How to take a good headshot | Houston Headshot Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

A good headshot

Like everything, a little bit of preparation goes a long way on taking a fantastic headshot.  First, plan the session with your photographer.  Talk about wardrobe, backgrounds, and end uses for the headshots.  Do you need the headshot to match existing headshots for co-workers?  Do you run your own business and want something more creative?  These questions and planning will help make some decisions for the session.  Next, make sure that your clothing, hair, makeup, and accessories are ready for the session.  I highly recommend adding hair and makeup service to your session!  Finally, relax and have a conversation with your photographer.  This will bring out the best and most natural expressions and poses.  Your photographer can also help with these elements to make you feel confident in your headshot.  Planning = success!

Examples

The first example below is for an employee of The Fuentes Firm.  I have photographed many of the team members over the last couple of years.  And his headshot needed to match the others.  We were able to accomplish this in the studio.  He’s now a member of the team and can be equally represented!  The next examples come from an Executive Headshot Session for Suann.  I love the variety that we were able to capture for her.  She has a few different looks for whatever the company may need in the future.

man's headshot on white backgroundwoman's headshot on white backgroundrelaxed headshot sitting in chairfemale headshot

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

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@taraflanneryphotography

You’re not supposed to know what to do in front of the camera—that’s my job. 🙌🏼

I’ll tell you where to put your hands, how to angle your body, when to shift your weight, where to look, and yes… I’ll probably demonstrate it myself first. 😂

Good posing isn’t about memorizing a bunch of complicated positions. It’s about making small adjustments that help you look confident, approachable, and like yourself.

And if you want a little head start before your next headshot or branding session, I put together a free guide with 5 Power Poses Every Professional Should Know.

These are simple poses you can use for professional photos, speaking engagements, events, or anytime a camera gets pointed your way.

📸 Grab the free guide through the link in my bio—and save this reel as proof that you will never be left standing in front of my camera wondering what to do with your hands. 😂
I’ve been a photographer for a long time, and somewhere along the way I realized the photos are only part of what I get to create. 🤍

I get to help someone who hates being photographed finally feel comfortable in front of the camera.

I get to help business owners show up confidently for the brands they’ve worked so hard to build.

Yes, I make photographs.

But I also get to create confidence, connection, and something worth holding onto.

And I think that’s a pretty great way to make a living. 📸

Ready to create something of your own? Whether you need updated headshots, fresh branding photos, senior portraits, or family photos, I’d love to have you in front of my camera.

📩 Book your session through the link in my bio.
If your team is constantly changing… this is worth knowing. 👇🏼

Group photos can be one of the hardest things to keep updated—especially for businesses with high turnover, growing teams, or people who aren’t always in the same place at the same time.

That’s where a group composite comes in.

Instead of trying to coordinate everyone for one big photo, I photograph each person individually—so you get cohesive, professional headshots—and then build the group image from there.

The biggest benefit?

When someone joins or leaves your team, you don’t have to start over. We simply update the composite—no need to reschedule a full team session.

It’s a much more flexible (and realistic) way to keep your team looking consistent and up to date.

If your team photos have been on your to-do list, this might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

📩 You can book a consultation through the link in my bio.
2027 graduates… this is your moment. ✨👇🏻

Senior year comes up faster than you think—and before you know it, calendars are full and you’re trying to squeeze something in last minute.

The best sessions happen when there’s time to plan.
Time to choose the right location, the right outfits, and create photos that actually feel like you.

Every senior you see here had a session that was intentional, relaxed, and built around who they are.

That’s what makes the difference.

If you’re part of the Class of 2027 (or the parent of), now is the time to start thinking about your session.

📩 You can book a consultation through the link in my bio.
If you’re just starting a photography business… you need to watch this.

I recently showed up to a headshot session at an office building with all my gear—ready to go—and security wouldn’t let me in.

Not because anything was wrong… but because there was a miscommunication, and I didn’t have a certificate of insurance on file with the building.

It’s one of those things you don’t think about when you’re first starting out—but it matters.

As you grow and start booking more corporate or on-location sessions, these small admin details become part of the job.

Clear communication with your client (or their admin team) ahead of time can save you a lot of stress on shoot day.

👉🏻 If you’re in that stage of figuring everything out, I’ve put together a few resources to help you avoid mistakes like this—grab them in my bio.

What’s something you’ve learned the hard way on a shoot? 🤔⬇️

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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.