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May 17, 2017

First Communion | Houston Event Photographer

First Communion

Tara Flannery is a Houston event photographer based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX. Contact me to book your event or celebration. Check out more of Tara Flannery’s event photography too!

I have photographed a number of First Communions and Baptisms. First Communion is a major rite of passage in the Catholic church. As one of the seven Sacraments, First Communion typically falls around the age of 7, when a child is deemed capable of reason and therefore able to appreciate and understand the miracle of the Eucharist.

“Jesus comes to us in a unique way in the Eucharist. When He comes, we receive Him into our body and our soul. This is very beautiful, personal, and intimate. We should not take it for granted! This is why the first time a family member makes their Holy Communion, it is and exciting event for the whole family. The boy or girl preparing for this sacrament is going to be profoundly united with Jesus in a way that they never have before! It is such a holy, joyful occasion. Our souls become the bride of Christ. That is why girls wear white dresses and boys wear suits. Relatives are invited. Parents take pictures. We celebrate. And the very act of celebrating reveals our belief in the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.” www.catholiccompany.com

About Faith

Faith, my client’s daughter, was getting ready to receive her First Communion. Mom contacted me about the upcoming event and we started making plans. We met before the Mass to photograph Faith’s formal portrait. A portrait like her older sister had done for her First Communion. Photography was not allowed during the mass so I used that time to photograph the bulletin, her bouquet and rosary. After the mass, we were able to get more portraits with the family and grandparents. These are special memories that Faith will treasure. A significant event on her faith journey surrounded by her church and family.

First Communion First Communion photographer Houston event photographer St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church The Woodlands, TX First Holy Communion photographer

Tara Flannery is a Houston event photographer based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX. Contact me to book your event or celebration!

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

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.

Because when your brand feels aligned, everything else becomes easier—your content, your messaging, and how people perceive your business.

📩 If your brand feels a little off lately, this is a great time to fix it. Link in bio to start planning.

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18083718611395265

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!

177 6

Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18065753045437081

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.

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18208684459338406

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.

110 4

Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18598237504019822

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.

29 2

Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17967967670930278

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!

322 21

Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18447093919114110

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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- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE

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.