Do you know that around 70% of US retailers use mannequins in their displays? Mannequins are highly popular for creating aspirational fashion product presentations. It helps customers to visualize how an item will fit and look on the body. However, removing the dummy is essential to avoid distractions and achieve the invisible effect. The item becomes the focal point. Let’s discuss the importance of ghost mannequin service and how it can drive more sales in e-commerce businesses.
What is Ghost Mannequin Service?
Ghost or invisible mannequin service is a unique photo editing technique that removes the dummy or stand (visible parts) and presents only the main product. There will be no traces of the physical mannequin, including the neck, arms, and legs, in the final image.
This post-production photo editing method adds a floating effect to the garment. It gives a realistic illusion of the clothing piece. The ultimate edited picture looks clean and professional. The following primary effects are important of ghost mannequin services.
Different Types of Ghost Mannequin Photo Editing
The following are the primary categories of ghost mannequin photo editing.
01. 3D or 360-degree Effects
The final image has a 3D effect. It allows customers to understand the details of the product easily. Unlike 2D effects, buyers can visualize how the item will look when they wear it. Viewing the product from different angles is also possible.
02. Bottom Joint Manipulation
In this photo editing technique, you have to reveal and seamlessly blend the lower part or backside of a garment. It is especially helpful for dresses with a longer backside than the front area.
03. Sleeve Joint Manipulation
This technique involves removing the hollow part of the sleeves and creating a gap in the inner area. Then, experts will digitally join the empty place joining sleeves. The key is maintaining a beautiful and realistic shape.
04. Neck Joint Manipulation
When you remove the head of a mannequin, the neck area becomes empty. Graphic designers fill up this hollow space with a seamless neck finish and restore natural contours.
05. Symmetrical Ghost Mannequin
This powerful image-editing method is effective for garments with limited or incomplete views. Experts will choose one-half of the apparel that has clearer visuals. Then, paste it into another half. It is like a mirroring effect.
06. Wrinkle Removal Service
Some unwanted wrinkles on the garment might be visible after removing the mannequin. It can distract customers from design details. Photo editors use retouching tools like healing brushes and liquify filters to smooth wrinkles.
Difference between Ghost Mannequin and Traditional Mannequin
When you see the importance of ghost mannequins and an old-fashioned mannequin for the first time, both may look the same. However, the primary difference between them is that you can remove various parts of the modern mannequin, unlike the other.
Simply put, put the garment on the ghost mannequin and remove all the visible parts. Though there is something inside the clothing, it is invisible. However, you can’t detach anything from traditional mannequins. As a result, it takes a good amount of time in post-production to remove the visible areas. The best advantage of the modern dummy is that it reduces your photoshopping time. You can showcase the inner parts, like collars, company logos, or fabric hemlines, naturally.
Importance of Ghost Mannequin Service for Your Reliable Business
01. Professional Display of Products
- Almost half of the shoppers agreed that product pictures are the primary determinant of whether they will buy the item or not.
- The importance of ghost mannequin photo editing service is that it allows you to showcase very detailed visuals. It can be fabric quality, texture, seams, etc.
- The key is showcasing the apparel professionally. It enables you to earn customers’ trust and drive more sales.
02. Proper Fit and Shape of The Garment
- Imagine photo shooting a garment directly from a hanger. What are the missing points? It lacks the natural shape and drape.
- In contrast, putting on apparel on a mannequin and handling it well in post-production allows you to present the true fit and shape.
- You can showcase how the product is styled uniformly and how it looks on a person.
03. Consistency Across Catalogs
Your customers may want to see similar apparel from the same angle, lighting, and digital editing style. They can compare garments more easily. This visual consistency ensures professionalism and cohesiveness. In addition, it builds customers’ trust. They will choose you over your competitors.
04. Reduce Product Return Rate
A good number of customers return products due to a mismatch between the image and the actual item. Showcasing clothing or other fashion products through a ghost mannequin ensures an accurate presentation of the products. It decreases the likelihood of product return.
05. Better Shopping Experience
Ghost mannequin photos help shoppers focus solely on the product details. Nothing can distract them. They can provide consistent and personable product information. It makes customers satisfied and improves their shopping experience.
