How To for Headshots | Houston Headshot Photographer

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

How To for Headshots

In a few simple steps, your friends will be singing your praises around the office water cooler.  Does anyone still have a water cooler?  Not since Covid.  Either way, your new headshot will speak for itself!  Here are a few how to’s for headshots:

  • decide on a “look” for your headshots: formal studio, casual environmental, outdoors, etc.
  • hair: be sure it has been cut/colored but not too recently (maybe a week out would be good)
  • facial hair: it’s okay to have facial hair but be sure it’s trimmed and neat
  • nails: ladies, sometimes nails will show in a headshot so be sure they are manicured (i.e. just no peeling paint or neon green polish unless that’s your vibe)
  • makeup: ladies, I recommend a professional handle this part but feel free to tackle on your own, just do a little more than you would normally wear
  • jewelry: I like jewelry but it shouldn’t detract from the face so no super big earrings or necklaces
  • wardrobe: no sleeveless ladies please; make sure what you’re planning to wear is clean and pressed
  • glasses: if you wear glasses all the time, I tend to like them in the headshot because it’s what you look like; bring a pair without lenses if you have them

Professional Headshots

With a few tips and a little planning, we can create a stunning new headshot for you.  Once you update that profile image in social media, it will be all the rage!  Here are a few recent examples of new headshots.

How To for Headshotsrealtor headshotsfun headshotsHow to for HeadshotsProfessional headshots for womenHow to for headshotswomen's professional headshots

 

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

🚫 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.
Class of 2026 Read This 👇🏻

Congratulations, seniors — you’ve made it to one of the biggest milestones of your life!

If I could give you just one piece of advice…

🚨 Don’t wait to schedule your senior photos.

This season goes by fast — and trust me, these are the images you’ll look back on for years to come. Not just to remember what you looked like, but to remember how you felt stepping into your next chapter.

So don’t sleep on it. Let’s capture the confidence, the personality, and the you that’s ready to take on the world. 🎓

📸 Now booking Class of 2026 senior sessions — Contact me for availability or tap visit my site to get started!

Let’s make magic while this moment is still yours. 💫

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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.