New York City is a global hub for creativity and fashion, and its vibrant energy makes it an ideal location for product photography. One of the most effective techniques used in product photography in New York is ghost mannequin photography. This method allows clothing and fashion items to be photographed in a way that makes them appear as if they are being worn without a visible mannequin or model. It’s a clean, professional, and appealing way to showcase apparel, especially for e-commerce websites.
Preparing your products for a ghost mannequin photoshoot requires careful attention to detail to ensure they look their best. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get your garments ready for their close-up.
1. Choose the Right Clothing Samples
Before you even think about photography, it’s essential to choose the right clothing samples. For ghost mannequin photography, it’s crucial to select items that represent your collection perfectly. The garments should be new, free of defects, and represent the exact sizing and fit that you want to showcase.
- Check for consistency: Ensure that the color, fabric quality, and stitching are consistent across all samples.
- Select true-to-size pieces: Use the most standard sizes to represent how the clothing would look when worn by the majority of your customers.
- Prepare backups: Always have extra samples on hand, just in case one item gets damaged or doesn’t photograph as well as expected.
2. Clean and Iron the Garments
Professional photographers and studios take high-resolution shots that capture every little detail. Wrinkles, stains, or lint on your product can detract from its appeal and lead to more post-production work, which can be costly and time-consuming. To avoid these issues:
- Clean thoroughly: Make sure each item is free of stains or marks. Dry clean or wash items, depending on their fabric, so they are spotless.
- Iron or steam press: Wrinkles can make even the highest-quality garment look unappealing. Use a steamer or iron to smooth out all creases.
- Remove lint or fuzz: A lint roller is a must-have tool before any photo shoot. Ensure the garments are pristine and free of any fuzz or pet hair.
3. Style the Garment for Shape
The ghost mannequin effect is all about making the garment appear as if it’s floating or being worn by an invisible figure. For this technique to work effectively, the clothing must hold its shape well. This is where proper styling and preparation come into play:
- Pinning and tucking: If the garment is loose or ill-fitting on the mannequin, use pins to tighten areas like sleeves or the waist. Ensure that the garment appears well-fitted, but don’t overdo it as it can look unnatural.
- Filling out the shape: For items like jackets or blazers, use tissue paper or padding inside the garment to make it look fuller. This trick also works well for long sleeves and pants.
- Flatten the seams: Make sure all seams are straight and the garment looks balanced. Uneven seams can distort the look of the item in photos.
4. Use Appropriate Hangers and Storage
Transportation and handling can cause wrinkles or damage to garments before the photoshoot begins. Storing your items properly can help maintain their appearance:
- Use padded hangers: These prevent the formation of shoulder bumps that regular hangers may cause.
- Garment bags: Store your clothing in protective garment bags to keep them free from dust, moisture, and damage during transportation to the photography studio.
- Avoid folding: If possible, avoid folding clothing items, as creases can be challenging to remove in a minute.
Conclusion
Ghost mannequin photography is a powerful tool in product photography in New York for showcasing apparel. It provides a professional, polished look that highlights the garment’s fit and shape without the distraction of a model or mannequin. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful photoshoot, ensuring that your products look their best and resonate with customers. Whether you’re an emerging fashion brand or an established retailer, the quality of your product photography can significantly impact sales and brand perception.
