How to Photograph Clothes for Ghost Mannequin Images
A simple setup for mannequin, hanger and flat lay photos that give clean ghost mannequin results, and the mistakes that cause bad ones.
A good ghost mannequin image starts with a good source photo. You don't need a studio: a phone, a plain wall and even light are enough. This guide covers the setup that gives the most reliable results, and the mistakes that cause most bad ones.
The basics for every photo
- One garment per photo. Two garments, or a garment half covered by another, confuse the result.
- The whole garment in frame. Leave a little space around it. A cropped hem or sleeve can't be reconstructed.
- Even, soft light. Daylight from a window or two lamps at 45° works well. Avoid a single harsh light that throws deep shadows.
- Shoot straight on. Hold the camera at the height of the chest and parallel to the garment, not tilted up or down.
- A plain background. A white or light gray wall or sheet. Busy backgrounds make edges harder to find.
- Sharp and large enough. At least 800 px on the shortest side; any recent phone camera is fine. Tap to focus on the fabric.
On a mannequin (most reliable)
Mannequin photos give the most consistent results because the garment already has its worn shape.
- Use a light-colored mannequin without printed patterns; very dark or patterned bodies show through thin fabric.
- Button, zip and straighten the garment the way a customer would wear it.
- Photograph the back separately if you need a back view. Back views don't get an inner neck, because you wouldn't see one from behind.
On a hanger
- Hang the garment against a plain wall or door, not in front of other clothes.
- Use a wide, rounded hanger so the shoulders don't come to a point.
- Avoid clip hangers that pinch the fabric, and let the garment hang straight, not twisted.
Laid flat
If you only have flat lay photos, you can still make a ghost mannequin image. The 3D shape is then drawn by the AI, so results vary more.
- Lay the garment on a plain surface, smooth and symmetrical.
- Shoot from directly above, with the phone parallel to the floor.
- Don't fold the sleeves under the body.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Hem or sleeves cut off | Missing parts are guessed or left out | Step back, leave space around the garment |
| Strong shadow on one side | Shadow becomes part of the fabric | Add a second light or shoot near a window |
| Wrinkles and creases | Creases stay in the result | Steam or iron before shooting |
| Mannequin shows through | Dark shapes inside thin fabric | Use a light mannequin or a hanger |
| Photo taken from above or below | Garment looks stretched | Hold the camera level with the chest |
Before you publish
Compare every result with your product. The color, print, logo and shape should match your photo; the inside of the neck is drawn by the AI and can differ from your garment's real inside.