To Tan or Not to Tan?
As an Austin senior photographer, I get asked this question more than almost any other! We live in the land of sunshine, Lady Bird Lake days, and—let’s be honest—some pretty amazing local spray tan boutiques.
You want that healthy, sun-kissed radiance for your luxury senior portraits, but you’re also terrified of looking like an orange highlighter in your photos. I totally get it! Whether you’re a natural beach bum or a spray tan devotee, here is my guide to getting that perfect university reveal glow without the stress.
☀️ The Golden Rule: Natural is Always Best
If you naturally tan easily and just want to look like you’ve spent a weekend at Zilker Park, go for it! But here’s the professional photographer’s secret: The camera loves skin that looks hydrated and even. If you have prominent tan lines from your swimsuit or sports uniform, they can be very distracting in a high-end portrait. If your outfit has a different neckline than your tan lines, it’s worth considering a professional spray tan to even things out!
🍊 The “Spray Tan” Strategy: Avoid the Orange
If you decide to go the sunless route, follow these steps for a high-end luxury photo experience result:
- Go to a Professional: This is not the time for a DIY booth at the gym. Visit a local Austin custom airbrush artist who can hand-blend a shade specifically for your skin tone. Tell them you have a photoshoot—they will usually go a shade lighter than “vacation mode.”
- The 2-Day Rule: Never, ever tan the day before your session. Your tan needs about 48 hours to fully develop and for that initial “top layer” of bronzer to wash off. A 2-day-old tan looks the most natural on camera.
- Exfoliate & Hydrate: Scrub like crazy the day before your tan, but keep the heavy lotions off your skin on the day of the appointment. After your tan has set, moisture is your best friend to keep it from looking “cracked” or scaly.
🧴 Don’t Forget the SPF!
The biggest “Red Light” (shoutout to Matthew McConaughey!) for senior photos? A sunburn. Red skin is very difficult to edit, and peeling skin is even harder. If we are shooting during a Texas spring or summer, please wear your sunscreen in the weeks leading up to your shoot. A “peeling nose” is a pain point we definitely want to avoid for your university reveal ideas!
✨ It’s All About Confidence
At the end of the day, my goal is to make sure you feel like the most radiant version of yourself. If you feel more confident with a bit of a glow, let’s do it! If you love your porcelain skin, let’s highlight that beautiful creamy tone against the Austin greenery.
I’m here to help you navigate all these little details—from the “to tan or not to tan” debate to choosing the perfect Austin senior photo props. I want you to step in front of my lens feeling completely prepared and absolutely stunning.
Ready to get your own glow on? Whether you’re going for sun-kissed or classic, let’s start planning your luxury senior session today!
