Headshots and Facial Hair | Houston Headshot Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in headshots and can help with headshots and facial hair.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

Headshots and Facial Hair

Preparing for Professional Headshots When You Have Facial Hair

You’ve finally scheduled your headshot session with a professional photographer, but what should you do about your facial hair?

There are no hard and fast rules that state you need to get rid of your facial hair, but it helps to consider both a shaved and unshaved look before your shoot. Your headshots are going to be relevant for at least the next two years after all.

The Shaved Look

If you choose to shave your facial hair, it’s highly recommended that you go for a professional shave. Yes, you know how to do it, but a professional shave will ensure you don’t miss any spots and that you don’t end up with cuts or ingrown hairs on the day of your headshot session. Remember, your photographer is shooting with high-definition cameras, which pick up on the smaller details.

Plus, everyone feels more confident and relaxed after a professional shave, exactly what you want on the day of your shoot.

If you do decide to shave on your own, make sure you have the right products, including aftershave to help soothe your skin afterward. You should also aim to shave at least an hour before your shoot to ensure that any redness has subsided. Staying hydrated will also help your skin look and feel its best.

The Unshaven Look

If your facial hair is an integral part of your look, schedule a grooming session before your headshot session. Again, it’s always better to schedule a professional grooming session for the best results. A barber has all the right tools available for a smooth finish.

Something you should keep in mind if you have a 5 o’clock shadow that hides or distorts your jawline, you might want to consider a shaved look for more striking photos.

And if you have the time and would prefer to have options, you could always take some photos with facial hair and a few without to decide which look you want to present to the world.

 

Headshot Examples with Facial Hair

headshots and facial hair men's professional headshot

Headshots and facial hair

professional headshot of man with facial hair

 

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman 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

Shutter speed is one of those things that feels confusing… until it clicks. 😉📸

For headshots, you don’t need anything complicated — just a solid, consistent range and an understanding of how your lighting plays into it.

If you’re a new photographer trying to figure all of this out, I’ve put together a few resources to help you get started — from gear to posing and more.

📥 Check the link in my bio to explore my guides!
🚨 QUICK! TIME IS RUNNING OUT 👇🏻

Senior season is here, and spots are filling up FAST!

This is one of those moments you don’t get back — and these photos become something you’ll look back on for years.

If you’ve been thinking about booking, now is the time.

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Most people step in front of the camera thinking, “I have no idea what to do.”

That’s where I come in.

Every small adjustment you see here — posture, hands, angles — is intentional. It’s what turns a quick headshot into something confident and professional.

If you want to learn the poses I rely on most, I put together a guide breaking them down.

📥 Grab my FREE guide that includes 5 Powerful Poses Every Professional Should Know.

✨ Link in my bio!
If you’re just getting into headshot photography, it’s easy to feel like you need everything to get started.

You don’t.

A solid light setup, a reliable camera, and a lens you can trust will take you a lot further than you think.

📸 For me, that looks like a Nikon Z7II mirrorless camera + a 70–200mm lens, paired with a simple lighting setup that keeps things consistent and professional.

It’s not about having the most gear — it’s about having the right setup and knowing how to use it.

If you want the full breakdown, grab my FREE Photography Gear Guide!

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What are volume headshots? 🤔⬇️

They’re a quick, efficient way to give professionals access to high-quality headshots—without needing a full session.

Perfect for office buildings, coworking spaces, and companies that want to offer something valuable to their teams or tenants. Everyone signs up for a time slot, gets guided through a short session, and walks away with a polished, professional image.

Simple, streamlined, and a great experience all around.

Want to bring this to your office or building?

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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.