When should I get a spray tan before a photoshoot?

The best time to get a spray tan before a photoshoot is 1 to 2 days before the session. This allows the colour to fully develop, settle and photograph smoothly.

Is a spray tan good for fitness or gym photoshoots?

Yes. A spray tan enhances muscle definition, evens skin tone and reduces redness, which makes your physique look more balanced and camera-ready. I adjust depth based on your shoot style.

Will my spray tan look natural in photos?

Yes. I select the shade and undertone based on your skin, lighting and the photographer’s style. This ensures a natural, flattering colour with no orange tones and no harsh lines.

Should I book a trial spray tan before my photoshoot?

A trial is recommended if you have never had a spray tan before or if the shoot is very important. A trial helps us test depth, undertone and how your skin photographs.

What should I avoid before my photoshoot spray tan?

Avoid oils, heavy lotions, deodorant and perfume on the day of your tan. Exfoliate well and remove unwanted hair 24 to 48 hours earlier for the smoothest finish.

Photoshoot spray tan | SPRAY TAN LEICESTER

Photoshoot Tan

Enhance Definition, Not Just Colour

A spray tan for a fitness photoshoot is not about becoming as dark as possible, it is about getting a customised tone that works with lighting, photography and your natural skin limits. Your tan will continue developing for up to 24 hours and looks its best after 2 days. It does not matter whether the solution used is rapid rinse or an overnight processing formula, every professional spray tan needs time to fully reveal its result.

Best Timing for Photoshoot Tan

Try to schedule your spray tan 2 days before your photoshoot. This gives your skin time to develop the colour, allows you to take a shower with shower gel to remove any leftover guide bronzer, and also leaves us with a full day to fix any small uneven areas, if needed.

Photoshoot Tan Includes

✔pH balancing pre-mist to maximise absorption

✔Barrier cream to protect sensitive areas (hands, feet, nails, elbows)

✔Spray tan tailored to your skin tone and the shoot environment

T✔an-locking post-mist to secure the result

✔Ultra-soft drying powder for a comfortable finish (reduce sticky feelings)

✔A mini jar of tan glaze to complement your skin on camera

What is Tan Glaze?

Your Photo Finish Secret

Tan glaze is a light-reflective skin enhancing gel applied on top of developed spray tan (right before shoots). It adds sheen, smoothness and glow without changing your actual colour. Unlike oils, tanning glaze sits on the surface safely, does not disrupt your tan, and creates a hydrated, camera-friendly finish. It is particularly useful for making muscles, contours and skin texture look smoother and more defined in photos.

Do not use baby oil as a shine/glaze product before your photoshoot. Even if applied lightly, baby oil can appear overly reflective on camera. If it is not spread evenly and carefully, it may look patchy or greasy in photos because studio and gym lighting catches shine far more intensely than the human eye ever does. What may look subtle in real life can easily turn distracting on camera.

The safest, most reliable option I recommend is the O.R.S Olive Oil Nourishing Sheen Spray. This spray has a lightweight, controlled sheen that enhances the skin without overpowering your spray tan. It works beautifully as a photo finish glaze, providing smoothness and a soft glow without creating excessive reflective glare.

The O.R.S Nourishing Sheen Spray is very easy to buy, usually located in the haircare aisle in stores such as Superdrug, Tesco, or Boots. The bottle costs up to £5, making it affordable, accessible and practical for every photoshoot prep bag.

It is quick to apply and the effect stays balanced even under strong lights. Unlike baby oil, it gives you a polished finish without the risk of looking brassy, uneven or overly shiny in photographs.

Photoshoot Shade Selection: Let’s Talk Expectations. Spray tan is not a paint.

There is a common myth that every photoshoot tan must be extremely dark. Let me explain this clearly, the right shade depends on three factors:

✔Your natural skin limitations – for example, someone with very fair or sensitive undertones may never develop into deep brown, even in the sun. Some skin types burn red, peel or stay light no matter the tanning method. Skin has limits, and pushing colour too far can result in brassy or unnatural tones that do not photograph or edit well - imagine ginger hair lady.. no chance to be dark brown.

