How to Create Different Headshot Looks | Houston Headshot Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots and can help with how to create different headshot looks.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

How to Create Different Headshot Looks

Headshots can and should represent you and your brand.  The headshot will vary depending on your role and industry.  For example, a realtor headshot will be very friendly, outgoing, and personable.  A psychologist or therapist headshot will be calm and friendly.  It might be a subtle difference but each headshot conveys a particular style and mood.  Think about your headshot and the look that you want to convey.  Here are a few things to consider:

  1. Location: headshots can be taken in the studio, on-location (your office or other location), or outdoors.  Each of these locations conveys a different message.  The standard studio headshot is classic and timeless.  You can use if for everything and it will stand the test of time.  Using your office as background has advantages as well.  It gives clients a welcome to your space and tells a little bit more of your story than the studio headshot.  An outdoor location is another great modern option.  Sometimes these headshots are a little less formal but still very effective and friendly headshots.
  2. Wardrobe: consider what you will wear for your headshot.  If your role is more formal, a suit jacket may be the best choice and a tie for men.  If you’d like a more relaxed look, choose a well-structured shirt or blouse in a solid color.  If you’re unsure, bring a couple of options to your headshot session and you can decide later on the best option.
  3. Expression: it may sound silly, but practice your expression in the mirror a few times before your headshot session.  Again, think about the message that you’d like to convey in your headshot.  I sometimes run people through a series of expressions from serious to laughing.  The smiles in the middle of the series can a nice middle ground.

Headshots for Danielle

Danielle’s headshot session was fantastic because we were able to change up her look a few times during the session.  Just by changing the background and lighting, we created several different looks for her.  The first image is a natural light shot with a brown and black textured background.  The next headshot uses the standard grey background but with a new pose using the chair as a prop.  The final headshot is on a clean white background and has a horizontal orientation.  The horizontal shot is a great option for all of the social media profiles that have a square template for your headshot.  It’s easy to crop this shot to a square.  Danielle now has three fantastic new headshots that she can use for all of her marketing needs.

How to Create Different Headshot LooksHow to Create Different Headshot LooksHow to Create Different Headshot Looks

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, 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

Pretty pictures aren’t enough.

If you don’t know who your audience is, your branding photos won’t do what they’re supposed to do — build trust, tell your story, and attract the right clients.

Before every branding session, I walk my clients through a strategy call where we get crystal clear on two things:

1️⃣ Who are you speaking to?
2️⃣ What message do you want to send?

Because a realtor needs to connect with buyers and sellers.
An attorney needs to earn trust.
A coach needs to show confidence and approachability.

Intentional imagery makes all the difference.
📸 Let’s create brand photos that actually work for you.

📆 Contact me to schedule your session or learn more about our branding process.
What should you wear for your headshot session?
It depends on how you want to show up.

Your outfit sets the tone — and the right level of polish helps you appear confident, credible, and uniquely you.

Here are 4 levels of formality to help you choose the best look for your headshots 👇🏻

1️⃣ The Modern Suit Jacket
Crisp, structured, and powerful. Perfect for executives, attorneys, and leadership roles.

2️⃣ Soft Professional (No Jacket)
A sleek blouse or polished top with clean lines. Professional without being stiff — great for coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs.

3️⃣ Elevated Casual (Sweaters & Knits)
A fitted knit or stylish sweater gives an approachable, warm, and modern vibe. Ideal for creatives, educators, or small business owners.

4️⃣ Casual Short Sleeve
Simple, solid, and flattering. Feels relaxed but still polished — great for wellness pros, lifestyle brands, or startup teams.

✨ Quick Styling Tips:
– Stick to solid colors that flatter your skin tone
– Skip busy prints & distracting accessories
– Choose wrinkle-free, well-fitting pieces
– Bring a backup outfit or layering option!

🎯 Not sure what’s best for your brand?

We go over wardrobe during your pre-session consultation — so you’ll feel 100% confident in what you wear and how you show up.

📆 Contact me to book your headshot session!
His headshot made him more money… and here’s why 👇🏼

When my videographer finally swapped his profile photo for the professional headshot I took, something changed.

✅ More responses to cold DMs
✅ Better leads
✅ Real revenue growth

All from one simple update.

It’s not magic — it’s psychology.

🤝 People do business with people.

They want to see the face behind the brand, connect with a real human, and feel like they can trust who they’re hiring or buying from.

Your headshot is often the first impression you make online. Make sure it actually represents the real you — confident, approachable, and ready for the opportunities you want to attract.

✨ Ready to make the switch?

Contact me for a free consultation and let’s get you a headshot that works.

#businessowners #brandingforbusinesses #professionalheadshots

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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.