5 Business Headshot Mistakes to Avoid | 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 5 business headshot mistakes to avoid.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

5 Business Headshot Mistakes to Avoid

Visuals are an integral part of making a lasting first impression online. When potential clients, business partners, or employers want to put a face to your resume, what would they see?

A professional headshot session is a sound business investment for a number of reasons, but only if you use it to your advantage.

Here are the mistakes you should avoid.

  1. Taking the Photo Yourself

You could try and place your phone on a stand and take a few headshots yourself, but chances are, they won’t look as professional as you’re hoping. Investing in a professional headshot session is convenient and well worth the cost if you’re serious about building your brand.

  1. Selecting the Wrong Outfit

What you wear to your session can have an impact on the end result. It’s important to choose an outfit that matches your personality and that you would wear on a day-to-day basis. This is not the time to try a completely new look unless you’re rebranding. It’s also better to choose more than one outfit just in case.

  1. Not Practicing Your Facial Expressions

The last thing you want is to receive your headshot photos only to realize you have a forced smile that makes you look fake. It helps to practice your smile and facial expressions prior to your session to ensure the best results.

  1. Using the Wrong Background

The background of your headshots can be anything you want, but it’s better to not choose something outdated or distracting – all the focus should be on you. The background can be interesting and help tell your story but should never detract from the main subject of the photo.

  1. Following Trends

Ideally, your headshots should last at least 2 years, meaning, they will be relevant for at least 2 years. This won’t be the case if you jump on board with a trend that will be irrelevant and unrelatable in 6 months.

Now that you know what to avoid, you can start your search for a headshot photographer who knows how to showcase you professionally online.

Branding Session

I had a fantastic branding session with Heightened Leaders!  Megan and Caylee brought several outfits each, props, and positive vibes – they were ready to go!  I’m so thrilled with the variety of looks and images that we were able to capture in just a short time in The Creative Photographer studio.  I’ll definitely be booking there again.

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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

This Mother’s Day, skip the flowers and give her something timeless—a moment, beautifully captured.

She’s been your biggest supporter, your soft place to land, your strength through every season of life.

And while you may not say it every day… you feel it deeply: the love, the gratitude, the bond that only grows stronger over time.

A family photo session isn’t just about the images.

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It was such a pleasure collaborating with Danielle DeMaio on her recent branding session!

Danielle is a powerhouse in the world of HR technology—helping companies around the globe turn HR into a high-impact, value-driving part of their business. As a Global Director of People Technology and Workday strategist, she’s led digital transformations, streamlined operations across 40+ countries, and helped companies scale through major milestones like M&As and IPOs. 🚀

When you’re operating at that level, how you show up matters.
Danielle knew it was time to refresh her personal brand to reflect the impact, innovation, and leadership she brings to every project.

A strong personal brand isn’t just about having professional photos—it’s about aligning your image with your expertise, your achievements, and your next chapter. And working with Danielle made it clear: she’s just getting started.

Thank you, Danielle, for trusting me to capture this exciting part of your journey! 👏🏼📸

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Here’s the thing—your brand is always evolving.

You might be offering new services, connecting with a different audience, or stepping more confidently into your role as a business owner. But if your photos still reflect where you were years ago, they’re not telling the right story anymore.

📸 Great branding photography isn’t just about looking polished—it’s about feeling aligned.

Because strong, consistent visuals:

✨ Build instant trust

✨ Make your business look cohesive and professional

✨ Help your dream clients see themselves working with you

Your photos should support the business you’ve grown into—not hold you back from where you’re going next.

If you’re ready to elevate your brand, attract the right clients, and finally feel like your photos match your message—I’d love to help you get there.

📩 DM me “refresh” or click the link in bio to book your branding consultation.
We live in a visual world.

Whether you're a realtor, doctor, lawyer, therapist, or personal trainer—your headshot is often someone’s first impression of you.

And in industries where trust is everything… a blurry selfie or outdated photo just won’t cut it.

📸 Here’s why a professional headshot matters:
✅ It instantly communicates professionalism and credibility
✅ It builds connection and approachability
✅ It makes you stand out in a sea of competition
✅ It reflects the quality of service you provide

And the truth is—clients, employers, and collaborators are checking your profile before they ever reach out. What they see should reflect the real you… polished, confident, and ready to show up.

Your headshot isn’t just a photo—it’s part of your brand.

Let’s make it work for you.

📩 Contact me to book your headshot session or ask about upcoming availability!

#professionalheadshots #headshottips #businesstips #brandingforbusinesses

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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.