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September 5, 2018

Why lighting and posing for headshots is critical | Houston Headshot Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots and can show you why lighting and posing for headshots is critical. See more headshots in the gallery. Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

Why lighting and posing for headshots is critical

Only trust your new headshots to a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP). This may be a bold statement but it is one that I truly believe will bring you the most success in your quest for a new professional headshot. Yes, anyone with a camera can take a headshot. However, a Certified Professional Photographer has proven ability to control lighting and posing to create the most flattering headshot. During the CPP certification process, a photographer learns to master the 3:1 ratio for lighting. This lighting ratio creates a pleasing effect on the face where one side is 1.5 times brighter than the other. The shadow side of the face should have plenty of detail. The shadow side serves to slim the face when used in a short lighting pose.

Headshots for Dawn

Dawn called me with a need for a new headshot in short order. With a deadline quickly approaching, we were able to schedule and deliver a fully edited and retouched headshot. She was able to meet her deadline and loves her new headshot! We used lighting and posing to create a very flattering portrait for Dawn. The textured grey background is complimented by her black top. And the pop of blue in her jewelry is just the right amount of sparkle.

why lighting and posing for headshots is critical

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots and can show you why lighting and posing for headshots is critical. See more headshots in the gallery. Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

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@taraflanneryphotography

🌟 CLIENT SPOTLIGHT 👇🏻

What started as “just headshots”… turned into a full library of content.

Natalie and her husband, Rich, came to me as they were launching their new practice, Comprehensive Medical Specialists of Texas. Initially, they were looking for updated headshots and a group photo.

But as we started planning, we expanded the vision—creating not only individual headshots, but multiple group images and photos of their office space.

Now, they don’t just have one or two images…
they have a full collection they can use across their website, advertising, social media, and more.

And hearing Natalie say it was the best headshot she’s ever had? That’s always the goal 🤍

This is what a thoughtful branding session can do—give you content that actually works for your business long after the shoot is over.

📩 If you’re building or growing your business, let’s create a library of images that works for you—DM me to start planning your session.

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One of the most meaningful parts of what I do… is getting to come back.

Seeing seniors step into their careers.
Watching families grow.
Photographing people through different seasons of their lives.

What starts as “just a session” often turns into years of memories—and that’s something I never take for granted.

It’s more than photos. It’s your story, over time 🤍

If you’re ready to have your story captured, weather it’s your professional or personal one... Shoot me a DM. 📩

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One of the most meaningful parts of what I do… is getting to come back.

Seeing seniors step into their careers.
Watching families grow.
Photographing people through different seasons of their lives.

What starts as “just a session” often turns into years of memories—and that’s something I never take for granted.

It’s more than photos. It’s your story, over time 🤍

If you’re ready to have your story captured, weather it’s your professional or personal one... Shoot me a DM. 📩

What’s my favorite thing to see as a photographer? 👇🏻

My clients actually using their photos.

Profile pictures. Websites. Social media. Marketing.
Not just sitting in a gallery… but showing up in the places that matter.

Because the truth is—your photos are often the first impression people have of you or your business.

And when they’re intentional, consistent, and professional… it shows.

That’s the difference between “just a photo” and something that actually works for you.

📩 Ready to create photos you’ll actually use? Click the link in my bio or DM me to start planning your session.

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One day, this will be a memory. Don’t miss capturing it.

Senior year has a way of slipping by faster than you expect… and before you know it, they’re graduating.

These photos aren’t just for now—they’re something you’ll look back on for years to come, remembering exactly who they were in this moment.

If you’ve been putting it off, this is your reminder—time is running out and spots are limited.

📩 Click the link in my bio or DM me to book your senior’s session.

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One day, this will be a memory. Don’t miss capturing it.

Senior year has a way of slipping by faster than you expect… and before you know it, they’re graduating.

These photos aren’t just for now—they’re something you’ll look back on for years to come, remembering exactly who they were in this moment.

If you’ve been putting it off, this is your reminder—time is running out and spots are limited.

📩 Click the link in my bio or DM me to book your senior’s session.

Shutter speed is one of those things that feels confusing… until it clicks. 😉📸

For headshots, you don’t need anything complicated — just a solid, consistent range and an understanding of how your lighting plays into it.

If you’re a new photographer trying to figure all of this out, I’ve put together a few resources to help you get started — from gear to posing and more.

📥 Check the link in my bio to explore my guides!

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Shutter speed is one of those things that feels confusing… until it clicks. 😉📸

For headshots, you don’t need anything complicated — just a solid, consistent range and an understanding of how your lighting plays into it.

If you’re a new photographer trying to figure all of this out, I’ve put together a few resources to help you get started — from gear to posing and more.

📥 Check the link in my bio to explore my guides!

Perks of having a photographer mom?… you get senior photos that actually feel like you. 🤍

Getting to photograph my own son for his senior session was really special — and it’s also a perfect reminder of how important it is to make these sessions personal.

The guitar, the truck… these aren’t just props. They’re pieces of his story right now.

That’s what makes senior photos meaningful — capturing who you are in this moment, not just what you look like.

If you’re planning a senior session, think about what represents you — your hobbies, your interests, the things you’ll want to remember years from now.

Those are the details that turn photos into something you’ll truly hold onto.

📩 Senior sessions are filling up — click the link in my bio or DM me to start planning yours.

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Perks of having a photographer mom?… you get senior photos that actually feel like you. 🤍

Getting to photograph my own son for his senior session was really special — and it’s also a perfect reminder of how important it is to make these sessions personal.

The guitar, the truck… these aren’t just props. They’re pieces of his story right now.

That’s what makes senior photos meaningful — capturing who you are in this moment, not just what you look like.

If you’re planning a senior session, think about what represents you — your hobbies, your interests, the things you’ll want to remember years from now.

Those are the details that turn photos into something you’ll truly hold onto.

📩 Senior sessions are filling up — click the link in my bio or DM me to start planning yours.

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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.