As a photographer here in New Jersey, I love the changing seasons—but I’ll admit there’s one thing I miss when the weather gets cold: that gorgeous, sun-kissed skin that makes everyone feel just a little more confident in front of my camera.

And that’s where a beautiful, natural spray tan comes in.

For my clients, a professional glow can be especially helpful during the off-season in New Jersey, when shorter days, colder weather, and layers of clothing mean we simply aren’t getting the same natural color we have during the summer months.

One of my favorite local spots for achieving that glow is goGLOW Westfield.

Why I Love a Spray Tan for Professional Photos

Let’s be clear: you absolutely do not need a tan to have beautiful photographs. Every skin tone is beautiful, and my goal as a photographer is always to photograph you as you are.

But if you personally love having a little color, a professionally applied glow can be a wonderful way to feel more confident during your session.

A subtle tan can:

• Give skin a warm, healthy-looking tone
• Help you feel more confident showing your arms and legs
• Add dimension to your skin in photographs
• Complement neutral, cream, white, and pastel clothing beautifully
• Give winter photos a little bit of that summer warmth
• Help you feel polished and ready for your session

And there’s something to be said for feeling good when you’re being photographed. That confidence tends to show up in your expression, your posture, and the way you move in front of the camera.

Why I Recommend Professional Airbrush Tanning

When you’re preparing for professional photographs, I wouldn’t recommend experimenting with a new self-tanner the night before your session.

We’ve all heard the horror stories: orange hands, streaky legs, uneven ankles, or a color that doesn’t quite look like you.

That’s one reason I like the personalized approach at goGLOW Westfield.

Their service is a hand-applied, custom airbrush tan rather than a one-size-fits-all automated booth. The Westfield location describes its process as including a personalized color consultation, pH-balancing spray, hand application, and a moisture-locking finish. 

That customization is particularly important for photography. We want your skin to look warm and natural—not noticeably “tanned.”

The Off-Season Photography Glow

Here in New Jersey, winter and early spring can be a beautiful time for professional photography.

We have cozy indoor sessions, gorgeous evergreen landscapes, snowy days, and those beautiful soft winter skies. But after months without much sunshine, it’s completely normal for your skin to look a little different than it does in July.

That’s why I love the idea of a subtle, professional glow for an off-season portrait session.

Think: Healthy. Warm. Natural. You.

Not dramatically darker—just enough color to give you that fresh-from-vacation feeling.

And because professional photography captures so much detail, having an even, professionally applied color can be much more flattering than trying to create that warmth with makeup alone.

A Few Tips Before Your Photography Session

If you’re considering a spray tan before your Sarah Dipity Photography session, don’t wait until the morning of your shoot.

goGLOW recommends scheduling a glow 2–3 days before a major event, which gives the color time to develop. 

I’d also recommend:

1. Try it before your big session

If you’ve never had a professional spray tan before, make your first glow a trial run—not the day before your family portraits or wedding.

You want to know exactly how your skin reacts and what shade you love.

2. Keep it natural

For photographs, I usually prefer a soft, believable glow over a very dark tan.

Your photographer, makeup artist, and tanning specialist can all work together to help you choose a color that complements your natural skin tone.

3. Follow the aftercare instructions

Your tan will continue developing after your appointment, so follow the instructions you receive regarding showering, moisturizing, and products.

goGLOW says its standard goGLOW develops over approximately 12–24 hours, while its Rapid option allows rinsing after about 3–5 hours, depending on the desired depth and consultation. 

4. Don’t forget your hands!

This is especially important for family, newborn, maternity, and engagement photography. Your hands are often visible in photographs, so an even application and proper aftercare matter.

And Here’s a Little Something for My Sarah Dipity Clients…

If you’ve been thinking about trying a professional glow, this is your sign.

goGLOW Westfield currently offers a $20 First Glow special, which is a fantastic way to try it out without committing to a regular tanning routine.

And I’ve also partnered with goGLOW to give my Sarah Dipity Photography clients 20% off future glows with referral code SARAHD.

So you can try your first glow for $20, and then use SARAHD for 20% off future glows.

That’s a pretty good excuse to treat yourself. 😉

Promotional pricing and referral offers can change, so confirm the current offer when booking.

A Glow Isn’t About Changing How You Look

This is probably the most important part.

As a photographer, I don’t want you showing up to your session feeling like you need to change yourself.

A spray tan isn’t about fixing anything.

It’s simply another little tool you can use to feel your best.

Maybe you love having a little color. Maybe you feel more comfortable in front of the camera when your skin has that warm, sun-kissed look. Maybe you’re getting ready for a wedding, maternity session, family portraits, branding photos, or even updated headshots.

If a glow gives you that extra little boost of confidence, I’m all for it.

And when you’re comfortable and confident in front of my camera, that’s when the magic happens.

Ready to Get Your Glow?

If you’re in Westfield or the surrounding New Jersey area, check out goGLOW Westfield at 500 Central Ave, Westfield, NJ. Their custom airbrush tans are designed around your individual skin tone and desired result. 

And if you’re one of my Sarah Dipity Photography clients, don’t forget:

✨ First Glow: $20 OFF $70

✨ Future Glows: 20% off with code SARAHD

Then come to your photography session feeling glowy, confident, and completely yourself.

Because sometimes the best accessory you can bring to your photos isn’t another outfit or another beauty product.

It’s confidence.

— Sarah
Sarah Dipity Photography

My husband & I at a family wedding 2 days after my 1st goGLOW tan!