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How to Take a 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!

How to Take a Headshot

Here are some tips for headshots.  Talk to your headshot photographer about your goals, what you’ll be using the image for, and your line of work.  All of these things will help you and your photographer create the perfect headshot for you.

  1. Wardrobe: it really starts here.  Think about your typical company wardrobe.  Is it relaxed and casual or formal?  What line of work are you in?  How do your customers and clients dress?  What you choose for wardrobe will have an influence over the type and style of lighting and background we will use for the headshot.  If you prefer dark colors, a medium or darker background will be best.  If you like a light or colorful wardrobe, a white or light background will be best.
  2. For ladies, please consider hair and makeup.  A hair and makeup artist will know exactly how much makeup you’ll need for studio lighting.  It seems like a lot when you first see it but when you see the images with studio lighting, it’s perfect.  You will look your natural best self with a carefully executed makeup application.
  3.  For men, please make sure that if you’re wearing a suit jacket, it fits!  Also, make sure that shirt and jacket are pressed and wrinkle-free.

Headshot Examples

Whether you’re a financial services company or the latest yoga-inspired granola producer, your customers need to see YOU!  You are the face of the business and brand.  Now, more than ever, meeting people virtually is an integral part of business.  A headshot on your website and social media accounts is the first introduction to your clients, customers, and consumers.  This first introduction says volumes about who you are, what you do, and what you stand for.  Let’s schedule a headshot session that reflects your business and conveys a message to customers.

headshot professional man

professional 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

Oh, just a few… 😉📸

Senior portraits are easily one of my favorite things to photograph! There`s something so fun about working with seniors at such an exciting time in their lives.

And one thing I always want my seniors to know? Your senior portraits should look and feel like YOU.

Whether that means dressing up, keeping things casual, incorporating your favorite hobby or sport, bringing along your car or even your pet, I`m all for making your session personal.

We`ll choose locations, plan outfits, and create a variety of images that show off your personality. And don`t worry if you have absolutely no idea how to pose. That`s my job!

From the classic portraits your parents will want hanging on the wall to the fun, personality-filled shots you`ll want to share with all your friends, we`ll make sure you get a little bit of everything.

🎓 Class of 2027, it`s your turn! Senior year is already flying by, and now is the time to get your session on the calendar.

Head to the link in my bio to book your senior portrait consultation! 🤍

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18041122922841247
Oh, just a few… 😉📸 Senior portraits are easily one of my favorite things to photograph! There's something so fun about working with seniors at such an exciting time in their lives. And one thing I always want my seniors to know? Your senior portraits should look and feel like YOU. Whether that means dressing up, keeping things casual, incorporating your favorite hobby or sport, bringing along your car or even your pet, I'm all for making your session personal. We'll choose locations, plan outfits, and create a variety of images that show off your personality. And don't worry if you have absolutely no idea how to pose. That's my job! From the classic portraits your parents will want hanging on the wall to the fun, personality-filled shots you'll want to share with all your friends, we'll make sure you get a little bit of everything. 🎓 Class of 2027, it's your turn! Senior year is already flying by, and now is the time to get your session on the calendar. Head to the link in my bio to book your senior portrait consultation! 🤍

That beautiful sunlight filtering through the trees? It can actually make your job a little harder. 😂📸

When I`m photographing families or seniors in wooded locations, one of the first things I`m looking for is consistent, even lighting.

Those little patches of sunlight coming through the trees (also called dappled light) might look pretty in person, but they can create distracting bright spots across your subject`s face, skin, and clothing.

Here are a few things I keep in mind when shooting in wooded areas:

🌳 Look for solid shade. I want my subjects evenly lit rather than having random patches of harsh sunlight hitting different parts of their bodies.

☀️ Use backlighting to your advantage. When the light is right, I love positioning the sun behind my subjects to create that beautiful, soft glow around their hair and shoulders.

📸 Don`t forget your lens hood! Shooting toward the sun can introduce unwanted lens flare and reduce contrast. A lens hood can help control some of that stray light while still allowing you to create beautiful backlit portraits.

And remember, just because a location is beautiful doesn`t mean every spot within it has great lighting!

Learning to recognize good light is just as important as knowing your camera settings.

📸 Just getting started in photography? I`ve put together a collection of FREE resources to help newer photographers build their skills and confidence behind the camera!

From lighting and posing to camera gear and more, there`s plenty to help you along the way.

Head to the link in my bio to explore all the free resources available!

And don`t forget to save this tip for your next outdoor session! 🌳

21 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18179722483444973
That beautiful sunlight filtering through the trees? It can actually make your job a little harder. 😂📸 When I'm photographing families or seniors in wooded locations, one of the first things I'm looking for is consistent, even lighting. Those little patches of sunlight coming through the trees (also called dappled light) might look pretty in person, but they can create distracting bright spots across your subject's face, skin, and clothing. Here are a few things I keep in mind when shooting in wooded areas: 🌳 Look for solid shade. I want my subjects evenly lit rather than having random patches of harsh sunlight hitting different parts of their bodies. ☀️ Use backlighting to your advantage. When the light is right, I love positioning the sun behind my subjects to create that beautiful, soft glow around their hair and shoulders. 📸 Don't forget your lens hood! Shooting toward the sun can introduce unwanted lens flare and reduce contrast. A lens hood can help control some of that stray light while still allowing you to create beautiful backlit portraits. And remember, just because a location is beautiful doesn't mean every spot within it has great lighting! Learning to recognize good light is just as important as knowing your camera settings. 📸 Just getting started in photography? I've put together a collection of FREE resources to help newer photographers build their skills and confidence behind the camera! From lighting and posing to camera gear and more, there's plenty to help you along the way. Head to the link in my bio to explore all the free resources available! And don't forget to save this tip for your next outdoor session! 🌳

If you’re planning family photos around Houston or The Woodlands, I`ve got 8 beautiful locations to consider 👇🏻

📍 W.G. Jones State Forest — Woodsy, natural, and perfect for that classic outdoor family portrait look.