✔Lighting environment – studios, gyms and shoot locations vary drastically in lighting quality. Some spaces lift colour beautifully, others flatten it or show warmth more intensely. This must always be considered when planning your shade.

✔Your photographer’s editing style – at the end of the day, your photographer edits the final image. Many professionals prefer to avoid ultra dark results because deeper tans can become harder to edit, increase the risk of brassiness on camera and may cover definition instead of enhancing it. Your photographer knows best how their lighting behaves and how they edit tones.

This is why you should always ask your photographer what shade they prefer, and if possible send me their Instagram so I can view their editing style. Most photographers choose medium, medium-dark or light-dark photoshoot tanning results, rather than ultra dark tones.

Seeing Real Life vs Photos: Why Comparison Can Be Tricky

What you see in real life and what shows on camera are two very different things. Social media images are filtered and edited, so please do not set unrealistic expectations based only on online inspiration photos. Your tan should enhance your body and features, not become a barrier for editing or hide muscle detail.

Spray Tan Contouring for Photoshoots: Subtle Enhancements If Possible

Once I assess your skin and your body structure in person, I may apply light spray tan contouring if your definition allows it. This means applying a slightly deeper shade over key muscle areas such as abs and biceps to create extra definition and pop on camera. This is a professional enhancement step, not something every body type needs, but if I see it will elevate your result confidently, I will use it strategically.

Photoshoot Tan Options for Men and Women: Comfort and Safety First

If you are a male, you may stay in underwear or choose to wear socks to cover the private area. This is for safety and skin protection. The private area should never be sprayed with tan as it can increase the chance of irritation or sensitivity. It is not recommended to apply spray tan on this area due to the thin and reactive skin.

If you are a female, you may stay in your own thong, use the disposable thong provided at the appointment, or choose to be fully nude during the session if this makes you more comfortable. I will always respect your privacy and boundaries.

Tanning for People of Colour

People of colour are more than welcome at Spray Tan Leicester. Every tan I provide is fully tailored to your skin, your undertone, and your photoshoot goals. The aim is to enhance muscle definition, even out skin tone, and deliver a smooth, glowing, golden finish that photographs beautifully without pushing your colour too dark.

A fitness spray tan should lift your skin, not overpower it. The right shade will bring warmth and radiance, help balance uneven areas, and make your natural contours and muscle structure pop on camera. Your tan can give a true golden glow while still respecting your skin’s natural limits and how your colour reacts under strong lights.

Some deeper skin tones can become warmer or more reflective on the upper body, chest, or legs, so these areas are always assessed individually to ensure the finish stays balanced, seamless, and definition-focused. The goal is a healthy golden radiance that highlights your effort, symmetry and shape without becoming brassy or too dark. Your tan will be customised to enhance you, boost your confidence, and elevate your camera-ready finish with smooth skin, luminous glow and beautifully defined muscle detail.

Before Care for Photoshoot Spray Tan

I know you’ve read a lot, so here is the simple truth: the most important part of your photoshoot spray tan is exfoliate. This impacts longevity, evenness, absorption, colour clarity, and how your tan fades.

24 Hours Before Your Appointment

✔Complete any other beauty treatments, especially facials, massage, nail, brow or eye-area services. Some lash or brow glue and tint formulas are not compatible with same-day spray tanning, so please confirm with your technician beforehand.

Shaving & Waxing:

✔Shave at least 24 hours before your appointment.

✔Wax at least 48 hours before your appointment.

✔Do not shave right before your spray tan session. Skin irritation and disrupted pH levels can interfere with tan clarity and absorption.

Exfoliation should be done day before your spray tan:

✔Take a warm bath for 20 to 30 minutes.

✔Shave during or after the bath.

