Mannequin Photography: Capturing Stunning Visuals for Your Online Store

Posted On: March 7, 2024 By: SEOAdmin

We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words, and that saying is particularly true when advertising clothes online. You need to sell the look and make the items irresistible to your website visitors. This means you need to brush up on your mannequin photography skills.

Visuals are the heartbeat of your e-commerce store, often being the decisive factor between converting browsers into buyers and them leaving your site empty handed. If you photograph your mannequins well, you can set your online store apart, showcasing your products in a professional and alluring manner.

This article explores tips to help you get it right.

The Impact of Visuals on Online Shopping

High-quality images are not just nice to have; they are a commercial necessity. One survey reported that 93% of online shoppers felt that the images on an online site were an important factor in informing their purchasing decision.

When customers can’t feel the garments and physically handle them, they need vivid and clear imagery to help them work out whether they are the right item for them. This is where the way that you photograph mannequins comes into play.

Here are the steps you should take:

Choose the Right Mannequins

The mannequin you choose should fit your brand and appeal to your target shopper. Consider the style of your clothing and the image you want to project – sleek and modern dummies, vintage or athletic mannequins? There is something for everyone.

There are a range of different mannequins available and each can suggest various lifestyles and values, from sporty to sophisticated. Of course, they should always work for the type of garment you dress them with.

Consider Your Camera Equipment

Your camera is the key to getting mannequin photography right. The right equipment can be the difference between flat, uninspiring images and dynamic, engaging ones.

However, it depends on your budget. If you can, invest in a DSLR or mirrorless camera that provides high resolution and manual settings. Take a course to understand your camera’s settings to control exposure, focus and depth of field, ensuring every detail of your product is captured precisely.

If budgets are tighter, your smartphone is likely to have a decent camera built in. However, you need to know how to make the most of that camera and it is worth exploring YouTube videos to help you unlock its potential.

Get the Right Lighting and Composition

Lighting can dramatically alter the mood and clarity of your photographs. Try to find a mix of natural light and studio light, either a professional studio light or a ring light depending on how much you have to spend, to cast an even, soft glow over your products. This helps you avoid harsh shadows.

The right composition and background will allow your mannequins to stand out, highlighting the clothes and making them pop to visitors to your online clothing store.

Style Your Mannequins and Products

Styling is an art form. The way clothes fit and hang on a mannequin can either invite users to click to find out more or leave your site completely.

Use pins and clamps discreetly to achieve the perfect fit. Pair outfits with complementary accessories to inspire customers and show them how they can put together a complete look.

Use Impactful Poses and Perspectives

Experiment with different poses and camera angles to discover the most flattering and interesting perspectives for your products. A slight tilt of the mannequin’s head or a turned shoulder can give life to the garment and allow the customer to imagine how it will look when they wear it in day-to-day life.

Dynamic visuals keep the customer’s eyes moving across the page, leading to longer engagement times on your website and more chances to sell!

Incorporating Mannequin Photography in Your Online Store

When using mannequin images with your product listings, you need to be consistent. Use a uniform style and background to create a cohesive look across your site. This not only strengthens your brand image but also makes for a more seamless shopping experience.

High-quality mannequin shots can help you replicate the in-store experience, providing a clear idea of the product’s fit and appearance.

Need Mannequins?

If you need mannequins to help you show off your items to your online users, The Retail Factory can help. We stock a wide range of mannequins, including sports mannequins, child mannequins and even animals! Call us today on 0800 0223237 to speak to one of our expert team who can help you pick the right item for your needs.