Business Headshots

Actor/Model Headshots

Family Portraits

Senior Portraits

Book a free
consultation

HOMEtake me home

all the latestBLOG

get to know meABOUT

get in touchContact

1:1 MentoringPHOTOGRAPHERS

May 4, 2015

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words | Houston Headshot Photographer

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

Well, since I`m already here… we might as well get those family photos on the calendar! 😂📸

I know how it goes. You keep saying you need to update your family portraits, but between school, work, sports, and everything else on your calendar, another year somehow slips by.

And suddenly, the kids are a little taller, everyone`s a little older, and you`re still looking at the same family photo from three years ago.

Here`s your reminder that family photos don`t have to be complicated or perfectly planned.

I`ll help you choose a location, coordinate outfits, and guide you through the session. And yes, we`ll get those classic everyone-looking-at-the-camera photos, but we`ll also capture the laughs, the cuddles, the silly moments, and all the little things that make your family YOUR family. 🤍

🍂 Still hoping to get family photos done this fall? I have a few weekend openings left, and I`d love to get your family in front of my camera before the season wraps up!

Head to the link in my bio to reserve your session. Let`s make those family photos you`ve been talking about actually happen! 😉

9 0

Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18236706883318613

Well, since I'm already here… we might as well get those family photos on the calendar! 😂📸

I know how it goes. You keep saying you need to update your family portraits, but between school, work, sports, and everything else on your calendar, another year somehow slips by.

And suddenly, the kids are a little taller, everyone's a little older, and you're still looking at the same family photo from three years ago.

Here's your reminder that family photos don't have to be complicated or perfectly planned.

I'll help you choose a location, coordinate outfits, and guide you through the session. And yes, we'll get those classic everyone-looking-at-the-camera photos, but we'll also capture the laughs, the cuddles, the silly moments, and all the little things that make your family YOUR family. 🤍

🍂 Still hoping to get family photos done this fall? I have a few weekend openings left, and I'd love to get your family in front of my camera before the season wraps up!

Head to the link in my bio to reserve your session. Let's make those family photos you've been talking about actually happen! 😉

Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself just how lucky I am to do what I do. 🤍

This beautiful client recently found me through Instagram, loved my work, and decided to make the drive all the way from College Station to have her professional headshots taken with me!

And honestly? That means more to me than she probably realizes.

Whether you`re a new client who found me through social media, someone who was referred by a friend, or a familiar face who`s trusted me to photograph different chapters of your life over the years... I am SO grateful for every single one of you.

I`ve had clients come to me for their senior portraits, return years later for family photos, and then come back again when it`s time for professional headshots or branding photos.

Getting to be a small part of so many different milestones in your lives is something I`ll never take for granted.

And to everyone who supports my business in ways you might not even realize... thank you.

Every like, comment, share, recommendation, and kind word helps my work reach someone new. Sometimes that person is right down the road, and sometimes they`re willing to drive all the way from College Station. 🥹

So whether you`ve been in front of my camera, shared one of my posts, or simply cheered me on from the sidelines, please know how much I appreciate you.

Thank you for continuing to choose me, trust me, and support this little business of mine. It truly means the world. 🤍

11 1

Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18108489560220964

Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself just how lucky I am to do what I do. 🤍

This beautiful client recently found me through Instagram, loved my work, and decided to make the drive all the way from College Station to have her professional headshots taken with me!

And honestly? That means more to me than she probably realizes.

Whether you're a new client who found me through social media, someone who was referred by a friend, or a familiar face who's trusted me to photograph different chapters of your life over the years... I am SO grateful for every single one of you.

I've had clients come to me for their senior portraits, return years later for family photos, and then come back again when it's time for professional headshots or branding photos.

Getting to be a small part of so many different milestones in your lives is something I'll never take for granted.

And to everyone who supports my business in ways you might not even realize... thank you.

Every like, comment, share, recommendation, and kind word helps my work reach someone new. Sometimes that person is right down the road, and sometimes they're willing to drive all the way from College Station. 🥹

So whether you've been in front of my camera, shared one of my posts, or simply cheered me on from the sidelines, please know how much I appreciate you.

Thank you for continuing to choose me, trust me, and support this little business of mine. It truly means the world. 🤍

Meet Noah... 👇🏻

Noah recently came in for a personal branding session, but not because he`s launching a business or promoting a service.

He`s written a memoir! 📖

He wanted a collection of professional images he could use on his website to promote his book, with the possibility of using a few for his author portrait inside the book or on the back cover.

And this is such a great example of why personal branding photography isn`t just for business owners!

Authors, speakers, artists, coaches, and creatives can all benefit from having a professional collection of images that represents who they are and what they`re working toward.

Think about it... one branding session can give you photos for your website, social media, promotional materials, press features, professional bios, and so much more.

It`s about having a variety of images that tell your story, help people connect with you, and give you the flexibility to show up professionally wherever your work takes you.

And that`s exactly what we wanted to create for Noah!

Whether you`re writing a book, launching a new project, or building a business, I`d love to help you create images that support your next chapter.

📸 Ready to plan your own branding session? Head to the link in my bio to book a consultation!

3 0

Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18101893490076831

Meet Noah... 👇🏻

Noah recently came in for a personal branding session, but not because he's launching a business or promoting a service.

He's written a memoir! 📖

He wanted a collection of professional images he could use on his website to promote his book, with the possibility of using a few for his author portrait inside the book or on the back cover.

And this is such a great example of why personal branding photography isn't just for business owners!

Authors, speakers, artists, coaches, and creatives can all benefit from having a professional collection of images that represents who they are and what they're working toward.

