Headshot Rescheduling: 4 Tips for a Smooth Session

Tara Flannery is a  Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography 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!

Your headshot is often the first impression potential clients or employers will have of you, so it’s important to look and feel your best. While life can be unpredictable, knowing when to reschedule your headshots—and when to push through—can make all the difference.

Here are my top five do’s and don’ts when it comes to rescheduling your session, so you can feel confident and prepared for your session!

Woman in blue blazer with hair and makeup done for a professional headshot.

When to Reschedule Your Session

There are certain situations where rescheduling is absolutely the right choice. It’s better to delay your session than to risk not feeling or looking your best.

  • You’re Sick: If you’re under the weather, it’s best to reschedule. Not only will you avoid spreading germs, but you’ll also feel more comfortable and look healthier when you’re fully recovered.
  • Significant Skin Issues: If you’re dealing with major skin concerns like rashes, peeling, excessive puffiness, or other visible issues, it’s okay to postpone. Your headshot should reflect your best self, and sometimes waiting a bit longer can make a big difference.
  • Uncontrollable Circumstances: If a family emergency, severe weather, or another unavoidable situation arises, don’t hesitate to reach out. I understand that life happens, and I’m here to work with you on finding a new date that works.
Licensed therapist poses outdoors for a professional headshot in The Woodlands.

When NOT to Reschedule Your Session

Not every imperfection requires rescheduling. In fact, many minor issues can be managed through makeup, lighting, and professional retouching.

  • Minor Blemishes: Don’t worry about small breakouts or a cut from shaving. I can easily touch up minor skin imperfections during the editing process.
  • Tired Eyes: If you didn’t sleep well or are dealing with under-eye circles, I’ve got you covered. Professional lighting and retouching can help brighten your look.
  • Cold Sores or Lip Irritation: Makeup and strategic posing can minimize these issues, so there’s no need to delay your session.
  • Forehead Lines and Wrinkles: These are a natural part of life, and I can soften them in post-production if needed. It’s more important to capture your natural expressions and authenticity.
Business professional in suit and tie smiling for a corporate headshot.

How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session

If you’re ready to go ahead with your headshots, a little preparation can go a long way:

  • Haircuts: Gentlemen, get a haircut a few days before your session—this prevents that “just cut” look. Ladies, make sure your hair is cut, colored, and styled. For Executive Headshot sessions, I offer hair styling to make sure you look polished.
  • Wardrobe: Try on your outfit ahead of time to ensure it fits well and makes you feel confident. Choose clothes that align with your personal brand and the image you want to convey.
  • Self-Care: Get a good night’s sleep, drink plenty of water, and avoid anything that could cause redness or puffiness the day before your shoot.
Female attorney in The Woodlands smiles for her professional headshot.

What to Do if You Need to Reschedule

Sometimes rescheduling is unavoidable. If that’s the case, here’s how to handle it:

  • Communicate Early: The sooner you let me know, the easier it will be to find a new date that works for both of us.
  • Stay Prepared: Use the extra time to make sure your wardrobe, grooming, and overall look are ready for your new session date.
  • Keep a Positive Attitude: Rescheduling isn’t a setback—it’s an opportunity to show up as your best self. I’m here to support you every step of the way!
Accounting team member in khaki jacket smiles for a professional headshot.

Book Your Headshots with Confidence

When it comes to headshots, preparation and timing are key. Whether you’re booking a session for the first time or need to reschedule, I’m here to make the process as smooth as possible. Remember, the goal is to capture you at your best. Taking the extra time to reschedule when necessary or preparing properly for your session can make a world of difference.

I’m here to help every step of the way, ensuring your portraits truly reflect your confidence and professionalism! Let’s create a headshot that showcases just that—contact me today to schedule your session or click HERE!


Additional Sessions

Female therapist poses outdoors for a professional environmental headshot.

Medical professional headshots

Business professional in teal dress poses for a headshot.

Business woman smiles for camera in her professional headshot.

Tara Flannery is a  Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography 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

Oh, just a few… 😉📸

Senior portraits are easily one of my favorite things to photograph! There's something so fun about working with seniors at such an exciting time in their lives.

And one thing I always want my seniors to know? Your senior portraits should look and feel like YOU.

Whether that means dressing up, keeping things casual, incorporating your favorite hobby or sport, bringing along your car or even your pet, I'm all for making your session personal.

We'll choose locations, plan outfits, and create a variety of images that show off your personality. And don't worry if you have absolutely no idea how to pose. That's my job!

