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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@taraflanneryphotography

I’m gonna let you in on my secret… 👀

These are the camera settings I use as my starting point when I’m shooting during golden hour:

☀️ APERTURE
For one person: f/2.8–f/3.2
For families or groups: f/5.6

A wider aperture gives you that beautiful separation and soft background when you’re photographing one person. With a group, I stop down to help keep everyone in focus.

☀️ SHUTTER SPEED
I start around 1/160 sec—but if I have kids running, a couple moving around, or anything else with more movement, I’ll increase my shutter speed to keep everything sharp.

☀️ ISO
ISO 400 is my starting point, and then I adjust up or down depending on how much light I have.

The biggest thing to remember? These aren’t magic numbers you have to use every time.

Golden hour changes quickly, and your settings should change with it. Use these as a starting point, watch your light, and adjust for the people and movement in front of your camera.

And if you’re building your photography kit and wondering what gear is actually worth investing in, I put together my Photographer’s Gear Guide with the cameras, lenses, lighting, and equipment I use in my own business.

Grab your free copy through the link in my bio! 📸
Class of 2027, the clock is ticking! 🎓📸

Yearbook deadlines are getting closer, which means there’s not much time left to get those fall senior portraits on the calendar.

Senior photos are about so much more than checking a yearbook photo off the list. This is your chance to capture their personality, style, interests, and who they are during one of the biggest years of their life.

If senior portraits are still sitting on your fall to-do list, this is your sign to get them booked!

🎓 Now booking fall senior sessions. Head to the link in my bio to get started.
Come spend a headshot + branding day with me! 📸

One of my favorite things about on-location sessions is getting to step into a client’s space and create images that actually feel connected to their business.

We can capture updated headshots, team photos, working shots, office details, and plenty of branding content—all without your team having to leave the office.

A lot goes into a shoot day, but this is the fun part: turning an ordinary workday into a whole new library of images for your brand.

Need updated photos for your business or team? Let’s plan your session! Click the link in my bio to get started! 🔗
If your kids are still living under your roof, take the photos. 🤍

You hear people say you only get 18 summers with your kids, and now that mine are grown, I understand just how quickly those years really go. Once college, work, relationships, and their own schedules enter the picture, getting everyone together at the same time gets a whole lot harder.

So don’t wait for the “perfect” year for family portraits. Document the family you have right now—the missing teeth, growth spurts, changing personalities, and even the little bit of chaos that comes with it.

Because one day, getting everyone in the same place for a family photo might be the hardest part.

🍂 Fall Family Portrait Weekend Availability:

September 20
October 3, 10, & 17
November 7 & 15

If family portraits have been on your list, grab one of my remaining fall dates before they’re gone.

📸 Book your session through the link in my bio.
Fall family portrait season is officially here! 🍂

I keep a limited number of weekend dates open specifically for family sessions each fall—and once they’re booked, they’re booked!

Whether you’re thinking ahead to holiday cards, finally updating the family photos on your walls, or simply wanting to document this season before the kids grow another inch, now is the time to get your session on the calendar.

My current weekend availability is listed above. Save your date before someone else grabs it! 🤍

📸 Ready to book? Head to the link in my bio to get started.

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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.