Headshot Rescheduling: 4 Tips for a Smooth Session

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!

Your headshot is often the first impression potential clients or employers will have of you, so it’s important to look and feel your best. While life can be unpredictable, knowing when to reschedule your headshots—and when to push through—can make all the difference.

Here are my top five do’s and don’ts when it comes to rescheduling your session, so you can feel confident and prepared for your session!

Woman in blue blazer with hair and makeup done for a professional headshot.

When to Reschedule Your Session

There are certain situations where rescheduling is absolutely the right choice. It’s better to delay your session than to risk not feeling or looking your best.

  • You’re Sick: If you’re under the weather, it’s best to reschedule. Not only will you avoid spreading germs, but you’ll also feel more comfortable and look healthier when you’re fully recovered.
  • Significant Skin Issues: If you’re dealing with major skin concerns like rashes, peeling, excessive puffiness, or other visible issues, it’s okay to postpone. Your headshot should reflect your best self, and sometimes waiting a bit longer can make a big difference.
  • Uncontrollable Circumstances: If a family emergency, severe weather, or another unavoidable situation arises, don’t hesitate to reach out. I understand that life happens, and I’m here to work with you on finding a new date that works.
Licensed therapist poses outdoors for a professional headshot in The Woodlands.

When NOT to Reschedule Your Session

Not every imperfection requires rescheduling. In fact, many minor issues can be managed through makeup, lighting, and professional retouching.

  • Minor Blemishes: Don’t worry about small breakouts or a cut from shaving. I can easily touch up minor skin imperfections during the editing process.
  • Tired Eyes: If you didn’t sleep well or are dealing with under-eye circles, I’ve got you covered. Professional lighting and retouching can help brighten your look.
  • Cold Sores or Lip Irritation: Makeup and strategic posing can minimize these issues, so there’s no need to delay your session.
  • Forehead Lines and Wrinkles: These are a natural part of life, and I can soften them in post-production if needed. It’s more important to capture your natural expressions and authenticity.
Business professional in suit and tie smiling for a corporate headshot.

How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session

If you’re ready to go ahead with your headshots, a little preparation can go a long way:

  • Haircuts: Gentlemen, get a haircut a few days before your session—this prevents that “just cut” look. Ladies, make sure your hair is cut, colored, and styled. For Executive Headshot sessions, I offer hair styling to make sure you look polished.
  • Wardrobe: Try on your outfit ahead of time to ensure it fits well and makes you feel confident. Choose clothes that align with your personal brand and the image you want to convey.
  • Self-Care: Get a good night’s sleep, drink plenty of water, and avoid anything that could cause redness or puffiness the day before your shoot.
Female attorney in The Woodlands smiles for her professional headshot.

What to Do if You Need to Reschedule

Sometimes rescheduling is unavoidable. If that’s the case, here’s how to handle it:

  • Communicate Early: The sooner you let me know, the easier it will be to find a new date that works for both of us.
  • Stay Prepared: Use the extra time to make sure your wardrobe, grooming, and overall look are ready for your new session date.
  • Keep a Positive Attitude: Rescheduling isn’t a setback—it’s an opportunity to show up as your best self. I’m here to support you every step of the way!
Accounting team member in khaki jacket smiles for a professional headshot.

Book Your Headshots with Confidence

When it comes to headshots, preparation and timing are key. Whether you’re booking a session for the first time or need to reschedule, I’m here to make the process as smooth as possible. Remember, the goal is to capture you at your best. Taking the extra time to reschedule when necessary or preparing properly for your session can make a world of difference.

I’m here to help every step of the way, ensuring your portraits truly reflect your confidence and professionalism! Let’s create a headshot that showcases just that—contact me today to schedule your session or click HERE!


Additional Sessions

Female therapist poses outdoors for a professional environmental headshot.

Medical professional headshots

Business professional in teal dress poses for a headshot.

Business woman smiles for camera in her professional 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!

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@taraflanneryphotography

If your team is constantly changing… this is worth knowing. 👇🏼

Group photos can be one of the hardest things to keep updated—especially for businesses with high turnover, growing teams, or people who aren’t always in the same place at the same time.

That’s where a group composite comes in.

Instead of trying to coordinate everyone for one big photo, I photograph each person individually—so you get cohesive, professional headshots—and then build the group image from there.

The biggest benefit?

When someone joins or leaves your team, you don’t have to start over. We simply update the composite—no need to reschedule a full team session.

It’s a much more flexible (and realistic) way to keep your team looking consistent and up to date.

If your team photos have been on your to-do list, this might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

📩 You can book a consultation through the link in my bio.
2027 graduates… this is your moment. ✨👇🏻

Senior year comes up faster than you think—and before you know it, calendars are full and you’re trying to squeeze something in last minute.

The best sessions happen when there’s time to plan.
Time to choose the right location, the right outfits, and create photos that actually feel like you.

Every senior you see here had a session that was intentional, relaxed, and built around who they are.

That’s what makes the difference.

If you’re part of the Class of 2027 (or the parent of), now is the time to start thinking about your session.

📩 You can book a consultation through the link in my bio.
If you’re just starting a photography business… you need to watch this.

I recently showed up to a headshot session at an office building with all my gear—ready to go—and security wouldn’t let me in.

Not because anything was wrong… but because there was a miscommunication, and I didn’t have a certificate of insurance on file with the building.

It’s one of those things you don’t think about when you’re first starting out—but it matters.

As you grow and start booking more corporate or on-location sessions, these small admin details become part of the job.

Clear communication with your client (or their admin team) ahead of time can save you a lot of stress on shoot day.

👉🏻 If you’re in that stage of figuring everything out, I’ve put together a few resources to help you avoid mistakes like this—grab them in my bio.

What’s something you’ve learned the hard way on a shoot? 🤔⬇️
Think Tank Bags… if you see this… please sponsor me 🤝🏼

But in all seriousness—photographers love a good piece of gear.

And it’s really easy to convince yourself that the next upgrade is what’s going to take your work to the next level.

Sometimes that’s true.

If a piece of equipment makes your workflow smoother, more efficient, or solves a real problem for you—it’s worth every penny.

But if it’s just shiny, new, and replacing something that already works… it can probably wait.

The goal isn’t to have more gear—it’s to have the right gear for how you actually shoot.

🔗 If you’re trying to figure out what’s actually worth investing in, I put together a Photographer Gear Guide that breaks it all down—link in bio.

🤔 Curious… what’s one piece of equipment you’ve bought that was 100% worth it?

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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.