How to Prepare for a Family or Senior Portrait Session | The Woodlands Family Senior Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family and senior portraits and can help with how to prepare for a family or senior portrait session.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait today!

How to Prepare for a Family or Senior Portrait Session

Preparing for a family or senior session is fun and makes for the best portrait experience!  Here are a few things to consider before your family or senior portrait session.

  1. Think about wardrobe: what will you wear for the portraits?  Family colors should coordinate but not match – think layers and alternating colors on tops and bottoms.  For seniors, pick one piece that’s more dressy and then another outfit or two that are more casual.  Choose pieces that make you feel like YOU!
  2. Location: do you prefer a natural setting with lots of greenery and trees?  Or are you more comfortable in the city with a more urban vibe?  We can choose a location together that will fit your style.
  3. Goals: how will you display the final portraits?  It’s good to make a plan ahead of time.  We can create specific portraits based on the end result that we want.  For example, if we know that we’d like a family portrait over the fireplace, I will create a couple of options for that particular space with lots of breathing room so that the proportions of the people to the size of the print are appropriate.  Many seniors like an album with their favorite 25 images.  If we know this ahead of time, I will be sure to capture details and fun extra shots that show your personality.

Recent Family and Senior Portraits

Every family or senior session is unique and I love that!  It’s really important that you feel comfortable and able to bring your own personality and style to your portrait session.  Let’s chat about your next session and make a plan together.  It will be fun experience that you’ll remember as you look at your beautiful new portraits!

 

wall portraits for the familyHow to Prepare for a Family or Senior Portrait Sessionfamily session with teenage girlfamily session with tween boyHow to Prepare for a Family or Senior Portrait Session

canvas gallery wrap for high school senior portrait

How to Prepare for a Family or Senior Portrait Sessionsenior boy The Woodlands TXsenior The Woodlands with cap and gownSenior Portrait Session

canvas gallery collection for family portraits

family of three portrait sessionfamily photo swinging baby girlfun laughing family photo The Woodlandsfun family portraits

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait today!

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@taraflanneryphotography

- Do this instead 👇🏻
 
  Most people focus on their outfit or expression — but your background plays a huge role in how others perceive you. It sets the tone for your personal brand before you even introduce yourself.
 
  Your space tells clients what working with you feels like.
 
  Here’s how different backdrops communicate different messages:
 
 🏢 Corporate office → traditional, established, and formal.
 
 🌿 Natural outdoor setting → approachable, creative, and warm.
 
 🏙️ Urban or architectural environment → modern, edgy, and innovative.
 
 🎨 Solid color or studio backdrop → clean, versatile, and timeless.
 
  Even subtle shifts in tone, texture, or color can completely change the mood of your headshot — which is why the location is just as important as the lighting or pose.
 
  And here’s the exciting part: with the help of professional AI editing, you don’t have to choose just one. We can create on-brand variations that fit different platforms — like LinkedIn, your website, or your marketing materials — while keeping your headshot cohesive and authentic.
 
  Because when every detail works together — from your expression to your background — your headshot becomes more than a picture. It becomes your first impression.
 
 📩 Ready to plan your next session? Message me and let’s find the backdrop that tells your brand story best.

#headshotlocations #headshottips #corporateheadshots #photolocationshoustontx
Here’s how to fix that 👇🏻

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in front of the camera — especially when someone else is taking your picture — you’re not alone. It’s completely normal.

Taking professional photos can feel surprisingly vulnerable. You’re being seen, literally, and that can stir up a lot of nerves.

But here’s the thing: feeling awkward shouldn’t stop you from getting photos you love. My job as your photographer is to help ease that discomfort so you can show up as your best, most authentic self.

Here’s how I help clients do just that:

1️⃣ The Consultation

Before your session, we’ll chat about your goals, style, and how you want to be seen. I also connect clients with trusted stylists who can help you choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable (if needed).

2️⃣ A Calm, Supportive Environment

Whether we’re in my studio, your office, or an outdoor location, my priority is to create a space where you can relax, laugh, and genuinely enjoy the process. When you’re at ease, it always shows in your photos.

3️⃣ A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Get plenty of rest, hydrate, and plan your wardrobe ahead of time. When you feel prepared, you walk into your session with a completely different kind of confidence.

Because the truth is — professional photos can feel vulnerable, but with the right guidance, they can also be empowering. 💛

📩 Ready to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera? Message me to schedule your session today.

#professionalheadshots #corporateheadshots #headshotphotographer #headshottips
Here's what you can expect at a headshot session with me 👇🏻

✨ Pre-session consultation to understand your brand and team dynamics
📋 Wardrobe guidance that aligns with your company culture
🎯 Multiple looks and expressions to give everyone options
⏰ Efficient workflow that respects everyone's busy schedules
💼 Professional retouching that maintains authenticity
📱 Digital gallery delivery within 48 hours

Be honest—when was the last time your team photos actually represented who you are today? Most companies wait 3-5 years between updates, but your people (and your business) evolve much faster than that.

Your team's headshots aren't just photos—they're the first impression potential clients, partners, and talent get of your company culture. When they're outdated or inconsistent, what message does that send?

Ready to show the world the dynamic team you've built? Let's create imagery that matches your company's growth. 🚀

#headshots #corporatephotography #teamheadshots #professionalphotography #houstonphotographer
I get it—parents worry their kids won’t sit still, won’t smile, or will get tired too quickly. But here’s the truth: that’s exactly what makes the photos beautiful.

✨ We start playfully — no pressure, just letting your kids warm up at their own pace.
📸 I’ll guide you into natural interactions, like walking, snuggling, or playing together.
😊 Expect tickle fights, giggles, and even a little silliness—it’s all part of the fun.
🍂 Kids need breaks? We roll with it. The best smiles usually come after they’ve had a chance to relax.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Every child gets their moment to shine—without forcing fake poses.

There’s no “perfect behavior” required. The most memorable family portraits happen when your kids are just being themselves—and you’re right there with them.

Because this isn’t about stiff poses or saying “cheese.” It’s about capturing the real magic of your family in this season of life.

📩 Ready for a session your kids will actually enjoy? DM me to get started!

#familyportraits #behindthescenes #whattoexpect #thewoodlandstxphotographer #familyphotosession
Here's the hard truth about acting headshots that most photographers won't tell you 👇🏻

If a casting director can't immediately see what role you'd play just by looking at your photo, you've already lost the audition.

Corporate headshots show professionalism. Acting headshots show CHARACTER—and that requires a completely different approach.

Most actors think they need one 'perfect' headshot with a generic smile. But casting directors aren't looking for pleasant—they're looking for types. The lawyer, the best friend, the villain. And they need to see it instantly.

That's why specificity wins:
✨ Confident and commanding for lawyer roles
✨ Warm and approachable for parent characters
✨ Hint of mischief for villain parts

But here's the bigger mistake—thinking one headshot is enough. One headshot = one role. Multiple headshots = multiple opportunities.

You need range: commercial-friendly, dramatic, playful, maybe edgy. When casting directors see variety, they're thinking about how you fit their ENTIRE project.

Not every photographer understands acting industry standards. When I work with actors, we plan multiple 'looks' in one session—because every shot needs to feel intentional.

Ready to create acting headshots that actually get you cast? Let's plan a session that shows your full range.

#actingheadshots #headshots #professionalheadshots #houstonphotographer #modelingheadshots

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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.