Think about it... one branding session can give you photos for your website, social media, promotional materials, press features, professional bios, and so much more.

It's about having a variety of images that tell your story, help people connect with you, and give you the flexibility to show up professionally wherever your work takes you.

And that's exactly what we wanted to create for Noah!

Whether you're writing a book, launching a new project, or building a business, I'd love to help you create images that support your next chapter.

📸 Ready to plan your own branding session? Head to the link in my bio to book a consultation!

Oh, just a few… 😉📸

Senior portraits are easily one of my favorite things to photograph! There`s something so fun about working with seniors at such an exciting time in their lives.

And one thing I always want my seniors to know? Your senior portraits should look and feel like YOU.

Whether that means dressing up, keeping things casual, incorporating your favorite hobby or sport, bringing along your car or even your pet, I`m all for making your session personal.

We`ll choose locations, plan outfits, and create a variety of images that show off your personality. And don`t worry if you have absolutely no idea how to pose. That`s my job!

From the classic portraits your parents will want hanging on the wall to the fun, personality-filled shots you`ll want to share with all your friends, we`ll make sure you get a little bit of everything.

🎓 Class of 2027, it`s your turn! Senior year is already flying by, and now is the time to get your session on the calendar.

Head to the link in my bio to book your senior portrait consultation! 🤍

25 0

Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18041122922841247

Oh, just a few… 😉📸

Senior portraits are easily one of my favorite things to photograph! There's something so fun about working with seniors at such an exciting time in their lives.

And one thing I always want my seniors to know? Your senior portraits should look and feel like YOU.

Whether that means dressing up, keeping things casual, incorporating your favorite hobby or sport, bringing along your car or even your pet, I'm all for making your session personal.

We'll choose locations, plan outfits, and create a variety of images that show off your personality. And don't worry if you have absolutely no idea how to pose. That's my job!

From the classic portraits your parents will want hanging on the wall to the fun, personality-filled shots you'll want to share with all your friends, we'll make sure you get a little bit of everything.

🎓 Class of 2027, it's your turn! Senior year is already flying by, and now is the time to get your session on the calendar.

Head to the link in my bio to book your senior portrait consultation! 🤍

That beautiful sunlight filtering through the trees? It can actually make your job a little harder. 😂📸

When I`m photographing families or seniors in wooded locations, one of the first things I`m looking for is consistent, even lighting.

Those little patches of sunlight coming through the trees (also called dappled light) might look pretty in person, but they can create distracting bright spots across your subject`s face, skin, and clothing.

Here are a few things I keep in mind when shooting in wooded areas:

🌳 Look for solid shade. I want my subjects evenly lit rather than having random patches of harsh sunlight hitting different parts of their bodies.

☀️ Use backlighting to your advantage. When the light is right, I love positioning the sun behind my subjects to create that beautiful, soft glow around their hair and shoulders.

📸 Don`t forget your lens hood! Shooting toward the sun can introduce unwanted lens flare and reduce contrast. A lens hood can help control some of that stray light while still allowing you to create beautiful backlit portraits.

And remember, just because a location is beautiful doesn`t mean every spot within it has great lighting!

Learning to recognize good light is just as important as knowing your camera settings.

📸 Just getting started in photography? I`ve put together a collection of FREE resources to help newer photographers build their skills and confidence behind the camera!

From lighting and posing to camera gear and more, there`s plenty to help you along the way.

Head to the link in my bio to explore all the free resources available!

And don`t forget to save this tip for your next outdoor session! 🌳

23 0

Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18179722483444973

That beautiful sunlight filtering through the trees? It can actually make your job a little harder. 😂📸

When I'm photographing families or seniors in wooded locations, one of the first things I'm looking for is consistent, even lighting.

Those little patches of sunlight coming through the trees (also called dappled light) might look pretty in person, but they can create distracting bright spots across your subject's face, skin, and clothing.

Here are a few things I keep in mind when shooting in wooded areas:

🌳 Look for solid shade. I want my subjects evenly lit rather than having random patches of harsh sunlight hitting different parts of their bodies.

☀️ Use backlighting to your advantage. When the light is right, I love positioning the sun behind my subjects to create that beautiful, soft glow around their hair and shoulders.

📸 Don't forget your lens hood! Shooting toward the sun can introduce unwanted lens flare and reduce contrast. A lens hood can help control some of that stray light while still allowing you to create beautiful backlit portraits.

And remember, just because a location is beautiful doesn't mean every spot within it has great lighting!

Learning to recognize good light is just as important as knowing your camera settings.

📸 Just getting started in photography? I've put together a collection of FREE resources to help newer photographers build their skills and confidence behind the camera!

From lighting and posing to camera gear and more, there's plenty to help you along the way.

Head to the link in my bio to explore all the free resources available!

And don't forget to save this tip for your next outdoor session! 🌳

Be honest — when`s the last time you actually looked at your headshot? 👀

If it`s giving any of these, it might be time:

📌 It`s from a different job, title, or chapter of your life

📌 Your hair, glasses, or facial hair don`t match reality anymore

📌 It`s a cropped vacation pic, an old selfie, or a Zoom screenshot (we`ve all been there)

📌 You cringe a little every time it pops up on LinkedIn

📌 It`s been 2-3+ years since your last one

Your headshot is usually the first impression someone gets of you online — before they ever meet you in person. It should actually look like you today.

If you`re nodding along to any of these... let`s fix it. 📸

🔗 Click the link in my bio to book your consultation!

11 0

Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17989959233867770

Follow on Instagram

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE

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.