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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

Behind every great brand photo is a whole lot of collaboration, laughter, and intention.

You don’t need to be a model—you need a photographer who knows how to guide, coach, and bring out the energy that aligns with your brand.

In Part 2 of Danielle’s mic’d-up session, we’re showing more behind-the-scenes of what it really looks like when strategy and personality come together on camera.

✨ This is branding photography done with purpose.

Ready to create content that actually feels like you? Let’s build your visual story.

🔗 Click the link in my bio to book a FREE CONSULTATION.

#micdupphotography #brandingsession #brandingphotographer #brandingforbusinesses #professionalbranding

8 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17958695598020874
Behind every great brand photo is a whole lot of collaboration, laughter, and intention. You don’t need to be a model—you need a photographer who knows how to guide, coach, and bring out the energy that aligns with your brand. In Part 2 of Danielle’s mic’d-up session, we’re showing more behind-the-scenes of what it really looks like when strategy and personality come together on camera. ✨ This is branding photography done with purpose. Ready to create content that actually feels like you? Let’s build your visual story. 🔗 Click the link in my bio to book a FREE CONSULTATION. #micdupphotography #brandingsession #brandingphotographer #brandingforbusinesses #professionalbranding

Marketing managers, be honest 👇🏻

How consistent are your team`s LinkedIn profiles right now?

Take a quick scroll through your company`s employee profiles.

Are you seeing:
→ Different backgrounds and lighting styles?
→ Photos that look like they`re from different decades?
→ Some professional shots mixed with casual selfies?
→ A few people still using their college graduation photo?

Here`s what happens when your team headshots are all over the place: Your company looks disorganized. Less credible. Less professional than your competitors.

Your team`s visual consistency directly impacts how clients perceive your business.

The solution? Event-based headshot sessions that give your entire team cohesive, professional imagery in one efficient appointment.

✨ Same lighting, same style, same professional quality
✨ Everyone photographed at your office during a corporate event
✨ Private galleries so each team member controls their image
✨ Done in hours, not months of scheduling chaos

Is your team due for updated headshots? Let`s make it happen.

Ready to elevate your team`s professional presence? Link in bio to schedule your consultation.

#teamheadshots #corporatebranding #marketingmanager #corporatephotography #thewoodlandstx #professionalheadshots

2 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17911161408291137
Marketing managers, be honest 👇🏻 How consistent are your team's LinkedIn profiles right now? Take a quick scroll through your company's employee profiles. Are you seeing: → Different backgrounds and lighting styles? → Photos that look like they're from different decades? → Some professional shots mixed with casual selfies? → A few people still using their college graduation photo? Here's what happens when your team headshots are all over the place: Your company looks disorganized. Less credible. Less professional than your competitors. Your team's visual consistency directly impacts how clients perceive your business. The solution? Event-based headshot sessions that give your entire team cohesive, professional imagery in one efficient appointment. ✨ Same lighting, same style, same professional quality ✨ Everyone photographed at your office during a corporate event ✨ Private galleries so each team member controls their image ✨ Done in hours, not months of scheduling chaos Is your team due for updated headshots? Let's make it happen. Ready to elevate your team's professional presence? Link in bio to schedule your consultation. #teamheadshots #corporatebranding #marketingmanager #corporatephotography #thewoodlandstx #professionalheadshots

Doesn`t this look fun? 🤩 📸

The posing cues. The lighting adjustments. The real-time direction that turns good shots into professional brand assets.

Here`s what most business owners don`t realize: branding sessions aren`t just about getting photos - they`re about creating strategic content you`ll actually use across your website, social media, and marketing materials.

One efficient session = months of professional imagery that elevates your entire business presence.

✨ Ready to build your brand`s visual library?

🔗 Click the link in my bio where you can book a FREE CONSULTATION or snag my BRANDING GUIDE.

18 2
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18108268315729857
Doesn't this look fun? 🤩 📸 The posing cues. The lighting adjustments. The real-time direction that turns good shots into professional brand assets. Here's what most business owners don't realize: branding sessions aren't just about getting photos - they're about creating strategic content you'll actually use across your website, social media, and marketing materials. One efficient session = months of professional imagery that elevates your entire business presence. ✨ Ready to build your brand's visual library? 🔗 Click the link in my bio where you can book a FREE CONSULTATION or snag my BRANDING GUIDE.

This one is for the corporate admins 👇🏻

Is coordinating individual headshot appointments your nightmare?

Here`s what usually happens:

❌ Chasing down 15+ team members for availability
❌ Booking separate sessions across multiple weeks
❌ Dealing with cancellations and rescheduling chaos
❌ Inconsistent photos because everyone went at different times
❌ The whole process takes MONTHS

Here`s the solution I built specifically for this problem:

✅ Event-based headshot station at YOUR office
✅ Everyone photographed in one efficient session
✅ Consistent lighting and style across your entire team
✅ Private proof galleries so each person controls their image
✅ The whole thing is done in hours, not months

You handle the calendar invite. I handle everything else.

