Unique memories through a color powder shoot!

Photographer Pia Bethkenhagen loves animal photography. To give it that certain something extra, she uses our studio flashes as well as colored powder for her creative shooting ideas. However, since photographing four-legged friends often poses a small challenge, Pia uses elements of studio flash and high-speed photography. The freeze function of the HS Freeze studio flashes makes it possible to capture fast movements such as those of the dog and the details of the powder.

Here's how: Equipment and materials for Pia's shooting idea

The photographer skillfully implements her creative shooting ideas with an elaborate background system. She uses two tripods, a crossbar, and a black fabric to focus on the dog. She also uses the Professional Light Stand 285 cm and the Umbrella Softbox from Rollei. To illuminate the entire set, the Rollei HS Freeze 6s with the Professional Wireless Transmitter Mark II is used. Pia takes the photos with the Canon 5D Mark III and a 135 mm lens with an aperture of f/8.0, a shutter speed of 1/200 second, and a flash intensity of level 8 in freeze mode. Detailed information about the freeze mode can be found here.

Set-up for the shooting idea with studio flashes

To ensure a smooth process, at least one helper is needed. This person positions the animal and sprinkles the colored powder in its fur. Now comes the command for the jump, and the dog jumps directly in front of Pia's lens. It is important to ensure sufficient breaks and correct positioning of the powder so that the beloved four-legged friend does not get any of it in its eyes or nose.

The location she chose for the shoot is also particularly interesting. While the freeze function is mostly used indoors or in studios, Pia photographed outdoors. This allowed her to ensure that the dog had enough space to jump.

Colored powder shoot explained quickly and easily!

"The most important thing about a colored powder shoot is movement," explains the photographer. She advises using fine flour as a dry run for the shooting idea with dogs, so as not to waste the colorful powder. A considerable amount of powder is used to capture the desired effect. From experience, the photographer advises setting up two obstacles, as the powder flies best when the animal lands from the first jump and immediately goes into a new jump. This way, the colored powder shoot is perfectly captured. The Rollei studio flash allows for sequential shooting, and every picture can be sharply reproduced.

If the powder for the creative shooting idea is too expensive, you can easily make it yourself from cornflour and food coloring and thus create exactly the desired color. The powder used, as well as the use of cornflour, is completely harmless for dogs. If you want to be absolutely sure that your dog is not allergic, it is advisable to apply the powder to a small area of the fur before the shoot.

We wish you a lot of fun with your colored powder shoot and look forward to your results. Feel free to tag us on Instagram and Facebook!

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