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

Come along with me as I set up for a headshot + branding session 👇🏻

When you’re just getting started, it’s easy to think you need all the gear before you can take on client work.

You don’t.

For in-office headshots, a solid setup really comes down to a few essentials:
✅ reliable lighting
✅ a strong lens
✅ a backdrop
✅ reflectors to help control light and keep skin tones consistent

That’s how I’m able to create clean, professional headshots—without being in a studio.

And for branding? That’s where I shift.

Instead of a backdrop, I’m using the client’s space—capturing environmental images that feel more natural, personal, and aligned with their business.

Same session, two different approaches—both intentional.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about having more gear…
it’s about knowing how to use what you have.

📥 If you’re a newer photographer, I’ve put together resources to help with gear, lighting, and posing—click the link in my bio to check them out!
If your brand hasn’t been updated this year… this might be your sign 👇🏻

Summer is one of the best times to refresh your branding imagery—and most people don’t take advantage of it.

Things tend to slow down just enough to step back and actually look at what your brand is communicating.

And for a lot of businesses, this is when it becomes clear:
→ the photos don’t match the level you’re operating at anymore

A mid-year refresh isn’t about starting over—it’s about making sure your visuals reflect where you are now, not where you were a year ago.

But before you even book new photos… you need clarity.

What do you want your brand to feel like?
How do you want to show up?

That’s exactly why I created my Brand Personality Workbook—to help you define that first, so your photos actually align.

📥 Grab it through the link in my bio, and then let’s plan your next session.
Shooting outdoors doesn’t always mean “perfect lighting.” 👇🏻

One of the biggest challenges with natural light is inconsistency—
skin tones can shift depending on shade, surroundings, and even reflections (hello green grass 👀).

That’s why I use off-camera flash, even outside.

It helps create:
✅ consistent skin tones
✅ balanced lighting
✅ a cleaner, more polished final image

So instead of guessing what the light is doing…
I’m controlling it.

📥 If you’re a photographer trying to figure out lighting + gear, I’ve put together a guide with the setups I actually use—link in bio.
What it looks like behind the camera… vs. what you get 👇🏻

Different sessions, different people, different goals—
but always the same focus: helping you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

Headshots, branding, families, seniors, and more… it all comes back to capturing people in a way that actually feels like them.

✨ If you’re ready to start planning your session, you can click the link in my bio.
You don’t need the most expensive gear to be a good photographer.

When I first started, I thought I needed everything—top-tier camera, expensive lighting, all of it.

The reality?

A solid camera and a good lens will take you a long way.

If you’re just starting out, keep it simple:
✨ A versatile zoom lens (24–70mm or 70–200mm)
✨ Gear you can rely on and learn inside and out

And when it comes to lighting—especially outdoors—don’t overinvest too early.

Wind happens. Gear gets knocked over. Things break.

Light is light.

Focus on learning how to use what you have before worrying about upgrading everything.

📥 I’ve put together resources for new photographers covering gear, lighting, posing, and more—click 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.