Everyone’s Starting a Business—Here’s How to Make Yours Stand Out

Tara Flannery is a  Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in personal branding and corporate branding.  See more branding images in the gallery.  Contact me to book your branding session today!

We’re living in a new era of business. More people than ever are leaving the 9-to-5 grind to chase their entrepreneurial dreams. It’s exciting, it’s brave—and it’s getting crowded. If you’re building a business today, you know the challenge isn’t just starting anymore. It’s standing out.

That’s where branding comes in. In a world full of new businesses, your brand is your first impression. And let’s be honest: the first thing people see is your visuals.

Small business owner takes notes in her office during a branding session.

The Power of Branding in a Saturated Market

Branding is more than a pretty logo or a catchy tagline. It’s the full experience of your business—how you make people feel, what you stand for, and whether or not they trust you. Consistent branding builds recognition. Over time, it builds trust. And in seconds, it influences whether someone wants to work with you or keep scrolling.


Why Branding Photography Is a Game-Changer

Photos are powerful. They tell your story in an instant—often faster than words can.

Professional branding photography can help your business:

  • Look polished and credible
  • Attract the right audience by visually reflecting your values
  • Build trust and emotional connection
  • Elevate your presence across every platform

Whether it’s your website, social media, email marketing, or printed materials, custom brand photography adds consistency and professionalism to everything you share.

Professional business woman in pink jacket sits at a desk for a professional branding session.

DIY vs. Professional: What’s the Real Difference

If you’re using selfies, stock images, or a patchwork of old content, you might be sending mixed messages. Visual inconsistency can actually hurt your brand by making you seem unreliable or unclear.

A professional brand photographer captures you at your best—with intention. Your session is planned around your business goals, audience, and unique personality. It’s about strategy as much as style.


How Brand Photography Creates Cohesion

Cohesion is the secret sauce of great branding. When your images feel connected and consistent, your brand becomes instantly recognizable.

With custom brand photography, you can:

  • Maintain a consistent visual identity
  • Use images tailored to your colors, mood, and audience
  • Enhance every piece of content with branded visuals
  • Build recognition over time

Your brand becomes a familiar and trustworthy presence—one people remember.

Business woman sits in an office chair for a professional branding session.

What a Branding Session with Me Looks Like

Every branding session I offer is designed to be personal, strategic, and confidence-boosting. We start with a discovery conversation about your business, your audience, and your goals. From there, we plan wardrobe, locations, props, and poses that tell your brand story authentically.

You’ll walk away with more than just pretty photos—you’ll have a gallery of intentional images that support your business at every turn.


Conclusion: It’s Time to Be Seen and Remembered

In today’s era of entrepreneurship, great visuals aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity. Branding photography is an investment in your business visibility, credibility, and success.

Ready to stand out in the business world? Let’s create images that reflect who you are and where your brand is going.

Book your session HERE to get started!

Female small business owner poses for a branding session.

Tara Flannery is a  Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in personal branding and corporate branding.  See more branding images in the gallery.  Contact me to book your branding session 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.