Color powder photography is a pawsitively fun way to capture a creative memory with your pet! Our furry friends already hold such a special place in our hearts, they deserve to feel like the star of the show for a fun, safe, and memorable photo shoot.
Whether you’re a pet owner, photographer, or both, a question we often hear is “How do you do color powder photography with pets?” If you’re asking that same question, you’re in the right place! We’ve asked a few of our favorite photographers to share their special tips and tricks for creating the most perrrfect color powder photos with your fur babies.
Charlie Nunn Photography
When using Chameleon Colors for a photo shoot with dogs, preparation and teamwork are key to capturing stunning images. Here are some of our tips:
Application: We used a set of makeup brushes like this one on Amazon: Makeup brush set. The brush size matters depending on your dog's size and the areas you're targeting. For precise work around delicate areas like the eyes, opt for smaller, more delicate brushes that allow for controlled application.
Keeping your pup happy and occupied: Treats are crucial to maintaining the dog's cooperation and keeping the mood positive. String cheese works exceptionally well as a rewards strategy. Hold the cheese in a closed fist, allowing the dog to lick while you apply the powder. This will keep them focusing on the treat, not on the makeover!
The Studio: We use 9-foot seamless backdrops in a variety of colors for the shoot. If your space isn’t large enough, they’re made in 6-foot or smaller, too.
Getting the shot: We’ve found that two people working together as a team is best. While the photographer is getting the dog’s attention and taking the shot, the wrangler is making sure the dog is in the proper place and pose.
The photographer should be the only one making noise or calling for the dog. They (the dogs) are naturally curious, but their attention can waver quickly. Have multiple noise makers at hand, ready to rotate when one isn’t working.
The most important thing is to have fun and let the dos be themselves!
Special Offer: Listen up, L.A. followers! Charlie Nunn Photography is offering a special Chameleon Colors 60-90 minute studio portrait session with a bonus $100 print credit (a $299 value) for just $99! To schedule, click here.
To learn more about Charlie Nunn Photography and to see more photos, you can visit CharlieNunnPhotography.com or on Instagram @charlienunnphotography.
Jess Bell Photography
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Always keep the powder well away from the eyes and airways! I make a point to only apply powder to the neck and along the spine, and avoid any and all application on the head. I also always work with the animals going forward, so no powder flies into their faces when they move around.
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Pigment may remain on the animals afterward. The most effective way to reduce lingering pigment on animals is to ensure they're dry the entire time you use the powder. I also find that when working with animals, it's best to avoid bathing them right before or right after the shoot. Beforehand, the natural oil on an animal's fur sometimes acts as a barrier and repels the powder slightly making it less likely to stain. Bathing can strip this oil away. Afterward, try to remove as much as you can with a dry towel and/or a forced air dryer - this should help the mess considerably. I would recommend bathing your animals only after several attempts have been made to remove the powder with dry methods. And even with all this being said, you may still end up with colored animals for a few days - consider it a momento from your awesome photo shoot!
- Be considerate when working with animals, and ensure they're having fun the entire time. Some animals may find working with powder overwhelming. Allow them to go at their own pace and keep the whole experience rewarding. Consider ahead of time whether your animal is a good candidate for a powder photography session - not all of them are. If that's the case, work with your photographer to come up with alternative ways to photograph your animals within their comfort zone.
To learn more about Jess Bell Photography and to see more photos, you can visit JessBellPhotography.com or on Instagram @jessbellphotography.
Savannah Rae Photography
- All colors work so well together; use color layering for depth. I layer different colors on the dog’s back for a more dynamic, multicolored effect. Start with a base color and lightly add other colors on top. This layering technique can add depth and dimension to the photos, making the images more visually engaging.
- Make sure to bring a towel with your dog when doing a powder session so you can easily remove the powder from your dog’s coat!
- One tip for editing is to enhance the drama of your powder photos by deepening shadows to emphasize the texture and movement of the powder. I always add texture to the dog to make it stand out more.
To learn more about Savannah Rae Photography and to see more photos, you can visit SavannahRaePhotographyllc.showit.site/ or on Instagram @savannah.rae.s.
Aspynn Tabor Photography
- I would recommend movement for the animal and using a powder amount relative to body size! We used about ¼ cup total on the chicken (with 2 takes, so ⅛ cup each shot sequence) and approximately ¼ a bag per color on the horse!
- I have also learned that I prefer a plain background if possible and to use your bright colors if working in a natural-colored environment.
To learn more about Aspynn Tabor Photography and to see more photos, you can visit AspynnTaborPhotography.com or on Instagram @aspynntaborphotog.
Ayla Aktan Photography
- The more powder the better to create the desired “explosion” effect.
- It’s important to ensure that the dog has a solid “stay,” whether it be standing, sitting, or lying down whilst the powder is being applied so you haven’t lost any powder that can get wasted when the dog takes off.
To learn more about Aspynn Tabor Photography and to see more photos, you can visit Instagram at @ayla.aktan.photography.
Boise Pets Photography
- I’ve focused on working with working dogs, agility dogs, and fly dogs. We have the dog sit and wait, and an assistant pours a decent amount of color powder on the back and head of the dog. I’d say it could be anywhere from 3-6 cups. If you set a large piece of paper on the floor where you pour, you can sweep and reuse the product. The dog will run and jump the hurdle, and that’s where I snap the photo.
- I also recommend using two lights behind and in front of the set. This illuminates the powder.
To learn more about Boise Pets Photography and to see more photos, you can visit or on Instagram @boisepets.
- First, ensure you have enough power depending on the coat of the dog. For long-haired dogs, I usually need two layers. For short coats, I use one layer from my experience.
- Second, I would suggest that dogs have a good sit and stay till released. Then you can capture all those action photos with a touch of color!
To learn more about chaotickais, and to see more photos, follow her on Instagram @chaotickais.
@sadie_american.pitbull.terrier
- With our dog, Sadie, we used a 1/2 package of each color and didn’t have her too far away from the jump (like a stride or two max). If she was further than that, all the powder would be off before the jump and we wouldn’t get the picture of the color powder trail behind her. I think if a dog had a longer coat than Sadie it would hold better in the fur but Sadie just has enough hair on her body to cover her skin!
- For editing the final shot, we used the app called “Snap Seed.”
To learn more about Sadie_american.pitbull.terrier, and to see more photos, follow her on Instagram @sadie_american.pitbull.terrier.
Whether you're a professional photographer, or just want to help your pet feel like a glamorous star, we hope these tips from these special photographers help take your next photoshoot to the next level. When it comes to the color powder used in these amazing shots, we've got you covered! Check out Chameleon Colors' 1 Pound Rainbow Pack for a variety of colors in a convenient size for photoshoots.