Glossary · Photography
On-model image
An on-model image shows clothing, jewellery or accessories worn by a person, real or AI-generated, so buyers can judge fit, drape and scale on a body.
On-model images are expected in fashion, footwear, jewellery and bags, where shoppers want to see how something sits on a body. On Amazon, adult apparel goes on a standing model in the main image, and on-model shots fill many of the later gallery slots too.
The rules split on whether the person is real. Amazon's product image requirements say photorealistic AI-generated people need the IPTC/XMP dc:subject keyword contains-synthetic-performer written into the file before upload; the tag is not needed for real people edited with AI or for people who are not photorealistic. A+ Content's asset upload has its own "AI-generated people" checkbox. TikTok Shop asks sellers to disclose significant AI use and bans impersonating real people, and its listing policy does not allow child models for children's swimwear and underwear.
Sellers go wrong in three ways. The pose hides the product: crossed arms over a shirt print, hair over an earring. A seated or cropped model is used where Amazon expects a standing model. Or an AI model changes the product itself, shortening a hem, moving a logo or shifting a colour, which TikTok Shop's AIGC rules forbid because the buyer would receive something different.
Whatever the source of the model, keep the garment accurate in colour, length and fit, and show it from more than one angle.
PicBarn's virtual try-on tab keeps the garment pixels and generates only the model and setting, and model exports carry the contains-synthetic-performer XMP tag.
See also
- Ghost mannequin (invisible mannequin)A ghost mannequin, or invisible mannequin, image shows a garment as if worn by an invisible body, made by photographing it on a mannequin and editing the mannequin out, often combining several shots.
- Virtual try-onVirtual try-on is a technique that shows a product, usually clothing or accessories, on a person who was not photographed wearing it, either live for shoppers or as generated on-model images for listings.
- contains-synthetic-performer tagcontains-synthetic-performer is the keyword Amazon asks sellers to write into an image's IPTC/XMP dc:subject field before uploading any photo that shows a photorealistic AI-generated person.
- AI-generated content disclosureAI-generated content disclosure is the requirement to tell buyers or the platform when an image or video was made or significantly changed with AI, through a label, toggle, checkbox or metadata tag.
Related
- AI virtual try-on — put your clothes on a modelVirtual try-on for sellers: upload a flat-lay or ghost-mannequin shot, pick an AI fashion model, and get on-model photos that keep every stitch of the garment. Amazon-, Shopify- and TikTok-ready sizes.
- How to disclose AI-generated models in product listings: Amazon, TikTok Shop, Etsy and ShopifyAmazon requires an XMP keyword on any image with a photorealistic AI-generated person; TikTok labels AI content and requires listing images to match the real product; Etsy requires one unedited photo; Shopify sets no rule. The exact tag, how to add it with exiftool or Preview, and a pre-publish checklist.
- Ghost mannequin vs AI model photos: which one sells the garment?Ghost-mannequin shots show shape; on-model shots show fit. When to use each, what each costs, and how to get both from one photo.