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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

Here`s why a branding session should be on your 2026 business to-do list:👇🏼

Fresh professional photos aren`t just about looking polished (though that`s nice too).

Think about it: Your website needs updated imagery. Your social media needs consistent visuals. Your email signature needs a current headshot. Your speaking proposals need professional photos. Your media kit needs variety.

Without a strategic branding session, you`re either:

❌ Using the same 3 photos on repeat (hello, stale feed)

❌ Scrambling with last-minute iPhone selfies that don`t match your brand

❌ Wasting time every month trying to create new content

A solid branding session gives you dozens of professional images you can pull from all year long. Different backgrounds, different outfits, different vibes—all ready to go when you need them.

Stop recreating the wheel every time you need a visual. Get it done once, use it everywhere.

Ready to stock your content vault? Let`s talk strategy.

🔗 To book a FREE CONSULTATION click the link in my bio!

#BrandingPhotography #PersonalBranding #ProfessionalBranding #SmallBusinessBranding #ContentMarketingTips #HoustonBrandingPhotographer

3 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18086967305030150
Here's why a branding session should be on your 2026 business to-do list:👇🏼 Fresh professional photos aren't just about looking polished (though that's nice too). Think about it: Your website needs updated imagery. Your social media needs consistent visuals. Your email signature needs a current headshot. Your speaking proposals need professional photos. Your media kit needs variety. Without a strategic branding session, you're either: ❌ Using the same 3 photos on repeat (hello, stale feed) ❌ Scrambling with last-minute iPhone selfies that don't match your brand ❌ Wasting time every month trying to create new content A solid branding session gives you dozens of professional images you can pull from all year long. Different backgrounds, different outfits, different vibes—all ready to go when you need them. Stop recreating the wheel every time you need a visual. Get it done once, use it everywhere. Ready to stock your content vault? Let's talk strategy. 🔗 To book a FREE CONSULTATION click the link in my bio! #BrandingPhotography #PersonalBranding #ProfessionalBranding #SmallBusinessBranding #ContentMarketingTips #HoustonBrandingPhotographer

Behind every great brand photo is a whole lot of collaboration, laughter, and intention.

You don’t need to be a model—you need a photographer who knows how to guide, coach, and bring out the energy that aligns with your brand.

In Part 2 of Danielle’s mic’d-up session, we’re showing more behind-the-scenes of what it really looks like when strategy and personality come together on camera.

✨ This is branding photography done with purpose.

Ready to create content that actually feels like you? Let’s build your visual story.

🔗 Click the link in my bio to book a FREE CONSULTATION.

#micdupphotography #brandingsession #brandingphotographer #brandingforbusinesses #professionalbranding

8 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17958695598020874
Behind every great brand photo is a whole lot of collaboration, laughter, and intention. You don’t need to be a model—you need a photographer who knows how to guide, coach, and bring out the energy that aligns with your brand. In Part 2 of Danielle’s mic’d-up session, we’re showing more behind-the-scenes of what it really looks like when strategy and personality come together on camera. ✨ This is branding photography done with purpose. Ready to create content that actually feels like you? Let’s build your visual story. 🔗 Click the link in my bio to book a FREE CONSULTATION. #micdupphotography #brandingsession #brandingphotographer #brandingforbusinesses #professionalbranding

Marketing managers, be honest 👇🏻

How consistent are your team`s LinkedIn profiles right now?

Take a quick scroll through your company`s employee profiles.

Are you seeing:
→ Different backgrounds and lighting styles?
→ Photos that look like they`re from different decades?
→ Some professional shots mixed with casual selfies?
→ A few people still using their college graduation photo?

Here`s what happens when your team headshots are all over the place: Your company looks disorganized. Less credible. Less professional than your competitors.

Your team`s visual consistency directly impacts how clients perceive your business.

The solution? Event-based headshot sessions that give your entire team cohesive, professional imagery in one efficient appointment.

✨ Same lighting, same style, same professional quality
✨ Everyone photographed at your office during a corporate event
✨ Private galleries so each team member controls their image
✨ Done in hours, not months of scheduling chaos

Is your team due for updated headshots? Let`s make it happen.

