Discover the pros and cons of using models vs mannequins in product photography. Learn which option can help boost sales and improve customer engagement.
Have your ecommerce sales been sluggishly chugging along? It might be time to reevaluate those product photos and how you’re showcasing your products. Today’s online customers need a gentle nudge to commit to a purchase. High-quality product photography can be that helpful little push.
But relying solely on flat lays isn’t going to cut it. Sometimes you need to take advantage of mannequins and models to display your products and tell your brand story.
Wondering when you should use mannequins and when you should use models? Let’s take a look.
Why and when you should use a model
Knowing when you should use a full body model or hand model to display your products comes down to understanding the pros of adding in that personal touch. There are a handful of advantages of using a human to model your ecommerce products.
Here are a few of the main benefits of hiring models for your ecommerce photography.
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Add a human element
Models add that kind of sparkly e-commerce magic that mannequins lack: the human element. Flat lays and mannequin photos risk looking lifeless and bland. But talented models can take a lifeless product and portray it in a way that gives it personality, dimension, and life.
Using models to demonstrate everyday use or create lifestyle images will give your pictures that human element that mannequins often lack. Seeing a handbag or pair of shoes in action can help your potential customers imagine what their lives would be like with your products. This approach helps tell your story and portray your brand personality through compelling product images.
💡 The secret to super high-converting content is humans. Learn more about why we ❤️ models.
Create diversity
Using models can help promote diversity and inclusion in your brand story. Today’s consumer demographic is more diverse than ever. According to one survey, two-thirds of consumers believe diversity and inclusion is an important topic for businesses to consider.
Audiences demand to see far more range in the full body models who showcase your products when it comes to ethnicity, gender, body size, and sexual orientation. A brand can strategically hire a diverse set of models who help better reflect the ever-expanding audience.
Highlight functionality
Some products need more than a mannequin. Your one-of-a-kind product design could be what sets you apart from your competitors. Flat lays and mannequin shots can’t always capture those small and easily overlooked details. With models, you can more easily highlight hidden pockets and other snazzy details!
Use models to display ready-to-wear products so your audience can picture themselves in the garment. Models help show movement and overall shape.
Remember: Not everyone is built like a runway model. Hire relatable models that represent your target customer. They should be able to help you tell your story authentically.
Tell a story
Using models in your ecommerce product photography enhances the audience’s sense of your brand identity. They can help you tell a story or establish a cohesive story campaign for your omnichannel strategy. A model can give a sense of history behind the product, or paint a (figurative) picture for your customers to take them along on the product journey. Models help to create an image of what your customers’ lives would look like if they purchase your product. They can be aspirational by creating a look or lifestyle your customers aim for.
Take advantage of a flexible budget
The cost of hiring models adds up quickly. It isn’t necessarily budget-friendly to hire experienced models for your product photoshoot. But the investment can be well worth it if you have it.
Professional models are well worth the price because they can provide a range of poses and images that can be used across all channels, not just in your online store. So you can think bigger—like social media, advertising, print catalogs, and web content. The possibilities are endless! If you’re on a tighter budget, using a hand model could be the way to go—especially if you sell jewelry or small items.
Feeling extra adventurous? Grab some video of your models wearing the products for more engaging content on your product pages and other digital channels like YouTube or social media.
Why and when you should use a mannequin
Many online stores use invisible mannequin product photography regularly to create stunning product images that require little to no image editing. It can be hard to get a mannequin shot that delivers on that lifestyle vibe like a model would, but they can be just as compelling when done right.
Here are a few reasons you might opt for a mannequin over a model for your product photography:
Show product fit
Sometimes a product just fits a mannequin better. It can be tedious to tailor each and every garment to fit a model perfectly. Mannequins streamline the photoshoot process by providing a standard shape and size for you to hang your product on.
Mannequins can also be a viable option for startup retailers that don’t have access to large photoshoot setups. You can easily store a few mannequins in your home office or warehouse location when you need product photos of your new merch.
Flat lays and mannequin shots can often get the job done for basic apparel items. Mannequins can help hold the shape of your product and display it in all its glory. They’re great for detailed and up-close shots. You can also use ghost mannequin photos to create clear-cut images that instantly communicate value. They also work well for 360-degree product photos.
Check it out: Our Amazon 360 interactive photo pack is the ultimate solution for sellers to create an immersive shopping experience. This pack offers a full 360-degree view of your product to allow your customers to see every angle and appreciate every detail 👀>
Maintain consistency
Some online retailers will use mannequins to shoot their product images because it keeps the branding cohesive. Mannequins can deliver a minimal look that’s tough to reproduce with human models. They’re sleek, simple, clean, and blemish-free. And you don’t need to focus on making sure their body posture and facial expressions match your overall brand identity—no offense to human models!
Don’t confuse simple for boring. You can zhush up your mannequin shots with props or spicy backdrops.
