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3 Ideas for Taking More Natural Family Photos

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in natural family photos.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family session today!

How to Take More Natural Family Photos

Let’s face it, Grandma wants a nice family portrait with everyone smiling and looking at the camera.  And maybe Mom really wants one of those too!  So, with my family sessions we always have several options of posed family portraits with everyone smiling and looking at the camera.  But not all of the images have to be posed.  In fact, some of the best images are those that come in between the posed photos.  I’ll be there to capture those moments as well.  Here are a few ideas for taking more natural family photos at your next family session.

Let the Kids Be Kids

I know that you’ve just spent weeks planning the family outfits and everyone is pressed and brushed and polished.  But now is the time to let that go!  We will get the posed family photos early in the session.  Then we will let the kids be kids and run around, get in the dirt, and play.  When we let the kids go, their natural playfulness will take over and we’ll get genuine smiles and laughter.  And when you can relax, we’ll get your good smiles too.

Interact with Each Other

Just do what you would normally do with your kids on a Saturday afternoon.  Sweet kisses on baby toes, a tickle for the toddlers, or a tease for the older kids.  You know what makes your family giggle – so just forget that I’m there and play.  Some of the best interaction is when a family gets close and just has a good tickle fest.

Play A Game

I’m not talking board games here but anything from a family song to a duck, duck, goose, or red light/green light will work.  We just need something fun to get the kids moving and not thinking about the photos.  We’re after genuine interaction and that will come easily with a fun game.

 

Family Portraits with The Emilio Family

The Emilio family was an absolute delight to photograph.  We were able to get some amazing shots of the family smiling and looking at the camera.  In fact, Mom said that this image of them all sitting and the littlest one chewing on her necklace was absolutely her favorite.  It’s her favorite because it’s an accurate picture of them all.  I love that!  After we got the posed photos, the family just played together.  The photo with kids on mom and dad’s shoulders says it all.  They let go of all of the stress of preparations and worry about smiles and just had fun.  They let the kids play chicken (like you do in the pool) and they thought it was great fun.  I won’t show the very last image of the session, though, because sister had had enough.  That one is precious too!

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Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family session today!

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@taraflanneryphotography

Behind every great brand photo is a whole lot of collaboration, laughter, and intention.

You don’t need to be a model—you need a photographer who knows how to guide, coach, and bring out the energy that aligns with your brand.

In Part 2 of Danielle’s mic’d-up session, we’re showing more behind-the-scenes of what it really looks like when strategy and personality come together on camera.

✨ This is branding photography done with purpose.

Ready to create content that actually feels like you? Let’s build your visual story.

🔗 Click the link in my bio to book a FREE CONSULTATION.

#micdupphotography #brandingsession #brandingphotographer #brandingforbusinesses #professionalbranding

8 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17958695598020874
Behind every great brand photo is a whole lot of collaboration, laughter, and intention. You don’t need to be a model—you need a photographer who knows how to guide, coach, and bring out the energy that aligns with your brand. In Part 2 of Danielle’s mic’d-up session, we’re showing more behind-the-scenes of what it really looks like when strategy and personality come together on camera. ✨ This is branding photography done with purpose. Ready to create content that actually feels like you? Let’s build your visual story. 🔗 Click the link in my bio to book a FREE CONSULTATION. #micdupphotography #brandingsession #brandingphotographer #brandingforbusinesses #professionalbranding

Marketing managers, be honest 👇🏻

How consistent are your team`s LinkedIn profiles right now?

Take a quick scroll through your company`s employee profiles.

Are you seeing:
→ Different backgrounds and lighting styles?
→ Photos that look like they`re from different decades?
→ Some professional shots mixed with casual selfies?
→ A few people still using their college graduation photo?

Here`s what happens when your team headshots are all over the place: Your company looks disorganized. Less credible. Less professional than your competitors.

Your team`s visual consistency directly impacts how clients perceive your business.

The solution? Event-based headshot sessions that give your entire team cohesive, professional imagery in one efficient appointment.

✨ Same lighting, same style, same professional quality
✨ Everyone photographed at your office during a corporate event
✨ Private galleries so each team member controls their image
✨ Done in hours, not months of scheduling chaos

Is your team due for updated headshots? Let`s make it happen.

