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Jack’s headshot was outdated and he needed a new one for an upcoming publication.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!

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@taraflanneryphotography

Here's the truth 👇🏻

The location isn't just about pretty backdrops. It's about matching the vibe to YOUR brand and YOUR audience.

When we plan your branding session, we talk through:
→ What you do
→ Who you're speaking to
→ What problems you're solving

That tells us everything. Do we want warm and inviting? Professional and polished? Industrial and edgy?

I've got access to tons of locations (hello, Peerspace 👋🏻), and we'll look through them together to find the perfect fit for your brand. You don't need to figure this out alone—that's literally my job.

Your photos should feel like YOU, and that starts with choosing a space that makes sense for the people you serve.

Ready to create a library of authentic branding content in a space that actually fits your business? 

🔗 Link in bio to get started!

#branding #brandinglocations #peerspacelocations #brandingphotographer
If you’ve ever said, “I don’t know how to pose”… 

you’re in good company. Almost everyone feels that way.

But that’s why I’m here. I guide you through everything — where to stand, how to angle, what to do with your hands, even the tiny adjustments that make a huge difference.

You don’t have to know how to pose.
You just have to show up. I’ll take it from there. 🤍

🔗 If you’re thinking about booking a branding session and want to prepare with confidence, click the link inmy bio to grab a copy of my Branding Guide.

📸 Let’s create images that feel like you.

#headshotposing #brandingphotography #pictureposingtips #headshotphotographer
Let’s be honest—being a woman in a male-dominated industry means you work twice as hard to be taken seriously.

And whether we like it or not, people make decisions about your credibility in seconds… often before you ever speak a word.

That’s where powerful, intentional branding comes in.

Women don’t need softer visuals.

Women don’t need to “blend in.”

Women need imagery that reflects the authority, confidence, and leadership they already bring to the table.

Here’s what strong branding does for women in male-led spaces:

✨ Positions you as the expert — not the exception

✨ Shows strength without losing authenticity

✨ Communicates confidence instantly

✨ Helps potential clients trust you faster

✨ Builds a visual presence that speaks for you—especially in rooms you aren’t in yet

Branding isn’t about looking perfect.

It’s about showing up as the most powerful, grounded version of you—and making sure the world sees it too.

If you’re ready to elevate your presence and build a brand that stands strong (and unapologetically feminine) in any industry…

🔗 Click the link in my bio to plan your Branding Session with me.

#brandingforwomen #brandingphotographerhouston #brandingphotos #houstonbusinesswomen
If you loved Part 1… you’re gonna really love these next three 👀

Here are more of my go-to PeerSpace studios for branding sessions — each one brings a completely different vibe depending on the story you want your brand to tell.

Each of these spaces helps shape the mood of your session — and choosing the right one is a huge part of creating visuals that feel aligned with your industry and your audience.

Want branding photos that look like you and support your business goals?

Let’s pick the perfect location + build a session around your brand story.

📩 Reach out to schedule your branding shoot.

#peerspace #houstonlocations #brandinglocations #professionalbranding
If you’re a speaker, your images speak before you do. 🎤

Event planners are checking your website, your LinkedIn, your media kit — all before they ever reach out. And the first question they’re asking is:

“Can I imagine this person on our stage?”

That’s why speaker-focused imagery matters.

In my headshot + branding sessions, I don’t just have to take portraits —
I can recreate the experience of you presenting.

Spotlight, stage-inspired lighting, gestures, expressions, confidence… even if we’re shooting in my studio, we can make it look like you’re mid-keynote.

Because if speaking is part of your business, your visuals should reflect that — long before you step on stage.

Ready to build imagery that gets you booked?

🔗 Click the link in my bio to get started.

#headshotsforspeakers #headshotphotographerthewoodlands #professionalheadshots
And by busy, I mean doing what I absolutely love, all thanks to YOU. 💛

Every inquiry, every session, every client who trusts me to capture their brand — you’re the reason my camera stays in my hand and my calendar stays full.

If you want to be part of the fun chaos behind these clips, let’s plan your 2026 session ✨

🔗 Click the link in my bio to book a consultation! I specialize in Headshots, Branding, Family Session and Senior Portraits! I'm ready! 🥳

#BrandingPhotographer #HoustonPhotographer #HeadshotPhotographer #SeniorPortraits #FamilyPortraits

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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.