How to Choose a Headshot Photographer | Houston Headshots

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots and can help you with how to choose a headshot photographer.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

How to Choose a Headshot Photographer

When searching for someone to take your headshots, here are a few tips for the best experience.

  1. Research the photographer.  What, if any, degrees or certifications do they hold?  While degrees don’t mean everything, they do ensure that the photographer has proven proficiency in both technical and aesthetic skills to produce consistent, high-quality images.  The photographer has shown that he or she can use lighting, posing, and expression to create the most flattering portrait.
  2. Research for style.  Take a look at the headshots on the photographer’s website.  This should be an indication of the style of headshot that you will receive.  Is it more formal or casual?  Studio or natural-light?  Light or dark.  What is the attention to detail?  Does the photographer show a range of headshots?
  3. Know what you’re getting.  If the photographer lists pricing, what does that include (time, number of images, retouching, wardrobe changes, etc.)? One pricing model is not necessarily better than another but photographers operate on different models so be sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
  4. Timing is key.  Ask the photographer about timing and turnaround for your headshots.  If you need something quickly, be sure that the photographer can get you in and have images turned around in the timeframe that you’ll need.
  5. Personality is golden.  More than anything, you should feel comfortable with your photographer.  Trust and friendliness with your photographer go a long way toward a great headshot.  Why?  Because your own confidence will show through in the images when you have a good relationship with your photographer.  Think about how your own personality shines when you’re talking to your best friend or family member.  That sparkle will make a fantastic headshot!

Examples of Recent Headshots

Here are a few recent examples of headshots with Tara Flannery Photography.  I love to get to know my clients before, during, and after the headshot session.  We laugh and chat during the session and have a good time!  It’s about you being you and me just capturing that true essence in one photograph.  I do love my job!

How to Choose a Headshot PhotographerWoman's Professional Headshot

 

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman 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

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.
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!
Most men think they don’t know how to pose for a headshot…

but it’s not about knowing poses.

It’s about a few simple adjustments that make you look confident and natural on camera.

A couple go-to options (like the classic “GQ” stance, arms crossed, or a relaxed lean) can completely change how you show up.

And the rest? That’s what I guide you through.

📥 If you’re also not sure what to wear, I’ve got you covered—grab my Men’s Style Guide for Headshots through the link in my bio.

📩 Ready for updated headshots? You can book through the link as well.
If you’re just getting started in photography… don’t worry about finding your niche right away.

When I first started, I photographed everything—weddings, babies, families, headshots, corporate… if someone needed photos, I was there.

And that’s how you figure it out.

You don’t find your niche by waiting—you find it by doing the work, learning what you like, and getting better with every session.

Every type of shoot teaches you something different.
Every client builds your experience.

Over time, you start to see what actually fits you—and that’s where your expertise comes from.

📥 If you’re in that phase right now, I’ve put together resources to help—covering lighting, gear, posing, and more.

✨ Grab them 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.