Ready to elevate your team`s professional presence? Link in bio to schedule your consultation.

#teamheadshots #corporatebranding #marketingmanager #corporatephotography #thewoodlandstx #professionalheadshots

2 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17911161408291137
Marketing managers, be honest 👇🏻 How consistent are your team's LinkedIn profiles right now? Take a quick scroll through your company's employee profiles. Are you seeing: → Different backgrounds and lighting styles? → Photos that look like they're from different decades? → Some professional shots mixed with casual selfies? → A few people still using their college graduation photo? Here's what happens when your team headshots are all over the place: Your company looks disorganized. Less credible. Less professional than your competitors. Your team's visual consistency directly impacts how clients perceive your business. The solution? Event-based headshot sessions that give your entire team cohesive, professional imagery in one efficient appointment. ✨ Same lighting, same style, same professional quality ✨ Everyone photographed at your office during a corporate event ✨ Private galleries so each team member controls their image ✨ Done in hours, not months of scheduling chaos Is your team due for updated headshots? Let's make it happen. Ready to elevate your team's professional presence? Link in bio to schedule your consultation. #teamheadshots #corporatebranding #marketingmanager #corporatephotography #thewoodlandstx #professionalheadshots

Doesn`t this look fun? 🤩 📸

The posing cues. The lighting adjustments. The real-time direction that turns good shots into professional brand assets.

Here`s what most business owners don`t realize: branding sessions aren`t just about getting photos - they`re about creating strategic content you`ll actually use across your website, social media, and marketing materials.

One efficient session = months of professional imagery that elevates your entire business presence.

✨ Ready to build your brand`s visual library?

🔗 Click the link in my bio where you can book a FREE CONSULTATION or snag my BRANDING GUIDE.

18 2
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18108268315729857
Doesn't this look fun? 🤩 📸 The posing cues. The lighting adjustments. The real-time direction that turns good shots into professional brand assets. Here's what most business owners don't realize: branding sessions aren't just about getting photos - they're about creating strategic content you'll actually use across your website, social media, and marketing materials. One efficient session = months of professional imagery that elevates your entire business presence. ✨ Ready to build your brand's visual library? 🔗 Click the link in my bio where you can book a FREE CONSULTATION or snag my BRANDING GUIDE.

This one is for the corporate admins 👇🏻

Is coordinating individual headshot appointments your nightmare?

Here`s what usually happens:

❌ Chasing down 15+ team members for availability
❌ Booking separate sessions across multiple weeks
❌ Dealing with cancellations and rescheduling chaos
❌ Inconsistent photos because everyone went at different times
❌ The whole process takes MONTHS

Here`s the solution I built specifically for this problem:

✅ Event-based headshot station at YOUR office
✅ Everyone photographed in one efficient session
✅ Consistent lighting and style across your entire team
✅ Private proof galleries so each person controls their image
✅ The whole thing is done in hours, not months

You handle the calendar invite. I handle everything else.

Is your team due for updated headshots? Let`s make it happen without the scheduling chaos.

DM me or use the link in bio to schedule a consultation. Let me walk you through exactly how this works.

#corporateheadshots #corporatephotography #teamheadshots #thewoodlandstx #marketingmanager #teamphotos

6 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18119395342562489
This one is for the corporate admins 👇🏻 Is coordinating individual headshot appointments your nightmare? Here's what usually happens: ❌ Chasing down 15+ team members for availability ❌ Booking separate sessions across multiple weeks ❌ Dealing with cancellations and rescheduling chaos ❌ Inconsistent photos because everyone went at different times ❌ The whole process takes MONTHS Here's the solution I built specifically for this problem: ✅ Event-based headshot station at YOUR office ✅ Everyone photographed in one efficient session ✅ Consistent lighting and style across your entire team ✅ Private proof galleries so each person controls their image ✅ The whole thing is done in hours, not months You handle the calendar invite. I handle everything else. Is your team due for updated headshots? Let's make it happen without the scheduling chaos. DM me or use the link in bio to schedule a consultation. Let me walk you through exactly how this works. #corporateheadshots #corporatephotography #teamheadshots #thewoodlandstx #marketingmanager #teamphotos

There’s a reason I reach for this lens during branding sessions.

