Recently “Powder Portrait Sessions” have been all the rage over the last few years. They’re cool, flashy, and have that WOW factor that catches attention on social media. And with that attention owners are seeking out Photographers who offer these sessions.
I have several potential clients reach out to me about having their own “Powder” session, but personally, I have some reservations about the safety of these sessions for both the dog, the handler, and me, the photographer. I’d be worried about the implications for those involved in inhaling the powder and the contact of the powder against the dog’s skin.
I am not the only professional photographer who sees potential risks involved, check out this article, “Why Coloured Powder Shouldn’t Be Used in Pet Photography.”
Now, I bet you are wondering, “Okay, but I have seen “Powder” portraits on your social media and this blog is about Powder Portraits. So, how can you say you disagree with them?”
Well, that is because I have found a way to create the effects without sacrificing the safety of those involved while using actual powder. The “Powder” portraits I create, have a bit more emphasis on the “create” part because the powder effects are ALL created after the portrait session not during it.
Each session begins with photographing a dog in action – jumping, banking off a flyball box, leaping, etc. – against a black background, and then once the client has selected the action portrait they want for their final piece of custom art, the magic begins.
There were other post processing changes that I made for artistic purposes. For instance, in the original photo, there were a number of highlights in the trees behind Sadie. Softening those did not affect the overall golden glow of the light, but did remove the visual distraction, focusing the viewer’s attention just where it should be—on Sadie.
