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Headshots and Personal Branding Photography

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 branding session today!

Headshots and Personal Branding Photography: Which one do you need?

In today’s digital age, where your online presence can make or break your professional image, the importance of high-quality photography cannot be overstated. When it comes to professional photography, two common options you might consider are headshots and personal branding photography. But what’s the difference between the two, and how do you decide which one is right for you?

Headshot Photography

Headshot photography focuses on capturing your face in a professional and flattering manner, typically from the shoulders up. It is the go-to choice for professionals seeking to project a polished and approachable image. Headshots find common use on corporate websites, LinkedIn profiles, business cards, and various other professional platforms.

A well-executed headshot emphasizes your facial expressions, conveying confidence, trustworthiness, and approachability. It’s the ideal choice if you’re looking for a clean and straightforward image to represent your professional identity. Headshot sessions are usually shorter and less involved compared to personal branding photography sessions.

female professional headshot photography

women's professional headshots

Personal Branding

On the other hand, personal branding photography takes a more holistic approach. Going beyond capturing just your face, personal branding tells your story, showcases your personality, and creates a consistent visual identity. Personal branding photography involves various settings, outfits, and poses to capture different facets of your life and personality.

Personal branding photos are versatile and can be used across multiple marketing materials, including your website, social media profiles, blog posts, and promotional materials. They provide a deeper insight into your brand and personality, enabling you to connect with your audience on a more personal level.

personal branding photography

Which one do you need?

The choice between headshot and personal branding photography hinges on your goals and the image you wish to project. If you require a professional portrait for business purposes, opt for a headshot. It offers simplicity and effectiveness in establishing trust and credibility.

However, if you aim to build a robust personal brand, forge deeper connections with your audience, and showcase various aspects of your life and personality, investing in personal branding photography is the right course of action.

In conclusion, both headshot and personal branding photography serve crucial purposes in the professional world. Consider your objectives, target audience, and the image you want to convey when deciding which one aligns best with your needs. Regardless of your choice, investing in high-quality photography can significantly influence how you’re perceived in the digital realm.

Recent Headshot and Personal Branding Sessions

outdoor headshots

certified professional trainer headshots branding

personal branding photography

office environmental headshot professionals

woman personal branding

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in senior portraits.  See more senior photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your photography session today!

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Not sure how formal your headshot should be? Start here. 👇

Your outfit plays a huge role in the story your headshot tells — and choosing the right look helps you show up with clarity and confidence.

Here are 5 levels of formality for men’s headshots and when to use each one:

1️⃣ Very Formal
Suit jacket + button-down shirt + tie
This look builds instant trust and authority.

2️⃣ Semi-formal (No Tie)
Suit jacket + button-down (no tie)
Polished, approachable, and confident.

3️⃣ Business Casual
Button-down shirt, no jacket
Comfortable and true to your everyday brand.

4️⃣ Branded Apparel
Button-down or polo with company logo
Keeps things clean, professional, and consistent — especially for team headshots.

5️⃣ Casual
Fitted t-shirt or polo (no branding)
Still professional — just more relaxed and innovative.

✨ BONUS TIPS:
– Stick to solid colors
– Make sure clothes are clean, pressed & well-fitted
– Avoid loud patterns or busy logos (unless branded)
– Bring a backup shirt or jacket to your session

🎯 The goal? Choose the level that fits your industry, role, and personality — and Tara will help you photograph it perfectly.

📆 DM to book TODAY!

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Not sure how formal your headshot should be? Start here. 👇 Your outfit plays a huge role in the story your headshot tells — and choosing the right look helps you show up with clarity and confidence. Here are 5 levels of formality for men’s headshots and when to use each one: 1️⃣ Very Formal Suit jacket + button-down shirt + tie This look builds instant trust and authority. 2️⃣ Semi-formal (No Tie) Suit jacket + button-down (no tie) Polished, approachable, and confident. 3️⃣ Business Casual Button-down shirt, no jacket Comfortable and true to your everyday brand. 4️⃣ Branded Apparel Button-down or polo with company logo Keeps things clean, professional, and consistent — especially for team headshots. 5️⃣ Casual Fitted t-shirt or polo (no branding) Still professional — just more relaxed and innovative. ✨ BONUS TIPS: – Stick to solid colors – Make sure clothes are clean, pressed & well-fitted – Avoid loud patterns or busy logos (unless branded) – Bring a backup shirt or jacket to your session 🎯 The goal? Choose the level that fits your industry, role, and personality — and Tara will help you photograph it perfectly. 📆 DM to book TODAY!

📸 Express Headshot Special — Just $150 (Reg. $190)

Dads are impossible to shop for… but this year, we’ve got you covered.

