A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words | Houston Headshot Photographer

 


Professional Headshot 

 

     

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

 

I agree.  The most important and unique asset we all possess is a smile.

 

A smile welcomes a stranger.

 

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Headshot

 

 

 

It opens or closes a conversation.

 

It sends a positive message.

 

It’s a sign of confidence and radiance.

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile.

In a lot of the mentoring I do, I often find women (and men) want to know more about how to develop a personal brand.  Today’s social stage requires us all to build a presence.  Before anything else,  it’s about putting our best smile on for the camera.  And that means taking a quality headshot.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THREE STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL HEADSHOT:Professional Headshot

 

1.  No selfies.  Hire a professional. I’ve seen awful photos on LinkedIn profiles ranging from      vacation shots to soft porn.  Yes, I love Disney World too, but there’s a place for those photos: Facebook.  The best investment you can make in taking a quality shot is to hire a pro.  It used to be that meant spending lots of money. That’s changed.  Most photographers charge $150-250 for a session and if you can arrange a group session, you can save even more.  So just put aside a month of lattes and the calories you’ll save, and make the investment.

 

 

2.  Your clothing choice is important.   The goal of taking a nice shot is to bring you to the forefront.  You want to wear flattering clothing so avoid anything that’s distracting.  Go for muted tones that are a bit subdued and bring colors that compliment your skin tone.

 

 

3.  Have fun.  Sometimes the best shots are the ones in between those formal posed shots.  So don’t be afraid to let loose and be yourself – that’s what people want to see!

 

 

Written by Katie Mehnert

http://www.katiemehnert.com/

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

It’s never just pressing a button.

It’s reading the room.
Adjusting in real time.
Knowing how to bring out confidence—even when someone feels uncomfortable in front of the camera.

The technical side matters.
But the connection, the instinct, and the ability to see what others don’t… that’s what turns it into something more.

📩 If you’re ready for photos that feel like you, you can book through the link in my bio.
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!
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.
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.

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

Facebook logo
Instagram logo
Pinterest logo
Linked In logo

FloDesk FREE STYLE GUIDE

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.