Build a Better Connection | Houston Headshot Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots to build a better connection.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

Build a Better Connection

A March 2022 article by the same title in Entrepreneur magazine gave me pause to think about this in terms of headshots.  The article was focused on how to make a connection on Zoom – the way many of us are still doing business rather than in person.  What are the ways in which we can make a personal connection without being in the same room as the other person.  Here are some suggestions from the research and adapted for headshots.

  1. Warmth Cue: Raised Eyebrows  “We raise our eyebrows to communicate excitement or curiosity or simply signal that we want to engage, studies show.”  While we don’t want to raise eyebrows in a headshot, keeping an open, bright eye is helpful for an open expression.  There is always a delicate balance between the smile and eyes – the bigger you smile, the more your eyes squint.  During the headshot session, I’ll help you find the best balance for you.
  2. Confidence Cue: Distance between Earlobe and Shoulder “When we are anxious or afraid, we shrink into ourselves – shoulders up, head down.”  We sometimes do this in a headshot as well.  It’s best to have a straight back and neck and maximize the distance between your ears and shoulders.
  3. Danger Zone Cue: Lip Purse  “When someone tightens their lips into a line, they’re often holding back or disengaging.  That’s the opposite of warmth and confidence…”  So, relax the mouth during your headshot and you’ll appear more friendly.  I really prefer and nice big “toothy” smile.
  4. Bonus Eyebrow Tip: Never Furrow “A furrowed brow doesn’t just show us to be unhappy or less agreeable – it actually causes us to feel more negative emotions.”  Again, relax the eyebrows to communicate and feel your very best.

Headshots with Connection

Here are a few recent headshot sessions.  Keep in mind that I’ll help you during your entire session so you don’t have to remember these things!  And we will review the images before you leave and can fix anything that needs adjustment and re-photograph.

Build a Better ConnectionHeadshot for woman in greenProfessional business headshot for womenBusiness headshots Houston

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

Your business doesn’t need to be “more established” first.

You don’t need to lose the weight, finish the website, perfect your wardrobe, or wait until you feel 100% ready.

If your current photos no longer reflect the level of business you’re building, that’s reason enough to update them.

A branding session gives you more than a new headshot—it gives you a library of intentional, on-brand images you can actually use across your website, social media, marketing, speaking opportunities, and everything in between.

We’ll plan the looks, the location, the shots you need, and how you’ll use them.

You just have to finally put it on the calendar. 😉

📸 Ready for a refresh? Book your consultation with the link in my bio!
You’re not supposed to know what to do in front of the camera—that’s my job. 🙌🏼

I’ll tell you where to put your hands, how to angle your body, when to shift your weight, where to look, and yes… I’ll probably demonstrate it myself first. 😂

Good posing isn’t about memorizing a bunch of complicated positions. It’s about making small adjustments that help you look confident, approachable, and like yourself.

And if you want a little head start before your next headshot or branding session, I put together a free guide with 5 Power Poses Every Professional Should Know.

These are simple poses you can use for professional photos, speaking engagements, events, or anytime a camera gets pointed your way.

📸 Grab the free guide through the link in my bio—and save this reel as proof that you will never be left standing in front of my camera wondering what to do with your hands. 😂
I’ve been a photographer for a long time, and somewhere along the way I realized the photos are only part of what I get to create. 🤍

I get to help someone who hates being photographed finally feel comfortable in front of the camera.

I get to help business owners show up confidently for the brands they’ve worked so hard to build.

Yes, I make photographs.

But I also get to create confidence, connection, and something worth holding onto.

And I think that’s a pretty great way to make a living. 📸

Ready to create something of your own? Whether you need updated headshots, fresh branding photos, senior portraits, or family photos, I’d love to have you in front of my camera.

📩 Book your session through the link in my bio.
If your team is constantly changing… this is worth knowing. 👇🏼

Group photos can be one of the hardest things to keep updated—especially for businesses with high turnover, growing teams, or people who aren’t always in the same place at the same time.

That’s where a group composite comes in.

Instead of trying to coordinate everyone for one big photo, I photograph each person individually—so you get cohesive, professional headshots—and then build the group image from there.

The biggest benefit?

When someone joins or leaves your team, you don’t have to start over. We simply update the composite—no need to reschedule a full team session.

It’s a much more flexible (and realistic) way to keep your team looking consistent and up to date.

If your team photos have been on your to-do list, this might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

📩 You can book a consultation 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.