I get asked about camera gear all the time — especially during branding sessions — and while the tools matter, how they support the experience matters more.

I love using a zoom lens for portraits because it gives me flexibility. I can adjust framing and perspective without breaking the flow of the session, which helps my client stay relaxed, confident, and present.

That range lets me focus less on repositioning and more on connection, expression, and creating images that feel natural and intentional.

Every technical choice I make is about creating an effortless experience — not just a sharp photo.

If you’re a photographer just starting out and trying to decide where to invest first, remember this: the “best” lens is the one that supports how you shoot and how you want your clients to feel.

📸 Fellow photographers — what lens do you reach for most during portrait sessions?

Drop it in the comments 👇🏻 I’d love to hear.

#behindthescenes #photographygear #professionalheadshots #thewoodlandsphotographer #brandingphotography

16 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18332658136243342
There’s a reason I reach for this lens during branding sessions. I get asked about camera gear all the time — especially during branding sessions — and while the tools matter, how they support the experience matters more. I love using a zoom lens for portraits because it gives me flexibility. I can adjust framing and perspective without breaking the flow of the session, which helps my client stay relaxed, confident, and present. That range lets me focus less on repositioning and more on connection, expression, and creating images that feel natural and intentional. Every technical choice I make is about creating an effortless experience — not just a sharp photo. If you’re a photographer just starting out and trying to decide where to invest first, remember this: the “best” lens is the one that supports how you shoot and how you want your clients to feel. 📸 Fellow photographers — what lens do you reach for most during portrait sessions? Drop it in the comments 👇🏻 I’d love to hear. #behindthescenes #photographygear #professionalheadshots #thewoodlandsphotographer #brandingphotography

Looking for a job right now? This matters more than most people realize 👇🏻

In a competitive job market, your professional photo often makes the first impression — before your résumé is read, before an interview is scheduled, before you ever get the chance to speak.

And the truth is, not all photos communicate the same thing.

A strong headshot signals confidence, credibility, and readiness — without feeling stiff or overproduced. It shows that you take your career seriously and understand how you want to be perceived.

What actually works:

✅ Professional lighting that looks natural, not filtered
✅ Images that translate across LinkedIn, email signatures, and company profiles
✅ Guidance on wardrobe and posing so you feel confident and comfortable
✅ A photo that reflects who you are now, not who you were a few years ago

Whether you’re entering the workforce, changing roles, or positioning yourself for what’s next, your professional image plays a bigger role than you think.

If you’re ready to show up with clarity and confidence, I’d love to help.

📩 Link in bio to book your session.

#careeradvice #professionalheadshots #linkedintips #corporatelife #firstjob #careerdevelopment #thewoodlandstx

7 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17949969360070700
Looking for a job right now? This matters more than most people realize 👇🏻 In a competitive job market, your professional photo often makes the first impression — before your résumé is read, before an interview is scheduled, before you ever get the chance to speak. And the truth is, not all photos communicate the same thing. A strong headshot signals confidence, credibility, and readiness — without feeling stiff or overproduced. It shows that you take your career seriously and understand how you want to be perceived. What actually works: ✅ Professional lighting that looks natural, not filtered ✅ Images that translate across LinkedIn, email signatures, and company profiles ✅ Guidance on wardrobe and posing so you feel confident and comfortable ✅ A photo that reflects who you are now, not who you were a few years ago Whether you’re entering the workforce, changing roles, or positioning yourself for what’s next, your professional image plays a bigger role than you think. If you’re ready to show up with clarity and confidence, I’d love to help. 📩 Link in bio to book your session. #careeradvice #professionalheadshots #linkedintips #corporatelife #firstjob #careerdevelopment #thewoodlandstx

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

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Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers of America PPA.
Tara is a Certified Professional Photographer.
Tara is a member of TPPA Texas Professional Photographer's Association.
Tara has earned her Master of Photography degree.
Tara has earned her Photographic Craftsman certification.
Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston PPGH.