I've been thinking about buying a female mannequin, to practice lighting techniques, DOF, perspective / lens choice, etc. I think it would be very useful, really speed my learning curve. Maybe better money spent, right now, than on another lens or whatever.

Do any of you use one? Any recommendations?

The choices out there, and the large range of prices, make me dizzy.

Obviously, the head needs to be as life-like as possible, with proper shadows, eyelashes, no shine on the 'Makeup," etc. A lot of the cheap fiberglass ones seem a little shiny.

The pose is also important, since you typically can't change it. It would be great to have a flexible (poseable) mannequin, but those are mighty expensive.

I also think the mannequin should, ideally, be smiling, since most models will be in typical shots. It's VERY hard to find a smiling mannequin.


Any thoughts or suggestions?

?

I had to read this thread just for the title!

I have had of it being done though, I mean for photography practice. Your best bet is trying to find a small independent fashion store and ask where they get theirs from.

HAH! I had to chuckle when I read your post. I have a doll which is like a life-sized 2-3 year old. One day I needed a very patient subject to help me test out my strobe/umbrella/Pocket Wizard setup so on a whim I grabbed the doll. It worked perfectly and allowed me to test my flash meter and experiement with various lighting scenarios. While not as sophisticated as a mannequin with makeup, it did serve the purpose quite nicely. We were going to sell the doll at a yard sale but I've decided to hang on to it for lighting practice.

Check with your local department store, they get rid of mannequins all the time, and I'm sure they would be happy to give you one.

Beauty/cosmetology schools should have heads and wigs. My daughter is friends with the owner of one such school....wigs they use only come in brunette so they are dying another one blonde for me

TG

Not a bad idea to use a cosmetology head. Those should surely be more realistic.

I really want a full-body mannequin, though, for obvious reasons.

Zander, I looked at a few in the local mall, but it seems most stores use fairly cheap ones. They are fine for a clothing display, but not super-realistic up-close. Considering how much a good mannequin could accelerate my learning curve, I'm willing to spend a reasonable amount.

Shopping online is almost impossible, as you can't really tell how real the look is. That's why I posted here. I'm hoping some of you have already "been there / done that" and know which models work best.

For a cheap unit, I'm kind of leaning towards this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Beautiful-Busty-Female-Mannequin-SY-0104-with-Wig_W0QQitemZ150279765009QQihZ005QQcategoryZ50949QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

-But my gut says I should spend more, considering how critical this is. I really want the complexion to be right. It would even be great to see actual catch-lights in the eyes, but that might be asking too much.

I could probably add "real" eyebrows and lower lashes myself. (where they heck can you buy fake eyebrows? Well, maybe that doesn't matter. I dunno.

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Whichever I get, I figure I'll also get several wigs, in different colors. That will help experiment with backrounds, modifiers, hair lights, etc.

Edited by Cableaddict on Aug 07, 2008 at 06:00 PM GMT

Alistair Watson wrote:
I had to read this thread just for the title!

I have had of it being done though, I mean for photography practice. ...


Yes indeed! Photography practice. "Honest, honey, that's why I bought it....." Good thing I'm not married.
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Not a bad idea to ask at some higher-end fashion store. (thanks for the idea) Plus, then I can see the mannequins first-hand. I think I'll take a trip to the rich end of town this week & see what I can find.

I checked out the babe, uh mannequin I mean, looks pretty realistic to me, you get a free wig too. Coating the eyes with clear finger nail polish should give you the catch light. Otherwise I don't think you should be playing with her to much

What do you think of that bodacious babe-equin's pose?

It seems pretty close to what one might typically have with a human, when doing a portrait shot, but I don't have enough experience to be sure. Thoughts?

Castleman uses them extensively.

http://www.wlcastleman.com/equip/reviews/85_100_135/index.htm

I think it's a good idea.

Jim

OMG, look at these:

http://www.mannequinmakeovers.com/

That's pretty expensive for non-pliable mannequins, but they sure do look real. Real lower lashes & everything.

Evidently these are old mannequins, re-done by hand, and the guy has TALENT. Check out the "before & after" section.

Too bad he's across the pond. Shipping to the USA would be a bear, but "Chrissy" would be ideal.