06. Cost Efficiency
The cost of hiring professional models can be anywhere from $200 to $1500 per day. Imagine how much you would need to spend if the photoshoot took multiple days on a few models. In contrast, a good-quality ghost mannequin costs around $500 to $1000. You may need to buy 2 or 3 dummies. But it is worth a long-term investment.
07. Same Products but Different Colors
- Will you photoshoot all colors available for the same product, like a T-shirt? Of course not!
- The best advice is to capture one item as perfectly as possible. Then, change the shading during post-production.
- An effective technique is to line up all colors available for a single product sequentially using an invisible mannequin service. It enables customers to compare different options side by side.
08. Fewer Hassles in Post-production
When you hire real models for clothing photography, you retouch not just the product but also the model. It consumes a lot of time in post-production. On the contrary, a ghost mannequin reduces your photo editing times as you work on only the product. But don’t forget to capture the best quality images.
How to Choose the Best Ghost Mannequin Service?
The importance of Ghost mannequin service as image editing involves expert skills to detach a mannequin from an apparel product seamlessly. Consider the below-mentioned crucial factors in selecting a reliable photo editing company.
01. How Good Is Their Image Retouching Quality?
Research and go through top ghost mannequin service providers. Check their portfolio to get an idea about their ghost mannequin photo editing services. A strong portfolio showcases their expertise and image editing quality. The final photos should look crisp, natural, and well-draped. Plus, you can’t overlook their consistency, color balance, and attention.
02. What Level of Experience and Expertise Does the Team Have?
When it comes to choosing a photo editing company, review their experience. Highly experienced agencies can handle complex image-editing tasks. More importantly, they can deliver bulk amount orders within a short period. You also want to consider how many sectors they have expertise in. It must align well with your image editing goal. Taking each category of service from a different company is a hassle. Find a reliable photo editing firm that provides all the services you need.
03. What Is Their Typical Turnaround Time?
Imagine you need someone who can edit thousands of images within a few hours. Who can save you from this trouble? Before choosing a particular ghost mannequin photo editing service, learn about their standard delivery time. Also, they need to have a clear idea of how they can handle bulk orders during emergencies. Of course, maintaining consistent quality across all images is the key. You don’t want to waste additional time on revision.
04. Are There Positive Reviews and Testimonials from Previous Clients?
Do you know that 91% of people look for reviews and testimonials before buying any product or getting any service? Reviews and testimonials illustrate real customer experiences and provide valuable information about invisible mannequin service. It helps you assess their credibility.
05. How Effective is Their Communication and Support?
Effective communication is the key to providing good customer service. It determines whether you will have a positive or negative experience. When it comes to the importance of ghost mannequin service company, you must have a dedicated customer support team that is easy to contact, available, and responsive. This client assistance staff must have the expertise to resolve your problem quickly and suggest the best service based on your requirements.
06. Are They Proficient with the Latest Software and Technology?
Professional photo editing companies must use the latest software and advanced technology to make typical images extraordinary. For instance, AI-powered tools come with many automated adjustments and innovative features to increase their photo-editing speed and efficiency. It is especially effective for handling large volumes of basic edits. Besides, when using professional software like Adobe Photoshop, they should use advanced techniques to showcase creative expression and technical perfection. It will take typical images to a new height.
07. Do They Offer a Free Trial or Provide Quotes?
Check if the ghost mannequin photo editing service provider offers a free trial. It helps you assess their photo editing quality and expertise level. You can also utilize their free quota to assess whether their service is perfect for your image-editing needs.
08. How Much Do They Charge for Editing Each Image?
Pay attention to their pricing details. However, it will vary depending on image editing complexity, delivery time, and quantity. Check their various pricing plans. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you need further details. Verify every detail before making the final call. Another important thing is that there should not be any hidden fees to avoid misleading people. These unexpected additional costs can damage a service provider’s reputation.
