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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

Let’s be real—dating is already tough.

Your profile photos shouldn’t be what’s holding you back.

Here’s how personal branding photos can actually help you find your match:

✅ First Impressions Matter
In dating apps, your photo is everything. Low-quality, outdated, or awkward photos can get you passed over—before they even read your bio.

✅ You’ll Get More Views & Messages
Professional lighting, flattering angles, and natural poses = more swipes, more engagement, more chances to connect.

✅ Capture the Best Version of You
I’ll guide you through a session that feels relaxed, fun, and confident—no forced smiles or stiff poses. Just you, at your best.

✅ It’s an Investment in Yourself
You’d update your LinkedIn headshot, right? This is your personal life. A great profile photo says you care about how you show up—and that confidence is attractive.

✅ Better Photos = Better Matches
No more blurry bathroom selfies. A curated, professional look sets the tone for real connection.

This is your sign to stop relying on selfies and start showing up as the confident, attractive, amazing human you are.

📲 Contact Me to book your personal branding session—I’ll help you make an unforgettable first impression.

#onlinedating #datingtips #personalbranding

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Let’s be real—dating is already tough. Your profile photos shouldn’t be what’s holding you back. Here’s how personal branding photos can actually help you find your match: ✅ First Impressions Matter In dating apps, your photo is everything. Low-quality, outdated, or awkward photos can get you passed over—before they even read your bio. ✅ You’ll Get More Views & Messages Professional lighting, flattering angles, and natural poses = more swipes, more engagement, more chances to connect. ✅ Capture the Best Version of You I’ll guide you through a session that feels relaxed, fun, and confident—no forced smiles or stiff poses. Just you, at your best. ✅ It’s an Investment in Yourself You’d update your LinkedIn headshot, right? This is your personal life. A great profile photo says you care about how you show up—and that confidence is attractive. ✅ Better Photos = Better Matches No more blurry bathroom selfies. A curated, professional look sets the tone for real connection. This is your sign to stop relying on selfies and start showing up as the confident, attractive, amazing human you are. 📲 Contact Me to book your personal branding session—I’ll help you make an unforgettable first impression. #onlinedating #datingtips #personalbranding

Let’s talk about what not to bring to your branding session…

As a professional photographer, I’m here to guide you through the entire process—but there are a few things I hope we can leave behind when it’s time to shoot.

🚫 1. Unplanned Outfits
Winging it with wardrobe almost always leads to stress or second-guessing. During your consultation, we’ll talk through outfit options, what photographs well, and how to reflect your brand’s vibe. Want a little extra help? I can connect you with one of my go-to wardrobe stylists to make the process effortless.

🚫 2. No Vision or Direction
You don’t have to show up with a Pinterest board—but having clarity around your brand message is key. That’s why I help you define your vision during our planning call so we can create images that actually work for your business.

🚫 3. A Rushed or Drained Mindset
Your session is an investment in you. So let’s make space for it. Give yourself time to rest, hydrate, and breathe beforehand—you’ll look and feel more confident (and it shows in your photos).

✨ The best part?
I walk you through all of this in your consultation. We’ll cover wardrobe, prep tips, props, posing, and everything you need to show up feeling calm, confident, and fully aligned with your brand.

Ready to create brand photos that look like you and work like magic?

📩 Let`s connect to book your session or schedule a free consultation! 📸

#businessbranding #personalbranding #brandingphotographer #branding

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Let’s talk about what not to bring to your branding session… As a professional photographer, I’m here to guide you through the entire process—but there are a few things I hope we can leave behind when it’s time to shoot. 🚫 1. Unplanned Outfits Winging it with wardrobe almost always leads to stress or second-guessing. During your consultation, we’ll talk through outfit options, what photographs well, and how to reflect your brand’s vibe. Want a little extra help? I can connect you with one of my go-to wardrobe stylists to make the process effortless. 🚫 2. No Vision or Direction You don’t have to show up with a Pinterest board—but having clarity around your brand message is key. That’s why I help you define your vision during our planning call so we can create images that actually work for your business. 🚫 3. A Rushed or Drained Mindset Your session is an investment in you. So let’s make space for it. Give yourself time to rest, hydrate, and breathe beforehand—you’ll look and feel more confident (and it shows in your photos). ✨ The best part? I walk you through all of this in your consultation. We’ll cover wardrobe, prep tips, props, posing, and everything you need to show up feeling calm, confident, and fully aligned with your brand. Ready to create brand photos that look like you and work like magic? 📩 Let's connect to book your session or schedule a free consultation! 📸 #businessbranding #personalbranding #brandingphotographer #branding

Here`s why 👇🏼

As an athlete, your performance is only part of the story. The rest?

It’s about how to show up outside the arena - on social media, in press features, in sponsor meetings, and beyond.

That’s where athlete branding comes in, and where a powerful, professional athlete headshot can make all the difference.

Today’s athletes are more than competitors. You`re public figures. Influencers. Brands. And your headshot isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s a strategic tool that opens doors and builds trust. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏼

Your visual brand should include👇🏼

✅ A polished headshot
✅ Actions shots
✅ Lifestyle Content

Because when people see you - the full, confident, current version of you - they’re more than likely to invest, connect, and remember.

This isn’t about vanity. it’s about visibility.

If your photos are outdated, inconsistent, or just not aligned with where you’re headed, I’d love to help you change that.

📩 Contact me to book your athlete branding session TODAY - let’s build a visual brand that works as hard as you do.

#personalbranding #brandingforathletes #athletes #athletictrainer

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Here's why 👇🏼 As an athlete, your performance is only part of the story. The rest? It’s about how to show up outside the arena - on social media, in press features, in sponsor meetings, and beyond. That’s where athlete branding comes in, and where a powerful, professional athlete headshot can make all the difference. Today’s athletes are more than competitors. You're public figures. Influencers. Brands. And your headshot isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s a strategic tool that opens doors and builds trust. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏼 Your visual brand should include👇🏼 ✅ A polished headshot ✅ Actions shots ✅ Lifestyle Content Because when people see you - the full, confident, current version of you - they’re more than likely to invest, connect, and remember. This isn’t about vanity. it’s about visibility. If your photos are outdated, inconsistent, or just not aligned with where you’re headed, I’d love to help you change that. 📩 Contact me to book your athlete branding session TODAY - let’s build a visual brand that works as hard as you do. #personalbranding #brandingforathletes #athletes #athletictrainer

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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.