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

The best part of this job?👇🏼

 Seeing clients recognize themselves in their photos — confident, professional, and proud — never gets old. 

Your kind words, trust, and support mean more than you know, and they’re the reason I love what I do every single day.

Every session is about more than just photos. It’s about helping you feel seen, confident, and represented in a way that truly feels like you.

Thank you to every client who’s trusted me with their story — and shared such thoughtful reviews along the way.

✨ Ready to create images you’ll love just as much? 

Click the link in my bio to get started. 📸

#HoustonPhotographer #HoustonBrandingPhotograph #social #socialproof #clienttestimonials #houstonphotographer
Some poses might feel a little silly in the moment and that’s okay. 📸👇🏼

One of the biggest secrets to great photos is being willing to experiment.

What feels “unnatural” in real life often looks confident, effortless, and polished on camera. That’s why posing is such a big part of what I do during every session.

I’ll guide you through adjustments, test different angles, and fine-tune details so we find what truly works for you. 

You don’t need to overthink it or worry about how you look — trusting the process is where the magic happens.

You show up. I’ll handle the posing.

📩 Ready to experience a guided, stress-free session?

 🔗 Click the link in my bio to get started.

#ProfessionalHeadshots #BrandingPhotography #PersonalBranding #PosingGuidance #PhotographyExpert #HeadshotTips #BrandingSession #ConfidenceOnCamera #ShowUpConfident #BehindTheScenes #PhotographyTips #OnCameraConfidence #TrustTheProcess
I hear this all the time — and the good news is, you don’t need to👇🏻

Guiding you through posing, angles, and expressions is literally my job.

During every session, I give clear, simple direction so you never feel awkward or unsure of what to do next.

My goal is to help you feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident — because that’s when you look your best. 

You’re never expected to “perform” or figure it out on your own. I’ll position you in ways that highlight your best features and feel natural to you.

All you need to do is show up. I’ll take care of the rest.

📩 Ready for a stress-free headshot or branding session? 

🔗 Click the link in my bio to get started.

#HeadshotTips #PhotographyEducation #ProfessionalHeadshots #BrandingPhotography #PersonalBranding #HoustonPhotographer #HoustonBrandingPhotographer #PosingTips
Your face is the star of your headshot — and how your hair frames it makes all the difference. ✨

Here's what most people miss: hair should frame your features, not compete with them.

✨ Thicker hair? Pull it back to highlight your face. 

✨ Thinner hair? Bring it forward for balance and dimension.

Small adjustments like this help your headshot truly reflect you — confident, polished, and professional.

The goal is simple: when someone sees your photo, they see YOU. Your personality, your confidence, your energy — all in one image.

📩 Want guidance on how to make your headshot look and feel its absolute best?

 📲 DM me to schedule a consultation and let’s create a photo that works for you.

#ProfessionalHeadshots #BrandingPhotography #PersonalBranding #HeadshotTips #BusinessHeadshots #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurBranding #ProfessionalPhotography #HoustonPhotographer #VisualBranding
In Part 3 of our mic’d-up series... 👇🏼

— we’re taking you even deeper behind the scenes. 📸

The posing cues, lighting tweaks, and real-time direction aren’t just “nice touches” — they’re what turn great shots into professional branding assets you’ll actually use.

Branding sessions aren’t just about photos. They’re about creating a library of content that elevates your website, social media, and marketing materials — all while staying true to your personality and brand energy.

My clients are always surprised by how effortless it feels when guidance, strategy, and personality come together on camera. 

You don’t need to be a model — you just need to show up. I’ll handle the rest.

✨ Ready to create a visual story that actually works for your business?

Book a FREE CONSULTATION with the link in my bio!

#BehindTheScenes #ContentStrategy #BrandingTips #MarketingContent #BusinessContent #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #MarketingMadeSimple #ShowUpOnline

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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.