Facebook logo
Instagram logo
Pinterest logo
Linked In logo
Tara Flannery Photography logo
Business Headshots
Actor/Model Headshots
Branding
Family Portraits
Senior Portraits
Book a free
consultation
HOMEtake me home
all the latestBLOG
get to know meABOUT
get in touchContact
1:1 MentoringPHOTOGRAPHERS

How to Plan a Retirement Celebration | Houston Event Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in event photography and knows how to plan a retirement celebration.  See more event photography in the gallery.  Contact me to book your event today!

How to Plan a Retirement Celebration

Retirement.  We all plan and hope for that day!  Once the day finally arrives, it is filled with bittersweet emotion.  Your people and communities and friendships have been formed over many years.  You’ve been through lots of ups and downs together, both professionally and personally.  These are your friends and your work family.  Sometimes you see them more than you see your own family!  Although they will miss you, they are happy for this next chapter in your life.  Celebrate well.  Plan a retirement celebration.

  1. Invite friends.  For an office celebration, invite everyone that you’ve worked with over the years.  Even if you haven’t worked with them for some time, they will still want to wish you well.  Allow them the opportunity.
  2. Have food.  People will stay and munch for a little longer when there is food.  And we like to eat and celebrate with food – it’s a time-worn tradition.
  3. Prepare a few words.  Either as the honoree or a guest, it’s nice to say a few words about your journey in the company and your journey with co-workers.  Gather your memories and stories and tell about it!
  4. Enjoy!  This is a time of celebration.  Enjoy the connections and be grateful for the journey.

A Retirement Celebration for Chris

Chris has been with ExxonMobile for 30 years.  It was time for retirement.  His assistant contacted me to photograph the informal retirement celebration at the office.  I arrived to a beautiful space on the campus.  Flowers and food made for a perfect welcome for guests.  People arrived and gave him hugs and well wishes.  The guest book recorded memories and stories of all they have shared and congratulations for a job well done.  Chris enjoyed laughing and chatting with guests and finally getting something to eat at the very end.  One of my favorite images is of Chris with his arm around a co-worker: so comfortable and comforting in this time of transition.  It is a beautiful testimony to his character.  All my best, Chris, in whatever life holds for your next chapter.

How to Plan a Retirement CelebrationHow to Plan a Retirement CelebrationHow to Plan a Retirement CelebrationHow to Plan a Retirement CelebrationHow to Plan a Retirement CelebrationHow to Plan a Retirement CelebrationHow to Plan a Retirement CelebrationHow to Plan a Retirement CelebrationRetirement celebration in The Woodlandsevent detailsRetirement celebration in The WoodlandsHow to Plan a Retirement Celebrationguest book for retirement celebration

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in event photography.  See more event photography in the gallery.  Contact me to book your event today!

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

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!

41 8
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18447093919114110
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!

Most men think they don’t know how to pose for a headshot…

but it’s not about knowing poses.

It’s about a few simple adjustments that make you look confident and natural on camera.

A couple go-to options (like the classic “GQ” stance, arms crossed, or a relaxed lean) can completely change how you show up.

And the rest? That’s what I guide you through.

📥 If you’re also not sure what to wear, I’ve got you covered—grab my Men’s Style Guide for Headshots through the link in my bio.

📩 Ready for updated headshots? You can book through the link as well.

14 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18150959422488806
Most men think they don’t know how to pose for a headshot… but it’s not about knowing poses. It’s about a few simple adjustments that make you look confident and natural on camera. A couple go-to options (like the classic “GQ” stance, arms crossed, or a relaxed lean) can completely change how you show up. And the rest? That’s what I guide you through. 📥 If you’re also not sure what to wear, I’ve got you covered—grab my Men’s Style Guide for Headshots through the link in my bio. 📩 Ready for updated headshots? You can book through the link as well.

If you’re just getting started in photography… don’t worry about finding your niche right away.

When I first started, I photographed everything—weddings, babies, families, headshots, corporate… if someone needed photos, I was there.

And that’s how you figure it out.

You don’t find your niche by waiting—you find it by doing the work, learning what you like, and getting better with every session.

Every type of shoot teaches you something different.
Every client builds your experience.

Over time, you start to see what actually fits you—and that’s where your expertise comes from.

📥 If you’re in that phase right now, I’ve put together resources to help—covering lighting, gear, posing, and more.

✨ Grab them through the link in my bio!

122 7
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18099966404019088
If you’re just getting started in photography… don’t worry about finding your niche right away. When I first started, I photographed everything—weddings, babies, families, headshots, corporate… if someone needed photos, I was there. And that’s how you figure it out. You don’t find your niche by waiting—you find it by doing the work, learning what you like, and getting better with every session. Every type of shoot teaches you something different. Every client builds your experience. Over time, you start to see what actually fits you—and that’s where your expertise comes from. 📥 If you’re in that phase right now, I’ve put together resources to help—covering lighting, gear, posing, and more. ✨ Grab them through the link in my bio!

Senior portraits are just one piece of what I do 👇🏻

I also work with:
✅ professionals who need updated headshots
✅ business owners building their brand
✅ families capturing this season of life
✅ and actors/models creating strong portfolio images

Different sessions—but the same goal:
helping people show up confidently and authentically on camera

📩 If you’re not sure what kind of session you need, let’s figure it out together—link in bio to learn more.

63 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18141513961507651
Senior portraits are just one piece of what I do 👇🏻 I also work with: ✅ professionals who need updated headshots ✅ business owners building their brand ✅ families capturing this season of life ✅ and actors/models creating strong portfolio images Different sessions—but the same goal: helping people show up confidently and authentically on camera 📩 If you’re not sure what kind of session you need, let’s figure it out together—link in bio to learn more.

Senior sessions with moms and sons are always… an experience 😂

A little back-and-forth, a few eye rolls, and somehow we still end up with photos everyone loves.

Honestly, those in-between moments are usually the best part.

📩 DM me if you’ve been putting off senior photos—there’s still time.

99 11
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17967131613072675
Senior sessions with moms and sons are always… an experience 😂 A little back-and-forth, a few eye rolls, and somehow we still end up with photos everyone loves. Honestly, those in-between moments are usually the best part. 📩 DM me if you’ve been putting off senior photos—there’s still time.

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

Facebook logo
Instagram logo
Pinterest logo
Linked In logo

FloDesk FREE STYLE GUIDE

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.