Should I Tan Before My Boudoir Session?

One of the most common questions I get asked before a boudoir session is:

"Should I tan before my shoot?"

The short answer is:

No — and please don't feel like you need to!

My job is to make you look and feel incredible exactly as you are, and that includes your natural skin tone. In fact, tanning before your session often creates more challenges than benefits.

Avoid Sunburn and Harsh Tan Lines ☀️

If you're spending time outdoors before your session, please be extra careful to avoid sunburn and harsh tan lines.

Tan lines from bikinis, swimsuits, sports bras, or even tank tops can be extremely difficult to remove in Photoshop, especially when they are very dark or uneven. Sunburn can be even more problematic, often leaving redness and irritation that can take weeks to fully disappear.

If your session is coming up, now is NOT the time to spend an entire weekend by the pool!

What About Spray Tans?

I generally do not recommend spray tans before your boudoir session.

While they may look fine in person, many spray tans have strong orange or yellow undertones that cameras tend to exaggerate. This can make skin tones appear unnatural and creates additional challenges when photographing and editing your images.

Your natural skin tone will always photograph best. We Can always ADD a tan i POST Production

Are Tanning Beds Better?

If you feel strongly about tanning before your session, an even all-over tan from a tanning bed is generally preferable to harsh outdoor tan lines.

However, avoid tanning immediately before your session as your skin may appear red or irritated for several days afterward.

Don't Worry About Uneven Skin Tone

A little uneven skin tone is completely normal and nothing to stress about.

Professional retouching allows us to smooth skin tones, reduce redness, and even add a subtle sun-kissed glow if desired. Many clients are surprised by just how natural and beautiful their skin looks in their final images.

My Recommendation?

Come to your session looking like YOU.

Healthy, hydrated skin photographs beautifully, regardless of whether you're fair, olive, or naturally tan. Your confidence, expression, and personality are what make your images stunning—not the shade of your skin.

Trust me — after photographing women for over 16 years, I've learned that the most beautiful images come from women who stop trying to change themselves and simply allow themselves to be seen. ❤️