Ready to elevate your team`s professional presence? Link in bio to schedule your consultation.

#teamheadshots #corporatebranding #marketingmanager #corporatephotography #thewoodlandstx #professionalheadshots

2 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17911161408291137
Marketing managers, be honest 👇🏻 How consistent are your team's LinkedIn profiles right now? Take a quick scroll through your company's employee profiles. Are you seeing: → Different backgrounds and lighting styles? → Photos that look like they're from different decades? → Some professional shots mixed with casual selfies? → A few people still using their college graduation photo? Here's what happens when your team headshots are all over the place: Your company looks disorganized. Less credible. Less professional than your competitors. Your team's visual consistency directly impacts how clients perceive your business. The solution? Event-based headshot sessions that give your entire team cohesive, professional imagery in one efficient appointment. ✨ Same lighting, same style, same professional quality ✨ Everyone photographed at your office during a corporate event ✨ Private galleries so each team member controls their image ✨ Done in hours, not months of scheduling chaos Is your team due for updated headshots? Let's make it happen. Ready to elevate your team's professional presence? Link in bio to schedule your consultation. #teamheadshots #corporatebranding #marketingmanager #corporatephotography #thewoodlandstx #professionalheadshots

Doesn`t this look fun? 🤩 📸

The posing cues. The lighting adjustments. The real-time direction that turns good shots into professional brand assets.

Here`s what most business owners don`t realize: branding sessions aren`t just about getting photos - they`re about creating strategic content you`ll actually use across your website, social media, and marketing materials.

One efficient session = months of professional imagery that elevates your entire business presence.

✨ Ready to build your brand`s visual library?

🔗 Click the link in my bio where you can book a FREE CONSULTATION or snag my BRANDING GUIDE.

18 2
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18108268315729857
Doesn't this look fun? 🤩 📸 The posing cues. The lighting adjustments. The real-time direction that turns good shots into professional brand assets. Here's what most business owners don't realize: branding sessions aren't just about getting photos - they're about creating strategic content you'll actually use across your website, social media, and marketing materials. One efficient session = months of professional imagery that elevates your entire business presence. ✨ Ready to build your brand's visual library? 🔗 Click the link in my bio where you can book a FREE CONSULTATION or snag my BRANDING GUIDE.

This one is for the corporate admins 👇🏻

Is coordinating individual headshot appointments your nightmare?

Here`s what usually happens:

❌ Chasing down 15+ team members for availability
❌ Booking separate sessions across multiple weeks
❌ Dealing with cancellations and rescheduling chaos
❌ Inconsistent photos because everyone went at different times
❌ The whole process takes MONTHS

Here`s the solution I built specifically for this problem:

✅ Event-based headshot station at YOUR office
✅ Everyone photographed in one efficient session
✅ Consistent lighting and style across your entire team
✅ Private proof galleries so each person controls their image
✅ The whole thing is done in hours, not months

You handle the calendar invite. I handle everything else.

Is your team due for updated headshots? Let`s make it happen without the scheduling chaos.

DM me or use the link in bio to schedule a consultation. Let me walk you through exactly how this works.

#corporateheadshots #corporatephotography #teamheadshots #thewoodlandstx #marketingmanager #teamphotos

6 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18119395342562489
This one is for the corporate admins 👇🏻 Is coordinating individual headshot appointments your nightmare? Here's what usually happens: ❌ Chasing down 15+ team members for availability ❌ Booking separate sessions across multiple weeks ❌ Dealing with cancellations and rescheduling chaos ❌ Inconsistent photos because everyone went at different times ❌ The whole process takes MONTHS Here's the solution I built specifically for this problem: ✅ Event-based headshot station at YOUR office ✅ Everyone photographed in one efficient session ✅ Consistent lighting and style across your entire team ✅ Private proof galleries so each person controls their image ✅ The whole thing is done in hours, not months You handle the calendar invite. I handle everything else. Is your team due for updated headshots? Let's make it happen without the scheduling chaos. DM me or use the link in bio to schedule a consultation. Let me walk you through exactly how this works. #corporateheadshots #corporatephotography #teamheadshots #thewoodlandstx #marketingmanager #teamphotos

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

16 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18332658136243342
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

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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.