How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session | 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.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session

Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for your upcoming headshot session.  These preparation steps are necessary and will ensure a smooth and successful session.

  1. Plan your wardrobe.  Start with what you normally wear to work.  Or if you’re hoping for the next step up in your career, dress for that next position.  “Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.”
  2. Bring multiple wardrobe options.  Please bring several options for wardrobe to your headshot session.  Perhaps a more formal look and a casual look.  Bring a solid dark jacket (black, grey, navy) and then also bring something with more color (solid blue or red, for example).
  3. Plan for hair and makeup.  Whether you do your own or my HMU artist does the hair and makeup, plan accordingly.  Start with what you wear on a daily basis and then add a touch more (especially lip color, cheek color, and powder for shine).
  4. Think about pose and expression.  It’s important to know what type of “look” you’d like to achieve with your headshot.  Depending on your occupation, you may want to appear confident and strong or friendly and outgoing.  Just think about that and have the conversation with your photographer.

Headshots for JoEllen, Sage Business Coaching and Consulting

JoEllen needed an updated headshot for her business website.  As an executive coach, JoEllen wanted to have a certain look for her headshots.  Since she works with many businesses and specifically C-level executives, she wanted to appear confident and competent.  Through pose and expression, we were able to give her that look.

Sage is “a Management Consulting firm helping organizations reach their maximum potential in growth, strategy, leadership and talent. We specialize in Mergers and Acquisitions, providing cultural integration planning and facilitation. We also offer business advisory services in the areas of Leadership Development, Team Effectiveness, Cultural Transformation, and Strategic Planning.”  Sage Business Coaching and Consulting

How to Prepare for Your Headshot SessionHow to Prepare for Your Headshot Session

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, 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

When you show up like a pro, doors start opening.

We wrapped this session with a simple truth: “Kyle’s going to go off and do great things.”

And he will—because he’s putting his best foot forward, starting with how he presents himself. A high-quality headshot might seem like a small thing, but it can make a powerful first impression that opens doors to new jobs, clients, or collaborations.

When you look the part, you feel the part—and the world responds accordingly.

📸 Need to refresh your headshot? Send me a message and let's make it happen!

#headshots
Ever wondered why your headshots look flat instead of flattering? 👀

It all comes down to lighting. In the studio, I use one main light source and strategically placed reflectors to bounce light and fill in shadows. This creates that soft, even glow that makes you look approachable and polished—while still keeping a touch of shadow to add shape and dimension to your face.

Flat lighting can make your features disappear. The right lighting makes you stand out. ✨

Ready to finally love your headshots?

📩 DM me or click the link in bio to book your session today.

#headshots #thewoodlandstxphotographer #headshotphotographer #headshottips
Here’s why 👇🏻

Most people wait for the “perfect” moment—when they’ve lost a few pounds, changed their hair, or finally feel more confident. But here’s the truth: there will always be something you’re waiting on.

Your headshot isn’t about some future version of you—it’s about showing up confidently in the season you’re in today. Because this version of you? The one leading your team, meeting clients, building your business—that’s the version people want to connect with.

When your photo feels authentic and current, it builds instant trust. Outdated or staged images can actually do the opposite, making it harder for people to recognize the real you.

So don’t wait for “someday.” The right time to show up as your best self is always now.

📸 Ready for a refresh? Let’s create a headshot that feels true to you. 

DM me to book your session.

#headshotupdate #headshotphotographer #thewoodlandsheadshots #professionalheadshots
🚫 Let’s talk wardrobe no-nos for headshots.

I want you to look polished, confident, and distraction-free in your photos—and sometimes that means skipping certain outfit choices.

For men:

❌ No undershirts peeking through

❌ If you’re wearing a tie, make sure your shirt buttons all the way up

❌ If it doesn’t, we’re ditching the tie

For women:

❌ Skip the sleeveless tops—your arms will compete with your face for attention

✅ A sleeve (even short) helps keep the focus where it belongs—on YOU

The goal? A clean, intentional look that draws people in and keeps their attention right where it should be—your face.

📸 Save this before your session so you can show up ready and confident.

#headshots #headshotphotography #HoustonHeadshots #whattowearforheadshots
Let's talk... ⬇️

If your headshot isn’t working on your website, LinkedIn, or social media...

👉🏻 it’s probably not the image.

👉🏻 it’s the crop.

Yep, even the most beautiful photo can fall flat if it’s not framed for the platform it’s on.

Here are 3 common cropping mistakes I see all the time (and how to fix them):

1️⃣ Too Close – When there’s no breathing room, the image feels cramped and overly intense.

2️⃣ Too Far – If we can’t clearly see your face, we lose the connection instantly.

3️⃣ Wrong Shape for the Platform – That rectangle you uploaded to LinkedIn? It just became a circle... and cut off half your head.

✨ The fix? Intentional cropping before you upload—so your headshot looks polished, professional, and approachable everywhere.

Want a headshot that works across all platforms? Let’s create one that does just that.

📩 DM me to plan your session or visit the link in bio to learn more.

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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.