Clothes product photography - "Invisible model" effect

<p><br /> Hi. I am not very sure if this topic goes in this forum but I couldn't find one specifically related to product photography.<br>

<br /> I need to shot clothes for a catalogue in a way that they look as if an "invisible person" were wearing them. I need them to have the shape of the body without showing any model or mannequin.<br /> <br /> I've seen this type of shot in some catalogues but I cannot wonder how they are achieve. It is possible to shot it with a model and then erase it with Photoshop (that is fairly easy) but I cannot figure out how the inside of<br /> the clothes are showed. For example, in a v-neck shirt, when the front part of the neck is bigger than the back, the photo should shown the inside part of the back. One possibility could be taking a second shot and then using Photoshop, but if I could get the right shape to take the second shot then I would to it directly in this way.<br /> <br /> Another possibility is using some kind of internal frame, but it is difficult to make it real and also very time consuming for a large catalogue, as it should be modified depending on the clothes. Also, for open clothes (such as women bras for example) it is almost impossible.<br>

I will really appreciate your help. Thank you.</p>

<p>Pablo</p>

<p>I think this is as good as a place as any for this question.</p>

<p>I've seen these shots, and I've thought about them, but never done one. I'd guess they are using maniquins. You could paint them a chroma key color to remove them later. As for the inside, I was guessing a second shot w/ the outfit pinned into position, use the chroma key of the first shot as a mask, and the Transformation function in photoshop to make it fit.</p>

<p>They make clear acrylic busts for shirts and other tops to be displayed, but I think removing the specular highlights would be harder to remove than the previous way. Just my best guess.</p>

<p>Also, they have chroma key unitards with hoods. I think I've seen them on Ebay.</p>

<p>I am working on my new book, tentatively titled “The Invisible Model” on all off-figure styling and photography techniques. Stayed tuned at <a href="http://www.photostylingworkshops.com">www.photostylingworkshops.com</a> or my blog at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.theinvisiblestylist.com/">http://www.theinvisiblestylist.com</a> for progress reports. Hope to solve some of these mysteries! Susan Linnet Cox</p>