Do it! You’d be amazed at how many times I hear “can you add a little color to me in editing” during a photoshoot. In full transparency, orange hands & blotchy skin are not easy to retouch. I recommend getting sprayed by a human rather than a machine, if possible. This way, you can chat with them beforehand about how to prep properly, how soon in advance you should get sprayed for maximum bronze on shoot day, what outfits you’re planning to wear to ensure there are no tan lines, and any follow up care to keep your skin hydrated and photo ready.

I chatted with Alex Hively of The Hive Body Spa for tips & tricks to help your spray tan look best on any kind of camera.

Tip #1. Spray 2-3 days before a shoot.
Totally understand if this is not possible. Alex recommends to get spray no longer than 5 days in advance. At that point, you’ll be entering crusty dusty territory and any sane photographer will charge extra for having to clean that up in post. To extend, ask your artist what aftercare products they recommend or sell that work best with their brand of solution — worth the investment here, to not pay for additional retouching later. ALSO, let’s be completely clear, you can edit a photo but not a video.

Tip #2. How to Prep.
Every spray tan artist will be different. Ask if this info is not provided ahead of time!
Generally speaking; Alex recommends to shave, wash, and exfoliate with a glove – specifically in that order. Might be a challenge (especially in winter months), but don’t use any lotions after this!

Tip #3. What do you ask for?
It’s important to tell your artist what your tan is for and the vibe or the look you’re aiming to achieve. For example, you would get sprayed differently for Miami Swim Week vs. your wedding. Show them your photographer’s (or whatever kind of content grabbers) work. Some editing styles pull really warm or really cool and it’s important to know beforehand! No one wants to look orange.

White walls can make you look tanner! Who knew. Studio photography is getting more and more popular and most have at least one white wall, if not fully floor to ceiling white.

Tip #4. Know your outfits ahead of your spray.
Tell your artist what you’re wearing so they can avoid lines. Pro tip — let them know specifically if you’re wearing white. There are clear solution options to eliminate any kind of transfer nerves.

Tip #5. Schedule your mani & pedi before.
You know all those scrubs, lotions, and hand washing we love at the nail salon? Big no-no for after a spray tan. Plus, imagine getting spray tan solution on a french manicure — yuchk.

Bonus. Last but not least, if you’re getting your makeup done professionally — ask your artist in advance if they prefer you to get your face sprayed or not. In my experience, most say no and will always match your face to your body with or without a tan.

The Big Takeaways:
1. A photoshoot spray tan is different than an everyday spray tan.
2. Take the time to do this right, so you don’t spend time, money, and energy doing a whole photoshoot and hating that you look splotchy. That’s not worth anyone’s time!
3. It’s all about the prep! The timeline, your outfits, the body, the space, etc.. what you know and plan for ahead of time will make a difference in final product.

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Huge thank you to Alex for her time and knowledge.
Check out The Hive Body Spa, located in St Charles, MO.

All images of The Hive Body Spa shot for The Modern Social.

*A disclaimer that I trapped Alex in studio after a shoot to ask these questions and was not asked or incentivized to share or post. This is purely information to take or leave, stemming from my loathing of retouching bad tans.