Minimize distractions
Sometimes the product just needs to speak for itself. Mannequin shots let the goods shine bright and steal the show—in the best way. 🌟 Using a mannequin can help minimize visual clutter and center your product as the focal point without any other distractions in the frame.
Keep things crisp and unobstructed with the ghost mannequin effect (a.k.a. the invisible mannequin effect). You can make your product the only focal point with a little editing in Photoshop to create the invisible mannequin effect.
Looking to get the full rundown on how to make that Photoshop magic happen? Check out our step-by-step guide to master ghost mannequin photography here.
Accommodate a limited budget
Mannequins are like models on a budget, 💰 To get a mannequin, you just need to make a one-time investment, starting at around $90 for affordable options. Models, on the other hand, cost a lot more. So mannequins are the budget-friendly choice for shooting your product photos. This can be especially true if you aren’t located in an area with professional models.
Let's be realistic: The budget won’t always have room to hire models. That's normal. And that’s precisely what mannequins are for.
You’ll also save money on editing because mannequin shots typically don’t need as much image editing in Photoshop. Plus, you don’t need to hire makeup artists to style your models—nor do you need to worry about travel costs or feeding them. Don’t underestimate the value of staying on budget with mannequin product photography.
Intimidated when it comes to DIYing your invisible mannequin shots? Our ghost mannequin service takes the stress out of getting the perfect model-free product photos >
Which is better: models or mannequins?
Here’s the answer you’ve been waiting for: It depends. There’s no tried and true way to know whether a model or a mannequin will help drive sales in your online store. Every retailer is different because no audience and no brand identity are 100% alike. There are far too many factors when it comes to motivating purchases in online sales.
The real answer? Mix it up. Not every product shot needs to be a shot on a model. Take advantage of that budgetary wiggle room and create a few modeled product images in addition to your humanless mannequin photos. Variety gives customers a more well-rounded view of your products, creating clarity and intrigue.
One piece of advice: Test, test, and test some more. Your audience is unique. Run A/B versions of your images to see what performs best. Find what combo has the highest sales conversions and run with it.
Get started with product photography services
Deciding between models and mannequins comes down to three simple things: your audience, your product, and your brand identity. Get inside the minds of your target audience and think about how your products will be perceived depending on which image style you choose. And don’t forget to run those A/B tests to understand what helps drive sales conversions for your unique audience.
Creating compelling product images takes time, regardless of whether you hire a model or stick with mannequins. Not ready to DIY it? Hire a professional photography studio like soona to shoot amazing clothing product photography that will make your apparel fly off the rack!
Discover the pros and cons of using models vs mannequins in product photography. Learn which option can help boost sales and improve customer engagement.
Have your ecommerce sales been sluggishly chugging along? It might be time to reevaluate those product photos and how you’re showcasing your products. Today’s online customers need a gentle nudge to commit to a purchase. High-quality product photography can be that helpful little push.
But relying solely on flat lays isn’t going to cut it. Sometimes you need to take advantage of mannequins and models to display your products and tell your brand story.
Wondering when you should use mannequins and when you should use models? Let’s take a look.
Why and when you should use a model
Knowing when you should use a full body model or hand model to display your products comes down to understanding the pros of adding in that personal touch. There are a handful of advantages of using a human to model your ecommerce products.
Here are a few of the main benefits of hiring models for your ecommerce photography.
{{studio-ad="/external-components"}}
Add a human element
Models add that kind of sparkly e-commerce magic that mannequins lack: the human element. Flat lays and mannequin photos risk looking lifeless and bland. But talented models can take a lifeless product and portray it in a way that gives it personality, dimension, and life.
Using models to demonstrate everyday use or create lifestyle images will give your pictures that human element that mannequins often lack. Seeing a handbag or pair of shoes in action can help your potential customers imagine what their lives would be like with your products. This approach helps tell your story and portray your brand personality through compelling product images.
💡 The secret to super high-converting content is humans. Learn more about why we ❤️ models.
Create diversity
Using models can help promote diversity and inclusion in your brand story. Today’s consumer demographic is more diverse than ever. According to one survey, two-thirds of consumers believe diversity and inclusion is an important topic for businesses to consider.
Audiences demand to see far more range in the full body models who showcase your products when it comes to ethnicity, gender, body size, and sexual orientation. A brand can strategically hire a diverse set of models who help better reflect the ever-expanding audience.
Highlight functionality
Some products need more than a mannequin. Your one-of-a-kind product design could be what sets you apart from your competitors. Flat lays and mannequin shots can’t always capture those small and easily overlooked details. With models, you can more easily highlight hidden pockets and other snazzy details!
Use models to display ready-to-wear products so your audience can picture themselves in the garment. Models help show movement and overall shape.
Remember: Not everyone is built like a runway model. Hire relatable models that represent your target customer. They should be able to help you tell your story authentically.