✔Use an exfoliating glove or mitt in circular motions to gently buff off dead skin. (Exfoliating glove is usually next to sponges in supermarket and cost £1-£5)

✔Avoid oil-based body scrubs and shower gels. Many products contain silicone or oils that form a barrier and reduce tan absorption, even after rinsing.

✔Exfoliate from feet to head, focusing especially on the upper body including chest, back, sides and anywhere your dress fits tightly. ✔Incorrect exfoliation may result in your dress rubbing the skin and causing patches or visible bronzer transfer.

✔Check your exfoliation: after this long bath, rub skin with your towel. If any dead skin rolls off, exfoliate again. Proper exfoliation prevents patchy fading and helps tan last longer.

1 Week Before Your Tan

✔Avoid any self-tanning products.

✔Moisturise your skin daily to maximise tan results and glow smoothness. Hydrated skin always tans better.

Choose moisturisers containing seed-based oils (jojoba, almond, argan).

✔Avoid products with mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or paraffinum liquidum as these create layer on skin and do not penetrate skin to boost hydration.

On the Day of Your Appointment

✔Shower at least 4 hours before your session. Do not take shower right before appoitment because this affect on yout pH level.

✔Arrive with clean, dry, product-free skin. No perfume, deodorant, lotions, sweat, oils or layered makeup on the body.

✔Wear loose comfortable clothes like baggy T-shirts and joggers or pyjamas. Avoid leggings, jeans or strappy tops, as tight clothing may cause streaks from body friction or seatbelts during tan processing.

✔Never tan over peeling sunburn, as this interferes with even absorption and fading. If you have sun damage skin please CANCEL AN APPOITMENT. SPRAY TAN AND SUN DAMAGED SKIN DONT MIX. Your skin need 4-6 weeks to fully heal after sunburn.

Aftercare:

The bronzer you see during processing is only guide colour not your final result.

Your First Rinse

✔Use lukewarm water only no soap.

✔Remove bronzer gently using your hands, starting from toes and working upwards to avoid streaking.

✔Rinse until the water runs clear. This takes up to 2 minutes.

✔Pat dry gently, do not rub.

✔Do not apply soaps, lotions or liquid products to the skin right after your first rinse.

24 Hours After Application

✔Take your second quick shower the next day using shower gel to remove any final bronzer residue before wearing white.

✔Moisturise only after 24 hours with spray tan-safe body butter or lotion.

Many high-street lotions contain mineral oils which can break down the tan faster. Professional bridal-safe moisturisers are available to purchase at your appointment.

Fading & Tan Removal

If your spray tan result was intense, the fading process may become more noticeable after 5+ days. How your tan fades depends on sweat, showers, clothing friction and skin-to-skin contact. Activities like workouts, swimming, hot baths or regular shaving can also impact the longevity and evenness of your glow.

If you are heading to the gym without a T-shirt or shorts, always check your body in good light before training. This helps you ensure there are no overly visible patches. Some areas naturally fade slightly faster due to body movement and sweat, so a quick check protects your overall look, especially for upper chest, place where we band arm and leg.

When your tan starts to fade after 5 days, do not scrub or exfoliate aggressively. Instead, gently glide a soft sponge or towel over the skin in the shower using circular motions. This allows you to gradually and evenly remove the tan without irritation, leaving the skin balanced and smooth for future spray tans.

Product Availability at Your Appointment

During your spray tan appointment, you have the option to purchase professional products that help you care for your tan and your skin safely. Available items include tan remover, gradual tanning lotion to maintain a natural glow, and deeply hydrating body butters and lotions that are spray tan safe and suitable for daily use.

Most mass-produced high-street moisturisers contain ingredients that can create a barrier on the skin or break down the tan faster, reducing both longevity and colour quality. The products offered in salon are specifically formulated to work with spray tans, keeping your skin hydrated, glowing evenly, and free from patchiness while maintaining the integrity of your tan.

If you have any questions, feel free to message me on Instagram or send an SMS. I’m always happy to help and answer anything you need. Your comfort and confidence matter, and I’ll gladly guide you through every step.