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December 13, 2023

Headshot Photography Tips – How to Capture the Perfect Headshot

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

How to Capture the Perfect Headshot

When it comes to headshot photography, capturing your best self requires teamwork between you and your photographer. To help you prepare for your headshot session and ensure you get the perfect headshot here are four of my best Headshot Photography Tips.

Headshot Photography Tip #1 – Choose a well-lit location:

The right lighting can make or break a headshot photography session. Opt for a location with ample natural light, like a room with large windows or an outdoor spot on an overcast day. Good lighting will help bring out your best features and create a flattering look.

Headshot Photography Tip #2 – Trust Your Photographer:

Your photographer is there to guide you through poses and expressions that bring out your best self. Listen to their instructions and trust their expertise. Natural and authentic expressions often yield the most appealing headshots.

Headshot Photography Tip #3 – Dress Comfortably and Confidently:

Select clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Solid colors and classic styles work best, as they won’t distract from your face. Avoid busy patterns or logos. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it will shine through in your photos.

Headshot Photography Tip #4 – Relax and Be Yourself:

Remember that the goal of your headshot session is to capture your genuine self. Relax, be yourself, and trust that your photographer will capture your best angles and expressions.

By following these headshot photography tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your headshot session and increase your chances of getting the perfect headshot that truly reflects your unique personality and style.

Most Recent Headshot Sessions

Take a look at some more of my most recent Headshot Sessions!

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@taraflanneryphotography

- Do this instead 👇🏻

Most people focus on their outfit or expression — but your background plays a huge role in how others perceive you. It sets the tone for your personal brand before you even introduce yourself.

Your space tells clients what working with you feels like.

Here’s how different backdrops communicate different messages:

🏢 Corporate office → traditional, established, and formal.

🌿 Natural outdoor setting → approachable, creative, and warm.

🏙️ Urban or architectural environment → modern, edgy, and innovative.

🎨 Solid color or studio backdrop → clean, versatile, and timeless.

Even subtle shifts in tone, texture, or color can completely change the mood of your headshot — which is why the location is just as important as the lighting or pose.

And here’s the exciting part: with the help of professional AI editing, you don’t have to choose just one. We can create on-brand variations that fit different platforms — like LinkedIn, your website, or your marketing materials — while keeping your headshot cohesive and authentic.

Because when every detail works together — from your expression to your background — your headshot becomes more than a picture. It becomes your first impression.

📩 Ready to plan your next session? Message me and let’s find the backdrop that tells your brand story best.

#headshotlocations #headshottips #corporateheadshots #photolocationshoustontx

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A forced smile in your headshot could be costing you clients.

Here’s why ⬇️

We all want to look friendly and confident in our photos — but the truth is, people can instantly tell the difference between a genuine expression and one that feels forced.

And those tiny differences can change how trustworthy, approachable, and confident you appear online.

When your headshot feels authentic, it builds an instant sense of connection — the kind that makes someone want to work with you, hire you, or trust you with their business.

That’s why during every session, I focus on helping you relax and bring out a real expression — not a stiff “say cheese” moment. Through subtle posing direction, natural conversation, and a comfortable environment, we’ll capture the version of you that clients actually connect with.

Because your headshot isn’t just about looking polished — it’s about inspiring confidence before you even say a word.

📩 Ready to update your headshot or branding? Message me to book your FREE consultation.

#headshottips #corporateheadshots #professionalheadshots #headshotphotographerthewoodlands

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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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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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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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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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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.