Headshot Poses | Houston Headshot Photographer

Headshot Poses

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots and can help with headshot poses.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

Posing for Headshots

The main objective of a headshot is to introduce yourself.  The focus of the photograph is the face and specifically, the eyes.  Everything else is background.  But proper headshot posing goes a long way toward making the head and face look their absolute best.  Here are a few of my favorite posing tips for headshots:

  1. Turn the shoulders.  Angling the shoulders one direction or another helps to slim the body instead of presenting a broad view of the shoulders and body.
  2. Lean in.  Always lean in toward the camera rather than leaning backwards.  The headshot is an introduction.  When you introduce yourself to someone, you lean in to them, put out your hand, and say hello!
  3. Push chin out.  If you push your chin towards the camera (not up but forward), it slims the neckline.

With just a few posing tips, you can easily produce the headshot poses needed to create a fantastic headshot!

Headshots for Kathy

Kathy needed new headshots and came to her session totally prepared with multiple wardrobe options.  We started with standard grey and her black suit jacket.  Then we moved to the natural light setup which I love for the softness.  Then we moved on to her dark blue jacket and light blue top.  A string of pearls completed this look.  Next, we did a casual shot with her grey and yellow top.  She loved this shot as a casual alternative to the other shots with her jackets.  Finally, we ended on the white background and dark green sweater.  We both absolutely loved this look.  The color is beautiful and the clean white background is perfect for social media profiles or light-colored websites.  I always try a crossed arms for at least one headshot pose unless the subject is totally against it.  Kathy loved the crossed arms and actually chose that pose for her final headshots.

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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 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
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.
Do you wear glasses all the time? Then they should absolutely be in your headshot.

Because here’s the thing—your headshot should look like you.

If you wear them only sometimes, it’s up to you. But if they’re part of your everyday look, don’t leave them out just because you’re worried about glare.

There are plenty of ways I can minimize reflection—and yes, I’ve got a few creative tricks up my sleeve if needed. 😉

Let’s keep your session real, honest, and true to how you actually show up in the world.

📸 Ready for a headshot that actually feels like you? Send me a message and let’s talk about your session.

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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.