How to Choose the Perfect Headshot: A 5-Step Guide to Selecting Your Best Image

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  Here are some tips on How to Choose the Perfect Headshot: A 5-Step Guide to Selecting Your Best Image.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

 

How to Choose the Perfect Headshot: A 5-Step Guide to Selecting Your Best Image

Your headshot is the first impression that many people will have of you, whether it’s on your LinkedIn profile, your website, or in other professional contexts. It’s important for you to choose a headshot that reflects your personality, professionalism, and style.

 

Here are some steps to help guide you in choosing the perfect headshot image.

 

Step 1Understand the Purpose of Your Headshot:  Before you start searching for the perfect headshot, you need to understand the purpose of your image. What message do you want to convey? Are you looking to show your approachability or your seriousness? Is your target audience looking for someone with a specific personality or appearance? Understanding the purpose of your headshot will help you choose an image that matches your intended message.

 

Step 2Consider Your Brand:  Your headshot should reflect your personal brand, whether you’re a business professional or a creative freelancer. Consider the colors, lighting, and composition of your headshot, and how they align with your brand. If you’re not sure what your brand is, take some time to think about your values and what makes you unique. Then, look for headshots that align with that style.

 

Step 3Look for Professionalism:  Your headshot should convey professionalism, regardless of your industry or occupation. This means choosing an image that is high-quality, well-lit, and appropriately styled. Avoid using selfies or casual photos, as they may not convey the level of professionalism you want to show. Instead, choose a headshot that shows you in a confident, professional light.

 

Step 4.  Choose a Flattering Pose:  When choosing a headshot, consider your pose and facial expression. You want to choose a pose that is flattering and shows off your best features. Avoid images where you appear to be slouching or looking away from the camera, as this can make you seem unapproachable. Instead, choose a pose that is natural and confident, with a genuine smile that conveys your personality.

 

Step 5:  Get Feedback:   Once you’ve narrowed down your headshot choices, get feedback from others. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for their opinions, and consider asking your professional photographer or a branding expert. They can help you choose the perfect headshot that conveys your personality and professionalism.

 

Choosing the perfect headshot takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it. Your headshot is a powerful tool that can help you make a great first impression, convey your personal brand, and attract new opportunities. By following these steps, you can choose a headshot that reflects your best self and helps you achieve your goals.

 

Professional Headshots

During our time together, I’ll help coach you on the tips above.  With posing, lighting, and expression, we will create a the perfect headshot for you.  And I’ll help you choose the best image.  I have over 12 years of experience with headshots specifically and can help you choose the best one for you.

Corporate Women's Headshot

Professional business headshot

 

Accountant professional headshot

 

 

Professional Designer Business Headshot for Woman

professional corporate headshot

therapist headshot in park

 

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Let's talk about corporate event headshots 👇🏻

Here's what happens when you bring me to your next conference, team retreat, or company event:

✨ Seamless setup that doesn't disrupt your event flow
✨ Quick, efficient sessions that respect everyone's time
✨ Professional guidance so even camera-shy team members feel confident
✨ Consistent lighting and styling for that polished, cohesive team look
✨ Everyone leaves with a headshot they're actually proud to use

No awkward office lighting. No scheduling nightmares trying to coordinate individual sessions. Just a smooth, professional experience that makes your entire team look their best.

Your employees get images that elevate their LinkedIn profiles, email signatures, and company materials. You get a team that looks unified and professional across all platforms.

Ready to elevate your next corporate event? Let's make it happen. Link in bio to connect.

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Know a friend or loved one pouring everything into their small business?

A professional branding session is the kind of gift that truly gives back.

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Let’s be honest 👇🏻

If you’re scaling your business in 2026, but your photos are still from 2021… something doesn’t align.

Outdated visuals do more than make your website look old — they quietly tell potential clients that your business hasn’t evolved.

📉 They can lower trust.
📉 Confuse your audience about who you are today.
📉 And make your brand feel disconnected from the level you’re actually operating at.

You’ve worked hard to grow your business — your visuals should reflect that.

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Let’s talk about it 👇🏻

If you’re ending 2025 with the same headshot you had in 2022, there’s a good chance it’s no longer telling the full story of who you are today.

You’ve grown. Your career has evolved. Your confidence, presence, and expertise have too.

And your headshot should reflect the current version of you — not the one from three years ago.

Here’s why an updated headshot matters:

✨ It builds trust
✨ It supports your career growth
✨ It aligns with major milestones

It’s time for a new headshot if you’ve ⬇️

✔️ Been promoted
✔️ Changed roles or industries
✔️ Stepped into leadership
✔️ Started a new business
✔️ Made a noticeable change in your appearance
✔️ Updated your personal brand
✔️ Outgrown the “old you”

✨ Bonus tip:

A good rule of thumb — if your headshot is more than 2 years old or doesn’t look like the person someone would see walking into a meeting today… it’s time.

You deserve a photo that represents who you are now — confident, polished, and stepping into your next chapter.

📩 Click the link in my bio to schedule your FREE consultation with me!

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Here's how I can help you elevate your business next year 👇🏻

My branding sessions go far beyond “just photos.” We’ll start with a personalized consultation to talk through your brand colors, style, and message — then plan a session that feels intentional, aligned, and true to you.

Each branding experience includes professional hair and makeup services and multiple looks, so you can capture different sides of your brand — from approachable and friendly to bold and confident.

You can choose from two session options designed to fit your goals:

✨ Basic Branding Session: 3 looks, 9 final images, and 1.5 hours of photography.

✨ Premium Branding Session: 4 looks, 12 final images, 2 hours of photography, plus a branding video to bring your story to life.

By the end, you’ll walk away with a full collection of cohesive, high-quality visuals that represent your next chapter — confident, polished, and unmistakably you.

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📩 Message me to start planning your branding session — I’ll take care of the details.

📝 Grab my FREE branding guide with the link in my bio!

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Let’s talk about it 👇🏻

So many people wait to book their headshot because they feel like they need to “fix” something first.

Lose a little weight. Clear their skin. Feel more confident. Look more put-together.

But here’s the truth:

The version of you that exists right now is already worthy of being seen.

The best headshots don’t come from perfection — they come from authenticity.

Real expression. Real connection. Real confidence… even if you don’t quite feel it walking in.

During every session, I guide you through posing, lighting, and expression so you feel relaxed, supported, and comfortable — because that’s when the magic happens. You don’t have to know what to do. You don’t have to feel “ready.” You just have to show up.

✨ If you want a headshot that feels like you, I’d love to help.

Click the link in my bio to schedule your consultation OR to grab my FREE headshot session guide for more information!

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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.