you should have a good quality mannequin ready. A model can be used as well. However, with mannequins, you get consistent pictures. A live model will not be able to hold the same position. It is impossible for a human being to give the exact expression or stand in the same posture for too long. Also, keep in mind that you will have to digitally sew two images together.
Mannequins are available in different poses. A traditional store can mix it up. But for online sites, you have to make sure that it looks natural and strange. A mannequin that has its hip out and arms bent won’t give you the desired results. For sleeved products, you need a mannequin with arms. For shirts or jackets, a translucent one will help. The choice of mannequin is important as this will help you in the editing stage.
Step 2: Setting Up the Studio
You need a white backdrop so that the colors are not overexposed. It is also vital to ensure that the true colors of your product are not obscured. The white backdrop also reflects the light onto your picture. Moreover, it is much easier to remove later while editing. A tripod helps you position your camera in a steady manner that enables you to capture the entire frame. Ensure proper lighting for the best picture. The next step is getting your mannequin ready. Make sure that there are no creases and stains. Though you can edit them out, wet cloth and iron can save you time. Position your mannequin in a way that you get a clear and well-lit image of the product.
Step 3: Taking Photos
The first image is a simple picture of the front of the mannequin. The second one is of the back but with the garment inside out. This is done to show the tag and the lower back of the hem. The trick part is that the setting and the position of the camera will remain unchanged. Thus, a tripod and a mannequin are best suited.
Next up is the editing part.
Step 4: Editing to Create the Ghost Mannequin Effect
Now, we will stitch these images together for the invisible mannequin effect. For this, you need to import the images to your computer and open them in Photoshop. You now need to edit your images using the tools and options provided by Photoshop.
And once you are done editing, you get a perfect product image that shows the best features of your product.
Tips for a Natural Looking Ghost Mannequin Effect
Given below are some pointers that you should keep in mind while editing.
∙ Set the eraser tool on brush mode. It should have an opacity of 25%.
∙ Set the brush tool to black and at an opacity of 15%. Using this, create a natural-looking shadow in the area where the front and the rear meet. Your product will have some dimension and will also look more real.
∙ Do not go overboard! A few strokes can give a fine illusion of depth.
Final Words
It is crucial that your buyers can visualize themselves in your products. The better they can, the more they will buy. Using mannequins helps you during budget crunch and tight schedules. But you need proper editing for the best results. This article shows, albeit in a nutshell, how to do ghost mannequins online. But for best results, you must seek out professional agencies. They can help you with the most challenging projects while maintaining deadlines.