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Does the friendly headshot win? Houston Headshot Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  Does the friendly headshot win?  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

Does the friendly headshot win?

Yes, absolutely, the friendly headshot wins every time.  The professional headshot is potentially the most important tool for introducing yourself to new customers, clients, patients, and business partners.  In today’s digital marketplace, your online presence is vitally important.  And with the Covid pandemic, it’s even more important to have a great headshot.  When you use a headshot on your website, marketing materials, and social media, it’s important to be friendly and welcoming.  That’s how people relate to people.  It’s the psychology of making a connection with another human being.  If you appear friendly and welcoming in your headshot, that connection is made more easily and with more confidence.  I’ve always promoted the friendly headshot with only slight variations for a subject’s industry and role.  However, even in this article from FindLaw, lawyers should remain friendly.

Stern or friendly? Go with friendly, hands down. Smile, at least a little bit. A forbidding look might communicate authority, but to a non-lawyer, it also says “I will talk down to you.”

Similarly, an article from the University of Washington, confirms that we should be smiling in our headshots.

Your job: Look approachable. Time after time, I notice this as a key common denominator separating good profile shots from bad ones.

So, the bottom line is smile for your headshot.  Go ahead and practice in the mirror a few times before your headshot session and you’ll be ready to greet your newest connections!

Headshot Examples

The latest from the smiling headshot galleries…

Does the friendly headshot win?outdoor environmental headshot for magazineprofessional headshot friendly professional headshot

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

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@taraflanneryphotography

Here’s how to fix that 👇🏻

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in front of the camera — especially when someone else is taking your picture — you’re not alone. It’s completely normal.

Taking professional photos can feel surprisingly vulnerable. You’re being seen, literally, and that can stir up a lot of nerves.

But here’s the thing: feeling awkward shouldn’t stop you from getting photos you love. My job as your photographer is to help ease that discomfort so you can show up as your best, most authentic self.

Here’s how I help clients do just that:

1️⃣ The Consultation

Before your session, we’ll chat about your goals, style, and how you want to be seen. I also connect clients with trusted stylists who can help you choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable (if needed).

2️⃣ A Calm, Supportive Environment

Whether we’re in my studio, your office, or an outdoor location, my priority is to create a space where you can relax, laugh, and genuinely enjoy the process. When you’re at ease, it always shows in your photos.

3️⃣ A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Get plenty of rest, hydrate, and plan your wardrobe ahead of time. When you feel prepared, you walk into your session with a completely different kind of confidence.

Because the truth is — professional photos can feel vulnerable, but with the right guidance, they can also be empowering. 💛

📩 Ready to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera? Message me to schedule your session today.

#professionalheadshots #corporateheadshots #headshotphotographer #headshottips

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17961749040003344
Here’s how to fix that 👇🏻 If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in front of the camera — especially when someone else is taking your picture — you’re not alone. It’s completely normal. Taking professional photos can feel surprisingly vulnerable. You’re being seen, literally, and that can stir up a lot of nerves. But here’s the thing: feeling awkward shouldn’t stop you from getting photos you love. My job as your photographer is to help ease that discomfort so you can show up as your best, most authentic self. Here’s how I help clients do just that: 1️⃣ The Consultation Before your session, we’ll chat about your goals, style, and how you want to be seen. I also connect clients with trusted stylists who can help you choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable (if needed). 2️⃣ A Calm, Supportive Environment Whether we’re in my studio, your office, or an outdoor location, my priority is to create a space where you can relax, laugh, and genuinely enjoy the process. When you’re at ease, it always shows in your photos. 3️⃣ A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way Get plenty of rest, hydrate, and plan your wardrobe ahead of time. When you feel prepared, you walk into your session with a completely different kind of confidence. Because the truth is — professional photos can feel vulnerable, but with the right guidance, they can also be empowering. 💛 📩 Ready to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera? Message me to schedule your session today. #professionalheadshots #corporateheadshots #headshotphotographer #headshottips

Here`s what you can expect at a headshot session with me 👇🏻

✨ Pre-session consultation to understand your brand and team dynamics
📋 Wardrobe guidance that aligns with your company culture
🎯 Multiple looks and expressions to give everyone options
⏰ Efficient workflow that respects everyone`s busy schedules
💼 Professional retouching that maintains authenticity
📱 Digital gallery delivery within 48 hours

Be honest—when was the last time your team photos actually represented who you are today? Most companies wait 3-5 years between updates, but your people (and your business) evolve much faster than that.

Your team`s headshots aren`t just photos—they`re the first impression potential clients, partners, and talent get of your company culture. When they`re outdated or inconsistent, what message does that send?

Ready to show the world the dynamic team you`ve built? Let`s create imagery that matches your company`s growth. 🚀

#headshots #corporatephotography #teamheadshots #professionalphotography #houstonphotographer

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18097105072802709
Here's what you can expect at a headshot session with me 👇🏻 ✨ Pre-session consultation to understand your brand and team dynamics 📋 Wardrobe guidance that aligns with your company culture 🎯 Multiple looks and expressions to give everyone options ⏰ Efficient workflow that respects everyone's busy schedules 💼 Professional retouching that maintains authenticity 📱 Digital gallery delivery within 48 hours Be honest—when was the last time your team photos actually represented who you are today? Most companies wait 3-5 years between updates, but your people (and your business) evolve much faster than that. Your team's headshots aren't just photos—they're the first impression potential clients, partners, and talent get of your company culture. When they're outdated or inconsistent, what message does that send? Ready to show the world the dynamic team you've built? Let's create imagery that matches your company's growth. 🚀 #headshots #corporatephotography #teamheadshots #professionalphotography #houstonphotographer

I get it—parents worry their kids won’t sit still, won’t smile, or will get tired too quickly. But here’s the truth: that’s exactly what makes the photos beautiful.

