Artwork feature - van wrap

Some projects are exceptional from the start. Kim and Paula approached me with a vision for their new van, and from the very start, I knew it was going to be something special.

The idea was to use my coloured powder photography to wrap their van’s windows. It was the fact that the van was white that prompted me to finally decide to experiment with coloured powder against a white background.

The project was not without its challenges, as I was not accustomed to working against white. The fact that the art would be printed 8’ long meant that there was no room for error when creating the files for print. However, I’m not one to shy away from a challenge, and I loved every moment of it.

Thank you to Kim and Paula for the opportunity to work on such a unique project. If you happen to see this van driving down the highway, or pulling up to a flyball tournament, please make sure to say hello for me.

The final product!

The photographs!

Final - passenger side
Final - driver side
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Behind the scenes

I love when clients capture behind the scenes craziness from our time together. My coworkers are the cutest things in the world (even when attempting to steal my lunch!).

How to step up your dog's JUMP for epic powder photography

Powder photography is an epic way to show of an animal's raw athleticism and power. The images are sure to turn heads and make jaws drop. It's no wonder that powder sessions are in such high demand.

But...

The strength of the images is directly proportional to the level of competence and confidence of the furry subject. The better prepared your pet is to cope with the strange sights, sounds and sensations of a powder session, the more successful everyone will be.

Want to polish things up a bit before our upcoming session? Here is a breakdown of the required behaviours, as well as some resources to help step up your training.

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What about photos featuring things other than jumps?

We can capture fetch, flyball, running, bitework and more in powder photography. However, photo subjects should be fluent in the behaviours we are trying to capture. Young and/or “green” dogs frequently forget their jobs in the face of distractions.

Breakdown of the basic JBP jump sequence

Behind-the-scenes video of a jump at the inaugural Jess Bell Photography powder session.

  1. Helper holds dog ~15 feet away from a jump.

  2. Handler and/or helper applies powder to dog.

  3. Handler moves to the opposite side of the jump.

  4. Handler calls dog from ~15 feet from opposite side of jump. Helper releases dog.

  5. Dog takes jump on the way to handler for reward.

  6. Party! Reward heavily.

  7. Reset again at step 1.

 

Breaking it Down

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The basic components of the session are relatively simple, but are deceptively complicated once we factor in the necessity of performing in a new area with new smells, lights and back drops and the weird, cold sensation of powder applied to their fur.

Here are some things you can work on with your dog to get them used to some of these strange things:

  • Work on being held by a stranger.

  • Train your dog in new areas. Let them sniff and explore beforehand so they can focus more easily.

  • Crinkle plastic bags behind their heads.

  • Start with low jumps.

  • Start close to the jump.

Some dogs are not candidates for powder sessions, unfortunately. Dogs that are not physically sound cannot participate out of health concerns. Dogs that are nervous in new areas or who are easy to stress may not be suitable either. If you’re not sure whether your pet is a suitable candidate for powder photography, don’t hesitate to contact me. I will likely ask to see a video of a basic jump sequence, ask for some background information, and then provide my professional opinion.

Educational resources

“Many people think that dogs can jump naturally and there is no need to train them in the basics of jumping. ... dogs need to learn how to jump correctly. Jumping correctly involves teaching a dog weight transfer, how to use their hind legs correctly to take off for the jump, how to choose the correct path to the jump and most importantly to become confident, have an understanding of the jump task being asked and to jump with a relaxed body.”
— https://www.2coolbcs.com/obedience-jump-training.html

Powder action photography FAQ and registration

Registration for the last open group powder session of 2019 is coming. Spaces are extremely limited, so don’t miss out! Contact me via email, social media or comment below if you would like to receive an email notification when pre-registration is available, before the event opens to the public.

The event will be held on a weekend day in October or November, 2019. Jumping, disc and other events will be offered (pre-registration required and contingent on skill level). The event is limited to 10 handlers, and spots will be reserved on a first-come-first-served basis upon receipt of a deposit.

The event will take place within 1-2 hours’ driving distance from Toronto, Ontario, and will be indoors (YAY!).

As an added incentive, I’m holding a contest. One lucky handler will have their registration fee refunded to them prior to the date of the session!

Zest the Border Collie photographed at Jess Bell Photography group holi powder session

The photos are guaranteed to turn heads with their bright colours and unparalleled detail. The event itself is great fun, full of laughs and loads of memorable moments.

For more information, check out my page on Group Powder Sessions.

Behind the scenes with Jess Bell Photography

FAQ:

How do you create these images?

This is captured in-camera and is not a digital effect simply stamped onto a photo after the fact. We apply powder to your dog and let ‘r rip!

What do the dogs need to know?

Your dog(s) should be able identify and take a basic jump in a new environment. These photos work best with dogs that are happy and focused on their handler. Environmentally sensitive dogs might feel uncomfortable being handled by strangers, performing in a new environment or having the powder applied.

What do the handlers need to know?

The coloured powder I use is non-toxic (FD&C/D&C approved ingredients) and safe to use with your dogs. However, like all powder, it’s best to avoid inhaling it. We take every precaution to avoid this (shooting with lots of ventilation, only ever cuing forward momentum, keeping powder behind the head at all times).

You will get dirty, and your dog(s) may be dyed for weeks after the session. Do not plan to compete in conformation/obedience/rally within a few weeks of our session, as your dog may be excused from the ring.

The best way to remove the pigment afterward is a high velocity dryer. Do not bathe your dog until you've removed as much powder as possible from the coat via other means. Water may make the pigment hold more fast.

Introducing studio action photography with coloured powder

Regular readers might recall that I set out into 2019 with the intention of learning more about using artificial lighting in my photography. After experimenting in my in-home studio for a few brief months, I jumped into the deep end with action photography. I wasn’t too sure if I’d be successful in creating images that were up to my standards beforehand, but, well, mission succeeded! I’m thrilled with these shots. What do you think?

We also had a film crew present this day, capturing footage for some very cool upcoming projects. It was quite the event!

Stay tuned for more images posted to my social media channels as I finish them.