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

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

When someone lands on your profile or website, they make a decision in seconds. 👀

Are you credible? Professional? Trustworthy?

Your branding images answer those questions before you ever say a word.

Strong, consistent visuals don’t just “look nice” — they build recognition, trust, and momentum. They show potential clients who you are, what you do, and the level you operate at.

And if your business has grown?
Your visuals should grow with it. ✨

📩 Ready to elevate how you show up? Let’s plan your branding session.

📲 Click the link in my bio to schedule a consultation with me.
It’s almost senior portrait season again… and somehow, it always arrives faster than we expect. ✨

Senior portraits are a way to pause time just for a moment and celebrate who they are right now, before everything changes.

If you’re starting to think about senior portraits, now is the perfect time to begin planning.

📩 DM me to learn more about senior sessions and availability.

#SeniorPortraits #SeniorPhotos #ClassOf2026 #SeniorYearMoments #MilestoneMoments #GrowingUp #ThisSeasonOfLife #MemoriesInTheMaking #TimelessPhotos #CelebrateThisMoment
One of the biggest reasons people put off booking a branding session?

They have no idea what to expect.

And when you don't know the process, it's easy to talk yourself out of investing.

So here's the truth👇🏻

I'm not just showing up to take photos. I'm walking you through every step so you feel confident, prepared, and like you're working with a partner who actually gets your business.

No guessing. No awkward posing. No "figure it out yourself" energy.

If you've been waiting for the right time to update your brand imagery, let's talk. Link in bio to book your free consultation. 📸

#brandingphotographer #houstontexas #brandphotography #headshots #personalbranding #businessowners #houstontx #thewoodlandstx #professionalheadshots #brandingstrategy
My photography style is leaving my client with a photo they love to show off 🤍

Every session is designed to create images that feel elevated and effortless, capturing who you are now and where your brand is going next. 

Photos that make a statement without trying too hard — and still feel relevant years from now.

If your brand calls for imagery that feels confident, cohesive, and unmistakably you, you’re in the right place.

✨ Ready to create something elevated? 

Shoot me a DM and we'll get starting planning!

#PolishedAndProfessional #TimelessPhotography #ModernBranding #SophisticatedStyle #ElevatedBranding #AuthenticBranding #LuxuryBrandPhotography
This is why you should NOT ask ChatGPT to turn your Facebook photo into a professional headshot 👇🏻

AI can do a lot of things… but representing the real you isn’t one of them.

In the AI version of my headshot:
❌ My hair was changed
❌ My makeup disappeared
❌ My face shape was different
❌ The lighting + posing weren’t tailored to me at all

On screen, it looked “close enough”…
But in person? It looked nothing like me.

And that’s the problem.

Ready to show up as yourself?

Link in bio to schedule your session.

#AIHeadshots #chatgpt #headshotphotography #headshotphotographer

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

Facebook logo
Instagram logo
Pinterest logo
Linked In logo

FloDesk FREE STYLE GUIDE

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.