Are you low on budget to hire a model? Mannequins and models are ideal for photographing clothing, but they are expensive. Hiring a model may cost you a lot of money. On another note, it may take some time to locate a suitable model for a shoot.

No need to worry; you are in the right place. This article will explain how to take pictures of clothes without a mannequin. But before that, you should know about the difference between mannequin photography and without mannequin photography.

Mannequin Photography Vs Without Mannequin Photography

Contents

Mannequin photography is a popular method used by retailers and clothing brands to showcase their products in a visually appealing way. The use of mannequins allows for the clothing to be displayed on a human-like form, giving customers a sense of how the garment may look on them. This type of photography is often used in catalogs, on websites, and in store displays.
On the other hand, without mannequin photography, clothing is often displayed on hangers or folded on a table, which can make it difficult for customers to envision how the garment may look on them. This type of photography is less common, but can still be used effectively.

Advantages

One of the main advantages of mannequin photography is that it allows for the clothing to be displayed in a more realistic way. When a garment is displayed on a mannequin, customers can see how it may fit and drape on a human body. This can be especially useful for customers who are unsure of their size or how a particular style may look on them. Additionally, mannequin photography can also be used to highlight specific features of a garment, such as a unique collar or a special pocket.
Another advantage of mannequin photography is that it allows for a wide range of poses and angles. This can be especially useful for showcasing different clothing styles and for highlighting different features of a garment. Additionally, mannequin photography can be used to create a sense of movement, which can help to make the clothing appear more dynamic and interesting.

Disadvantages

However, there are also some disadvantages to using mannequin photography. One of the main disadvantages is that it can be expensive. Mannequins are often expensive to purchase and maintain, and the cost of hiring a professional photographer and a model can also add up. Additionally, mannequin photography can also be time-consuming, as the clothing must be carefully arranged on the mannequin and the photographer must take multiple shots to achieve the desired result.
Without mannequin photography, the clothing is often displayed on hangers or folded on a table, which can make it difficult for customers to envision how the garment may look on them. However, this type of photography can still be used effectively. For example, folded clothing can be arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way, and hangers can be used to showcase different styles of clothing. Additionally, without mannequin photography, the cost and time involved in creating a photoshoot can be significantly reduced.


Mannequin photography and without mannequin photography both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Mannequin photography allows for the clothing to be displayed in a more realistic way and allows for a wide range of poses and angles. However, it can be expensive and time-consuming. Without mannequin photography, the clothing is often displayed in a less realistic way, but it can still be used effectively, and the cost and time involved in creating a photoshoot can be significantly reduced. Ultimately, the choice between mannequin photography and without mannequin photography will depend on the specific needs and goals of the retailer or clothing brand.

How to Take Pictures of Clothes?

By following some simple strategic steps, you can take good clothes pictures. You will need a good lighting source and product photography gear. 

Procedure

At first, set up your lighting and gear. The Canon EOS 7D Mk III is suitable for all product photography. You can place the cloth in the center of the table for a photograph. For better tabletop photography, keep your lines tidy and seek symmetry on both sides of the edge.

You may want to use third-party control and place the critical components on a three-by-three grid. Once the cloth is on the table, make sure the neck and shoulders are straight and level. Try to give genders as much natural form as possible. This flat clothing photography is easy and cheap; you can use this method for any product.

Tips

To find the perfect look, move the light source around. Click to shoot when the light is good and there are no wrinkles. Tape the arms and shoulders in place to make the result more appealing.

How to Display Clothes Without a Mannequin

How to Display Clothes Without a Mannequin

An essential part of the whole process is to know how to display clothes. If you cannot do it properly, your photos may not attract an audience. Here are a few ideas on how to show clothes without a dummy.

At a glance, go over the following steps:

Create a Flat Surface

Any brands and retailers want to achieve a higher productivity rate in less product photography setup. First, keep your clothes on a table’s top or a level surface. Then make sure the surface is large enough to surround your products. You can use anything plain and direct as a backdrop. The simplest ideas can do wonders. 

Backdrop Ideas

However, you can make your version of the backdrop. For that, you can use sheet or paper, poster board, carpets, linen, or other comparable items.

Proper Placement

First, shape your clothes, making them visible from all sides. Then, make your figure more accurate by adding tape to it, hangers, sticks, or clasps. It will help you hold it in place while you draw.

Naturalistic Look

It’s an incredible hack to use tissue or paper as fillers to add some volume. Thus, you can give a more exciting look to your project. 

Invisibly Hide the Distracting Aspect

Do not forget to tuck your clothes in from the sides and under your arms. It will make them look more authentic. 