✨ We start playfully — no pressure, just letting your kids warm up at their own pace.
📸 I’ll guide you into natural interactions, like walking, snuggling, or playing together.
😊 Expect tickle fights, giggles, and even a little silliness—it’s all part of the fun.
🍂 Kids need breaks? We roll with it. The best smiles usually come after they’ve had a chance to relax.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Every child gets their moment to shine—without forcing fake poses.

There’s no “perfect behavior” required. The most memorable family portraits happen when your kids are just being themselves—and you’re right there with them.

Because this isn’t about stiff poses or saying “cheese.” It’s about capturing the real magic of your family in this season of life.

📩 Ready for a session your kids will actually enjoy? DM me to get started!

#familyportraits #behindthescenes #whattoexpect #thewoodlandstxphotographer #familyphotosession

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18058614485560833
I get it—parents worry their kids won’t sit still, won’t smile, or will get tired too quickly. But here’s the truth: that’s exactly what makes the photos beautiful. ✨ We start playfully — no pressure, just letting your kids warm up at their own pace. 📸 I’ll guide you into natural interactions, like walking, snuggling, or playing together. 😊 Expect tickle fights, giggles, and even a little silliness—it’s all part of the fun. 🍂 Kids need breaks? We roll with it. The best smiles usually come after they’ve had a chance to relax. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Every child gets their moment to shine—without forcing fake poses. There’s no “perfect behavior” required. The most memorable family portraits happen when your kids are just being themselves—and you’re right there with them. Because this isn’t about stiff poses or saying “cheese.” It’s about capturing the real magic of your family in this season of life. 📩 Ready for a session your kids will actually enjoy? DM me to get started! #familyportraits #behindthescenes #whattoexpect #thewoodlandstxphotographer #familyphotosession

Here`s the hard truth about acting headshots that most photographers won`t tell you 👇🏻

If a casting director can`t immediately see what role you`d play just by looking at your photo, you`ve already lost the audition.

Corporate headshots show professionalism. Acting headshots show CHARACTER—and that requires a completely different approach.

Most actors think they need one `perfect` headshot with a generic smile. But casting directors aren`t looking for pleasant—they`re looking for types. The lawyer, the best friend, the villain. And they need to see it instantly.

That`s why specificity wins:
✨ Confident and commanding for lawyer roles
✨ Warm and approachable for parent characters
✨ Hint of mischief for villain parts

But here`s the bigger mistake—thinking one headshot is enough. One headshot = one role. Multiple headshots = multiple opportunities.

You need range: commercial-friendly, dramatic, playful, maybe edgy. When casting directors see variety, they`re thinking about how you fit their ENTIRE project.

Not every photographer understands acting industry standards. When I work with actors, we plan multiple `looks` in one session—because every shot needs to feel intentional.

Ready to create acting headshots that actually get you cast? Let`s plan a session that shows your full range.

#actingheadshots #headshots #professionalheadshots #houstonphotographer #modelingheadshots

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18086244871763501
Here's the hard truth about acting headshots that most photographers won't tell you 👇🏻 If a casting director can't immediately see what role you'd play just by looking at your photo, you've already lost the audition. Corporate headshots show professionalism. Acting headshots show CHARACTER—and that requires a completely different approach. Most actors think they need one 'perfect' headshot with a generic smile. But casting directors aren't looking for pleasant—they're looking for types. The lawyer, the best friend, the villain. And they need to see it instantly. That's why specificity wins: ✨ Confident and commanding for lawyer roles ✨ Warm and approachable for parent characters ✨ Hint of mischief for villain parts But here's the bigger mistake—thinking one headshot is enough. One headshot = one role. Multiple headshots = multiple opportunities. You need range: commercial-friendly, dramatic, playful, maybe edgy. When casting directors see variety, they're thinking about how you fit their ENTIRE project. Not every photographer understands acting industry standards. When I work with actors, we plan multiple 'looks' in one session—because every shot needs to feel intentional. Ready to create acting headshots that actually get you cast? Let's plan a session that shows your full range. #actingheadshots #headshots #professionalheadshots #houstonphotographer #modelingheadshots

🎥 Ever wondered what it’s actually like during a headshot session?

If the idea of being in front of the camera makes you feel a little awkward or unsure, you`re not alone. Most of my clients come in feeling that way — but leave saying, “That was way more fun than I expected!”

Here`s a sneak peak at how I will guide you every step of the way — from how to stand, where to look, even how to tilt your chin — so you never have to wonder what to do. ✨

My goal? To make you feel confident, comfortable, and genuinely like yourself. And the best part is, the results speak for themselves.

📩 Ready for headshots that actually feel like you? Let’s talk.

#headshots #businessheadshots #corporateheadshots #behindthescenes #micdup

11 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18079579940033669
🎥 Ever wondered what it’s actually like during a headshot session? If the idea of being in front of the camera makes you feel a little awkward or unsure, you're not alone. Most of my clients come in feeling that way — but leave saying, “That was way more fun than I expected!” Here's a sneak peak at how I will guide you every step of the way — from how to stand, where to look, even how to tilt your chin — so you never have to wonder what to do. ✨ My goal? To make you feel confident, comfortable, and genuinely like yourself. And the best part is, the results speak for themselves. 📩 Ready for headshots that actually feel like you? Let’s talk. #headshots #businessheadshots #corporateheadshots #behindthescenes #micdup

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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.