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What Should A Headshot Look Like? | 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 help with what should a headshot look like.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

What Should A Headshot Look Like?

Like people, all headshots are not alike.  But there are some basic things that a headshot should have.

  1. Cropping.  A headshot is basically a head and shoulders image.  Typically, a headshot does not include a 3/4 or full body shot.  Although you may want to add these images to your headshot session if you need them for marketing purposes.
  2. Proper lighting.  The image should be properly lit and a professional photographer will know how to do this.  In order to slim the face, we use a ratio of lighting that creates a shadow side of the face that has slightly less light than the lit side.
  3. Posing and expression.  Depending on your job and your position, headshots should generally be friendly and welcoming.  You want people who see your headshot to want to engage with you and do business.  A friendly, relaxed smile goes a long way towards a happy headshot.

Headshots for John

John needed an updated headshot for work.  His wife actually made all of the arrangements.  John showed up for his headshot session and we were able to get some fantastic headshots in a matter of minutes.  He was surprised at how little time it took to actually get the shots.  That’s because all of the setup and lighting checks had already been done so that I was ready to go when he got there.  We tried a few different angles and poses and landed on this final image for his headshot.  I edited and retouched the image and delivered it.  Now John has a brand new, fantastic headshot for his company and LinkedIn profile.  Way to go John!

What Should A Headshot Look Like?

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

10 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18078568405767160
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

10 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18101432104594547
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

4 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18098257465620095
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

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18082817308920860
🚫 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.

4 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18033514481698346
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.