Should You Tan Before a Boudoir Photo Shoot?
Ah, tanning. Our modern day rite of passage before vacations, weddings, and now boudoir photos. Somewhere along the way, we were sold this idea that we’d be hotter, sexier, more "ready" for the camera if only we could be a few shades darker, right? But here’s the thing: you’re already ready.
Still, because I know some of you are going to Google this and wind up spiraling on Reddit threads full of conflicting advice, let’s have an honest chat about tanning before a boudoir shoot. No judgment. Just some real talk, from a photographer who has seen it all. The glowing goddesses, the accidental Oompa Loompas, and everything in between.
First things first: Do you need to tan before your boudoir photos?
Short answer? No.
Long answer? Absolutely not.
You, in your skin, exactly as you are right now, that’s the magic. That's the version of you I want in front of my camera. Boudoir isn’t about fitting into a box or looking like someone else. It’s about celebrating you, the way you show up for yourself when no one’s watching. Soft, powerful, vulnerable, bold, whatever that looks like.
And listen, I get it, there’s something about that "just got back from the beach" glow that feels good. But what doesn’t feel good?
- Streaky tan lines that make you think "Oh God, can we Photoshop this out?"
- Orange knees and elbows that steal attention away from your smoldering gaze.
- Self-tanner stains on white lingerie that were supposed to make you feel like a bridal goddess, not like you lost a fight with a Crayola marker.
But what if I really want to tan?
If tanning makes you feel like Beyoncé on vacation, okay, I won’t stop you. But let's be smart about it. Here's my official, professional, lovingly firm advice:
Natural Sun Tanning?
Hard pass. I know, the sun is tempting. But tan lines are sneaky little things, and unless your boudoir wardrobe includes "striped zebra chic," those lines are going to be a problem. Also? Sunburn. Yes, I have had clients show up looking like freshly boiled lobsters. No, I cannot Photoshop that out and still make you look human.
Self-Tanners?
Please don’t do this to yourself. I love a good DIY moment, but self tanners are chaotic neutral at best. Even if you think you've mastered the art, trust me, cameras pick up everything. Every streak, every patch, every orange knuckle. And when you’re trying to feel like a queen in your lace bodysuit, the last thing you need to worry about is whether your armpits are two shades darker than the rest of you.
Spray Tan?
Okay, if you must tan a professional spray tan is your safest bet. But even then, there are rules:
- Go light. Like, barely there glow light. One or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. If you’re thinking about that one episode of Friends where Ross comes out looking like a burnt pancake, abort mission.
- Get it 4-5 days before your session. Let it settle, let it mellow out. Give your skin time to adjust so you’re not leaving behind bronzed fingerprints on every corset you touch.
- Talk to your spray tan artist. A good one will guide you on how to prep and maintain the tan. (Exfoliate before, avoid sweating right after, no weird lotions, etc)
What I really want you to know:
The heart of boudoir photography isn’t about creating a “perfect” version of yourself. It’s about seeing that the person you are today is already enough. Already stunning. Already worthy of being admired, adored, and celebrated.
And when I'm photographing you, we’re going to laugh, dance, maybe twerk a little if the mood strikes, and reclaim what it means to love yourself and your body. No tan required.
But hey, if a (well executed, subtle) spray tan makes you feel like a glowing goddess, I’ll support that too, because at the end of the day, it’s about what makes you feel good.
Just promise me one thing: Don’t do it for the camera. Do it for you.
Now, go put on that killer lingerie set, play your favorite hype song, and remember...you’re already beautiful.
