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5 Ways to Look More Relaxed in Headshots | Houston Headshot Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in headshots and can give you 5 ways to look more relaxed in headshots.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

5 Ways to Look More Relaxed in Headshots

You can have the best headshot photographer money can buy, but if you don’t look relatable and engaging in your photos, they’re not going to have the effect you are hoping for.

When you’re relaxed before and during a headshot photo session, it’s easier for your personality and professionalism to shine through.

Here are a few things you can try to make your upcoming headshot session worthwhile.

  1. Relax before your shoot. Whether you want to run a bath or put on your favorite playlist, do something before your headshot session that will put you in the right headspace. You can even ask your photographer whether you can bring your playlist along with you.
  2. Engage with your photographer. You should already have an idea of what your photographer is like prior to your session. However, it can also help to ask them a few questions before your session begins to help you feel even more comfortable with them.
  3. Don’t freeze. Your headshots are meant to tell a story so don’t feel like you have to freeze for several seconds as you wait for the camera to click. Move your head and shoulders and try out different poses as and when they feel right – your photographer will do the rest. And most importantly, don’t forget to breathe. Holding your breath will make you feel more anxious, which will show through in your photos.
  4. Think about your character. Because you want your headshots to reflect your character, it helps to repeat things out loud or in your mind that speak to your character. For example, if your trustworthiness is one of your best traits, you could say something like “I trust you” to emulate the feeling of a client or employer trusting you.
  5. Dress accordingly. Your headshot session is not the time to try a new outfit or hairstyle. You want to look and feel good, but you want to be comfortable too. This will help you feel more confident and relaxed for your photos.

There you have it – 5 basic tips that will help you have a more positive headshot experience. Don’t forget to have fun! Your photographer knows what they are doing.

Examples of Relaxed Headshots

Samantha is a realtor and we had a blast with her branding session!  Her husband came with us and he made her laugh, which is always a great way to relax during your session.  I absolutely adore the comfortable, warm nature of her branding images.  Chad and I also had a great branding session.  His wife came along and she was a huge help too!  Couples can usually interact and create a relaxed atmosphere that shines through in photos.

Realtor Branding PhotosHeadshots and Branding for RealtorsBranding photos

5 Ways to Look More Relaxed in HeadshotsMan's branding headshot branding images portfoliobusiness professional meetingbusiness professional branding casual relaxed

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in headshots and can give you 5 ways to look more relaxed in headshots.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

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@taraflanneryphotography

Here’s how to fix that 👇🏻

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in front of the camera — especially when someone else is taking your picture — you’re not alone. It’s completely normal.

Taking professional photos can feel surprisingly vulnerable. You’re being seen, literally, and that can stir up a lot of nerves.

But here’s the thing: feeling awkward shouldn’t stop you from getting photos you love. My job as your photographer is to help ease that discomfort so you can show up as your best, most authentic self.

Here’s how I help clients do just that:

1️⃣ The Consultation

Before your session, we’ll chat about your goals, style, and how you want to be seen. I also connect clients with trusted stylists who can help you choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable (if needed).

2️⃣ A Calm, Supportive Environment

Whether we’re in my studio, your office, or an outdoor location, my priority is to create a space where you can relax, laugh, and genuinely enjoy the process. When you’re at ease, it always shows in your photos.

3️⃣ A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Get plenty of rest, hydrate, and plan your wardrobe ahead of time. When you feel prepared, you walk into your session with a completely different kind of confidence.

Because the truth is — professional photos can feel vulnerable, but with the right guidance, they can also be empowering. 💛

📩 Ready to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera? Message me to schedule your session today.

