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6 Steps to Taking Better Photos

After my last camera class, one of the students asked me about a photo challenge.  She wanted a way to practice her new skills and to keep improving!  Wow!

So I decided to start writing monthly about how everyone can improve their photography.  Whether it’s everyday moments with the kids or a nature walk or going out for ice cream, these moments are precious and part of the fabric of our being!

So we start today!  Join me on this journey…wherever it takes us…

Here are a few tips to get us started:

1. The “Rule of Thirds”:  It creates a better picture when your main subject is not right in the center. In your minds eye, divide your photo into thirds (either horizontally or vertically), and place your main subject on one of the third lines dividing your picture. You’ll be amazed at the different feel you’ll capture by not having your subject exactly in the middle!
2. Draw Attention to Subject:  Try to draw the viewer’s eye to the subject of the picture by using other objects, such as a fence row or a road. If you use other objects properly, the viewers eye will unconsciously follow those objects, and be drawn to your subject.
3. Watch Your Lighting:  Avoid using flash, as it creates harsh shadows and “red eyes” in people and animals.  Also, try to shoot with the light behind you.  If the light is behind the subject, you will get a shadowy “backlit” effect that often throws off the whole picture.
4. Pay Attention to the Background:  We’ve all seen pictures with an ugly dump truck in the background, or a pole sticking out of your subjects head! Glance at the background before taking a picture, and either move subjects or move in closer to eliminate things in the background that may be unsightly or distracting!
5. Get in Close:  Too many snapshots are filled with the background and the subject is lost.  While the scenery is beautiful, the most important thing you’ll want to see a few years from now are those missing teeth and crazy freckles.  Don’t be afraid to get up close and personal, that’s where all the important stuff is!
6. Keep Shooting:  The best way to improve your photography is to keep shooting! Especially with the cost-effectiveness of digital cameras, play with different lighting and poses until you figure it all out… your family historian will thank you for it!

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@taraflanneryphotography

Great headshot lighting doesn’t need to be complicated—it needs to be intentional. 📸

Where you place your light, how you position your reflector, and understanding what each one is actually doing can be the difference between a headshot that feels fine and one that looks clean, crisp, and polished.

And once you find setups that work? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel at every session.

That consistency is especially important when you’re photographing corporate teams and need every headshot to look cohesive—even when people are photographed at different times.

If you’re a photographer working on your headshot lighting, I put together a FREE guide with 3 Lighting Setups for Flawless Headshots that you can reference when planning your next session.

💡 Grab the guide through the link in my bio and save this reel for the next time you’re setting up your lights!

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18124994476793619
Great headshot lighting doesn’t need to be complicated—it needs to be intentional. 📸 Where you place your light, how you position your reflector, and understanding what each one is actually doing can be the difference between a headshot that feels fine and one that looks clean, crisp, and polished. And once you find setups that work? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel at every session. That consistency is especially important when you’re photographing corporate teams and need every headshot to look cohesive—even when people are photographed at different times. If you’re a photographer working on your headshot lighting, I put together a FREE guide with 3 Lighting Setups for Flawless Headshots that you can reference when planning your next session. 💡 Grab the guide through the link in my bio and save this reel for the next time you’re setting up your lights!

Your business doesn’t need to be “more established” first.

You don’t need to lose the weight, finish the website, perfect your wardrobe, or wait until you feel 100% ready.

If your current photos no longer reflect the level of business you’re building, that’s reason enough to update them.

A branding session gives you more than a new headshot—it gives you a library of intentional, on-brand images you can actually use across your website, social media, marketing, speaking opportunities, and everything in between.

We’ll plan the looks, the location, the shots you need, and how you’ll use them.

You just have to finally put it on the calendar. 😉

📸 Ready for a refresh? Book your consultation with the link in my bio!

8 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18124473211701850
Your business doesn’t need to be “more established” first. You don’t need to lose the weight, finish the website, perfect your wardrobe, or wait until you feel 100% ready. If your current photos no longer reflect the level of business you’re building, that’s reason enough to update them. A branding session gives you more than a new headshot—it gives you a library of intentional, on-brand images you can actually use across your website, social media, marketing, speaking opportunities, and everything in between. We’ll plan the looks, the location, the shots you need, and how you’ll use them. You just have to finally put it on the calendar. 😉 📸 Ready for a refresh? Book your consultation with the link in my bio!

You’re not supposed to know what to do in front of the camera—that’s my job. 🙌🏼

I’ll tell you where to put your hands, how to angle your body, when to shift your weight, where to look, and yes… I’ll probably demonstrate it myself first. 😂

Good posing isn’t about memorizing a bunch of complicated positions. It’s about making small adjustments that help you look confident, approachable, and like yourself.

And if you want a little head start before your next headshot or branding session, I put together a free guide with 5 Power Poses Every Professional Should Know.

These are simple poses you can use for professional photos, speaking engagements, events, or anytime a camera gets pointed your way.

📸 Grab the free guide through the link in my bio—and save this reel as proof that you will never be left standing in front of my camera wondering what to do with your hands. 😂

38 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18352023592223405
You’re not supposed to know what to do in front of the camera—that’s my job. 🙌🏼 I’ll tell you where to put your hands, how to angle your body, when to shift your weight, where to look, and yes… I’ll probably demonstrate it myself first. 😂 Good posing isn’t about memorizing a bunch of complicated positions. It’s about making small adjustments that help you look confident, approachable, and like yourself. And if you want a little head start before your next headshot or branding session, I put together a free guide with 5 Power Poses Every Professional Should Know. These are simple poses you can use for professional photos, speaking engagements, events, or anytime a camera gets pointed your way. 📸 Grab the free guide through the link in my bio—and save this reel as proof that you will never be left standing in front of my camera wondering what to do with your hands. 😂

I’ve been a photographer for a long time, and somewhere along the way I realized the photos are only part of what I get to create. 🤍

I get to help someone who hates being photographed finally feel comfortable in front of the camera.

I get to help business owners show up confidently for the brands they’ve worked so hard to build.

Yes, I make photographs.

But I also get to create confidence, connection, and something worth holding onto.

And I think that’s a pretty great way to make a living. 📸

Ready to create something of your own? Whether you need updated headshots, fresh branding photos, senior portraits, or family photos, I’d love to have you in front of my camera.

📩 Book your session through the link in my bio.

17 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18048708641798880
I’ve been a photographer for a long time, and somewhere along the way I realized the photos are only part of what I get to create. 🤍 I get to help someone who hates being photographed finally feel comfortable in front of the camera. I get to help business owners show up confidently for the brands they’ve worked so hard to build. Yes, I make photographs. But I also get to create confidence, connection, and something worth holding onto. And I think that’s a pretty great way to make a living. 📸 Ready to create something of your own? Whether you need updated headshots, fresh branding photos, senior portraits, or family photos, I’d love to have you in front of my camera. 📩 Book your session through the link in my bio.

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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.