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

Headshot Photography Tips | 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 and will help with headshot photography tips as we prepare for the session.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

Headshot Photography Tips

Once you have scheduled a headshot session with your photographer, it’s time to think about the session itself and prepare.  Here are a few tips to help with preparation.

  1. Hair, makeup and nails: This one is for the guys too, so don’t check out men!  Ladies, makeup should be natural and similar to what you wear everyday to the office.  Maybe a touch more lips and cheek color would be good and bring powder and lip color to the session for touch-ups.  For hair, make sure it is styled the way you normally style it for a day at the office.  If you always have it pulled up for the office, then come with it down and we’ll try a shot pulled up as well.  Be sure nails are trimmed and nail polish is fresh.  Men, be sure hands and nails look good.  Your hands may not show in the headshot but if they do, it’s best that they look good!
  2. Wardrobe:  Start with what you normally wear to the office.  Stay away from patterns like stripes or other patterned shirts.  Solid colors are best.  And the most important thing about the shirt is the collar and neckline.  Depending on your role and company, you can choose to go more formal (suit jacket) or more casual (polo, button-down, or blouse).  Whatever you choose, make sure that you feel confident in what you’re wearing and make sure that it fits properly (not too big or too small).
  3. Rest: be sure to get rest and drink lots of water before your session.  This will enable you to relax and enjoy the process.  I always talk my headshot clients through the session.  I’ll be giving you directions and we’ll be chatting along the way!
  4. Bring a friend: sometimes it helps to have a friend or spouse with you in the session.  They can make you smile and help you relax for that perfect moment!

With a little bit of preparation and using these headshot photography tips, your headshot session will be smooth and simple.  Hey, you might even enjoy the process!!

Headshots for Jack

Jack’s headshot was outdated and he needed a new one for an upcoming publication.  He came into the studio and we got a number of great headshots.  He chose four final images – some with a bigger smile and some with a more reserved smile.  A smile for a headshot is usually the best expression, unless you’re a lawyer or some other profession that needs to have a stronger tone.  However, sometimes the biggest smiles are not the ones we choose.  As I work with people, I have them start with a smaller smile and then work through to their biggest smile.  This gives us options for the smiles and sometimes the ones in between are the best!

Headshot Photography TipsHeadshot Photography Tips

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!

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

When you show up like a pro, doors start opening.

We wrapped this session with a simple truth: “Kyle’s going to go off and do great things.”

And he will—because he’s putting his best foot forward, starting with how he presents himself. A high-quality headshot might seem like a small thing, but it can make a powerful first impression that opens doors to new jobs, clients, or collaborations.

When you look the part, you feel the part—and the world responds accordingly.

📸 Need to refresh your headshot? Send me a message and let`s make it happen!

#headshots

10 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18078568405767160
When you show up like a pro, doors start opening. We wrapped this session with a simple truth: “Kyle’s going to go off and do great things.” And he will—because he’s putting his best foot forward, starting with how he presents himself. A high-quality headshot might seem like a small thing, but it can make a powerful first impression that opens doors to new jobs, clients, or collaborations. When you look the part, you feel the part—and the world responds accordingly. 📸 Need to refresh your headshot? Send me a message and let's make it happen! #headshots

Ever wondered why your headshots look flat instead of flattering? 👀

It all comes down to lighting. In the studio, I use one main light source and strategically placed reflectors to bounce light and fill in shadows. This creates that soft, even glow that makes you look approachable and polished—while still keeping a touch of shadow to add shape and dimension to your face.

Flat lighting can make your features disappear. The right lighting makes you stand out. ✨

Ready to finally love your headshots?

📩 DM me or click the link in bio to book your session today.

#headshots #thewoodlandstxphotographer #headshotphotographer #headshottips

10 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18101432104594547
Ever wondered why your headshots look flat instead of flattering? 👀 It all comes down to lighting. In the studio, I use one main light source and strategically placed reflectors to bounce light and fill in shadows. This creates that soft, even glow that makes you look approachable and polished—while still keeping a touch of shadow to add shape and dimension to your face. Flat lighting can make your features disappear. The right lighting makes you stand out. ✨ Ready to finally love your headshots? 📩 DM me or click the link in bio to book your session today. #headshots #thewoodlandstxphotographer #headshotphotographer #headshottips

Here’s why 👇🏻

Most people wait for the “perfect” moment—when they’ve lost a few pounds, changed their hair, or finally feel more confident. But here’s the truth: there will always be something you’re waiting on.