#professionalheadshots #corporateheadshots #headshotphotographer #headshottips

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17961749040003344
Here’s how to fix that 👇🏻 If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in front of the camera — especially when someone else is taking your picture — you’re not alone. It’s completely normal. Taking professional photos can feel surprisingly vulnerable. You’re being seen, literally, and that can stir up a lot of nerves. But here’s the thing: feeling awkward shouldn’t stop you from getting photos you love. My job as your photographer is to help ease that discomfort so you can show up as your best, most authentic self. Here’s how I help clients do just that: 1️⃣ The Consultation Before your session, we’ll chat about your goals, style, and how you want to be seen. I also connect clients with trusted stylists who can help you choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable (if needed). 2️⃣ A Calm, Supportive Environment Whether we’re in my studio, your office, or an outdoor location, my priority is to create a space where you can relax, laugh, and genuinely enjoy the process. When you’re at ease, it always shows in your photos. 3️⃣ A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way Get plenty of rest, hydrate, and plan your wardrobe ahead of time. When you feel prepared, you walk into your session with a completely different kind of confidence. Because the truth is — professional photos can feel vulnerable, but with the right guidance, they can also be empowering. 💛 📩 Ready to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera? Message me to schedule your session today. #professionalheadshots #corporateheadshots #headshotphotographer #headshottips

Here`s what you can expect at a headshot session with me 👇🏻

✨ Pre-session consultation to understand your brand and team dynamics
📋 Wardrobe guidance that aligns with your company culture
🎯 Multiple looks and expressions to give everyone options
⏰ Efficient workflow that respects everyone`s busy schedules
💼 Professional retouching that maintains authenticity
📱 Digital gallery delivery within 48 hours

Be honest—when was the last time your team photos actually represented who you are today? Most companies wait 3-5 years between updates, but your people (and your business) evolve much faster than that.

Your team`s headshots aren`t just photos—they`re the first impression potential clients, partners, and talent get of your company culture. When they`re outdated or inconsistent, what message does that send?

Ready to show the world the dynamic team you`ve built? Let`s create imagery that matches your company`s growth. 🚀

#headshots #corporatephotography #teamheadshots #professionalphotography #houstonphotographer

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18097105072802709
Here's what you can expect at a headshot session with me 👇🏻 ✨ Pre-session consultation to understand your brand and team dynamics 📋 Wardrobe guidance that aligns with your company culture 🎯 Multiple looks and expressions to give everyone options ⏰ Efficient workflow that respects everyone's busy schedules 💼 Professional retouching that maintains authenticity 📱 Digital gallery delivery within 48 hours Be honest—when was the last time your team photos actually represented who you are today? Most companies wait 3-5 years between updates, but your people (and your business) evolve much faster than that. Your team's headshots aren't just photos—they're the first impression potential clients, partners, and talent get of your company culture. When they're outdated or inconsistent, what message does that send? Ready to show the world the dynamic team you've built? Let's create imagery that matches your company's growth. 🚀 #headshots #corporatephotography #teamheadshots #professionalphotography #houstonphotographer

I get it—parents worry their kids won’t sit still, won’t smile, or will get tired too quickly. But here’s the truth: that’s exactly what makes the photos beautiful.

✨ We start playfully — no pressure, just letting your kids warm up at their own pace.
📸 I’ll guide you into natural interactions, like walking, snuggling, or playing together.
😊 Expect tickle fights, giggles, and even a little silliness—it’s all part of the fun.
🍂 Kids need breaks? We roll with it. The best smiles usually come after they’ve had a chance to relax.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Every child gets their moment to shine—without forcing fake poses.

There’s no “perfect behavior” required. The most memorable family portraits happen when your kids are just being themselves—and you’re right there with them.

Because this isn’t about stiff poses or saying “cheese.” It’s about capturing the real magic of your family in this season of life.

📩 Ready for a session your kids will actually enjoy? DM me to get started!

#familyportraits #behindthescenes #whattoexpect #thewoodlandstxphotographer #familyphotosession

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18058614485560833
I get it—parents worry their kids won’t sit still, won’t smile, or will get tired too quickly. But here’s the truth: that’s exactly what makes the photos beautiful. ✨ We start playfully — no pressure, just letting your kids warm up at their own pace. 📸 I’ll guide you into natural interactions, like walking, snuggling, or playing together. 😊 Expect tickle fights, giggles, and even a little silliness—it’s all part of the fun. 🍂 Kids need breaks? We roll with it. The best smiles usually come after they’ve had a chance to relax. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Every child gets their moment to shine—without forcing fake poses. There’s no “perfect behavior” required. The most memorable family portraits happen when your kids are just being themselves—and you’re right there with them. Because this isn’t about stiff poses or saying “cheese.” It’s about capturing the real magic of your family in this season of life. 📩 Ready for a session your kids will actually enjoy? DM me to get started! #familyportraits #behindthescenes #whattoexpect #thewoodlandstxphotographer #familyphotosession

Here`s the hard truth about acting headshots that most photographers won`t tell you 👇🏻

If a casting director can`t immediately see what role you`d play just by looking at your photo, you`ve already lost the audition.

