Colour powder is for more than just fundraisers, parties and festivals. One of the most effective uses of colour powder is in photography, where it brings an additional, mesmerising effect to every shot. Whether you’re capturing portraits, colourful pet photos, sports themed shots or even a colour run or festival, holi colour powder can instantly transform an image and turn it into something striking and bold.
Colour powder photography isn’t quite as straightforward as pressing the shutter button and capturing a great photo however. It requires getting the right set up, experimenting with camera settings and planning your shots so you can capture the perfect photo. By following the right tips and using the correct techniques, you can turn vibrant bursts of colour into stunning images.
Follow our top tips for colour powder photography to get the most out of your photoshoot and capture the best bold and dynamic shots.
Preparing For a Colour Powder Photoshoot
To ensure a smooth and successful colour powder photoshoot, effective planning and preparation is key. First off, you’re going to need to find a location for the shoot. An outdoor space is ideal for a colour powder photo shoot, as it will provide plenty of natural light and give plenty of room to move around. An indoor space will work too however, provided it’s big enough and you have access to studio lights that will allow you to be in control of the lighting.
When using colour powder, expect things to get a bit messy! Not only will the subject of your image be covered in powder, but it’s likely yourself, your camera, your kit and your surroundings will be too. To protect your camera, we recommend bringing a clear plastic sheet with you so you can shield your equipment without affecting the image quality. Wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit messy, and don’t forget to bring towels and a spare change of clothes for travelling home.
This is why an outdoor space is ideal for your shoot, as it makes the clean up process much easier. Colour powder is non-toxic and safe for the environment, and it will simply wash away following a bit of rain (which in the UK, never takes long!). Cleaning up indoors however, will take longer and require a bit extra work. To remove leftover colour powder from an indoor space, start by sweeping up and disposing of any excess powder. If further cleaning is required, use warm, soapy water to mop the floors and wipe down surfaces.
Next, think carefully about your shot and who will be the subject. Will they be throwing the colour powder themselves, having it applied beforehand or will it be thrown on them from out of frame? To capture the best image and keep your shoot running as smoothly as possible, an extra pair of hands is always helpful. Bring along an assistant (or two or three), especially if you plan to throw powder at the subject while you’re behind the camera. If you want to use multiple colour powders or throw the powder from different angles, having a few helping hands will make the process much easier and ensure the moment is captured perfectly.
Camera Settings For a Colour Powder Photoshoot
Getting your camera settings correct is crucial to capturing the most effective holi colour powder photos. For a colour powder photoshoot, a DSLR or mirrorless camera is best, as it allows for fast continuous shooting and burst mode to capture multiple frames quickly. Changing lenses throughout the shoot isn’t recommended as you risk getting fine powder inside your camera or lenses. If possible, bring a second camera if you want to use different settings or focal lengths.
As clouds of colour powder move quickly, you’ll need to shoot fast to effectively capture them. Set your camera to burst mode to take multiple frames per second, capturing the powder as though it’s frozen in mid-air. For this, it’s best to shoot without flash.
Use a fast shutter speed, 1/1000 or higher, to capture the motion in air. Pair it with a wide aperture, such as f2.8, to create a shallow depth of field, blurring the background while keeping your subject in focus. Keeping your ISO low, such as between 100-400, will help maintain clear, sharp images, especially when working with bright colours. A tripod can also be helpful to keep your shots steady and perfectly framed.
Taking Your Colour Powder Photo
Then comes the exciting part, taking the picture with colour powder. Start by positioning your subject exactly where you want them. Depending on the style of your shot, encourage your subject to move to create a more dynamic and energetic image.
Colour powder works especially well in sports-themed photoshoots. Make sure your subject is ready to pose or move in time with the shot and the throwing of the powder, whether they’re dancing, kicking a ball or throwing a boxing punch.
If you have an assistant throwing the powder into the shot, have them aim behind the subject rather than in front, so the powder frames the subject without covering their face.
Most importantly though, have fun and experiment! Play with the lighting, poses, camera settings and angles to find what works best for you and what creates the most striking images.
Colour powder is a fun, creative way to bring movement, striking visuals and colour to your images. You can take what might’ve been a standard portrait and turn it into something vibrant and fun. With the right planning, techniques and some experimentation, you can capture some truly unforgettable photos.
Order your colour powder from Ministry of Colours for safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly options that are perfect for any occasion. With a wide range of colours available, you’ll find exactly what you need to bring your vision to life. Get in touch with a member of our team if you want to know more about bringing a burst of colour to your photos.