Your headshot isn’t about some future version of you—it’s about showing up confidently in the season you’re in today. Because this version of you? The one leading your team, meeting clients, building your business—that’s the version people want to connect with.

When your photo feels authentic and current, it builds instant trust. Outdated or staged images can actually do the opposite, making it harder for people to recognize the real you.

So don’t wait for “someday.” The right time to show up as your best self is always now.

📸 Ready for a refresh? Let’s create a headshot that feels true to you.

DM me to book your session.

#headshotupdate #headshotphotographer #thewoodlandsheadshots #professionalheadshots

4 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18098257465620095
Here’s why 👇🏻 Most people wait for the “perfect” moment—when they’ve lost a few pounds, changed their hair, or finally feel more confident. But here’s the truth: there will always be something you’re waiting on. Your headshot isn’t about some future version of you—it’s about showing up confidently in the season you’re in today. Because this version of you? The one leading your team, meeting clients, building your business—that’s the version people want to connect with. When your photo feels authentic and current, it builds instant trust. Outdated or staged images can actually do the opposite, making it harder for people to recognize the real you. So don’t wait for “someday.” The right time to show up as your best self is always now. 📸 Ready for a refresh? Let’s create a headshot that feels true to you. DM me to book your session. #headshotupdate #headshotphotographer #thewoodlandsheadshots #professionalheadshots

🚫 Let’s talk wardrobe no-nos for headshots.

I want you to look polished, confident, and distraction-free in your photos—and sometimes that means skipping certain outfit choices.

For men:

❌ No undershirts peeking through

❌ If you’re wearing a tie, make sure your shirt buttons all the way up

❌ If it doesn’t, we’re ditching the tie

For women:

❌ Skip the sleeveless tops—your arms will compete with your face for attention

✅ A sleeve (even short) helps keep the focus where it belongs—on YOU

The goal? A clean, intentional look that draws people in and keeps their attention right where it should be—your face.

📸 Save this before your session so you can show up ready and confident.

#headshots #headshotphotography #HoustonHeadshots #whattowearforheadshots

16 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18082817308920860
🚫 Let’s talk wardrobe no-nos for headshots. I want you to look polished, confident, and distraction-free in your photos—and sometimes that means skipping certain outfit choices. For men: ❌ No undershirts peeking through ❌ If you’re wearing a tie, make sure your shirt buttons all the way up ❌ If it doesn’t, we’re ditching the tie For women: ❌ Skip the sleeveless tops—your arms will compete with your face for attention ✅ A sleeve (even short) helps keep the focus where it belongs—on YOU The goal? A clean, intentional look that draws people in and keeps their attention right where it should be—your face. 📸 Save this before your session so you can show up ready and confident. #headshots #headshotphotography #HoustonHeadshots #whattowearforheadshots

Let`s talk... ⬇️

If your headshot isn’t working on your website, LinkedIn, or social media...

👉🏻 it’s probably not the image.

👉🏻 it’s the crop.

Yep, even the most beautiful photo can fall flat if it’s not framed for the platform it’s on.

Here are 3 common cropping mistakes I see all the time (and how to fix them):

1️⃣ Too Close – When there’s no breathing room, the image feels cramped and overly intense.

2️⃣ Too Far – If we can’t clearly see your face, we lose the connection instantly.

3️⃣ Wrong Shape for the Platform – That rectangle you uploaded to LinkedIn? It just became a circle... and cut off half your head.

✨ The fix? Intentional cropping before you upload—so your headshot looks polished, professional, and approachable everywhere.

Want a headshot that works across all platforms? Let’s create one that does just that.

📩 DM me to plan your session or visit the link in bio to learn more.

4 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18033514481698346
Let's talk... ⬇️ If your headshot isn’t working on your website, LinkedIn, or social media... 👉🏻 it’s probably not the image. 👉🏻 it’s the crop. Yep, even the most beautiful photo can fall flat if it’s not framed for the platform it’s on. Here are 3 common cropping mistakes I see all the time (and how to fix them): 1️⃣ Too Close – When there’s no breathing room, the image feels cramped and overly intense. 2️⃣ Too Far – If we can’t clearly see your face, we lose the connection instantly. 3️⃣ Wrong Shape for the Platform – That rectangle you uploaded to LinkedIn? It just became a circle... and cut off half your head. ✨ The fix? Intentional cropping before you upload—so your headshot looks polished, professional, and approachable everywhere. Want a headshot that works across all platforms? Let’s create one that does just that. 📩 DM me to plan your session or visit the link in bio to learn more.

- 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.