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Flat-lay photo guide: shoot a garment so the AI keeps the neckline and print

By the Vastra Studio team · Updated

To get a good AI model photo, shoot the whole garment flat or on a hanger, wrinkle-free, on a plain background, in even daylight, with the neckline, print and border clearly visible. Do not crop any part. Most changed necklines and prints come from cut-off, blurry or creased photos.

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The standard flat photo

These rules apply to every garment. The sample photos above were all made from flat photos like this.

  1. Whole garment in frame. Include every piece you sell, with some space around it. Do not crop sleeves, hem or border.
  2. Flat and smooth. Iron or steam first. Creases get read as part of the design.
  3. Plain background. A plain sheet or floor in a colour that contrasts with the garment.
  4. Even light. Daylight from a window, no flash, no hard shadow across the print.
  5. Shoot from straight above or straight on, not at an angle.
  6. Sharp. Tap to focus on the print. A blurry photo makes the AI guess.

Checklist by garment

GarmentMake sure the photo clearly shows
Kurti, kurta set, suitNeckline shape, yoke, sleeve length, print or embroidery, hem, and the bottom wear and dupatta if you sell them
SareeFull border, pallu design, body colour, and the blouse piece if included
LehengaBlouse neckline, skirt flare and border, dupatta
Men's kurta or sherwaniCollar, placket and buttons, sleeve length, bottom wear
Shirt, dress, topCollar or neckline, buttons, sleeve length, print placement

The 5 mistakes that cause changed details

  1. Cropped garment. The AI invents the missing part.
  2. Creased cloth. Creases turn into false patterns.
  3. Busy background. Print and background blend together.
  4. Folded or draped saree. Fold it flat so the border and pallu are all visible.
  5. Extra items in the photo. A dupatta, belt or jewellery in the photo may be treated as part of the set.

Always check the result

Even with a perfect flat photo, AI can change small details or add a piece. In one of our own tests an editorial look added a dupatta that was not in the flat photo. Before you list a photo, check the neckline, sleeve length, print, border and every piece worn against the real garment. If a photo adds or changes anything, do not use it.

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Questions

How should I photograph a garment for AI model photos?
Shoot the whole garment flat or on a hanger, wrinkle-free, on a plain background, in even daylight, with the neckline, print and border clearly visible and nothing cropped.
Can I use a photo of the garment on a hanger?
Yes, if the whole garment is visible and hangs straight. A flat photo from above is usually the safest.
Why did the AI change my neckline?
Common causes are a cropped or blurry photo, creases, or a busy background. Re-shoot flat and sharp, and always compare the result with the real garment.
Should I include the dupatta in the photo?
Only if you sell it with the garment. Items in the photo may be treated as part of the set, and the AI may add one that is missing.
What file types can I upload?
Use a clear JPG, PNG or WebP photo, up to 10 MB.

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