How to Choose the Perfect Headshot: A 5-Step Guide to Selecting Your Best Image

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  Here are some tips on How to Choose the Perfect Headshot: A 5-Step Guide to Selecting Your Best Image.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

 

How to Choose the Perfect Headshot: A 5-Step Guide to Selecting Your Best Image

Your headshot is the first impression that many people will have of you, whether it’s on your LinkedIn profile, your website, or in other professional contexts. It’s important for you to choose a headshot that reflects your personality, professionalism, and style.

 

Here are some steps to help guide you in choosing the perfect headshot image.

 

Step 1Understand the Purpose of Your Headshot:  Before you start searching for the perfect headshot, you need to understand the purpose of your image. What message do you want to convey? Are you looking to show your approachability or your seriousness? Is your target audience looking for someone with a specific personality or appearance? Understanding the purpose of your headshot will help you choose an image that matches your intended message.

 

Step 2Consider Your Brand:  Your headshot should reflect your personal brand, whether you’re a business professional or a creative freelancer. Consider the colors, lighting, and composition of your headshot, and how they align with your brand. If you’re not sure what your brand is, take some time to think about your values and what makes you unique. Then, look for headshots that align with that style.

 

Step 3Look for Professionalism:  Your headshot should convey professionalism, regardless of your industry or occupation. This means choosing an image that is high-quality, well-lit, and appropriately styled. Avoid using selfies or casual photos, as they may not convey the level of professionalism you want to show. Instead, choose a headshot that shows you in a confident, professional light.

 

Step 4.  Choose a Flattering Pose:  When choosing a headshot, consider your pose and facial expression. You want to choose a pose that is flattering and shows off your best features. Avoid images where you appear to be slouching or looking away from the camera, as this can make you seem unapproachable. Instead, choose a pose that is natural and confident, with a genuine smile that conveys your personality.

 

Step 5:  Get Feedback:   Once you’ve narrowed down your headshot choices, get feedback from others. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for their opinions, and consider asking your professional photographer or a branding expert. They can help you choose the perfect headshot that conveys your personality and professionalism.

 

Choosing the perfect headshot takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it. Your headshot is a powerful tool that can help you make a great first impression, convey your personal brand, and attract new opportunities. By following these steps, you can choose a headshot that reflects your best self and helps you achieve your goals.

 

Professional Headshots

During our time together, I’ll help coach you on the tips above.  With posing, lighting, and expression, we will create a the perfect headshot for you.  And I’ll help you choose the best image.  I have over 12 years of experience with headshots specifically and can help you choose the best one for you.

Corporate Women's Headshot

Professional business headshot

 

Accountant professional headshot

 

 

Professional Designer Business Headshot for Woman

professional corporate headshot

therapist headshot in park

 

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@taraflanneryphotography

Here's the truth 👇🏻

Most professionals avoid headshots because they're scared it'll feel awkward, forced, or fake.

But here's what happens when you skip it ⬇️

❌ Outdated LinkedIn profiles
❌ Inconsistent team branding
❌ Missed opportunities to build instant credibility.

Your headshot isn't just a photo. It's your first impression working 24/7 across every platform where your business shows up.

Ready to get this handled without the stress? Let's create headshots that actually represent the confident professional you are.

Click the link below to book your consultation 👇🏻

https://linktr.ee/taraflanneryphotography

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Can you spot the difference? 👀

Same company. Same brand consistency. Three different years.

This is the power of a group composite - and it's a game-changer for growing teams.

Here's how it works 👇🏻 

Instead of wrestling with everyone's schedule to get your entire team in one place at one time (we all know that's impossible), I photograph each person individually. Then I composite them together into a polished group photo that looks like everyone showed up on the same day.

Why this solves your biggest scheduling nightmare:

✅ New hire starts next month? Add them seamlessly to your existing team photo
✅ Team member leaves? Update the composite without re-scheduling everyone
✅ Remote employees? They can get photographed separately and added in
✅ Someone's unavailable on photo day? No problem - we'll catch them later
✅ Your team photo always looks current and complete

Most businesses struggle with outdated team photos because coordinating 15+ calendars feels impossible. Group composites eliminate that friction entirely.

Ready to create a team photo solution that actually scales with your business?

DM me TODAY and book a consultation!

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Here's the truth: feeling awkward on camera isn't about you—it's about not knowing what to do with yourself.

Most professionals freeze up because they're thinking about how they look instead of what they're communicating. That self-consciousness? It shows up in every frame.

Here's what actually works:
✅ Give yourself something to do with your hands (gesture naturally, hold something meaningful) 
✅ Think about your MESSAGE, not your appearance 
✅ Remember: confidence comes from preparation, not perfection 

When you show up prepared and focused on serving your audience, that natural confidence comes through. And that's what builds credibility and connection.

Need professional imagery that actually represents the confident leader you are? 

Let's talk about creating headshots and brand content that work as hard as you do.

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Exciting update for 2025: I’m now using Headshot Tools to make your team headshots even smoother!

Here's the truth: The hardest part of team headshots isn't the photography—it's the chaos that comes after.

Tracking who chose which image. Chasing down approvals. Keeping everyone organized.

This year, I've integrated a system that eliminates all of that:

✨ Private proof galleries for each team member
📸 They choose their favorite on their own time
✅ I see selections instantly and deliver retouched images back to their gallery

No group emails. No confusion. No chasing people down.

When you bring me to your next corporate event, your team gets professional headshots without the coordination nightmare.

Ready to simplify your team's headshot experience? Lets Talk. 

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Want flawless, consistent headshots every single time? Here's the secret 👇🏻

The right equipment and settings.

When you're starting out, headshot photography can feel inconsistent—great results one session, frustrating the next.

Here's what I've learned: Consistency isn't about luck. It's about dialing in your setup.

✅ The right lens and focal length
✅ Lighting that flatters every face
✅ Camera settings you can replicate
✅ A process that works under pressure

When you nail these fundamentals, you stop second-guessing yourself. Your clients get professional results every time. And you build a reputation for quality they can count on.

Starting or refining your headshot photography? 

Drop your questions in the comments—let's talk through what's working (or what's not) in your setup.

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Here's the truth ⬇️ 

Coordinating headshots for conference attendees shouldn't fall on your already-overloaded admin team.

If you're planning a conference with attendees flying in from all over, here's what happens when you add a professional headshot station to your event:

✅ Zero scheduling coordination (no calendar nightmare)
✅ Professional headshots captured on-site during the event
✅ Automatic delivery via link—no manual file sending
✅ Optional email capture for your database (bonus networking intel)
✅ Literally zero admin work for your team

The software handles everything. Your attendees get professional headshots. You get organized delivery and optional email data. Your admin team gets their sanity back.

Ready to eliminate headshot coordination from your event planning checklist?

👉🏻 Let's talk logistics. Shoot me a DM!

#CorporateEvents #EventPlanning #CorporateHeadshots #HeadshotPhotographer #CorporateBranding

- STAY IN TOUCH -

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.