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The background of your headshots can be anything you want, but it’s better to not choose something outdated or distracting – all the focus should be on you.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.

5 Headshot Mistakes to Avoidheadshots and branding Houstonbranding session Houston5 Headshot Mistakes to AvoidProfessional Headshots and Branding HoustonHouston Headshots and Branding for Small Businesses

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!

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

One day, this will be a memory. Don’t miss capturing it.

Senior year has a way of slipping by faster than you expect… and before you know it, they’re graduating.

These photos aren’t just for now—they’re something you’ll look back on for years to come, remembering exactly who they were in this moment.

If you’ve been putting it off, this is your reminder—time is running out and spots are limited.

📩 Click the link in my bio or DM me to book your senior’s session.
Shutter speed is one of those things that feels confusing… until it clicks. 😉📸

For headshots, you don’t need anything complicated — just a solid, consistent range and an understanding of how your lighting plays into it.

If you’re a new photographer trying to figure all of this out, I’ve put together a few resources to help you get started — from gear to posing and more.

📥 Check the link in my bio to explore my guides!
🚨 QUICK! TIME IS RUNNING OUT 👇🏻

Senior season is here, and spots are filling up FAST!

This is one of those moments you don’t get back — and these photos become something you’ll look back on for years.

If you’ve been thinking about booking, now is the time.

📩 Click the link in my bio or DM me to secure your session!
Most people step in front of the camera thinking, “I have no idea what to do.”

That’s where I come in.

Every small adjustment you see here — posture, hands, angles — is intentional. It’s what turns a quick headshot into something confident and professional.

If you want to learn the poses I rely on most, I put together a guide breaking them down.

📥 Grab my FREE guide that includes 5 Powerful Poses Every Professional Should Know.

✨ Link in my bio!
If you’re just getting into headshot photography, it’s easy to feel like you need everything to get started.

You don’t.

A solid light setup, a reliable camera, and a lens you can trust will take you a lot further than you think.

📸 For me, that looks like a Nikon Z7II mirrorless camera + a 70–200mm lens, paired with a simple lighting setup that keeps things consistent and professional.

It’s not about having the most gear — it’s about having the right setup and knowing how to use it.

If you want the full breakdown, grab my FREE Photography Gear Guide!

✨Link in my bio!

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

Facebook logo
Instagram logo
Pinterest logo
Linked In logo

FloDesk FREE STYLE GUIDE

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.