A Headshot Guide for Women | 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 help with a headshot guide for women.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

A Headshot Guide for Women

Sometimes preparing for your upcoming headshot session can seem overwhelming!  For women, there are a few things to consider and these extra steps will make the headshot go smoothly and look fantastic!

  1. Hair and makeup: I always recommend using a professional hair and makeup artist.  A HMU will know what’s appropriate for a business headshot and can tailor the look to your style.  If you don’t have your own stylist, we can provide one for you!  If doing your own makeup, please apply just a little more than you would normally wear to the office.  It’s important to reduce shine and have a little cheek and lip color.
  2. Skin and nails: be sure that your lips and face are moisturized and nails look good in case they show in an image.
  3. Wardrobe: depending on your position, role, and industry, your wardrobe should be a step up from what you would normally wear to the office.  Remember that you dress for the next role that you want to achieve.  A suit jacket and a solid color blouse may be appropriate.  Or just a blouse with a good neckline may be fine.  Please no sleeveless blouses because it takes attention away from your face, which is the point of a headshot.  Here is a link to my Pinterest page for some ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/taraflanneryphotography/what-to-wear-headshots/

If you have a question about any of these topics, ask your photographer for advice.  We want you to look the VERY BEST YOU!

Recent headshots for women

Here are some recent headshots of women in the studio and outside of the studio.  Whether you want a studio look or outdoors, or we use a virtual background, you’ll look professional and current with just a little preparation!

A Headshot Guide for Women

A Headshot Guide for Women

women's professional headshots

women's professional headshotsprofessional headshot womanprofessional headshots woman in green blouse black suit jacketwoman in green jacket professional headshot

professional headshot for women with bokeh background

Professional headshots for women

business headshots for womenprofessional headshots women

Executive headshots for WomenWomen executives

Outdoor professional headshots for women

A Headshot Guide for Women

Women's Outdoor Headshot

Professional Headshots for Womenprofessional headshots for women

A Headshot Guide for Women

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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@taraflanneryphotography

Come along with me as I set up for a headshot + branding session 👇🏻

When you’re just getting started, it’s easy to think you need all the gear before you can take on client work.

You don’t.

For in-office headshots, a solid setup really comes down to a few essentials:
✅ reliable lighting
✅ a strong lens
✅ a backdrop
✅ reflectors to help control light and keep skin tones consistent

That’s how I’m able to create clean, professional headshots—without being in a studio.

And for branding? That’s where I shift.

Instead of a backdrop, I’m using the client’s space—capturing environmental images that feel more natural, personal, and aligned with their business.

Same session, two different approaches—both intentional.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about having more gear…
it’s about knowing how to use what you have.

📥 If you’re a newer photographer, I’ve put together resources to help with gear, lighting, and posing—click the link in my bio to check them out!
If your brand hasn’t been updated this year… this might be your sign 👇🏻

Summer is one of the best times to refresh your branding imagery—and most people don’t take advantage of it.

Things tend to slow down just enough to step back and actually look at what your brand is communicating.

And for a lot of businesses, this is when it becomes clear:
→ the photos don’t match the level you’re operating at anymore

A mid-year refresh isn’t about starting over—it’s about making sure your visuals reflect where you are now, not where you were a year ago.

But before you even book new photos… you need clarity.

What do you want your brand to feel like?
How do you want to show up?

That’s exactly why I created my Brand Personality Workbook—to help you define that first, so your photos actually align.

📥 Grab it through the link in my bio, and then let’s plan your next session.
Shooting outdoors doesn’t always mean “perfect lighting.” 👇🏻

One of the biggest challenges with natural light is inconsistency—
skin tones can shift depending on shade, surroundings, and even reflections (hello green grass 👀).

That’s why I use off-camera flash, even outside.

It helps create:
✅ consistent skin tones
✅ balanced lighting
✅ a cleaner, more polished final image

So instead of guessing what the light is doing…
I’m controlling it.

📥 If you’re a photographer trying to figure out lighting + gear, I’ve put together a guide with the setups I actually use—link in bio.
What it looks like behind the camera… vs. what you get 👇🏻

Different sessions, different people, different goals—
but always the same focus: helping you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

Headshots, branding, families, seniors, and more… it all comes back to capturing people in a way that actually feels like them.

✨ If you’re ready to start planning your session, you can click the link in my bio.
You don’t need the most expensive gear to be a good photographer.

When I first started, I thought I needed everything—top-tier camera, expensive lighting, all of it.

The reality?

A solid camera and a good lens will take you a long way.

If you’re just starting out, keep it simple:
✨ A versatile zoom lens (24–70mm or 70–200mm)
✨ Gear you can rely on and learn inside and out

And when it comes to lighting—especially outdoors—don’t overinvest too early.

Wind happens. Gear gets knocked over. Things break.

Light is light.

Focus on learning how to use what you have before worrying about upgrading everything.

📥 I’ve put together resources for new photographers covering gear, lighting, posing, and more—click 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.