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

Not sure how formal your headshot should be? Start here. 👇

Your outfit plays a huge role in the story your headshot tells — and choosing the right look helps you show up with clarity and confidence.

Here are 5 levels of formality for men’s headshots and when to use each one:

1️⃣ Very Formal
Suit jacket + button-down shirt + tie
This look builds instant trust and authority.

2️⃣ Semi-formal (No Tie)
Suit jacket + button-down (no tie)
Polished, approachable, and confident.

3️⃣ Business Casual
Button-down shirt, no jacket
Comfortable and true to your everyday brand.

4️⃣ Branded Apparel
Button-down or polo with company logo
Keeps things clean, professional, and consistent — especially for team headshots.

5️⃣ Casual
Fitted t-shirt or polo (no branding)
Still professional — just more relaxed and innovative.

✨ BONUS TIPS:
– Stick to solid colors
– Make sure clothes are clean, pressed & well-fitted
– Avoid loud patterns or busy logos (unless branded)
– Bring a backup shirt or jacket to your session

🎯 The goal? Choose the level that fits your industry, role, and personality — and Tara will help you photograph it perfectly.

📆 DM to book TODAY!
📸 Express Headshot Special — Just $150 (Reg. $190)

Dads are impossible to shop for… but this year, we’ve got you covered.

Instead of another gadget or grill tool, give him something that actually works for him — a professional headshot that looks sharp, confident, and completely him.

✅ 15-minute in-studio session
✅ 1 fully retouched image
✅ Fast, easy, and giftable

Offer ends June 15, so don’t wait!
📩 DM to schedule or email tara@taraflannery.com with CODE: DADSDAY150

This year, skip the stress and give Dad a gift he’ll actually use (and love). 🙌

#fathersdaygift #professionalheadshots #giftfordad
Let's talk about it 👇🏻

Whether it’s your LinkedIn profile, website bio, or social media presence—your photo is often the first impression people get of you.

And if it’s outdated, poorly lit, overly casual, or just not aligned with who you are now… it’s doing more harm than good.

Here’s what a great headshot can do:
✅ Build instant trust with clients
✅ Attract job offers, press, or speaking gigs
✅ Help you show up confidently in a crowded market
✅ Make your personal brand feel polished and professional

It’s more than just a photo—it’s your reputation in pixels.

📸 I create relaxed, guided headshot sessions that reflect your style, your energy, and your goals. Let’s make sure your image is working for you, not against you.

Contact me to book your session or visit the link in my bio to schedule your free consultation.

Your future self will thank you. 👏
Goldfish have longer attention spans than most people online. If your visuals don’t speak fast, they’re not being seen.

And more often than not, it’s your photos doing the talking before you ever say a word.

High-quality, professional visuals do more than “look good.” They ⤵️

✅ Build Trust Instantly

People want to feel like they know you before they work with you. Clear, polished images of you (not stock photography) help potential clients connect with the face behind the business.

✅ Showcase Professionalism

From your website to your Instagram grid, cohesive brand photography tells the world you’re serious, credible, and ready for business.

✅ Create Brand Clarity

What do you want people to feel when they land on your page? Confident? Warm? Innovative? Your visuals should reflect that vibe—because clarity creates confidence.

✅ Set You Apart

In a saturated market, people are buying you as much as your product or service. Brand photography gives you a chance to stand out with personality, story, and style.

If you’re still using a mix of selfies, old photos, or generic images, you might be confusing your audience—or worse, losing them.

Let’s fix that. Let’s create visuals that stop the scroll and start the connection.

📸 DM me to learn more about a brand session or click the link in bio for details.

- STAY IN TOUCH -

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.