The Breast Cancer Charities of America | Giving Back

Tara Flannery is a portrait and event photographer based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  See more events in the gallery.  Contact me to schedule your portrait or event session.

Why it’s good to give back

Whether you donate money or time, giving back is beneficial–and not just for the recipients. Research has shown that the old adage, “it’s better to give than to receive” is true after all.  A Gallup survey on volunteering in the U.S.A. found that 52% of volunteers do it because they like doing something useful and helping others. Another 38% said they enjoy doing volunteer work and feeling good about themselves.  http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1122

The biggest reward, however, is the realization that you’ve made a significant change in someone’s life. And if not “significant” then a positive change nevertheless.

I give back because my mother had breast cancer.  And many of my friends have had breast cancer.  It seems to be everywhere.  My mother is a survivor but I still remember the day she was diagnosed and I felt as though my life, my very heart was being ripped from my body.  I didn’t know what to expect.  I didn’t know if she would survive.  I was scared and she was too.  I was in college at the time and had to return for a new semester.  I asked if I could stay home and she said no.  So I went back that senior year with my heart many many miles away.  My mom had excellent care and by the time she had surgery (the end of the protocol), there was no tumor left to remove.  Hers is a success story.  My hope, through giving back, is that there are many more success stories for other women too.

The Breast Cancer Charities of America

We’re passionate about truly helping women, mind body and spirit. Our programs allow us to educate on prevention, financially assist those battling breast cancer, make women feel beautiful again, get necessary supplies to developing countries, and even make a difference in our own community.  Through education, a Help Now Fund, Feeling Beautiful Again campaign, medical missions, and support of the greater Houston area, BCCA is making a difference in the lives of women living with breast cancer.

One of BCCA’s founding principles is the belief that all people are our brothers and sisters.  Further, we believe we are called to help those who are in need.  Our Medical Mission Partners program brings this principle to life.  In partnership with companies who graciously donate medicines, medical equipment and medical supplies to BCCA, we in turn supply these gifts to select mission hospital partners and medical clinics in developing countries.  This gift-in-kind concept is similar to how food banks receive their supplies and serve their clients.  These medicines, equipment and supplies are often the ONLY supplies the mission hospitals receive.

In addition to the medicines, BCCA also provides translated educational materials on nutrition, cancer prevention and cancer survival.  We strive to help all people impacted by breast cancer.  It’s our mission.

iGoPink 5K

I love photographing this event!  It’s a 5K run/walk in The Woodlands and it’s such a great time!  The serious runners at the front are trying to beat their personal best.  Strollers and doggie runners are at the back just glad to be out in the sunshine for a stroll.  With a DJ and vendor booths, it’s a fun time for the entire family!

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Tara Flannery is a portrait and event photographer based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  See more events in the gallery.  Contact me to schedule your portrait or event session.

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@taraflanneryphotography

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!
Standing out professionally matters more than ever—especially when you’re competing for someone’s attention before you ever get the chance to meet them.

Your LinkedIn profile, company bio, website, or online portfolio may be someone’s very first introduction to you. And while your experience and qualifications are what really matter, the way you present yourself can help shape that first impression.

That’s where a great professional headshot comes in. 📸

A current, polished photo helps you look confident, approachable, and intentional about how you show up professionally. And in a tough job market, those little details matter.

If your current headshot is several years old, doesn’t really look like you anymore, or is still a cropped photo from your camera roll…it might be time. 😉

Let’s create a headshot that actually represents the professional you are today.

📸 Book your headshot session through the link in my bio.
I think family photos mean something a little different to me now. 🤍

For years, I was the mom hanging new portraits on the walls while my kids were still living at home. Then came senior portraits, graduations, and eventually watching both of them head off to start their own next chapters.

Now that my youngest is off at college, the house is a whole lot quieter.

But everywhere I look, there they are.

On the walls. In frames. In albums. All of these different versions of our family and my kids at ages I can’t go back to.

And maybe that’s why I feel so strongly about family portraits.

When you’re in the middle of raising your kids, it’s easy to think there will always be another year. Another fall. Another chance to schedule the photos.

There probably will be.

But they’ll never be exactly this age again.

Take the photos. Print them. Put them on your walls. Let your home fill up with the people you love.

Someday, you’ll be really glad you did. 🤍

📸 I still have a few weekend dates available for fall family portraits. If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll get around to updating yours, maybe this is your sign.

Head to the link in my bio to reserve your session.

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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.