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December 14, 2018

Family Photos with Laughter | Houston Family Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits and loves family photos with laughter. See more family photos in the gallery. Contact me to book your family portrait today!

Family Photos with Laughter

Did you know that there are actual benefits to laughter? You’ve heard the phrase, “laughter is the best medicine.” Here are some reasons why laughter is good for us:

Laughter spreads: when you smile at someone, they smile back (mostly). Laughter can be the same.
Reduces stress: increased blood flow stimulates the heart and lungs which increases endorphins. You become more relaxed physically and emotionally.
Combats depression: laughter releases hormones and chemicals into our bodies that improve mood.
Increases resiliency: resilience is the ability to see failure as a natural progression to success rather than a negative outcome.

Find your partner for laughter and you’ll both feel better!

The Tills Family

I had a fantastic and fun family session with the Tills. We tried a new location and found some beautiful spots for family portraits which is always fun for me! Familiarity and friendship works in our favor for these family portraits. At one point during the session, we were all making faces and when Dad tried to make the face, he apparently didn’t get it exactly right. The next photo is Taylor’s response…laughter! I absolutely adore this photo of both of them laughing. These are the moments. The split-second, fleeting moments that enrich our lives and our connections with each other. It was just a silly thing, making faces. But it is now a memory for this family of a connection in this time and space.

Family Photos with Laughter

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits and loves family photos with laughter. See more family photos in the gallery. Contact me to book your family portrait today!

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@taraflanneryphotography

Okay… I might be dating myself here 👇🏻

But I always tell my clients, “this is very GQ.”

If you don’t know—GQ stands for Gentlemen’s Quarterly, a men’s fashion magazine known for clean, confident, classic poses.

And honestly… it’s still one of the best references for men’s headshots.

One of my go-to poses?

👉🏻 Both hands in the pockets

It instantly:
• relaxes your posture
• creates a natural stance
• gives a confident, polished look

Other simple poses that always work:

🌟 One hand in pocket, one relaxed
🌟 Arms crossed (strong, leadership feel)
🌟 Hands together in front (calm, professional)
🌟 Leaning against a wall (more casual, modern)
🌟 Seated (approachable and grounded)

And no matter the pose, the small details matter:

✔️ Slight angle in the body (don’t face the camera straight on)
✔️ Relaxed shoulders
✔️ Subtle lean toward the camera

Nothing complicated—just small adjustments that completely change how you show up on camera.

🤔 Now I’m curious…

Do you know what GQ is? Comment YES or NO

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18082499564136464

Okay… I might be dating myself here 👇🏻

But I always tell my clients, “this is very GQ.”

If you don’t know—GQ stands for Gentlemen’s Quarterly, a men’s fashion magazine known for clean, confident, classic poses.

And honestly… it’s still one of the best references for men’s headshots.

One of my go-to poses?

👉🏻 Both hands in the pockets

It instantly:
• relaxes your posture
• creates a natural stance
• gives a confident, polished look

Other simple poses that always work:

🌟 One hand in pocket, one relaxed
🌟 Arms crossed (strong, leadership feel)
🌟 Hands together in front (calm, professional)
🌟 Leaning against a wall (more casual, modern)
🌟 Seated (approachable and grounded)

And no matter the pose, the small details matter:

✔️ Slight angle in the body (don’t face the camera straight on)
✔️ Relaxed shoulders
✔️ Subtle lean toward the camera

Nothing complicated—just small adjustments that completely change how you show up on camera.

🤔 Now I’m curious…

Do you know what GQ is? Comment YES or NO

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.

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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.

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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.

If your brand feels a little “off”… it’s usually not your content 👇🏻

It’s the lack of consistency behind it.

You’re posting, updating your website, trying to stay visible—but if your visuals don’t feel aligned, it creates a disconnect.

And that’s what people pick up on.

Your photos are one of the first things people use to decide if they trust your business.
If they feel scattered, outdated, or inconsistent, it affects how your brand is perceived—no matter how good your work actually is.

That’s exactly why I invested in my own branding session!

Because if I’m asking my clients to show up professionally, I need to do the same.

And if you’re not even sure what your brand should look like yet—that’s where you start.

📥 I created a Brand Clarity Workbook to help you define your look, message, and direction before you invest in photos.

Link in my bio!

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Senior photos shouldn’t feel random… they should feel like you. 👇🏻

Before every session, we talk through a few key things to make sure your photos actually reflect this moment in your life:

✅ Location — what kind of vibe fits you? (nature, city, something more edgy?)
✅ Wardrobe — casual, polished, cap & gown, college tee… we plan it out
✅ Hobbies & interests — the things you love right now that you’ll want to remember later

Because the goal isn’t just to take photos…
it’s to capture who you are right now before everything changes. 🎓

📩 If you’re planning senior photos, let’s start with a consultation and build something intentional.
Click the link in my bio to get started!

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18080840501303217

Senior photos shouldn’t feel random… they should feel like you. 👇🏻

Before every session, we talk through a few key things to make sure your photos actually reflect this moment in your life:

✅ Location — what kind of vibe fits you? (nature, city, something more edgy?)
✅ Wardrobe — casual, polished, cap & gown, college tee… we plan it out
✅ Hobbies & interests — the things you love right now that you’ll want to remember later

Because the goal isn’t just to take photos…
it’s to capture who you are right now before everything changes. 🎓

📩 If you’re planning senior photos, let’s start with a consultation and build something intentional.
Click the link in my bio to get started!

Let’s talk about men’s ties in headshots 👇🏻

It’s one of the most common questions I get before a headshot:
“Should I wear the red one… or the blue one?”

The truth is, your tie isn’t about preference—it’s about how it looks on camera.

What works best:
✅ Solid colors or subtle patterns
✅ Navy, burgundy, or charcoal tones
✅ A clean, standard width
✅ A slight texture (not too shiny, not too flat)

What to avoid:
❌ Loud prints
❌ Large patterns
❌ Anything that pulls attention away from your face

And one thing most people don’t think about…
👉🏻 your tie can also reflect your brand or company colors

The goal isn’t to stand out—it’s to look polished, confident, and professional.

🌟 CLIENT SPOTLIGHT:

These images are from a recent session with Oilfield Service Professionals—always a great example of how simple, intentional choices come together.

📥 If you want a full breakdown of what to wear (including more tips like this), grab my Men’s Style Guide for Headshots!

✨ 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.