Instead of another gadget or grill tool, give him something that actually works for him — a professional headshot that looks sharp, confident, and completely him.

✅ 15-minute in-studio session
✅ 1 fully retouched image
✅ Fast, easy, and giftable

Offer ends June 15, so don’t wait!
📩 DM to schedule or email tara@taraflannery.com with CODE: DADSDAY150

This year, skip the stress and give Dad a gift he’ll actually use (and love). 🙌

#fathersdaygift #professionalheadshots #giftfordad

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📸 Express Headshot Special — Just $150 (Reg. $190) Dads are impossible to shop for… but this year, we’ve got you covered. Instead of another gadget or grill tool, give him something that actually works for him — a professional headshot that looks sharp, confident, and completely him. ✅ 15-minute in-studio session ✅ 1 fully retouched image ✅ Fast, easy, and giftable Offer ends June 15, so don’t wait! 📩 DM to schedule or email tara@taraflannery.com with CODE: DADSDAY150 This year, skip the stress and give Dad a gift he’ll actually use (and love). 🙌 #fathersdaygift #professionalheadshots #giftfordad

Let`s talk about it 👇🏻

Whether it’s your LinkedIn profile, website bio, or social media presence—your photo is often the first impression people get of you.

And if it’s outdated, poorly lit, overly casual, or just not aligned with who you are now… it’s doing more harm than good.

Here’s what a great headshot can do:
✅ Build instant trust with clients
✅ Attract job offers, press, or speaking gigs
✅ Help you show up confidently in a crowded market
✅ Make your personal brand feel polished and professional

It’s more than just a photo—it’s your reputation in pixels.

📸 I create relaxed, guided headshot sessions that reflect your style, your energy, and your goals. Let’s make sure your image is working for you, not against you.

Contact me to book your session or visit the link in my bio to schedule your free consultation.

Your future self will thank you. 👏

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Let's talk about it 👇🏻 Whether it’s your LinkedIn profile, website bio, or social media presence—your photo is often the first impression people get of you. And if it’s outdated, poorly lit, overly casual, or just not aligned with who you are now… it’s doing more harm than good. Here’s what a great headshot can do: ✅ Build instant trust with clients ✅ Attract job offers, press, or speaking gigs ✅ Help you show up confidently in a crowded market ✅ Make your personal brand feel polished and professional It’s more than just a photo—it’s your reputation in pixels. 📸 I create relaxed, guided headshot sessions that reflect your style, your energy, and your goals. Let’s make sure your image is working for you, not against you. Contact me to book your session or visit the link in my bio to schedule your free consultation. Your future self will thank you. 👏

Goldfish have longer attention spans than most people online. If your visuals don’t speak fast, they’re not being seen.

And more often than not, it’s your photos doing the talking before you ever say a word.

High-quality, professional visuals do more than “look good.” They ⤵️

✅ Build Trust Instantly

People want to feel like they know you before they work with you. Clear, polished images of you (not stock photography) help potential clients connect with the face behind the business.

✅ Showcase Professionalism

From your website to your Instagram grid, cohesive brand photography tells the world you’re serious, credible, and ready for business.

✅ Create Brand Clarity

What do you want people to feel when they land on your page? Confident? Warm? Innovative? Your visuals should reflect that vibe—because clarity creates confidence.

✅ Set You Apart

In a saturated market, people are buying you as much as your product or service. Brand photography gives you a chance to stand out with personality, story, and style.

If you’re still using a mix of selfies, old photos, or generic images, you might be confusing your audience—or worse, losing them.

Let’s fix that. Let’s create visuals that stop the scroll and start the connection.

📸 DM me to learn more about a brand session or click the link in bio for details.

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Goldfish have longer attention spans than most people online. If your visuals don’t speak fast, they’re not being seen. And more often than not, it’s your photos doing the talking before you ever say a word. High-quality, professional visuals do more than “look good.” They ⤵️ ✅ Build Trust Instantly People want to feel like they know you before they work with you. Clear, polished images of you (not stock photography) help potential clients connect with the face behind the business. ✅ Showcase Professionalism From your website to your Instagram grid, cohesive brand photography tells the world you’re serious, credible, and ready for business. ✅ Create Brand Clarity What do you want people to feel when they land on your page? Confident? Warm? Innovative? Your visuals should reflect that vibe—because clarity creates confidence. ✅ Set You Apart In a saturated market, people are buying you as much as your product or service. Brand photography gives you a chance to stand out with personality, story, and style. If you’re still using a mix of selfies, old photos, or generic images, you might be confusing your audience—or worse, losing them. Let’s fix that. Let’s create visuals that stop the scroll and start the connection. 📸 DM me to learn more about a brand session or click the link in bio for details.

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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.