Spray Tan Tips You Need Before Your Next Photo Session

To tan or not to tan, that is the question

Okay, ladies. We all know the difference between a good spray tan and a… well… not so great one. A question I get asked very often before photoshoots is, “What do you think about spray tans? Do you think I should get one?”

I actually think spray tans can be a fantastic option for photo sessions, but if not done correctly they can also look unnatural and leave streaks on our skin. So, I wanted to work with a professional & someone I trust to share some of the best tips on having a great spray tan experience. Together with my friend Marra of Tan Well here in Knoxville, we are going to give you a few pointers to make sure your spray tan leaves you feeling confident and beautiful before your session.

A few things to consider

Let’s talk about some important tips to consider if you’ve never had a spray tan or haven’t had one in a long time. As a photographer, I love to offer a few words of advice to my clients who are interested in getting a spray tan before their pictures. As I said earlier, it definitely looks great when done well, but I never want to see clients crying or having to reschedule their shoot because of a spray tan gone wrong!

GET A TEST TAN FIRST

If you get spray tans regularly, then you already know what looks best on you, great! Go ahead and skip to Marra's great tips in the next section below. But if you don’t get spray tans regularly, or haven’t gotten one in this season with your current natural skin tone, get a test tan first to make sure you like the way it looks on you. I do not recommend getting one for the first time, or the first time in a while, too soon before you have professional photos taken.

ERR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION

If you have the option to choose, it would be better to end up a shade lighter than what you hoped for than a shade darker than what you hoped for. Take a conservative approach when it comes to choosing your spray tan shade.

BE CAREFUL WITH HANDS, KNUCKLES, KNEES, & ANKLES

And other areas of your body where spray tans can sometimes create an issue and look streaky on your skin! This tip is especially for those who would rather pick up a self tanner instead of getting sprayed at a studio. Like I said before, a conservative approach is a good idea here!

Spray tan tips from tan expert, Marra Wells

Now that you’ve decided a spray tan is right for you, let’s get to the fun part! Here are Marra’s tips, in her own words, to help you get the glow you’re looking for before your next shoot.

THE NIGHT BEFORE: SHOWER, SHAVE, & EXFOLIATE

Doing so removes all build up and dead skin, which will make your spray tan last longer!

NO SHOWERING OR LOTIONS WITHIN TWO HOURS OF YOUR TAN

Your skin needs to be clean, but dry prior to spraying. Some lotions act as a barrier, which hinder the development process.

THE BEST TIME TO SPRAY FOR AN EVENT OR PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION IS TWO DAYS PRIOR

For example, spray Thursday for a Saturday photoshoot.

DO NOT SHOWER OR EXERCISE UNTIL YOU HAVE ALLOWED YOUR TAN TO FULLY DEVELOP

Your tan needs 8-12 hours to develop! Try to schedule your appointment early in the day if you want to shower before bed.

ONCE FULLY DEVELOPED, SHOWER AND PAT DRY WITH A TOWEL

This will lock in your tan and make sure it looks great all over.

MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE

I cannot stress this enough! Use Beettan Beet Butter or lotion at least once per day and after every shower. The more moisturized you keep your skin, the longer your tan will last!

TOP TIP: GET THE SPRAY TAN!

Everyone is busy, and it’s hard to find enough time in each day. BUT I promise you will never regret a spray tan from Tan Well! Instant mood lifter!

About Marra and Tan Well

Marra Wells is the owner and operator of Tan Well in Knoxville, TN. She is a natural redhead with a fair complexion and could never find the perfect tanner. After years of searching, she went to Savannah for a wedding, was sprayed by Michelle of BeetTan, and the rest is history. Marra brought BeetTan Sunless to Knoxville and enjoys educating her clients on healthier safer ways to tan.

What is Beettan and how is it different from other tanning salons?

BeetTan solution was created by Michelle Peth in Savannah, GA.  Michelle is the owner and operator of Beettan Sunless.  She has been in the sunless industry for 17+ years.  She fully trains and certifies all her partner locations, including Mara at Tan Well!  

Beettan solution is hypoallergenic, organic, fragrance free, paraben free, cosmetic free, and cruelty free.  All Beettan products have anti-aging properties, are approved by dermatologists, and contain no harsh chemicals. The solution is a natural plant based one color formula designed to be skin perfecting.  No orange, no streaks, ever.  The sugar from beets reacts with your natural skin enzymes leaving a custom color perfect for you (How cool is that?!).  A Beettan tan will never look fake, because the solution isn’t. Beettan solution is safe for ALL – Pregnant and nursing mamas included!

The application process is fast and flawless – 5 mins max!

Isn’t this an awesome company?! We love that Marra brought them to Knox so we have a healthy & safe tanning alternative here locally!

My tanning experience with Marra

I just had my first spray tan done by Marra & I am obsessed! I took all of her advice from the tips shared above and my tan turned out so even & natural. The whole process was quick & easy, too. I scheduled my appointment, showed up at her house, and literally 10 minutes later was back in my car heading to get donuts down the road, hehe! I got my spray tan to prepare for a fall beach trip, but I am DEFINITELY using her before I have any professional photos taken in the future, too. I’m so excited to have a spray tan option that looks natural & is made from natural ingredients, too!

So, there you have it ladies! I hope these tips leave you feeling knowledgable about the right move for you and ready for your next spray tan and photography session with me!

FOR FURTHER SPRAY TAN INQUIRIES

If you’re interested in tanning with Tan Well, Marra Wells can be reached at 865-237-0106 or at tanwellknox@gmail.com. Tell her Suzy Collins sent you for $5 off your first tan! Tan Well can also be found on Instagram, Facebook, and Google. Find her business site here and book your next appointment here. Interested in more product? All Beettan products can be found here. Use code TAN22 for FREE SHIPPING!

As always, thanks for being here. Happy tanning everyone!

XO, SUZY

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