Color Powder Shoots
Color powder shoots have captivated people worldwide, and I've spent the past year experimenting with top-notch styling, lighting, and processes. Excited to announce that I now offer these styled photos not only for canines but also for equines in the New England area!
So what makes my photos different?
Lighting, lighting, lighting! Properly executed, professional lighting is what can elevate photography from neigh (see what I did there?) to yay! I've noticed that many photographers advertising this style of photography are capturing images in natural light, either using the sun or indoor lighting, and then digitally adding the chalk onto a black backdrop. This approach often leads to rough and incomplete cut-outs of the animals, incorrect white balances, and distorted color hues, resulting in overall unbalanced 'photography.' It raises the question of whether we can even call it photography when it's mostly digital art.
I get it… lighting! How do you do yours?
First and foremost, I prefer my photoshoots to be indoors. I have found indoor riding arenas to be the most convenient, as the powder that is left over from the shoot is easily dragged into the arena dirt at completion. While we can shoot outside, it has to be when/where there is minimal influence of the sun/wind.
Once we have our location, black and white back drops are hung. I use all lighting equipment from Wescott, and then shoot through 48” Octoboxes. Smaller soft boxes are available, which produce a starker image. This high end lighting equipment - paired with top of the line Nikon cameras and lenses - assist in producing the images you will see below.
Do the animals spook? How do you get them to do as you ask?
Spooking is not uncommon, however, they often “get over it” very quickly. I recommend to let the animal - be it horse or dog - come in at their own comfort level and sniff the things that may be scary. Once they are comfortable around the equipment, I will trigger the flash for them to see. The first time intrigues many pets, but can sometimes result in a startled jump. If startled, we will allow them a moment to regain their confidence before triggering the light again. We will do this repeatedly until they no longer react.
Once they are comfortable we will practice a few times going over a jump or through a jumping shoot. If your pet can do special tricks such as rearing on command, jumping up to catch a frisbee, jump and spin, let me know because I want to photograph it! I supply stacking blocks for dog photos with a PVC jump pole, but jump poles and equipment for horse jump shoots must be required by the horse owner/stable. Your pets favorite treats or a bucket of grain are also great to keep on hand to help motivate our friends to do what we ask of them!
Talk to me about the color powder. How do we apply it? Can we change colors? Is it safe?
The color powder chalk used for the photos is called Holi powder. A colorful and dynamic festival, the annual celebration of Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is celebrated by Hindus in India and throughout the world. The colorful powder used for this event is absolutely vibrant, and photographs stunningly.
We will apply the color to the neck/back of dogs, and horses to the neck/mane. This location allows for the most movement to ensure the powder will fly off and over their back. Assessment on your pets coat type/thickness will determine how much color we apply.
To change colors, a force air dryer will be used to blow the existing color off. If your pet is not used to being blow dried, I ask that you practice using a blow dryer on them a few times before your scheduled session. My force air dryer is variable speed, which allows the air to adjust from a very light breeze to a full force air a pet would experience at the groomer.
Like all foreign substances, it is not advised to let your pet lick the chalk off of themselves or ingest it. Additionally, I will never apply or allow application of chalk onto the face or near the eyes. Some Holi powders are not safe to be inhaled or to be absorbed through mucous membranes, but Meghann Leigh Creative LLC uses 100% Human Grade Non-Toxic powders. When we blow the chalk off of your pet a mask will be provided for your safety, and I recommend covering your pets face with a towel. Please wash your pet after their session to ensure no remnant color is remaining. Safety is of my utmost priority for everyone at all of my photo sessions.
Last but not least - tell me how to book?!
Color powder sessions are available in several ways, including as a private one hour session, group sessions, and as an add-on to a fine art session. I am scheduling Saturday-Tuesday, and ask for a minimum of 6 weeks notice. Travel is included within 50 miles, and extended travel is available.
Behind The Scenes
