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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

I get it—you’ve hired someone new, and now you need a matching headshot… but your original photographer is no longer available. 😬

Do you really have to start over and re-photograph the whole team?

Not if you hire someone who knows how to recreate what’s already working.

That’s where I come in.

When a company calls me in to match an existing set of headshots, I study every detail of your current images so your new photos blend in flawlessly—like they were taken on the same day.

Here’s what I focus on to make that happen:

✅ Lighting – Studio or natural? Soft, directional, or diffused?

✅ Background – Color, texture, and how sharp or blurry it is.

✅ Cropping & Composition – How close is the shot? What’s the framing like?

✅ Posing & Expression – Are your team members posed formally or relaxed and candid?

✅ Editing Style – Bright and airy? Bold and contrasty? Warm or cool tones?

📸 The result: a polished, consistent set of headshots that reflect your brand—even across time, locations, or different photographers.

✨ You don’t need to start over. You just need the right photographer.

Ready to match your headshots? I’d love to help. Send me a message to chat!

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I get it—you’ve hired someone new, and now you need a matching headshot… but your original photographer is no longer available. 😬 Do you really have to start over and re-photograph the whole team? Not if you hire someone who knows how to recreate what’s already working. That’s where I come in. When a company calls me in to match an existing set of headshots, I study every detail of your current images so your new photos blend in flawlessly—like they were taken on the same day. Here’s what I focus on to make that happen: ✅ Lighting – Studio or natural? Soft, directional, or diffused? ✅ Background – Color, texture, and how sharp or blurry it is. ✅ Cropping & Composition – How close is the shot? What’s the framing like? ✅ Posing & Expression – Are your team members posed formally or relaxed and candid? ✅ Editing Style – Bright and airy? Bold and contrasty? Warm or cool tones? 📸 The result: a polished, consistent set of headshots that reflect your brand—even across time, locations, or different photographers. ✨ You don’t need to start over. You just need the right photographer. Ready to match your headshots? I’d love to help. Send me a message to chat!

This Mother’s Day, skip the flowers and give her something timeless—a moment, beautifully captured.

She’s been your biggest supporter, your soft place to land, your strength through every season of life.

And while you may not say it every day… you feel it deeply: the love, the gratitude, the bond that only grows stronger over time.

A family photo session isn’t just about the images.

It’s about carving out time to be present with each other.

It’s about documenting the connection, the laughter, the quiet strength, and the unspoken love that lives in every glance and every touch.

Whether you’re celebrating your mom, becoming one yourself, or honoring the memory of someone dear—these portraits become keepsakes.

Not just for now, but for years to come.

📸 Mother’s Day sessions are relaxed, natural, and designed to feel more like a meaningful experience than a posed shoot.

✨ Limited spots available—let’s create something she’ll treasure forever.

Let`s Connect to set up your FREE Consultation!

#mothersdaygift #mothersday2025 #familyphotos

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This Mother’s Day, skip the flowers and give her something timeless—a moment, beautifully captured. She’s been your biggest supporter, your soft place to land, your strength through every season of life. And while you may not say it every day… you feel it deeply: the love, the gratitude, the bond that only grows stronger over time. A family photo session isn’t just about the images. It’s about carving out time to be present with each other. It’s about documenting the connection, the laughter, the quiet strength, and the unspoken love that lives in every glance and every touch. Whether you’re celebrating your mom, becoming one yourself, or honoring the memory of someone dear—these portraits become keepsakes. Not just for now, but for years to come. 📸 Mother’s Day sessions are relaxed, natural, and designed to feel more like a meaningful experience than a posed shoot. ✨ Limited spots available—let’s create something she’ll treasure forever. Let's Connect to set up your FREE Consultation! #mothersdaygift #mothersday2025 #familyphotos

It was such a pleasure collaborating with Danielle DeMaio on her recent branding session!

Danielle is a powerhouse in the world of HR technology—helping companies around the globe turn HR into a high-impact, value-driving part of their business. As a Global Director of People Technology and Workday strategist, she’s led digital transformations, streamlined operations across 40+ countries, and helped companies scale through major milestones like M&As and IPOs. 🚀

When you’re operating at that level, how you show up matters.
Danielle knew it was time to refresh her personal brand to reflect the impact, innovation, and leadership she brings to every project.

A strong personal brand isn’t just about having professional photos—it’s about aligning your image with your expertise, your achievements, and your next chapter. And working with Danielle made it clear: she’s just getting started.

Thank you, Danielle, for trusting me to capture this exciting part of your journey! 👏🏼📸

#BrandingPhotography #PersonalBranding #WomenInTech

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It was such a pleasure collaborating with Danielle DeMaio on her recent branding session! Danielle is a powerhouse in the world of HR technology—helping companies around the globe turn HR into a high-impact, value-driving part of their business. As a Global Director of People Technology and Workday strategist, she’s led digital transformations, streamlined operations across 40+ countries, and helped companies scale through major milestones like M&As and IPOs. 🚀 When you’re operating at that level, how you show up matters. Danielle knew it was time to refresh her personal brand to reflect the impact, innovation, and leadership she brings to every project. A strong personal brand isn’t just about having professional photos—it’s about aligning your image with your expertise, your achievements, and your next chapter. And working with Danielle made it clear: she’s just getting started. Thank you, Danielle, for trusting me to capture this exciting part of your journey! 👏🏼📸 #BrandingPhotography #PersonalBranding #WomenInTech

Here’s the thing—your brand is always evolving.

You might be offering new services, connecting with a different audience, or stepping more confidently into your role as a business owner. But if your photos still reflect where you were years ago, they’re not telling the right story anymore.

📸 Great branding photography isn’t just about looking polished—it’s about feeling aligned.

Because strong, consistent visuals:

✨ Build instant trust

✨ Make your business look cohesive and professional

✨ Help your dream clients see themselves working with you

Your photos should support the business you’ve grown into—not hold you back from where you’re going next.

If you’re ready to elevate your brand, attract the right clients, and finally feel like your photos match your message—I’d love to help you get there.

📩 DM me “refresh” or click the link in bio to book your branding consultation.

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Open
Here’s the thing—your brand is always evolving. You might be offering new services, connecting with a different audience, or stepping more confidently into your role as a business owner. But if your photos still reflect where you were years ago, they’re not telling the right story anymore. 📸 Great branding photography isn’t just about looking polished—it’s about feeling aligned. Because strong, consistent visuals: ✨ Build instant trust ✨ Make your business look cohesive and professional ✨ Help your dream clients see themselves working with you Your photos should support the business you’ve grown into—not hold you back from where you’re going next. If you’re ready to elevate your brand, attract the right clients, and finally feel like your photos match your message—I’d love to help you get there. 📩 DM me “refresh” or click the link in bio to book your branding consultation.

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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.