7 Ways Professional Branding Beats DIY Branding Every Time

When it comes to creating a personal or business brand that truly stands out, your visuals are often the first impression people get. While it might be tempting to save money and try DIY branding, the results can be underwhelming, inconsistent, or even damaging to your reputation. As a professional branding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand why investing in professional branding is a game-changer for individuals and businesses.

Senior Sportraits: 5 EPIC Tips for Enhanced Sports Photos

As a photographer specializing in senior sportraits, I’ve had the privilege of capturing some truly incredible moments for student-athletes. Senior sportraits—senior portraits tailored specifically to athletes—are a unique way to celebrate this important milestone while showcasing the sports that have been such a defining part of a student’s high school experience. Here’s a closer look at what makes senior sportraits so special, and why hiring a professional photographer for these sessions can make all the difference.

Branding Photographer: 7 Essential Qualities to Look For

When it comes to capturing the essence of your brand, choosing the right branding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. As a professional branding photographer, I know how crucial it is to have images that not only reflect your brand’s unique personality but also resonate with your audience. Here’s my guide to finding a branding photographer who truly understands your vision and can bring it to life.

7 Photo Retouching Rules I Live By for Authentic Headshots

As a professional headshot and branding photographer, I believe in creating images that capture each client at their best, while still looking like themselves. My approach to photo retouching is about enhancing, not altering, so you can look polished, confident, and authentic without any drastic changes to your natural features.

Tara flannery photography specializes in Headshots and branding, family portraits, and senior portraits. Tara is a member of the Professional photographer's guild of houston , texas professional photographer's association (tppa), professional photographers of america (ppa) and is a certified professional photographer (cpp) and photographic craftsman. servING the greater houston, texas area and based in the woodlands / conroe. contact me for more information or to schedule a session!

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

Pretty pictures aren’t enough.

If you don’t know who your audience is, your branding photos won’t do what they’re supposed to do — build trust, tell your story, and attract the right clients.

Before every branding session, I walk my clients through a strategy call where we get crystal clear on two things:

1️⃣ Who are you speaking to?
2️⃣ What message do you want to send?

Because a realtor needs to connect with buyers and sellers.
An attorney needs to earn trust.
A coach needs to show confidence and approachability.

Intentional imagery makes all the difference.
📸 Let’s create brand photos that actually work for you.

📆 Contact me to schedule your session or learn more about our branding process.
What should you wear for your headshot session?
It depends on how you want to show up.

Your outfit sets the tone — and the right level of polish helps you appear confident, credible, and uniquely you.

Here are 4 levels of formality to help you choose the best look for your headshots 👇🏻

1️⃣ The Modern Suit Jacket
Crisp, structured, and powerful. Perfect for executives, attorneys, and leadership roles.

2️⃣ Soft Professional (No Jacket)
A sleek blouse or polished top with clean lines. Professional without being stiff — great for coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs.

3️⃣ Elevated Casual (Sweaters & Knits)
A fitted knit or stylish sweater gives an approachable, warm, and modern vibe. Ideal for creatives, educators, or small business owners.

4️⃣ Casual Short Sleeve
Simple, solid, and flattering. Feels relaxed but still polished — great for wellness pros, lifestyle brands, or startup teams.

✨ Quick Styling Tips:
– Stick to solid colors that flatter your skin tone
– Skip busy prints & distracting accessories
– Choose wrinkle-free, well-fitting pieces
– Bring a backup outfit or layering option!

🎯 Not sure what’s best for your brand?

We go over wardrobe during your pre-session consultation — so you’ll feel 100% confident in what you wear and how you show up.

📆 Contact me to book your headshot session!
His headshot made him more money… and here’s why 👇🏼

When my videographer finally swapped his profile photo for the professional headshot I took, something changed.

✅ More responses to cold DMs
✅ Better leads
✅ Real revenue growth

All from one simple update.

It’s not magic — it’s psychology.

🤝 People do business with people.

They want to see the face behind the brand, connect with a real human, and feel like they can trust who they’re hiring or buying from.

Your headshot is often the first impression you make online. Make sure it actually represents the real you — confident, approachable, and ready for the opportunities you want to attract.

✨ Ready to make the switch?

Contact me for a free consultation and let’s get you a headshot that works.

#businessowners #brandingforbusinesses #professionalheadshots

- 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.