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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 1.  Understand 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 2.  Consider 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 3.  Look 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

Let’s talk about it 👇🏻

If your brand photos aren’t working… it’s probably because they’re not telling the full story. 📖

So many business owners come to me thinking they just need a good headshot. And while that’s a great pace to start—it’s not enough to truly connect with your audience.

When I work with clients on branding sessions, we create a variety of images that show who you are, how you work, and what it’s like to be in your world. Because that’s what people really want to see.

Here are 5 types of brand photos I recommend for every business owner ⬇️

📸 Classic Headshot – Professional and polished, but with personality. Think confident, approachable, and totally on-brand.

📸 Lifestyle – You doing your thing—working on your laptop, taking client calls, sipping coffee. These shots feel natural and authentic (because they are).

📸 Detail or Flat Lay – The close-ups: your hands writing, your products, your favorite pen and planner. These add texture and storytelling to your visuals.

📸 Environment/Context – Your space, your vibe. Whether it’s a cozy home office or a sleek meeting room, it helps clients imagine being there with you.

📸Team or Interaction Shots – Collaborating, problem-solving, laughing. People want to see connection—these images make your brand feel human.

Every image we create is intentional—designed to help your audience picture themselves working with you and to build that all-important trust before they ever reach out.

✨ Ready to show up with confidence and clarity? Let’s make it happen. DM me today to book your FREE consultation.

#businessbranding #brandingphotographer #personalbranding #brandingtips #houstonbrandingphotographer

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Let’s talk about it 👇🏻 If your brand photos aren’t working… it’s probably because they’re not telling the full story. 📖 So many business owners come to me thinking they just need a good headshot. And while that’s a great pace to start—it’s not enough to truly connect with your audience. When I work with clients on branding sessions, we create a variety of images that show who you are, how you work, and what it’s like to be in your world. Because that’s what people really want to see. Here are 5 types of brand photos I recommend for every business owner ⬇️ 📸 Classic Headshot – Professional and polished, but with personality. Think confident, approachable, and totally on-brand. 📸 Lifestyle – You doing your thing—working on your laptop, taking client calls, sipping coffee. These shots feel natural and authentic (because they are). 📸 Detail or Flat Lay – The close-ups: your hands writing, your products, your favorite pen and planner. These add texture and storytelling to your visuals. 📸 Environment/Context – Your space, your vibe. Whether it’s a cozy home office or a sleek meeting room, it helps clients imagine being there with you. 📸Team or Interaction Shots – Collaborating, problem-solving, laughing. People want to see connection—these images make your brand feel human. Every image we create is intentional—designed to help your audience picture themselves working with you and to build that all-important trust before they ever reach out. ✨ Ready to show up with confidence and clarity? Let’s make it happen. DM me today to book your FREE consultation. #businessbranding #brandingphotographer #personalbranding #brandingtips #houstonbrandingphotographer

I get it—you’ve hired someone new, and now you need a matching headshot… but your original photographer is no longer available. 😬

Do you really have to start over and re-photograph the whole team?

Not if you hire someone who knows how to recreate what’s already working.

That’s where I come in.

When a company calls me in to match an existing set of headshots, I study every detail of your current images so your new photos blend in flawlessly—like they were taken on the same day.

Here’s what I focus on to make that happen:

✅ Lighting – Studio or natural? Soft, directional, or diffused?

✅ Background – Color, texture, and how sharp or blurry it is.

✅ Cropping & Composition – How close is the shot? What’s the framing like?

✅ Posing & Expression – Are your team members posed formally or relaxed and candid?

✅ Editing Style – Bright and airy? Bold and contrasty? Warm or cool tones?

📸 The result: a polished, consistent set of headshots that reflect your brand—even across time, locations, or different photographers.

✨ You don’t need to start over. You just need the right photographer.

Ready to match your headshots? I’d love to help. Send me a message to chat!

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I get it—you’ve hired someone new, and now you need a matching headshot… but your original photographer is no longer available. 😬 Do you really have to start over and re-photograph the whole team? Not if you hire someone who knows how to recreate what’s already working. That’s where I come in. When a company calls me in to match an existing set of headshots, I study every detail of your current images so your new photos blend in flawlessly—like they were taken on the same day. Here’s what I focus on to make that happen: ✅ Lighting – Studio or natural? Soft, directional, or diffused? ✅ Background – Color, texture, and how sharp or blurry it is. ✅ Cropping & Composition – How close is the shot? What’s the framing like? ✅ Posing & Expression – Are your team members posed formally or relaxed and candid? ✅ Editing Style – Bright and airy? Bold and contrasty? Warm or cool tones? 📸 The result: a polished, consistent set of headshots that reflect your brand—even across time, locations, or different photographers. ✨ You don’t need to start over. You just need the right photographer. Ready to match your headshots? I’d love to help. Send me a message to chat!

This Mother’s Day, skip the flowers and give her something timeless—a moment, beautifully captured.

She’s been your biggest supporter, your soft place to land, your strength through every season of life.

And while you may not say it every day… you feel it deeply: the love, the gratitude, the bond that only grows stronger over time.

A family photo session isn’t just about the images.

It’s about carving out time to be present with each other.

It’s about documenting the connection, the laughter, the quiet strength, and the unspoken love that lives in every glance and every touch.

Whether you’re celebrating your mom, becoming one yourself, or honoring the memory of someone dear—these portraits become keepsakes.

Not just for now, but for years to come.

📸 Mother’s Day sessions are relaxed, natural, and designed to feel more like a meaningful experience than a posed shoot.

✨ Limited spots available—let’s create something she’ll treasure forever.

Let`s Connect to set up your FREE Consultation!

#mothersdaygift #mothersday2025 #familyphotos

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This Mother’s Day, skip the flowers and give her something timeless—a moment, beautifully captured. She’s been your biggest supporter, your soft place to land, your strength through every season of life. And while you may not say it every day… you feel it deeply: the love, the gratitude, the bond that only grows stronger over time. A family photo session isn’t just about the images. It’s about carving out time to be present with each other. It’s about documenting the connection, the laughter, the quiet strength, and the unspoken love that lives in every glance and every touch. Whether you’re celebrating your mom, becoming one yourself, or honoring the memory of someone dear—these portraits become keepsakes. Not just for now, but for years to come. 📸 Mother’s Day sessions are relaxed, natural, and designed to feel more like a meaningful experience than a posed shoot. ✨ Limited spots available—let’s create something she’ll treasure forever. Let's Connect to set up your FREE Consultation! #mothersdaygift #mothersday2025 #familyphotos

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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.