Experimenting with Holi powder on a trampoline has been on my bucket list for a long time (admittedly I have a strange, photographer’s kind of bucket!). The goal was to try and convey movement in a fun and unique way. And just to make things interesting, rather than work with professional athletes, why not work with some high energy kids (i.e. future athletes) because, well, who knows what they’ll come up with?!
We are incredibly lucky to live in a very supportive community and some of our friends were happy to accommodate this silliness. Oh yeah, their wildly talented kids are on track to be Olympic gymnasts one day so…WOW!
For those interested in some of the “how to” details…
With a bit of research, we sourced some corn starch-based Holi powder in a couple of different colours, planned out some semi-extravagant lighting (Profoto D2s and 6’ and 5’ octaboxes) and hoped for good weather as the trampoline we were using was outside. The wind proved to be challenging - LOTS of sandbags (actually filled with rocks!) secured the numerous C-stands which held the lights and backdrop. In the end, one hour of shooting required about 10 hours of set up and take down time.
Sometimes crazy ideas work out and sometimes they don’t - this was one of those experiments that produced incredible images. Who knew that letting kids (ranging in age from 9 to 13) douse themselves in coloured powder and bounce around on a trampoline would create such magic?! The kids’ enthusiasm and creativity carried the day - each one had a unique approach to this wacky experience. We were all absolutely thrilled with the results - thank you to all the participants (and their dry cleaners!)