Be loving. Be Inspired. Be True. | Houston Portrait Photographer

If we all had a little more love, a little more inspiration, and a little more truth…

Every once in a while, my world collides with someone who truly inspires me.  I want you to meet Lea.  Not Leah (like my daughter’s name) but Lea, as in Princess Lea for those of you old enough to get that.  I met Lea at Trevor’s soccer practices.  She’s a mom, wife, daughter, and a woman who was unhappy with the way that her body looked after having two kids.  She decided to do something about it.  One goal morphed into another until she was training for an Ironman Triathlon.  WHAT??  I’ll let her tell the story…this is my interview with Lea.

How did you feel about yourself at the beginning of this journey?

I was unhappy with the way my body looked after having two kids. I had never been an exerciser nor very thin. But over the years the weight just kept adding on. I wasn’t confident in my skin.

Was there a motivating factor that led to getting something started?

Truthfully, I was going through a rough patch in my marriage, I was a stay home mom with two small children, I was unhappy. So I started walking to relieve stress. I needed something that was for me. I think I lost my sense of self and was looking to get that back.

Tell me about how you started your workout program.  

In 2009 I started out walking, pushing the boys in a double stroller.  Then I worked my way up to running.  I eventually joined a gym and got a personal trainer for several months. I also got involved with Team in Training and ran my first marathon with them in 2010.  I then trained for my first triathlon with Team in Training in 2011.  I really enjoyed triathlon, the competition and the training so that was my focus for the past 3 years and culminated with Ironman Texas in 2014.

Tell me about how the beginning grew into more and more training.

 As I saw results in the way I looked and felt I was motivated to do more and to keep going. I realized that I could be fit and healthy and it felt good to feel confident in myself and my body.

What continued to motivate you to do more?

The competition motivated me to continue to train. I liked seeing my times improving and I enjoyed taking on bigger and bigger challenges.

Tell me about training for the Ironman Triathlon.

I trained 6-7 days a week for 7 months with OutRival Racing. It was exhausting for both me and my family. I was fortunate that as a stay home mom I could train during the day while my boys were at school, but there was also a lot of long training on the weekends.

Who supported you through your training?

My husband, kids, mom and friends supported me through training. I’m sure they were tired of hearing about triathlon and training!

Did you ever feel like giving up?

Some days I did, especially on those long workout days, but I’m very goal driven and I stuck with it.

How did you feel once you accomplished your goal(s)?

It felt amazing to finish Ironman Texas! It was surreal crossing the finish line. It’s really hard to explain what it felt like, I was in pain, I was exhausted, I was ecstatic, I was proud, I was happy.

Tell me about this journey and what is has meant to you now that you’ve had some time to reflect on it.

This journey has been life changing for me. I was 30 years old, overweight and unhappy, I made a choice to change and I am so much better for it. Six years later I am confident, healthy, active with my kids, and a happier more positive person. I have had some set backs.

What are the next steps for you in terms of keeping a healthy balance of life, health, and fitness.

I was burnt out from all the ironman training, so, this past year I haven’t trained much at all. I’m also going through a divorce and have had to reenter the workforce. I’ve put on about 15lbs due to these life changes. I’m finally settling into a routine with kids, work, and my wonderful boyfriend. I am getting back into the gym and I am starting to build my running base again. I am signed up for the New York Marathon in November. I have recently worked with a personal trainer to help me establish a weight routine and of course for the accountability. I see fitness as a part of life and I will do my best to be active and fit. I may not compete as much as I used to, but I foresee myself running and doing triathlon for many many years to come.

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@taraflanneryphotography

Here's your answer 👇🏻

Sometimes it’s the smallest edits that make the biggest impact.

In this before-and-after, I removed the glare from my client’s glasses—not to change who they are, but to make sure their eyes (and confidence) shine through without distraction.

This is a perfect example of what thoughtful editing is all about:
💻 Not heavy filters.
🚫 Not reshaping your features.
✔️ Just refining the details so you feel like the best version of yourself.

From lens glare to flyaway hairs, subtle skin retouching to wardrobe clean-up—I handle the behind-the-scenes so you can focus on showing up relaxed and confident.

Because when you feel good in front of the camera, it shows.

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Here’s the truth…

People decide if they want to work with you in seconds - and your visuals do the talking.

If you’re not attracting the right clients, take a look at your branding:

✔️ If your photos don’t reflect your brand, then potential clients won’t see your value.

✔️ If your online imagery is inconsistent, then it can be hard to build trust.

✔️ If you’re not showing yourself in your content, then clients miss the chance to connect with you.

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With a personalized branding session, we’ll create a collection of images that reflect your personality, your professionalism, and your purpose—so the right clients see you and say yes.

👉 Contact me if you’re ready to elevate your brand and start booking the clients who truly get you.

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Here's what I can do for you.. 

I’m the photographer who’s there for your senior year glow-up, your first professional headshot, your dream business branding, and your family’s most meaningful milestones.

When we grow together, magic happens. Here’s why ⬇️

🤍 Real Comfort = Real Confidence
No awkward intros or guessing games—just ease. You already know how I work, and I know how to bring out your natural, authentic energy on camera.

🎯 Sessions That Evolve With You
Prom? Graduation? First job? New business? Expanding family? Each session is tailored to the season you’re in—with intentional visuals that match your moment.

📸 Consistency You Can See
No more jumping between styles or trying to "explain your vibe" every time you book someone new. We’ll create a cohesive visual story that feels like YOU, not just a trend.

🧠 I Know Your Vibe (and Your Best Side)
Once we’ve worked together, I already know the little things that make a big difference—your best angles, what makes you laugh, and how to make you feel confident in front of the lens.

✨ Working with a lifetime photographer means your photos won’t just look good…
They’ll mean something.

So whether you’re a senior, a professional, a parent, or all three—let’s grow together. 💫

📩 Contact me to start the journey or book your next session.

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Let’s be real—dating is already tough.

Your profile photos shouldn’t be what’s holding you back.

Here’s how personal branding photos can actually help you find your match:

✅ First Impressions Matter
In dating apps, your photo is everything. Low-quality, outdated, or awkward photos can get you passed over—before they even read your bio.

✅ You’ll Get More Views & Messages
Professional lighting, flattering angles, and natural poses = more swipes, more engagement, more chances to connect.

✅ Capture the Best Version of You
I’ll guide you through a session that feels relaxed, fun, and confident—no forced smiles or stiff poses. Just you, at your best.

✅ It’s an Investment in Yourself
You’d update your LinkedIn headshot, right? This is your personal life. A great profile photo says you care about how you show up—and that confidence is attractive.

✅ Better Photos = Better Matches
No more blurry bathroom selfies. A curated, professional look sets the tone for real connection.

This is your sign to stop relying on selfies and start showing up as the confident, attractive, amazing human you are.

📲 Contact Me to book your personal branding session—I’ll help you make an unforgettable first impression.

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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.