📍 Alden Bridge Park — Relaxed, timeless, and a great option for families who want plenty of greenery.

📍 Rob Fleming Park at Creekside — Scenic, family-friendly, and especially beautiful for those warm, natural portraits.

📍 The Woodlands Waterway — A great mix of greenery, architecture, and a slightly more urban feel.

📍 Hughes Landing — Modern and polished with plenty of variety for your gallery.

📍 Mercer Botanic Gardens — Lush, colorful, and perfect if you love a garden-inspired backdrop.

📍 Downtown Conroe — Lots of character and architecture for something a little different from the traditional park setting.

📍 Downtown Tomball — Charming, casual, and full of personality.

🔖 SAVE this list for when it’s time to plan your family photos!

Still need to get your fall family photos on the calendar? I have just a few weekend dates remaining this season:

October 10 & 17
November 8 & 15

If one of those dates works for your family, don’t wait too long to grab it! Head to the link in my bio to reserve your family session. 📸

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17875084842636849
If you’re planning family photos around Houston or The Woodlands, I've got 8 beautiful locations to consider 👇🏻 📍 W.G. Jones State Forest — Woodsy, natural, and perfect for that classic outdoor family portrait look. 📍 Alden Bridge Park — Relaxed, timeless, and a great option for families who want plenty of greenery. 📍 Rob Fleming Park at Creekside — Scenic, family-friendly, and especially beautiful for those warm, natural portraits. 📍 The Woodlands Waterway — A great mix of greenery, architecture, and a slightly more urban feel. 📍 Hughes Landing — Modern and polished with plenty of variety for your gallery. 📍 Mercer Botanic Gardens — Lush, colorful, and perfect if you love a garden-inspired backdrop. 📍 Downtown Conroe — Lots of character and architecture for something a little different from the traditional park setting. 📍 Downtown Tomball — Charming, casual, and full of personality. 🔖 SAVE this list for when it’s time to plan your family photos! Still need to get your fall family photos on the calendar? I have just a few weekend dates remaining this season: October 10 & 17 November 8 & 15 If one of those dates works for your family, don’t wait too long to grab it! Head to the link in my bio to reserve your family session. 📸

A little bit of flash can go a LONG way outdoors. 📸

When I’m photographing families or seniors outside, I’m not trying to overpower the natural light or make the photo look like it was taken with flash.

I just want a little extra light to soften those shadows, even out skin tones, and give me a more polished final image.

The key? Keep it subtle.

Your flash should work with the natural light—not fight against it. When you get that balance right, you still get the beautiful look of an outdoor session, just with a little more control over your subject’s lighting.

If you’re a newer photographer, start experimenting with adding a small amount of off-camera flash to your outdoor sessions. You might be surprised by how much of a difference it makes!

📸 And if you’re building your photography skills, I have free resources on lighting, gear, posing, and more available through the link in my bio.

60 2
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18130059538764645
A little bit of flash can go a LONG way outdoors. 📸 When I’m photographing families or seniors outside, I’m not trying to overpower the natural light or make the photo look like it was taken with flash. I just want a little extra light to soften those shadows, even out skin tones, and give me a more polished final image. The key? Keep it subtle. Your flash should work with the natural light—not fight against it. When you get that balance right, you still get the beautiful look of an outdoor session, just with a little more control over your subject’s lighting. If you’re a newer photographer, start experimenting with adding a small amount of off-camera flash to your outdoor sessions. You might be surprised by how much of a difference it makes! 📸 And if you’re building your photography skills, I have free resources on lighting, gear, posing, and more available through the link in my bio.

The goal is to coordinate—not match. 👏🏻

Planning outfits for the whole family can easily become the most stressful part of family photos, so here’s my favorite way to simplify it:

Start with one person’s outfit (Mom, I’m looking at you 😉) and build everyone else around it.

Choose a color palette that works well with your location. For an outdoor session, earthy greens, browns, blues, creams, and other natural tones photograph beautifully.

Then add some variety! Mix different shades of denim, layer jackets or sweaters, and incorporate different fabrics and textures. Everyone should look like they belong together without looking like you bought the same outfit in five different sizes. 😂

And most importantly, choose clothes that actually feel like your family. You’ll be much more comfortable in front of the camera—and it’ll show in your photos.

And don`t forget, my weekend family session dates are filling up fast! 👇🏻

October 10th & 17th
November 8th & 15th

📸 Need a little more help planning your session? My free Family Session Welcome Guide covers wardrobe, locations, preparing for your session, and more. Grab it through the link in my bio!

8 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17954187546289592
The goal is to coordinate—not match. 👏🏻 Planning outfits for the whole family can easily become the most stressful part of family photos, so here’s my favorite way to simplify it: Start with one person’s outfit (Mom, I’m looking at you 😉) and build everyone else around it. Choose a color palette that works well with your location. For an outdoor session, earthy greens, browns, blues, creams, and other natural tones photograph beautifully. Then add some variety! Mix different shades of denim, layer jackets or sweaters, and incorporate different fabrics and textures. Everyone should look like they belong together without looking like you bought the same outfit in five different sizes. 😂 And most importantly, choose clothes that actually feel like your family. You’ll be much more comfortable in front of the camera—and it’ll show in your photos. And don't forget, my weekend family session dates are filling up fast! 👇🏻 October 10th & 17th November 8th & 15th 📸 Need a little more help planning your session? My free Family Session Welcome Guide covers wardrobe, locations, preparing for your session, and more. Grab it through the link in my bio!

- STAY IN TOUCH -

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.