How to Choose a Headshot Photographer | Houston Headshots

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

How to Choose a Headshot Photographer

When searching for someone to take your headshots, here are a few tips for the best experience.

  1. Research the photographer.  What, if any, degrees or certifications do they hold?  While degrees don’t mean everything, they do ensure that the photographer has proven proficiency in both technical and aesthetic skills to produce consistent, high-quality images.  The photographer has shown that he or she can use lighting, posing, and expression to create the most flattering portrait.
  2. Research for style.  Take a look at the headshots on the photographer’s website.  This should be an indication of the style of headshot that you will receive.  Is it more formal or casual?  Studio or natural-light?  Light or dark.  What is the attention to detail?  Does the photographer show a range of headshots?
  3. Know what you’re getting.  If the photographer lists pricing, what does that include (time, number of images, retouching, wardrobe changes, etc.)? One pricing model is not necessarily better than another but photographers operate on different models so be sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
  4. Timing is key.  Ask the photographer about timing and turnaround for your headshots.  If you need something quickly, be sure that the photographer can get you in and have images turned around in the timeframe that you’ll need.
  5. Personality is golden.  More than anything, you should feel comfortable with your photographer.  Trust and friendliness with your photographer go a long way toward a great headshot.  Why?  Because your own confidence will show through in the images when you have a good relationship with your photographer.  Think about how your own personality shines when you’re talking to your best friend or family member.  That sparkle will make a fantastic headshot!

Examples of Recent Headshots

Here are a few recent examples of headshots with Tara Flannery Photography.  I love to get to know my clients before, during, and after the headshot session.  We laugh and chat during the session and have a good time!  It’s about you being you and me just capturing that true essence in one photograph.  I do love my job!

How to Choose a Headshot PhotographerWoman's Professional Headshot

 

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

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
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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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.