How to Plan a Family Portrait Session | Houston Family Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography can help with how to plan a family portrait session.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait today!

How to Plan a Family Portrait Session

Planning a family portrait session doesn’t have to be stressful!  Talk to your photographer about ways to manage all of the pieces.  Here are some tips on how to plan a family portrait session:

  1. Choose a photographer. This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, as the photographer will be responsible for capturing your family’s memories. Ask around for recommendations, review their websites, and be sure to interview a few photographers before making a decision.
  2. Schedule your session. Once you’ve found a photographer, book your session in advance. This will give you time to plan your outfits and location.
  3. Choose your outfits. When choosing your outfits, it’s important to coordinate, but not match. You want your family to look like a unit, but you also want everyone to have their own unique style. Choose colors that complement each other, and avoid wearing anything too busy or revealing.
  4. Find a location. The location of your photo shoot will be important in setting the tone for your photos. If you want a formal look, choose a studio or park. If you want a more casual look, choose a beach, forest, or other outdoor setting.
  5. Be prepared for anything. Things don’t always go according to plan, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Bring a change of clothes in case of bad weather, and snacks and drinks in case you get hungry or thirsty.
  6. Relax and have fun! The most important thing is to relax and have fun. The photographer will be there to guide you, so just enjoy the experience and let your family’s natural love for each other shine through.

Family Portraits

I will never meet a family for the first time on the day of the session.  We always have a consultation ahead of time either in-person (best) or online.  We’ll talk about why we’re doing family portraits now, what you’ll wear, and where the session will take place.  What are the goals for the end products?  I like to get to know you a little bit (and you get to know me) before the session so that when the session day comes, we are ready to go!

How to Plan a Family Portrait Session mother daughtergirl running in woods family portraitsfamily portrait session colorful

How to Plan a Family Portrait Session

family walking in the woods family portraitsfamily portraits family pictures

 

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait 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!
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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.

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Offer ends June 15, so don’t wait!
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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.