Corporate headshots show professionalism. Acting headshots show CHARACTER—and that requires a completely different approach.

Most actors think they need one `perfect` headshot with a generic smile. But casting directors aren`t looking for pleasant—they`re looking for types. The lawyer, the best friend, the villain. And they need to see it instantly.

That`s why specificity wins:
✨ Confident and commanding for lawyer roles
✨ Warm and approachable for parent characters
✨ Hint of mischief for villain parts

But here`s the bigger mistake—thinking one headshot is enough. One headshot = one role. Multiple headshots = multiple opportunities.

You need range: commercial-friendly, dramatic, playful, maybe edgy. When casting directors see variety, they`re thinking about how you fit their ENTIRE project.

Not every photographer understands acting industry standards. When I work with actors, we plan multiple `looks` in one session—because every shot needs to feel intentional.

Ready to create acting headshots that actually get you cast? Let`s plan a session that shows your full range.

#actingheadshots #headshots #professionalheadshots #houstonphotographer #modelingheadshots

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18086244871763501
Here's the hard truth about acting headshots that most photographers won't tell you 👇🏻 If a casting director can't immediately see what role you'd play just by looking at your photo, you've already lost the audition. Corporate headshots show professionalism. Acting headshots show CHARACTER—and that requires a completely different approach. Most actors think they need one 'perfect' headshot with a generic smile. But casting directors aren't looking for pleasant—they're looking for types. The lawyer, the best friend, the villain. And they need to see it instantly. That's why specificity wins: ✨ Confident and commanding for lawyer roles ✨ Warm and approachable for parent characters ✨ Hint of mischief for villain parts But here's the bigger mistake—thinking one headshot is enough. One headshot = one role. Multiple headshots = multiple opportunities. You need range: commercial-friendly, dramatic, playful, maybe edgy. When casting directors see variety, they're thinking about how you fit their ENTIRE project. Not every photographer understands acting industry standards. When I work with actors, we plan multiple 'looks' in one session—because every shot needs to feel intentional. Ready to create acting headshots that actually get you cast? Let's plan a session that shows your full range. #actingheadshots #headshots #professionalheadshots #houstonphotographer #modelingheadshots

🎥 Ever wondered what it’s actually like during a headshot session?

If the idea of being in front of the camera makes you feel a little awkward or unsure, you`re not alone. Most of my clients come in feeling that way — but leave saying, “That was way more fun than I expected!”

Here`s a sneak peak at how I will guide you every step of the way — from how to stand, where to look, even how to tilt your chin — so you never have to wonder what to do. ✨

My goal? To make you feel confident, comfortable, and genuinely like yourself. And the best part is, the results speak for themselves.

📩 Ready for headshots that actually feel like you? Let’s talk.

#headshots #businessheadshots #corporateheadshots #behindthescenes #micdup

11 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18079579940033669
🎥 Ever wondered what it’s actually like during a headshot session? If the idea of being in front of the camera makes you feel a little awkward or unsure, you're not alone. Most of my clients come in feeling that way — but leave saying, “That was way more fun than I expected!” Here's a sneak peak at how I will guide you every step of the way — from how to stand, where to look, even how to tilt your chin — so you never have to wonder what to do. ✨ My goal? To make you feel confident, comfortable, and genuinely like yourself. And the best part is, the results speak for themselves. 📩 Ready for headshots that actually feel like you? Let’s talk. #headshots #businessheadshots #corporateheadshots #behindthescenes #micdup

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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.