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The background of your headshots can be anything you want, but it’s better to not choose something outdated or distracting – all the focus should be on you.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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Senior portraits are just one piece of what I do 👇🏻

I also work with:
✅ professionals who need updated headshots
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✅ and actors/models creating strong portfolio images

Different sessions—but the same goal:
helping people show up confidently and authentically on camera

📩 If you’re not sure what kind of session you need, let’s figure it out together—link in bio to learn more.
Senior sessions with moms and sons are always… an experience 😂

A little back-and-forth, a few eye rolls, and somehow we still end up with photos everyone loves.

Honestly, those in-between moments are usually the best part.

📩 DM me if you’ve been putting off senior photos—there’s still time.
Senior photos shouldn’t feel random… they should feel like you. 👇🏻

Before every session, we talk through a few key things to make sure your photos actually reflect this moment in your life:

✅ Location — what kind of vibe fits you? (nature, city, something more edgy?)
✅ Wardrobe — casual, polished, cap & gown, college tee… we plan it out
✅ Hobbies & interests — the things you love right now that you’ll want to remember later

Because the goal isn’t just to take photos…
it’s to capture who you are right now before everything changes. 🎓

📩 If you’re planning senior photos, let’s start with a consultation and build something intentional.
Click the link in my bio to get started!
Cap and gown season is here 🎓

If you didn’t get senior photos done earlier, this is your moment—professional cap & gown photos and college tee shots are the perfect way to wrap up senior year.

And now that decisions are made, it’s the best time to capture where they’re headed next.

📩 Spots are limited—click the link in my bio or DM me to book a last-minute session.

And for Class of 2027 parents… it’s not too early to start thinking ahead 👀
Some yearbook deadlines come faster than you expect, and these photos make the perfect addition to senior pages.

Click the link in my bio to book a FREE consultation with me!

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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.