Behind the Scenes: 5 Steps to the Headshot Photography Process

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  Here’s a look Behind the Scenes: 5 Steps to the Headshot Photography Process. See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

Behind the Scenes: 5 Steps to the Headshot Photography Process

Have you ever wondered what goes into creating a professional headshot? In this blog post, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the headshot photography process and show you what it takes to create a high-quality, professional headshot.

 

  1. Pre-shoot consultation: Before the shoot, your photographer will likely have a consultation with you to discuss your needs, goals, and personal brand. They may also discuss wardrobe options, makeup, and hair styling to help you look your best on camera.
  2. Setting up the shoot: On the day of the shoot, your photographer will set up the studio or location and make sure the lighting and equipment are ready to go. They may also discuss posing and expressions with you to ensure the final images reflect your unique brand and personality.
  3. Shooting the photos: During the shoot, your photographer will take multiple photos from different angles and positions. They may also make minor adjustments to your pose, hair, or clothing to ensure you look your best on camera.
  4. Reviewing and selecting the photos: After the shoot, your photographer will review and select the best photos from the session. They may also edit the photos to enhance color, brightness, or other aspects of the image.
  5. Delivering the final images: Once the photos are selected and edited, your photographer will deliver the final images to you in a high-quality digital format. They may also offer additional services such as printing or retouching if desired.

 

Creating a professional headshot takes time, expertise, and attention to detail. By working with a professional photographer and following these steps, you can ensure you have a high-quality headshot that accurately reflects your personal brand and helps you stand out in a crowded job market. Remember, your headshot is an investment in yourself and your career, so take the time to get it right and reap the benefits for years to come.

Headshots

Here are some recent headshots with Tara Flannery Photography!

Professional Headshots women in businessBehind the Scenes: 5 Steps to the Headshot Photography Process

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  Here’s a look Behind the Scenes: 5 Steps to the Headshot Photography Process. See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

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If you’re planning family photos around Houston or The Woodlands, I've got 8 beautiful locations to consider 👇🏻 

📍 W.G. Jones State Forest — Woodsy, natural, and perfect for that classic outdoor family portrait look.

📍 Alden Bridge Park — Relaxed, timeless, and a great option for families who want plenty of greenery.

📍 Rob Fleming Park at Creekside — Scenic, family-friendly, and especially beautiful for those warm, natural portraits.

📍 The Woodlands Waterway — A great mix of greenery, architecture, and a slightly more urban feel.

📍 Hughes Landing — Modern and polished with plenty of variety for your gallery.

📍 Mercer Botanic Gardens — Lush, colorful, and perfect if you love a garden-inspired backdrop.

📍 Downtown Conroe — Lots of character and architecture for something a little different from the traditional park setting.

📍 Downtown Tomball — Charming, casual, and full of personality.

🔖 SAVE this list for when it’s time to plan your family photos!

Still need to get your fall family photos on the calendar? I have just a few weekend dates remaining this season:

October 10 & 17
November 8 & 15

If one of those dates works for your family, don’t wait too long to grab it! Head to the link in my bio to reserve your family session. 📸
A little bit of flash can go a LONG way outdoors. 📸

When I’m photographing families or seniors outside, I’m not trying to overpower the natural light or make the photo look like it was taken with flash.

I just want a little extra light to soften those shadows, even out skin tones, and give me a more polished final image.

The key? Keep it subtle.

Your flash should work with the natural light—not fight against it. When you get that balance right, you still get the beautiful look of an outdoor session, just with a little more control over your subject’s lighting.

If you’re a newer photographer, start experimenting with adding a small amount of off-camera flash to your outdoor sessions. You might be surprised by how much of a difference it makes!

📸 And if you’re building your photography skills, I have free resources on lighting, gear, posing, and more available through the link in my bio.
The goal is to coordinate—not match. 👏🏻

Planning outfits for the whole family can easily become the most stressful part of family photos, so here’s my favorite way to simplify it:

Start with one person’s outfit (Mom, I’m looking at you 😉) and build everyone else around it.

Choose a color palette that works well with your location. For an outdoor session, earthy greens, browns, blues, creams, and other natural tones photograph beautifully.

Then add some variety! Mix different shades of denim, layer jackets or sweaters, and incorporate different fabrics and textures. Everyone should look like they belong together without looking like you bought the same outfit in five different sizes. 😂

And most importantly, choose clothes that actually feel like your family. You’ll be much more comfortable in front of the camera—and it’ll show in your photos.

And don't forget, my weekend family session dates are filling up fast! 👇🏻

October 10th & 17th
November 8th & 15th

📸 Need a little more help planning your session? My free Family Session Welcome Guide covers wardrobe, locations, preparing for your session, and more. Grab it through the link in my bio!
Photographers: the secret to family sessions with little kids? Stop expecting them to follow the plan. 😂📸

Young kids are going to move. They’re going to get distracted. They may decide halfway through that they’re completely DONE with your ideas—and that’s okay.

Instead of fighting it, work with it.

Keep them moving and engaged. Give them something to do instead of constantly asking them to smile. And don’t forget to coach Mom and Dad, too! Encourage them to interact with their kids, keep looking at you when you need the classic family shot, and trust you to get the moment.

Because some of the best images happen in between the poses—the laughs, cuddles, movement, and little expressions you couldn’t have planned if you tried.

You don’t need perfectly behaved kids to create beautiful family portraits. You need patience, flexibility, and a few tricks ready when your original plan goes out the window. 😉

📸 If you’re growing your photography business, I have free resources covering everything from gear and lighting to posing and more. Check them out 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.