How Rain, Holi Powder, and an Unstoppable Team Created an Unforgettable Photoshoot

In 2021, I came up with the idea for a Holi-themed photoshoot—something vibrant, dynamic, and energetic. At that time, I had only completed around 4 to 5 portrait shoots, so this was a significant step for me. However, as often happens in Washington State, the weather had other plans. Heavy rain was forecast for the day of the shoot, but we decided to embrace it instead of postponing it. The gloomy weather can sometimes be a blessing in Washington, allowing us to shoot without worrying about harsh daylight. This creates soft, even lighting that beautifully enhances colors.

Finding a studio that permitted the use of Holi powder proved challenging, so the picnic shelter became the perfect alternative—easier to clean up and offering just enough cover to make the shoot feasible. With only the picnic shelter as our cover, we pressed on, and what followed was one of the most unforgettable shoots I've ever experienced.

I reached out to Chamari, an incredible model and an absolute trooper, to see if she would be interested in bringing this vision to life. I am always grateful for models who support my concepts, and Chamari's willingness to participate meant a lot to me. Fortunately, she was all in. Despite the cold and the inevitable mess of using Holi powder, she showed up ready to go, fearless and fully committed. I even managed to round up a couple of friends to help throw the powder—both of them I convinced during a Friendsgiving hotpotluck—an essential element to making the shots feel alive.

To keep things simple, we used a black background to let the colors pop and a single strobe light illuminating the action. Every shot felt electric—bursts of blue, pink, and yellow exploded in the air, clinging to Chamari's skin and hair, forming a stunning, organic pattern that couldn't have been better planned.

The reality of the shoot was anything but glamorous. It was freezing, and the air was thick with swirling powder and rain mist, but everyone pushed through. Chamari was a warrior, braving the weather and getting completely covered in color without a single complaint. To ensure everyone was taken care of, I brought along snacks and wipes—small but necessary comforts when working in challenging conditions.

Looking back, this shoot perfectly exemplifies why I love photography. It wasn't just about the final images, which turned out beautifully, but also about the experience—collaborating with like-minded individuals, embracing the unexpected, and creating something unique despite the obstacles. Sometimes, the best shoots aren't perfectly planned, but those where you go with the flow and make magic happen.