Is your team due for updated headshots? Let`s make it happen without the scheduling chaos.

DM me or use the link in bio to schedule a consultation. Let me walk you through exactly how this works.

#corporateheadshots #corporatephotography #teamheadshots #thewoodlandstx #marketingmanager #teamphotos

6 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18119395342562489
This one is for the corporate admins 👇🏻 Is coordinating individual headshot appointments your nightmare? Here's what usually happens: ❌ Chasing down 15+ team members for availability ❌ Booking separate sessions across multiple weeks ❌ Dealing with cancellations and rescheduling chaos ❌ Inconsistent photos because everyone went at different times ❌ The whole process takes MONTHS Here's the solution I built specifically for this problem: ✅ Event-based headshot station at YOUR office ✅ Everyone photographed in one efficient session ✅ Consistent lighting and style across your entire team ✅ Private proof galleries so each person controls their image ✅ The whole thing is done in hours, not months You handle the calendar invite. I handle everything else. Is your team due for updated headshots? Let's make it happen without the scheduling chaos. DM me or use the link in bio to schedule a consultation. Let me walk you through exactly how this works. #corporateheadshots #corporatephotography #teamheadshots #thewoodlandstx #marketingmanager #teamphotos

There’s a reason I reach for this lens during branding sessions.

I get asked about camera gear all the time — especially during branding sessions — and while the tools matter, how they support the experience matters more.

I love using a zoom lens for portraits because it gives me flexibility. I can adjust framing and perspective without breaking the flow of the session, which helps my client stay relaxed, confident, and present.

That range lets me focus less on repositioning and more on connection, expression, and creating images that feel natural and intentional.

Every technical choice I make is about creating an effortless experience — not just a sharp photo.

If you’re a photographer just starting out and trying to decide where to invest first, remember this: the “best” lens is the one that supports how you shoot and how you want your clients to feel.

📸 Fellow photographers — what lens do you reach for most during portrait sessions?

Drop it in the comments 👇🏻 I’d love to hear.

#behindthescenes #photographygear #professionalheadshots #thewoodlandsphotographer #brandingphotography

16 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18332658136243342
There’s a reason I reach for this lens during branding sessions. I get asked about camera gear all the time — especially during branding sessions — and while the tools matter, how they support the experience matters more. I love using a zoom lens for portraits because it gives me flexibility. I can adjust framing and perspective without breaking the flow of the session, which helps my client stay relaxed, confident, and present. That range lets me focus less on repositioning and more on connection, expression, and creating images that feel natural and intentional. Every technical choice I make is about creating an effortless experience — not just a sharp photo. If you’re a photographer just starting out and trying to decide where to invest first, remember this: the “best” lens is the one that supports how you shoot and how you want your clients to feel. 📸 Fellow photographers — what lens do you reach for most during portrait sessions? Drop it in the comments 👇🏻 I’d love to hear. #behindthescenes #photographygear #professionalheadshots #thewoodlandsphotographer #brandingphotography

Looking for a job right now? This matters more than most people realize 👇🏻

In a competitive job market, your professional photo often makes the first impression — before your résumé is read, before an interview is scheduled, before you ever get the chance to speak.

And the truth is, not all photos communicate the same thing.

A strong headshot signals confidence, credibility, and readiness — without feeling stiff or overproduced. It shows that you take your career seriously and understand how you want to be perceived.

What actually works:

✅ Professional lighting that looks natural, not filtered
✅ Images that translate across LinkedIn, email signatures, and company profiles
✅ Guidance on wardrobe and posing so you feel confident and comfortable
✅ A photo that reflects who you are now, not who you were a few years ago

Whether you’re entering the workforce, changing roles, or positioning yourself for what’s next, your professional image plays a bigger role than you think.

If you’re ready to show up with clarity and confidence, I’d love to help.

📩 Link in bio to book your session.

#careeradvice #professionalheadshots #linkedintips #corporatelife #firstjob #careerdevelopment #thewoodlandstx

7 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17949969360070700
Looking for a job right now? This matters more than most people realize 👇🏻 In a competitive job market, your professional photo often makes the first impression — before your résumé is read, before an interview is scheduled, before you ever get the chance to speak. And the truth is, not all photos communicate the same thing. A strong headshot signals confidence, credibility, and readiness — without feeling stiff or overproduced. It shows that you take your career seriously and understand how you want to be perceived. What actually works: ✅ Professional lighting that looks natural, not filtered ✅ Images that translate across LinkedIn, email signatures, and company profiles ✅ Guidance on wardrobe and posing so you feel confident and comfortable ✅ A photo that reflects who you are now, not who you were a few years ago Whether you’re entering the workforce, changing roles, or positioning yourself for what’s next, your professional image plays a bigger role than you think. If you’re ready to show up with clarity and confidence, I’d love to help. 📩 Link in bio to book your session. #careeradvice #professionalheadshots #linkedintips #corporatelife #firstjob #careerdevelopment #thewoodlandstx

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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.