Models vs Manaquines

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

I just organized all the stuff I need to post, and let me to tell you, its a lot. I didn't realize how much I had! All of it is knits, and all but two things are either cowls or hats

I was going to do the photo session in two phases: cowls and hats.

I was thinking of going with those foam heads for the photos so I won't have to worry about scheduling one of my friends coming over to do modeling (foam is a little more flexible with their time :P).

But which looks better from a buyers perspective? Foam heads or real people?

[Former_Member]

Definitely real people(: I personally dislike the foam heads and regard them as cheap and very unprofessional...

[Former_Member]

Think Foam is better then Nothing.... but even a Meh model is better then foam.

Sorry, Im sure this must be a PITA.

[Former_Member]

Just a question... why is your shop called 3:7? Just out of curiosity... I couldn't find it anywhere on your store, it might be nice if you could include that in there somewhere, like on your about page :P

[FeltHappiness]

Or you could always do the camera on tripod with 10 second timer setting. I used to do my photos on me....but stopped due to a) being a pain to get the angle right b) not being as young & pretty as needed and c) needing to put on more makeup than I usually would and not looking as delightful as I should ;)

The nice thing about a real person (even ol' me) is that you get much more interesting compositions. And hats really do come 'alive' when worn by real people.

Those white styro heads are quite static and don't read well. Some folks decoupage them, which helps. Sometimes you can find a half of a used shop mannequin on Ebay which you can set on the floor, dress and go from there. Unfortunately, many of the 'just head' type mannequins are...unattractive.

[Former_Member]

I personally prefer seeing things worn by real people. :)

[BloomingOak]

I started using real models and had a critique that told me that the model's neck was too thin and distracting. Since then I haven't used real models, but I may go back to it. For necklaces, you really want to see how the necklace lies when buying online. I think it's a case of "you can't please everyone".

[ManmadeKnitting]

I prefer using a foam head myself and no you can't please everyone but I feel you can do so much more with a foam head. Everyone one is different, it's up to you what you use.

[Former_Member]

I have used my daughters as models but use the foam head for my hats. It is good to hear what people think about this. I think as long as the product is what is the focus it should not matter. If someone likes the product I doubt they would decide not to buy just because it is on a foam head! Would you?

Maybe others get more views with real people and it does seem more personable. I think it should not matter though. I am camera shy and not very photogenic. At least you can see the item as it would look being worn no matter how you do.

[NocturnalBlue]

Real models always get you better photos, but... If you go with the foam head option, I've seen those painted in black and actually they look really nice. Also, glueing fake eyelashes as in closed eyes looks very pretty.

[ProjectObjectVintage]

I strongly encourage using a real person! There are so many knit goods, when I scan through the photos to find something that is of quality, made by a person and of good material- I don't even look at the mannequin or foam heads (eek). It is really hard to tell if they are mass produced (unfortunately even great quality knits are hard to translate over the photographs) and I find that real people is an easy and quick way to wade through the options.

[Anthropologeek]

I would use a real person... For some reason I find the mannequins a little dated...

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

Thanks for all your input. I'll try and line up some models than. :)

I didn't realize the foam heads didn't go over so well.

They never bothered me. What bothered me where the ones that looked like real human heads and when people used baby dolls to model baby stuff.

[CrystalFallsAttic]

Nikki,
I know its easier for a shop owner to use the foam but for a customer I think they like to see it on a live person.WHen Im shopping I like a live person because I can see how it fits, how it looks and if it will work for me. Maybe do both. See if there is any difference in sales. Good Luck!

Rebecca

[RayOfLightJewels]

I got the head shown in my earring pictures on amazon because it's not hygienic to have a person model one-of-a-kind earrings. I wanted to have a life-sized head to show the scale correctly. I think she is pretty. I only had to add the wig. I hate when people use the mannequins that have a weird look on their face like they are yelling. Don't buy those!

The best use of a model I've seen is the shop that used an elderly woman to model rasta hats!

I plan on getting a model for my necklaces but seeing a real person wearing a hat or scarf I am buying makes me think of germs/lice. I was selling scarves in my other shop and doing well. As soon as I switched from a headless mannequin to a real live model (pretty lady by the way) my sales tanked. I thought it would go the opposite way!

It is really hard to tell what will attract someone or repel them since we all have different experiences.

[Former_Member]

I do the tripod and 10 second delay and model my own stuff. For scarves I use a dress form. It can be a pain as it can take a few shots to get it right. But that is true anyway.

I also hate that I then can't sell the item I modeled. Most my items are made to order but when I take a scarf/bag pic, that item is ready to ship until it sells. Then it becomes made to order. Can't do that with worn items like headbands. But I think it looks nicer than a styrofoam head.

[BluToonMoon]

I just slap mine on myself because it's convenient :)
But I do tend to buy things once I see them on someone rather than just displayed, especially online.

I have seen the foam heads painted rather creatively & it actually looked very striking, making me gravitate towards that shop more. Just have to be careful about it being an issue of being distracting rather than complimenting to the piece.

But, like Ellen said, can't please everyone...so I'd go with whatever is most appealing to you as a buyer! :)

[MariasWorkshop]

Lulu Martin/Lori Cook, I find your comments really interesting and helpful. I never thought of that.

I have been struggling with the same question and I do have a model, but she is busy and it is very hard to finally sit her down for a few photos. So, I was debating whether to use a mannequin or a foam head (I have both). I will experiment with those.

[PawtasticDesignsGems]

So happy to find this thread! I have been looking at dress forms on Amazon to take pics of my lanyards and necklaces. Today I looked at a full mannequin that looked so real! I don't have anyone willing to model (I've done a couple myself...such a pita!), so am trying to make a decision which way to go.

As for the hats and earrings...eeewwww on a live model if it's the one you're selling! For some reason I'm ok with scarves.

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

@Jeannie, I feel the same way about my hats. I have a few I used on my friend to model, but that I washed them after. I know they're clean, but I don't want to gross out customers.

I've decided that foam heads for hats (just for sanitary purposes) and real models for everything else.

[Former_Member]

I think Lulu is right on... about what goes on in the mind of a buyer. If someone wants to see it on a real person, than they will request it.

[KiltedWoman]

Nikki, I notice almost all of your etsy sales have been with the foam heads pictured rather than your model. That might tell you what people prefer. I think the foam heads look fine and more professional than the model pictures.
Actual professional models undoubtedly sell clothes but they are expensive!

[Former_Member]

Just to pop back into this thread with some listing ideas, I found these wile searching around on etsy,

https://www.etsy.com/listing/214915616/brown-knit-pom-pom-hat-knitting-beanie?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_se...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/162753583/harris-tweed-cloche-hat-multi-autumnal?ref=sr_gallery_11&ga_s...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/87074634/end-of-season-sale-slouchy-beanie-hat?ref=sr_gallery_28&ga_sea...

I think something like these would be gorgeous and look fabulous! Just a thought(:

[Former_Member]

I really don't mind the foam heads, but I like them to have been personalized in some way. Stick a set of Mrs. Potato Head lips on it, or a Lone Ranger mask, or some really long false eyelashes. Of course, if a bit of humor or strangeness would be inappropriate for your shop's image, forget I mentioned it. :-)

[KnotChaCha]

Foam heads and model heads are not your only choices. You can use a mannequin head that looks more realistic. I found mine on Ebay. Some shops do a beautiful job of using both models and mannequin heads.