Makers Gonna Make: How to Powder Paint Photoshoot.

Katie Kruger
Aug 4, 2019
4 min read

We had an absolute blast with our Powder Paint Photo Shoot. Special shout out to Olivia for the inspiration! It was the perfect activity for 'Up North' in a remote cabin in the woods, both for the scenery and for keeping the kids (and Aunties) entertained, but could obviously be accomplished anywhere. If you're looking for a fun activity - for kids, teenagers and adults alike - that also gives you a lasting souvenir in the form of fantastically awesome photos with authentic smiles, you should definitely give this a try! In this post, I will give you all the details on WHAT YOU'LL NEED and how to plan for this activity. I will also tell you what went well and what was stinky. Olivia will give you the quick and dirty on how to shoot and edit the photos.

The Plan - All the things you'll have to think about by Katie

First, you need the POWDER PAINT. You can find everything you need in your grocery store baking aisle and make your own using cornstarch or flour, food coloring, mixing trays or bowls, gloves and water. No thank you. We went the easy route and ordered a variety of colors of pre-made powder paint on Amazon [Holi Powder by Chameleon Colors]

It was as simple as bringing the packets in their already-packed-Amazon-box and then ripping them open when we were ready for the photo shoot. We chose to dispense the powder by directly pouring it into our hands and throwing. If you prefer, you can pour into a SIMPLE CONDIMENT BOTTLE (optional) and squeeze.

Pack CLOTHES YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT. Our clothes got clean again with the exception of our white shirts and bras. It's best to shake off as much as you possibly can before throwing into the washer.

Pack a TARP (optional) if you're overly concerned about the area. We used the powder in the woods, on gravel, etc. and never needed the tarp.

Bring FLOUR or CORNSTARCH (optional). You can "stretch" the purchased powder paint by mixing it with flour or cornstarch. Cornstarch results in a more powdery look while flour looks more smoky. We started by mixing the purchased powders with flour. We decided the pictures weren't as colorful as we liked (looking at them through the camera viewfinder) so we stopped adding flour. We had plenty of powder to complete the session. However, now that the session is concluded and we have enhanced the final photos, I can say that you are able to stretch the powder paint and still get a rich color look by editing the photos. I guess it depends on how far you want the powder to go and how much hassle and mess you are willing to accept. I preferred to use it all up and discard at the end. The natural brightness of the powder paint all over the models was also a better look versus having the possibility of needing to over edit.

We also tried just using flour and solely adding color through editing. It doesn't have the same impact overall but could do in a pinch. You also have to be willing to do more heavy lifting in Photoshop or Lightroom than we wanted to do.

You need ASSISTANTS. Three to be exact. One who takes the pictures. Make sure this person doesn't have to touch the powder paint at all so that the powder does not transfer onto the camera. The other two assistants are needed to mess up the models (don't throw too much orange on your face or you look like an oompa loompa and no amount of editing can correct that!) and to throw the paint from various angles and in a coordinated fashion as the pictures are being snapped.

See what I mean, this is what it really takes to bring that cover photo to life!

P.S. Life is so much better with Aunties (check out the video version).

Stinky Feet

We also tried a second option ordering a '6-piece Colorful Smoke for Photography Props' (sometimes called Smoke Grenades). You pull a wire and colorful smoke runs for 30 seconds. We got 6 for $34.99. We were hesitant to use them because of the cost. We wanted it to be in the exact right location and at the exact right time. Too much pressure people - this is supposed to be fun not stressful! Also, once you pulled the plug, you were stuck there for 30 seconds putting a somewhat awkward look on the kids faces. The photos could be tagged, as "what am I supposed to do with my face now and, is this thing going to burn me?" It also has to be dead calm or the smoke blows in your face. I think the best use of this prop would be when you are looking to get a group photo (like a bridal party) and you are on a mission for that one good photo.