
When it comes to professional headshots and branding photos, what you wear can make all the difference. It’s not just about looking good…

In today’s fast-paced professional world, your headshot is often the first impression you make. Whether it’s on LinkedIn, your company’s website, or a networking event’s attendee list, that small image carries significant weight. But how do you know when it’s time to refresh your headshot? Here are five powerful signs that suggest it’s time for an update.

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in senior portraits. See more senior photos in the gallery. Contact me to book your senior portrait today! Medical Professionals For medical professionals, high-quality professional headshots and group photos can significantly enhance your practice’s image, build trust...
In recent years, AI headshots have become a popular alternative for individuals seeking a quick and cost-effective way to create professional images. While these AI tools offer convenience, they fall short in providing the authenticity, individuality, and meticulous attention to detail that a professional photographer brings to the table.

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.
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@taraflanneryphotography
“But what if my kids don’t cooperate?” 😅
If that’s the first thing you think about when you imagine family photos, I promise—you’re not alone.
Your kids don’t need to sit perfectly still, smile on command, or be on their best behavior for us to create beautiful photos. They can move. They can be silly. They can need a snack break. They can take a few minutes to warm up.
That’s all part of photographing real families.
Swipe through for a few of my favorite ways to make family portraits with little ones feel easier (and a whole lot less stressful).
And if you want help preparing for everything else, grab my FREE Family Session Welcome Guide! I’ll walk you through what to wear, choosing a location, preparing for your session, what to expect from start to finish, posing, finished photo ideas, FAQs, and more.
🤍 Grab your free copy through the link in my bio—and then come to your session ready to love on your family. I’ll handle the rest.
Family photos with a 4-year-old? You just have to roll with it. 😂🤍
Little kids aren’t going to stand perfectly still, follow every direction, and smile on command—and I don’t expect them to!
I’d much rather meet them where they are. We’ll play, move around, be silly, take little breaks when we need them, and work toward those sweet moments in between.
That’s part of why I love family sessions so much. The goal isn’t perfectly behaved kids or a picture-perfect hour. It’s capturing your family as they are right now.
And yes, we’ll still get that beautiful everyone-looking-at-the-camera photo for the frame. 😉 But sometimes the personality-filled moments end up being the favorites.
🍂 I still have a few fall family portrait dates available! Head to the link in my bio to reserve your session.
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.
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Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area
tara@taraflannery.com
713-412-5437






