Preparing Mentally for Your Headshot Session

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  Here are some tips on Preparing Mentally for Your Headshot Session.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

Preparing Mentally for Your Headshot Session

When it comes to taking a great headshot, preparation goes beyond just your wardrobe and makeup. Mental preparation is also important in getting the best possible results. Your mindset can greatly affect the outcome of your headshot session, so it’s important to take some time to get into the right headspace before your shoot. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips for getting in the right mindset and mentally preparing for your headshot session.

5 Tips for Preparing

  1. Set your intention: First, before your headshot session, take a moment to set your intention for the shoot. What message do you want to convey through your headshot? What emotions do you want to capture? Setting your intention can help you focus and get into the right headspace for your shoot.
  2. Visualize success: Take some time to visualize a successful headshot session. Imagine yourself feeling confident, comfortable, and at ease in front of the camera. Visualizing success can help reduce any nervousness or anxiety you may have about the shoot.
  3. Practice relaxation techniques: If you’re feeling anxious or nervous before your shoot, try practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These techniques can help calm your mind and reduce stress.
  4. Bring props that make you feel comfortable: If you have a prop that makes you feel comfortable or represents your brand, consider bringing it with you to your headshot session. This can help you feel more at ease and showcase your unique personality.
  5. Trust your photographer: Remember that your photographer is there to help you get the best possible results. Trust their expertise and let them guide you through the process.

 

Finally, by taking the time to mentally prepare for your headshot session, you can set yourself up for success and get the best possible results. Remember to set your intention, visualize success, practice relaxation techniques, bring props that make you feel comfortable, and trust your photographer. With these tips in mind, you can feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera and capture a headshot that truly represents you and your brand.

Professional Headshots

Here are some recent headshots with Tara Flannery Photography!

professional headshot journalist

Preparing for your headshot session

how to prepare mentally for your headshot session professional business headshot outdoors

professional business headshot wealth management

Preparing for your headshot session

professional team headshots school

 

professional business headshots
corporate headshots

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  Here are some tips on Preparing Mentally for Your Headshot Session.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

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@taraflanneryphotography

When was the last time you updated your headshot? 👀

If your photo is from 10, 15, or even 30 years ago… it’s time.

Using an outdated headshot might seem harmless, but it can actually break trust — especially in professions where connection, credibility, and transparency matter (which is… all of them).

💬 Imagine a client or patient walks in expecting the person they saw online… and barely recognizes you.
It may feel small, but it instantly creates a disconnect.

Here’s the truth:
✅ Your clients want to see the real you.
✅ A recent headshot builds trust and shows you’re showing up with integrity.
✅ If your look has changed significantly (new hair, new role, new energy!) — it’s time.

Keep it current. Keep it real.
And if you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got you. DM me for a free consultation. 📸✨
Pretty pictures aren’t enough.

If you don’t know who your audience is, your branding photos won’t do what they’re supposed to do — build trust, tell your story, and attract the right clients.

Before every branding session, I walk my clients through a strategy call where we get crystal clear on two things:

1️⃣ Who are you speaking to?
2️⃣ What message do you want to send?

Because a realtor needs to connect with buyers and sellers.
An attorney needs to earn trust.
A coach needs to show confidence and approachability.

Intentional imagery makes all the difference.
📸 Let’s create brand photos that actually work for you.

📆 Contact me to schedule your session or learn more about our branding process.
What should you wear for your headshot session?
It depends on how you want to show up.

Your outfit sets the tone — and the right level of polish helps you appear confident, credible, and uniquely you.

Here are 4 levels of formality to help you choose the best look for your headshots 👇🏻

1️⃣ The Modern Suit Jacket
Crisp, structured, and powerful. Perfect for executives, attorneys, and leadership roles.

2️⃣ Soft Professional (No Jacket)
A sleek blouse or polished top with clean lines. Professional without being stiff — great for coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs.

3️⃣ Elevated Casual (Sweaters & Knits)
A fitted knit or stylish sweater gives an approachable, warm, and modern vibe. Ideal for creatives, educators, or small business owners.

4️⃣ Casual Short Sleeve
Simple, solid, and flattering. Feels relaxed but still polished — great for wellness pros, lifestyle brands, or startup teams.

✨ Quick Styling Tips:
– Stick to solid colors that flatter your skin tone
– Skip busy prints & distracting accessories
– Choose wrinkle-free, well-fitting pieces
– Bring a backup outfit or layering option!

🎯 Not sure what’s best for your brand?

We go over wardrobe during your pre-session consultation — so you’ll feel 100% confident in what you wear and how you show up.

📆 Contact me to book your headshot session!
His headshot made him more money… and here’s why 👇🏼

When my videographer finally swapped his profile photo for the professional headshot I took, something changed.

✅ More responses to cold DMs
✅ Better leads
✅ Real revenue growth

All from one simple update.

It’s not magic — it’s psychology.

🤝 People do business with people.

They want to see the face behind the brand, connect with a real human, and feel like they can trust who they’re hiring or buying from.

Your headshot is often the first impression you make online. Make sure it actually represents the real you — confident, approachable, and ready for the opportunities you want to attract.

✨ Ready to make the switch?

Contact me for a free consultation and let’s get you a headshot that works.

#businessowners #brandingforbusinesses #professionalheadshots

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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.