From the classic portraits your parents will want hanging on the wall to the fun, personality-filled shots you'll want to share with all your friends, we'll make sure you get a little bit of everything.

🎓 Class of 2027, it's your turn! Senior year is already flying by, and now is the time to get your session on the calendar.

Head to the link in my bio to book your senior portrait consultation! 🤍
That beautiful sunlight filtering through the trees? It can actually make your job a little harder. 😂📸

When I'm photographing families or seniors in wooded locations, one of the first things I'm looking for is consistent, even lighting.

Those little patches of sunlight coming through the trees (also called dappled light) might look pretty in person, but they can create distracting bright spots across your subject's face, skin, and clothing.

Here are a few things I keep in mind when shooting in wooded areas:

🌳 Look for solid shade. I want my subjects evenly lit rather than having random patches of harsh sunlight hitting different parts of their bodies.

☀️ Use backlighting to your advantage. When the light is right, I love positioning the sun behind my subjects to create that beautiful, soft glow around their hair and shoulders.

📸 Don't forget your lens hood! Shooting toward the sun can introduce unwanted lens flare and reduce contrast. A lens hood can help control some of that stray light while still allowing you to create beautiful backlit portraits.

And remember, just because a location is beautiful doesn't mean every spot within it has great lighting!

Learning to recognize good light is just as important as knowing your camera settings.

📸 Just getting started in photography? I've put together a collection of FREE resources to help newer photographers build their skills and confidence behind the camera!

From lighting and posing to camera gear and more, there's plenty to help you along the way.

Head to the link in my bio to explore all the free resources available!

And don't forget to save this tip for your next outdoor session! 🌳
If you’re planning family photos around Houston or The Woodlands, I've got 8 beautiful locations to consider 👇🏻 

📍 W.G. Jones State Forest — Woodsy, natural, and perfect for that classic outdoor family portrait look.

📍 Alden Bridge Park — Relaxed, timeless, and a great option for families who want plenty of greenery.

📍 Rob Fleming Park at Creekside — Scenic, family-friendly, and especially beautiful for those warm, natural portraits.

📍 The Woodlands Waterway — A great mix of greenery, architecture, and a slightly more urban feel.

📍 Hughes Landing — Modern and polished with plenty of variety for your gallery.

📍 Mercer Botanic Gardens — Lush, colorful, and perfect if you love a garden-inspired backdrop.

📍 Downtown Conroe — Lots of character and architecture for something a little different from the traditional park setting.

📍 Downtown Tomball — Charming, casual, and full of personality.

🔖 SAVE this list for when it’s time to plan your family photos!

Still need to get your fall family photos on the calendar? I have just a few weekend dates remaining this season:

October 10 & 17
November 8 & 15

If one of those dates works for your family, don’t wait too long to grab it! Head to the link in my bio to reserve your family session. 📸
A little bit of flash can go a LONG way outdoors. 📸

When I’m photographing families or seniors outside, I’m not trying to overpower the natural light or make the photo look like it was taken with flash.

I just want a little extra light to soften those shadows, even out skin tones, and give me a more polished final image.

The key? Keep it subtle.

Your flash should work with the natural light—not fight against it. When you get that balance right, you still get the beautiful look of an outdoor session, just with a little more control over your subject’s lighting.

If you’re a newer photographer, start experimenting with adding a small amount of off-camera flash to your outdoor sessions. You might be surprised by how much of a difference it makes!

📸 And if you’re building your photography skills, I have free resources on lighting, gear, posing, and more available through the link in my bio.
The goal is to coordinate—not match. 👏🏻

Planning outfits for the whole family can easily become the most stressful part of family photos, so here’s my favorite way to simplify it:

Start with one person’s outfit (Mom, I’m looking at you 😉) and build everyone else around it.

Choose a color palette that works well with your location. For an outdoor session, earthy greens, browns, blues, creams, and other natural tones photograph beautifully.

Then add some variety! Mix different shades of denim, layer jackets or sweaters, and incorporate different fabrics and textures. Everyone should look like they belong together without looking like you bought the same outfit in five different sizes. 😂

And most importantly, choose clothes that actually feel like your family. You’ll be much more comfortable in front of the camera—and it’ll show in your photos.

And don't forget, my weekend family session dates are filling up fast! 👇🏻

October 10th & 17th
November 8th & 15th

📸 Need a little more help planning your session? My free Family Session Welcome Guide covers wardrobe, locations, preparing for your session, and more. Grab it 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.