4 Headshot Photography Myths You Can Discard Today | Houston Headshot Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots and can give you 4 headshot photography myths you can discard today.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

4 Headshot Photography Myths You Can Discard Today

Whether you’re thinking about taking headshots for the first time or you want to refresh your current photos, you may have noticed there is a lot of different information floating around.

In this blog, we debunk some of the most common headshot myths so that you can book your next session with confidence and peace of mind.

There is No Need to Hire a Professional

Anyone can take a headshot on their smartphone, but there’s a very slim chance it will look professional. If you want to look and feel like a true professional online, it’s best to invest in a headshot session with a specialist photographer. Even if you or a family member has a professional camera, equipment doesn’t mean much if you don’t know how to use it or have an eye for headshots.

Headshots Don’t Need Personality

Contrary to what you’ve heard or read, headshots do need to tell a story and showcase your personality. There are thousands of profiles and portfolios out there, so you need to find a way to stand out. In most instances, someone will notice your photo before they start reading about your skills and experience, so make it count.

You’re Not Photogenic

Far too many professionals shy away from scheduling a professional photo session because they believe they aren’t photogenic. This is never the case – you’ve just been using the wrong photographer. This paired with a little practice in the mirror can lead to eye-catching and professional headshots that will make you stand out in your industry.

My Existing Headshots are Fine

This might be the case if you took them within the last 2 years. If not, it’s time to update them. Not only do headshot styles change, but you’ve changed too. And your headshots should always be a clear representation of who you are today.

If you have any other concerns about whether a headshot session is right for you, speak to a local photographer you trust.

 

Headshot Examples

Professional woman's headshotCorporate Headshots

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women's professional headshot accountantwomen's casual headshot branding photos

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

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@taraflanneryphotography

Honestly… a little bit of everything. 📸

From professional headshots and personal branding to senior portraits and family sessions, I love creating photos that help people and businesses tell their story.

And there’s plenty more I can help with, too—large team group composites, in-office headshots for teams with different schedules, acting and modeling headshots, office branding, and more.

Basically, if you need photos for yourself, your family, or your business, let’s talk about what you have in mind. I’ll help you figure out the best way to make it happen.

📸 Not sure where to start? Book a consultation with me through the link in my bio.
Money may not buy happiness, but having photos of your family to look back on years from now? That’s pretty priceless. 🤍

Fall family portrait season is here, and I have a few weekend dates still available (spots are filling fast!) 👇🏻

September 20
October 3, 10, & 17
November 7 & 15

If you’ve been meaning to update the family photos, document this season, or get those holiday card photos checked off your list, this is your sign to get on the calendar.

And once you book, I’ll make sure you’re not left wondering what to wear, where we’re going, what to bring, or what to expect. My Family Session Welcome Guide walks you through everything you need to know to feel prepared for your session. (linked in my bio)

📸 Ready to make some memories worth keeping? Grab your date through the link in my bio.
I’m gonna let you in on my secret… 👀

These are the camera settings I use as my starting point when I’m shooting during golden hour:

☀️ APERTURE
For one person: f/2.8–f/3.2
For families or groups: f/5.6

A wider aperture gives you that beautiful separation and soft background when you’re photographing one person. With a group, I stop down to help keep everyone in focus.

☀️ SHUTTER SPEED
I start around 1/160 sec—but if I have kids running, a couple moving around, or anything else with more movement, I’ll increase my shutter speed to keep everything sharp.

☀️ ISO
ISO 400 is my starting point, and then I adjust up or down depending on how much light I have.

The biggest thing to remember? These aren’t magic numbers you have to use every time.

Golden hour changes quickly, and your settings should change with it. Use these as a starting point, watch your light, and adjust for the people and movement in front of your camera.

And if you’re building your photography kit and wondering what gear is actually worth investing in, I put together my Photographer’s Gear Guide with the cameras, lenses, lighting, and equipment I use in my own business.

Grab your free copy through the link in my bio! 📸
Class of 2027, the clock is ticking! 🎓📸

Yearbook deadlines are getting closer, which means there’s not much time left to get those fall senior portraits on the calendar.

Senior photos are about so much more than checking a yearbook photo off the list. This is your chance to capture their personality, style, interests, and who they are during one of the biggest years of their life.

If senior portraits are still sitting on your fall to-do list, this is your sign to get them booked!

🎓 Now booking fall senior sessions. Head to the link in my bio to get started.
Come spend a headshot + branding day with me! 📸

One of my favorite things about on-location sessions is getting to step into a client’s space and create images that actually feel connected to their business.

We can capture updated headshots, team photos, working shots, office details, and plenty of branding content—all without your team having to leave the office.

A lot goes into a shoot day, but this is the fun part: turning an ordinary workday into a whole new library of images for your brand.

Need updated photos for your business or team? Let’s plan your session! Click the link in my bio to get started! 🔗

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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.