We’re excited to feature a guest blog post by Leslie Campbell, a renowned owner and brand strategist. As a professional brand strategist, Leslie shares her expert advice on understanding the fundamentals of branding, which is crucial for anyone seeking to create a cohesive and impactful brand image. Being a professional headshot and branding photographer myself, I often see the importance of a well-defined brand strategy, and Leslie’s guidance can help you achieve just that.
When it comes to creating a standout brand, a well-planned branding session is vital. Proper branding session preparation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your photoshoot. This guide will walk you through seven essential tips to ensure your branding session is a success.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, having a strong personal and professional image is more important than ever. As a successful headshot and branding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative updated photos can be for individuals and businesses alike. Here are five compelling reasons why you should update your headshot and branding photos now.
Branding photos are a vital tool in establishing your professional image and making a memorable impression on your audience. After a successful branding photography session, you might wonder how to effectively use these photos to benefit your business. Here are five essential ways to leverage your branding photos for maximum impact.
When it comes to presenting yourself or your business in the best light, having professional photos is non-negotiable. So when it comes to headshots vs branding it’s important to understand the differences to help you make the right choice to elevate your professional image. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about headshots vs branding.
- INSTAGRAM -
@taraflanneryphotography
Honestly… a little bit of everything. 📸
From professional headshots and personal branding to senior portraits and family sessions, I love creating photos that help people and businesses tell their story.
And there’s plenty more I can help with, too—large team group composites, in-office headshots for teams with different schedules, acting and modeling headshots, office branding, and more.
Basically, if you need photos for yourself, your family, or your business, let’s talk about what you have in mind. I’ll help you figure out the best way to make it happen.
📸 Not sure where to start? Book a consultation with me through the link in my bio.
Money may not buy happiness, but having photos of your family to look back on years from now? That’s pretty priceless. 🤍
Fall family portrait season is here, and I have a few weekend dates still available (spots are filling fast!) 👇🏻
September 20
October 3, 10, & 17
November 7 & 15
If you’ve been meaning to update the family photos, document this season, or get those holiday card photos checked off your list, this is your sign to get on the calendar.
And once you book, I’ll make sure you’re not left wondering what to wear, where we’re going, what to bring, or what to expect. My Family Session Welcome Guide walks you through everything you need to know to feel prepared for your session. (linked in my bio)
📸 Ready to make some memories worth keeping? Grab your date through the link in my bio.
I’m gonna let you in on my secret… 👀
These are the camera settings I use as my starting point when I’m shooting during golden hour:
☀️ APERTURE
For one person: f/2.8–f/3.2
For families or groups: f/5.6
A wider aperture gives you that beautiful separation and soft background when you’re photographing one person. With a group, I stop down to help keep everyone in focus.
☀️ SHUTTER SPEED
I start around 1/160 sec—but if I have kids running, a couple moving around, or anything else with more movement, I’ll increase my shutter speed to keep everything sharp.
☀️ ISO
ISO 400 is my starting point, and then I adjust up or down depending on how much light I have.
The biggest thing to remember? These aren’t magic numbers you have to use every time.
Golden hour changes quickly, and your settings should change with it. Use these as a starting point, watch your light, and adjust for the people and movement in front of your camera.
And if you’re building your photography kit and wondering what gear is actually worth investing in, I put together my Photographer’s Gear Guide with the cameras, lenses, lighting, and equipment I use in my own business.
Grab your free copy through the link in my bio! 📸
“What are we all going to wear?” 😅
It’s usually one of the FIRST questions families have after booking their portrait session—and I get it. You’re not just choosing one outfit. You’re trying to make an entire family look coordinated without looking like you tried too hard.
The good news? You don’t need matching outfits or a brand-new wardrobe to photograph beautifully.
Swipe through for some of my favorite ways to plan outfits that feel cohesive, comfortable, and still look like YOUR family. And save this post for when it’s time to start digging through everyone’s closets!
Want help with everything else, too?
I created my Family Session Welcome Guide to take the guesswork out of preparing for your session. Inside, I cover styling, choosing a location, what to expect from start to finish, posing, session prep, ideas for your finished photos, FAQs, and more.
🍂 Fall family portrait season is here! Grab the guide through the link in my bio and start planning your session.
Class of 2027, the clock is ticking! 🎓📸
Yearbook deadlines are getting closer, which means there’s not much time left to get those fall senior portraits on the calendar.
Senior photos are about so much more than checking a yearbook photo off the list. This is your chance to capture their personality, style, interests, and who they are during one of the biggest years of their life.
If senior portraits are still sitting on your fall to-do list, this is your sign to get them booked!
🎓 Now booking fall senior sessions. Head to the link in my bio to get started.
Come spend a headshot + branding day with me! 📸
One of my favorite things about on-location sessions is getting to step into a client’s space and create images that actually feel connected to their business.
We can capture updated headshots, team photos, working shots, office details, and plenty of branding content—all without your team having to leave the office.
A lot goes into a shoot day, but this is the fun part: turning an ordinary workday into a whole new library of images for your brand.
Need updated photos for your business or team? Let’s plan your session! Click the link in my bio to get started! 🔗
- STAY IN TOUCH -
Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area
tara@taraflannery.com
713-412-5437
