Spray tans & general tanning are a hot topic for boudoir photographers. Should you or shouldn’t you? It’s a hard question, and I know I have a few followers who own tanning businesses so I’m sure they’ll leave their comments on this blog post.
There are a few concerns with tanning and spray tans in particular as it pertains to boudoir photography. Here are a few things to consider:
1) Orange skin
A lot of spray tans make the skin orange in the photographs. And, if not executed properly, it could be even worse. The trouble for boudoir photographers is that the skin tone will set our camera meters into a tizzy. Did you like that technical term? But seriously, there is a large risk to getting a spray tan prior to your session. Also, the spray tan can stain the bedding, props and chairs used in your photo shoot! (Yes, it has happened) No one wants to look orange in their photos and it’s not something that can be fixed in the editing of your photos. Even tanning beds can give you orange skin – excessive tanning has the same orange effect that spray tans can have.
2) Strong tan lines
Spray tans can give you very strong tan lines, which cannot be taken out of photos. Tan lines are even a possibility with tanning beds and sunbathing – I even warn my summer clients about tanning outside because they will show in the photos. Take precautions as necessary to limit tanning prior to your session.
3) Unnatural skin tones
Yes, spray tans can give you very unnatural skin tones – hello, blotchy skin. Trust me when I say this – Natural skin tones are the best! I don’t care if you are as pale as can be – it’s easier to add some warm tones to the photos than try to take out all the color in a attempt to make your skin look right.
4) Wrinkles
It’s no surprise to anyone that excessive tanning causes deep lines and wrinkles in your skin. This happened to me recently – a client was, by her admission, addicted to tanning. She had deep lines and wrinkles in her forehead that couldn’t be taken out of editing. Tanning just has negative effects on your skin in general.
For most people, a boudoir photo shoot is a once in a lifetime experience and you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can for a successful session. The risks of spray tans & excessive tanning are just too high and the possibilities of issues are things that cannot be fixed in the editing of photos.
I have only found one instance where a spray tan was OK. I had a client who was an avid golfer – she was golfing 5 times a week! From being outside this much, she had terrible tan lines from her clothes. She received regular spray tans to account for her tan lines. In this one case, I did recommend that she continue with her spray tans in order to cover those tan lines from her clothing.
If you MUST, please do so 4-5 days before your session. Give the tan time to set in. Just be cautious. And choose a place that you’ve had this done before. DO NOT choose to have your first spray tan right before your boudoir session.
What are you thoughts on tanning for your session? Leave your comments below.