09. Do They Possess Industry Knowledge and Recognition?
An invisible mannequin service company must have up-to-date photo editing knowledge to outperform competitors. They should stay well-informed with the latest software updates and digital imaging trends. Their edited images are expected to look relevant and stunning to create emotional connections with the specific group of people. Plus, look for a photo editing company that has awards, certifications, and professional memberships. It demonstrates their dedication to excellence and adherence to industry standards.
10. Is Their Social Media Presence Active and Engaging?
Social media presence helps an image-retouching entity to build brand awareness and capture the attention of potential customers. You can tell your brand story and personally reach out to potential customers. It increases your credibility and business growth.
How Much Does Ghost Mannequin Photo Editing Cost?
The cost of ghost mannequin photo editing can be anywhere from $3 to $20 or more. It depends on image complexity, delivery time, quantity, and other attributes.
Each ghost mannequin photograph is unique. But we divide them into three pricing categories.
Standard Ghost Mannequin
This type of photo editing is simple. The cost ranges from $1 to $3 per image. Photo editors add the neck section and remove the snap buttons using a simple technique.
Medium Ghost Mannequin
In this category, experts work on precise details to make the neck joint perfectly fit at the correct position. The service falls in the mid-price range, typically $4 to $6 per image.
Complex Ghost Mannequin
Graphic designers follow an in-depth, detailed editing approach, which involves multi-part composites, intricate neck joints, sleeve and collar reconstruction, etc. It costs around $6 to $10+ per image.
Where to Search for the Best Ghost Mannequin Service Provider?
Hundreds of ghost mannequin service providers are available online. But which platform do you prefer to select a reliable one?
Search Engine
The first easy option is searching online. Shortlist photo editing companies and study their service quality from different sources, like official websites, reviews, discussions, threads, etc. Take enough time to analyze each service provider.
Near Me
Search for “best ghost mannequin photo editing near me” on Google Maps. The system will suggest the top ones to you. Read their reviews and research them further.
Freelance Platform
You can utilize top freelancing platforms, like Upwork, Toptal, Fiverr, LinkedIn, etc., to hire a professional photo editing agency.
Suggestions from Business Owners or Experts
Take references from your family, friends, or colleagues who are experts in this field. They can help you find a trusted ghost mannequin service provider.
Who Needs Ghost Mannequin Service?
There is a huge growing demand for ghost mannequin services. The following are the top individuals who need it.
e-Commerce Retailers
There are more than 30.7 million e-commerce websites worldwide. Out of them, around 25% sell clothing items. You can imagine how many online businesses sell apparel. High-quality product images can help you stand out and drive more sales.
Fashion Brands and Designers
According to BrandDirectory, there are over 7 million fashion brands and designers worldwide. This huge market needs various types of ghost mannequin services to showcase products professionally and consistently.
Advertising and Marketing Agencies
Thousands of advertising and marketing agencies outsource ghost mannequin photo editing services to create compelling and enchanting advertisements and marketing materials.
Photographers and Studios
Professional photographers and photography studios need invisible mannequin services for their fashion clients. It helps them to make their captured visuals pixel-perfect.
FAQs
How does a ghost mannequin work?
A ghost mannequin is a special photo editing technique where an expert removes the visible mannequin parts and only showcases the fashion product.
What is the difference between a flat lay and a ghost mannequin?
A flat-lay photography technique gives you a 2D view where photos are captured directly from above. However, ghost mannequin photography provides a 3D view of the fashion product in better shape, design, and intricate detail.
Who needs ghost mannequin services?
E-commerce retailers, fashion brands and designers, advertising and marketing agencies, photographers and studios, etc., need invisible mannequin services.
How many types of mannequins are there?
Various types of mannequins are available, such as abstract, full-body, realistic mannequins, headless, dress form, etc.
How much do ghost mannequin services cost?
The cost of ghost mannequin photo editing can be anywhere from $3 to $20 or more. It depends on image complexity, delivery time, quantity, and other attributes.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting a reliable ghost mannequin service, you have to be choosy. After all, it is a complicated image-editing technique. Not everyone can master it and give a flawless result. We have outlined the importance of ghost mannequin service to choose the best photo editing company. Make sure to review all crucial points carefully to get the best image editing result.
