The choice between Ghost Mannequin photography and Flat Lay images comes down to your budget, product type, and target audience.
For example, if you're selling high-end custom suits, ghost mannequin photography is a must to showcase a professional look in your online store. But if you're selling simpler items like scarves or affordable T-shirts, flat lay photos can work just as well.
Experienced online store owners often know which type of image works best for different products like dresses, sweaters, tops, and pants. Many mix and match both styles to create content for their website, social media, ads, and other platforms.
In this guide, we’ll break down the benefits and best uses of both Ghost Mannequin and Flat Lay photography. We like both methods and will explain when we recommend each to our clients.
Why Ghost Mannequin photography is so popular:
- It helps online shoppers see how clothing would look on a person, making the shopping experience feel more like in-store.
- It gives buyers a clearer idea of how the item will fit, helping them picture themselves wearing it.
Pros:
- Easy to set up with simple, cheap props like clips, pins, and tape.
- Produces lively, realistic images compared to flat lay photos, which can look flat.
- You can add accessories or other items to create a complete outfit.
Cons:
- Editing the photos after the shoot can be expensive and time-consuming.
- High-quality mannequins with removable parts can be pricey.
- The lighting setup can be tricky, so it's best to hire professionals for the best results.
What is Ghost Mannequin photography used for?
Ghost mannequin photography is often used to create high-quality images of:
Tops:
- T-shirts
- Shirts
- Cardigans
- Jackets
- Coats
Bottoms:
- Jeans
- Pants
- Shorts
- Underwear
- Socks
Other clothing:
- Dresses
- Hats
This technique is especially popular in premium clothing stores where products have fine details. It's also great for larger items like coats and jackets, which don't look as good in flat lay images.
If photographers don’t have advanced mannequins with removable parts, they usually take two shots of tops—one from the front and one from the back—and edit them together to remove the mannequin.
Now, let's quickly dive into tabletop photography and see how Flat Lay images differ from ghost mannequin shots.
What is Flat Lay Photography?
Flat lay photography, also called tabletop photography, is a technique where you take pictures of items arranged on a flat surface from above. It’s commonly used for jewelry, fashion accessories, cosmetics, and, for our focus, clothing and fashion pieces.
Why is it Popular?
- Easy for Everyone: It’s a simple way to create realistic eCommerce images that don’t require much equipment or advanced skills.
- Consistent Results: Flat lay photography allows for uniformity in a series of shots with minimal editing.
Pros:
- Beginner-Friendly: Setting up items and lighting is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for newcomers.
- Versatile: You can photograph almost anything in flat lay style—individual items, groups, on white or colored backgrounds. It’s great for eCommerce and social media, like Instagram collages.
- Affordable: You can use natural light and inexpensive reflector boards for your shots. For professional results, hiring a photography studio is recommended.
Cons:
- Consistency is Key: You need to be careful to maintain a consistent look. This includes marking the surface for symmetry and securing the camera in place.
- Lighting Limitations: If you’re using natural light, your shooting time is limited because the light changes throughout the day.
- Not Ideal for Large Items: Bigger items, like coats and long dresses, can appear stretched or awkward in flat lay images.
What is Flat Lay Photography Used For?
Flat lay photography is versatile and commonly used for:
- Clothing:
- Tops: T-shirts, shirts, sweaters, cardigans, bras, jackets, and dresses.
- Bottoms: Jeans, skirts, trousers, shorts, socks, and underwear.
- Jewelry: Showcasing necklaces, rings, bracelets, and other pieces.
- Accessories and Bags: Displaying items like scarves, hats, belts, and handbags.
- Beauty and Cosmetics: Featuring products like makeup, skincare items, and perfumes.
Why Use Flat Lay Photography?
- Flexible Style: You can create flat lay photos that are either formal or casual, depending on your needs.
- Creative Options: Use colored or textured backgrounds, play with shadows, add fun props, or include a human hand to make your images more dynamic and engaging for social media.
Considerations:
- Avoiding Boredom: Without creative touches, flat lay images can appear dull.
- Balancing Elements: It’s important to find a good balance between props and product focus to ensure the image isn’t too busy or distracting.
Tips from Professionals in Ghost Mannequin and Flat Lay Product Photography
1. Hire a Professional When You Can
- High-quality images are key to driving sales. Investing in a professional photo studio can make a big difference. Poor images can turn potential customers away, so it’s important to prioritize great visuals in your marketing budget.
2. Use Tissue Paper for Volume and Dimension
- Tissue paper is a handy tool in photography, often used without people realizing it. Adding layers of tissue to flat lay images of T-shirts can create depth and make the clothing look more lifelike. For jeans, use stiffer materials that can mimic the shape of human legs, including creases at the knees. When photographing a hoodie on a mannequin, stuff the hood with tissue for added shape.
3. Stock Up on Clips, Double-Sided Tape, and Pins
- Whether you’re using ghost mannequin or flat lay techniques, having clips, pins, and double-sided tape ready is essential. Clips can help shape dresses for a flattering fit or adjust the size for smaller mannequins. You can use clips on jeans to shape them for both front and back shots. For showcasing features like silk linings, double-sided tape can secure parts of the garment for a more dynamic look. Always be prepared with these tools during your shoot.
4. Tuck in Sides for Flat Lay Tops
- When photographing T-shirts, sweaters, or jumpers in a flat lay style, tucking in the sides helps create a more realistic look. This small adjustment adds a sense of movement and liveliness to the clothing.
5. Choose Between Symmetry and Asymmetry
- For items like hoodies with strings, make sure they are pulled evenly for a neat appearance. However, creative shots can embrace asymmetry, like tying the strings in a casual knot for a relaxed vibe. For online store images, maintain symmetry to create a clean look; customers prefer visuals that are orderly. Asymmetrical shots are better suited for social media and creative campaigns.
6. Maintain Consistency Across Shots
- Use markers to keep items at the same distance from the camera, and consider using a tripod or C-stand for stability. Consistent lighting is also important, no matter the weather. This approach will help create a cohesive series of images that look professional and reliable, making customers more comfortable and likely to buy.
7. Utilize Both Techniques When Appropriate
- If your marketing budget allows, consider using both ghost mannequin and flat lay photography for the same clothing item. For example, when selling custom tweed jackets with leather lining, ghost mannequin shots can show the jacket styled with a shirt and tie, while flat lay images can highlight details like labels or pockets. You can also create engaging flat lay collages with props to enhance your visuals.
Final Thought
Now that you’re familiar with essential tips for different types of commercial photography, check out how BZM Graphics delivers high-quality visuals for eCommerce businesses worldwide.