Tell a story
Using models in your ecommerce product photography enhances the audience’s sense of your brand identity. They can help you tell a story or establish a cohesive story campaign for your omnichannel strategy. A model can give a sense of history behind the product, or paint a (figurative) picture for your customers to take them along on the product journey. Models help to create an image of what your customers’ lives would look like if they purchase your product. They can be aspirational by creating a look or lifestyle your customers aim for.
Take advantage of a flexible budget
The cost of hiring models adds up quickly. It isn’t necessarily budget-friendly to hire experienced models for your product photoshoot. But the investment can be well worth it if you have it.
Professional models are well worth the price because they can provide a range of poses and images that can be used across all channels, not just in your online store. So you can think bigger—like social media, advertising, print catalogs, and web content. The possibilities are endless! If you’re on a tighter budget, using a hand model could be the way to go—especially if you sell jewelry or small items.
Feeling extra adventurous? Grab some video of your models wearing the products for more engaging content on your product pages and other digital channels like YouTube or social media.
Why and when you should use a mannequin
Many online stores use invisible mannequin product photography regularly to create stunning product images that require little to no image editing. It can be hard to get a mannequin shot that delivers on that lifestyle vibe like a model would, but they can be just as compelling when done right.
Here are a few reasons you might opt for a mannequin over a model for your product photography:
Show product fit
Sometimes a product just fits a mannequin better. It can be tedious to tailor each and every garment to fit a model perfectly. Mannequins streamline the photoshoot process by providing a standard shape and size for you to hang your product on.
Mannequins can also be a viable option for startup retailers that don’t have access to large photoshoot setups. You can easily store a few mannequins in your home office or warehouse location when you need product photos of your new merch.
Flat lays and mannequin shots can often get the job done for basic apparel items. Mannequins can help hold the shape of your product and display it in all its glory. They’re great for detailed and up-close shots. You can also use ghost mannequin photos to create clear-cut images that instantly communicate value. They also work well for 360-degree product photos.
Check it out: Our Amazon 360 interactive photo pack is the ultimate solution for sellers to create an immersive shopping experience. This pack offers a full 360-degree view of your product to allow your customers to see every angle and appreciate every detail 👀>
Maintain consistency
Some online retailers will use mannequins to shoot their product images because it keeps the branding cohesive. Mannequins can deliver a minimal look that’s tough to reproduce with human models. They’re sleek, simple, clean, and blemish-free. And you don’t need to focus on making sure their body posture and facial expressions match your overall brand identity—no offense to human models!
Don’t confuse simple for boring. You can zhush up your mannequin shots with props or spicy backdrops.
Minimize distractions
Sometimes the product just needs to speak for itself. Mannequin shots let the goods shine bright and steal the show—in the best way. 🌟 Using a mannequin can help minimize visual clutter and center your product as the focal point without any other distractions in the frame.
Keep things crisp and unobstructed with the ghost mannequin effect (a.k.a. the invisible mannequin effect). You can make your product the only focal point with a little editing in Photoshop to create the invisible mannequin effect.
Looking to get the full rundown on how to make that Photoshop magic happen? Check out our step-by-step guide to master ghost mannequin photography here.
Accommodate a limited budget
Mannequins are like models on a budget, 💰 To get a mannequin, you just need to make a one-time investment, starting at around $90 for affordable options. Models, on the other hand, cost a lot more. So mannequins are the budget-friendly choice for shooting your product photos. This can be especially true if you aren’t located in an area with professional models.
Let's be realistic: The budget won’t always have room to hire models. That's normal. And that’s precisely what mannequins are for.
You’ll also save money on editing because mannequin shots typically don’t need as much image editing in Photoshop. Plus, you don’t need to hire makeup artists to style your models—nor do you need to worry about travel costs or feeding them. Don’t underestimate the value of staying on budget with mannequin product photography.
Intimidated when it comes to DIYing your invisible mannequin shots? Our ghost mannequin service takes the stress out of getting the perfect model-free product photos >
Which is better: models or mannequins?
Here’s the answer you’ve been waiting for: It depends. There’s no tried and true way to know whether a model or a mannequin will help drive sales in your online store. Every retailer is different because no audience and no brand identity are 100% alike. There are far too many factors when it comes to motivating purchases in online sales.
The real answer? Mix it up. Not every product shot needs to be a shot on a model. Take advantage of that budgetary wiggle room and create a few modeled product images in addition to your humanless mannequin photos. Variety gives customers a more well-rounded view of your products, creating clarity and intrigue.
One piece of advice: Test, test, and test some more. Your audience is unique. Run A/B versions of your images to see what performs best. Find what combo has the highest sales conversions and run with it.
Get started with product photography services
Deciding between models and mannequins comes down to three simple things: your audience, your product, and your brand identity. Get inside the minds of your target audience and think about how your products will be perceived depending on which image style you choose. And don’t forget to run those A/B tests to understand what helps drive sales conversions for your unique audience.
Creating compelling product images takes time, regardless of whether you hire a model or stick with mannequins. Not ready to DIY it? Hire a professional photography studio like soona to shoot amazing clothing product photography that will make your apparel fly off the rack!
