Ghost Mannequin Terminology You Should Know
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2025 10:58 am
In the realm of product photography, especially for fashion and apparel, the ghost mannequin technique stands out as a favorite among eCommerce brands and photographers. It delivers a polished, professional look by presenting garments in a 3D format without showing the mannequin or model. Whether you're a retailer, a photographer, or a designer, understanding the terminology associated with ghost mannequin photography is essential. This knowledge helps streamline communication, ensures consistency, and improves the overall production workflow. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly used ghost mannequin terms you should know.
1. Ghost Mannequin / Invisible Mannequin
These two terms are used interchangeably to describe the photography ghost mannequin service technique where garments are photographed on a mannequin and then the mannequin is digitally removed in post-production. The result is a "hollow" look that showcases the natural shape of the clothing without distractions.
2. Composite Image
A composite image is created by combining multiple images of a product, usually different angles or layers, to create a final seamless photograph. In ghost mannequin editing, this often includes combining front and back views and inserting missing inner areas like the neck or sleeve.
3. Neck Joint
The neck joint is one of the most common edits in ghost mannequin photography. Since the inner collar or neck area is hidden behind the mannequin during the shoot, an extra image is taken showing the inside neck. This is then merged with the main image during editing to complete the hollow look.
4. Sleeve Joint
Similar to the neck joint, the sleeve joint involves adding the inside of the sleeve to make the garment appear realistic and three-dimensional. This is especially important for shirts, blazers, and jackets where arm details matter.
5. Inner Layer Shot / Inside Fill
This refers to the extra image taken of the interior of the garment, often the neckline, hem, or sleeve. These details are used during retouching to create a realistic hollow effect that mimics the look of a real person wearing the garment.
1. Ghost Mannequin / Invisible Mannequin
These two terms are used interchangeably to describe the photography ghost mannequin service technique where garments are photographed on a mannequin and then the mannequin is digitally removed in post-production. The result is a "hollow" look that showcases the natural shape of the clothing without distractions.
2. Composite Image
A composite image is created by combining multiple images of a product, usually different angles or layers, to create a final seamless photograph. In ghost mannequin editing, this often includes combining front and back views and inserting missing inner areas like the neck or sleeve.
3. Neck Joint
The neck joint is one of the most common edits in ghost mannequin photography. Since the inner collar or neck area is hidden behind the mannequin during the shoot, an extra image is taken showing the inside neck. This is then merged with the main image during editing to complete the hollow look.
4. Sleeve Joint
Similar to the neck joint, the sleeve joint involves adding the inside of the sleeve to make the garment appear realistic and three-dimensional. This is especially important for shirts, blazers, and jackets where arm details matter.
5. Inner Layer Shot / Inside Fill
This refers to the extra image taken of the interior of the garment, often the neckline, hem, or sleeve. These details are used during retouching to create a realistic hollow effect that mimics the look of a real person wearing the garment.