How to Pose for Your Headshot: Tips for a Flattering and Natural Look

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 Pose for Your Headshot: Tips for a Flattering and Natural Look.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

How to Pose for Your Headshot: Tips for a Flattering and Natural Look

A headshot is a crucial tool for professionals in a variety of fields, from actors and models to businesspeople and entrepreneurs. It’s the first impression that someone will have of you, and it can play a significant role in opening doors to new opportunities.

 

However, getting the perfect headshot requires more than just showing up and smiling for the camera. First, knowing how to pose can make all the difference in creating a headshot that truly captures your essence and highlights your best features.

 

Next, use these tips and tricks for posing for a headshot photo, so you can look your absolute best in your next professional portrait.

7 Tips on Posing

  1. Keep your shoulders relaxed: Tension in your shoulders can make you look stiff and uncomfortable in your headshot. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly to help release any tension in your shoulders.
  2. Angle your body slightly: Instead of facing the camera head-on, try angling your body slightly to one side. This can help create a more dynamic and interesting composition.
  3. Tilt your chin down slightly: This can help elongate your neck and create a more flattering jawline. Be careful not to tilt your chin too far down, as this can create an unflattering double chin.
  4. Smile naturally: A genuine smile can make you appear approachable and friendly. To achieve a natural smile, think of something that genuinely makes you happy or brings you joy.
  5. Use your eyes: Your eyes can communicate a lot in a headshot. Try to look directly into the camera and focus your gaze on a specific point. This can help create a connection with the viewer.
  6. Keep your hands relaxed: Avoid making fists or placing your hands in awkward positions. Instead, keep your hands relaxed and natural. You can try placing your hands in your pockets, crossing your arms, or resting your hands on a nearby surface.
  7. Pay attention to your posture: Having good posture can make you appear more confident and poised in your headshot. Stand up straight and avoid slouching.

 

Finally, by following these tips, you can help ensure that your headshot looks both flattering and natural. Remember to relax, breathe, and have fun with the process. With the right pose, attitude, and professional photographer, you can create a headshot that truly represents your best self.

Houston TX Headshots

Here are a few recent headshots.  I will help you with all posing from your toes to your nose.  So don’t worry about remembering all of the posing steps!

Professional business headshot with tips on how to pose

business headshot woman in cream blouseprofessional business corporate headshot man in blue suit and red tie

professional headshot how to poseprofessional headshot woman how to pose

how to pose for your headshot

woman's professional headshot in blue suit

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@taraflanneryphotography

There’s a reason I reach for this lens during branding sessions.

I get asked about camera gear all the time — especially during branding sessions — and while the tools matter, how they support the experience matters more.

I love using a zoom lens for portraits because it gives me flexibility. I can adjust framing and perspective without breaking the flow of the session, which helps my client stay relaxed, confident, and present.

That range lets me focus less on repositioning and more on connection, expression, and creating images that feel natural and intentional.

Every technical choice I make is about creating an effortless experience — not just a sharp photo.

If you’re a photographer just starting out and trying to decide where to invest first, remember this: the “best” lens is the one that supports how you shoot and how you want your clients to feel.

📸 Fellow photographers — what lens do you reach for most during portrait sessions?

Drop it in the comments 👇🏻 I’d love to hear.

#behindthescenes #photographygear #professionalheadshots #thewoodlandsphotographer #brandingphotography
Looking for a job right now? This matters more than most people realize 👇🏻

In a competitive job market, your professional photo often makes the first impression — before your résumé is read, before an interview is scheduled, before you ever get the chance to speak.

And the truth is, not all photos communicate the same thing.

A strong headshot signals confidence, credibility, and readiness — without feeling stiff or overproduced. It shows that you take your career seriously and understand how you want to be perceived.

What actually works:

✅ Professional lighting that looks natural, not filtered
✅ Images that translate across LinkedIn, email signatures, and company profiles
✅ Guidance on wardrobe and posing so you feel confident and comfortable
✅ A photo that reflects who you are now, not who you were a few years ago

Whether you’re entering the workforce, changing roles, or positioning yourself for what’s next, your professional image plays a bigger role than you think.

If you’re ready to show up with clarity and confidence, I’d love to help.

📩 Link in bio to book your session.

#careeradvice #professionalheadshots #linkedintips #corporatelife #firstjob #careerdevelopment #thewoodlandstx
Your 2026 version is calling, and she looks good. 📞✨

As we dive into the new year, the businesses that will stand out are the ones that lead with clarity and consistency.

When your entire team shows up with cohesive, high-quality headshots, it sends a message:

✅ We are professional
✅ We are a unit
✅ We pay attention to detail

These final results show exactly what happens when you prioritize your brand’s visual identity.

Investment in yourself is the only investment with a guaranteed return. How are you choosing to show up for your clients this year?

New year, new standards. DM me to discuss a headshot refresh for you OR your whole team!
Here's the truth 👇🏻

Your professional image is often the first impression potential clients and partners have of your expertise.

Starting 2026 with updated, polished headshots isn't just about looking good—it's about showing up with the credibility your experience deserves.

Whether it's for your website, LinkedIn, or your entire team's branding, professional imagery sends a clear message: you're serious about your business.

Ready to make 2026 your most credible year yet? 

Let's create headshots that match your expertise. Link in bio to schedule your consultation. 📸

#ProfessionalHeadshots #BusinessCredibility #NewYearNewImage #CorporatePhotography #TheWoodlandsPhotographer
You know what's quietly costing you clients? 👇🏼

 Inconsistent branding.

When your team's headshots are all over the place—different backgrounds, different lighting, some from 2019—it's doing more damage than you think:

❌ Confuses your audience 
❌ Makes your business feel less established 
❌ Creates hesitation before booking 
❌ Forces you to "reintroduce" yourself every time you post

But here's what happens when your visual branding is cohesive and professional:

✔️ Builds recognition over time 
✔️ Makes showing up online easier 
✔️ Reinforces professionalism 
✔️ Creates momentum and trust

This is why I bring headshot stations directly to your corporate events—your entire team gets updated, consistent imagery without anyone having to schedule 47 individual appointments.

One session. Cohesive branding. Done.

Ready to get your team's professional presence on point? 

Let's talk → Click the link in my bio to get started.

#CorporatePhotography #ProfessionalHeadshots #BrandingPhotography #TheWoodlandsTX

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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.