When Setting up the Lighting

When Setting up the Lighting

The best way to take flat-lay clothes photos is with natural light. It makes the images look clean and bright. So, try to take your cloth photos near a big, open window or on the rooftop.

Even so, you might need to use a lamp or studio light to light up your subject.

Be Creative

Let yourself use props around the clothes if you need to. However, write down a few things to ensure everything is in order. Use folded jeans, an empty drink container, and a few pairs of sneakers to make a small table. 

Setting Up the Camera

If you want to keep it in place, you can use a c-stand or a tripod. It is essential to ensure that the camera is on a still level.

Editing

Even if your photos are perfect, it’s possible that the final editing will make them even better. As a result, many flat-lay photographers now use some services. Editing services improve one’s looks. The more you use these services, you’ll be able to get in touch with more people.

Color Correction

Your photos may need some color correction to determine if the clothing needs intense lighting. When you make even small changes, they could significantly impact your long-term goals.

Get Professional Help

Professional post-production photography services can help you with your editing needs. They can help you make necessary edits.

How to Take Pictures of Clothes to Sell?

It is an integral part of fashion photography. Photographers follow their instincts, fashion, trends, and customers’ tastes when they photograph clothes. Online customers cannot touch the clothes.

As there’s nothing else for them to rely upon, pictures must clear up their doubts. Clients generally worry about how long the fabric will last. Some think of how the dress will look on them, and whether it’s trendy.

Ghost Mannequin

Mannequins are an essential aspect of the fashion industry’s clothes presentation. It allows clients to visualize how they will appear in the clothing they consider purchasing. The main goal here is to bring the products to life. 

Why Ghost Mannequin?

If you work in the fashion sector, you will have to rely on pricey models or mannequins that do not resemble actual people. As a result, ghost mannequin services have become a popular choice because they are the only viable alternative.

Effectiveness

You can address it as a 3D mannequin, an invisible mannequin, or a hollow man. The usage of a ghost mannequin is innovative yet effective. This method of photographing is applicable for clothing, dresses, or other accessories. Potential buyers can inspect the internal and outside components of the garment, as well as an overall measurement, to check if it will fit their physique.

Flat Lay Clothing Photography

Flat Lay Clothing Photography

Photographers frequently take pictures from directly above a product or piece of clothing lying on a flat surface. The flat table here serves as a backdrop. You can place numerous objects on it to draw attention to the main product.

Effectiveness

Flat-lay clothing photography has proven to be a more effective method of attracting attention than mannequins. This new trend in photography eliminates the need for figures. For this image style, people use the term “bird’s-eye view” or “overhead shot.”

Backdrop Alternatives

You can use a table, a floor, a board, or any other flat surface. While most photographers prefer to work at a desk, some prefer to work at a desk-like surface.

Photographic Techniques

In a typical flat lay photography approach, you have to set the camera properly. Set up everything else in position with the outfits. It includes the camera’s light and diffusers, as well as fragile boxes. 

Bottom Line

Product photography is becoming a more critical component of businesses’ e-marketing strategies. However, a new online business may not have enough money to afford such expensive routes. Clothes must be able to communicate a relevant point of view.

When you don’t have a mannequin, the best thing to do is- do this. Use a ghost mannequin service so you can shoot at home. This article guides us on how to take pictures without a mannequin. Now, you can take photos of your clothes instead of using mannequins or models.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Some topic related FAQs will enlighten you for sure

What Is a Ghost Mannequin?

Companies and merchants employ ghost mannequin photographs to give their products a 3D, hollow man look. Photographing invisible mannequins helps clients visualize wearing blazers, pants, coats, and shirts.

How Do You Take Good Pictures of Clothes?

An f-stop of 8 to 11 is suitable for clothing photography. It helps you focus on the clothes and highlight their best characteristics. Set your shutter speed to roughly a quarter of a second to finish.

How Do Models Pose for Clothes?

When posing for clothes, models focus on numerous framing and movement options. So that they get various shots- full-length, three-quarter cropped shots, followed by close-up portraits. 

How Do You Display a Shirt Without a Mannequin?

You can easily display a shirt without a mannequin in the following ways:

  • Before taking photographs, clothes should be pressed and ironed appropriately and ensure that there are no folds or holes.
  • Need to put the camera and the light on a similar line to have legitimate concentration. For changing the foundation materials can be clipped.
  • If a photograph is being taken by models then ensure their arms hang down and their legs are uncrossed. Additionally, long hair should be cut and no adornments.