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August 21, 2020

How to Take a Professional 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 headshot today!

How to Take a Professional Headshot

The professional headshot may be your first introduction to clients, employers, and patients. It’s important to make a great first impression! Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for your headshot session.

Hair and makeup (HMU): please consider HMU services. A professional HMU artist knows just the right amount of makeup and color to apply for studio and outdoor headshots. She will make you look your very best, well-rested self! And it can be completely natural-looking. She is just enhancing what’s there rather than creating something new that you’ve never seen before. A good HMU artist knows the difference between wedding makeup and headshot makeup.
Hydrate and rest: the night before your headshot session, be sure to hydrate and rest. This will make you look and feel refreshed and it will show in the photos!
Wardrobe: plan ahead for what you’ll wear to the session. This might be the most important item on your list! Depending on your job and your industry, wardrobe makes a difference. Choose according to the job you have and the job that you’d like to have!
Bring your HAPPY! I love a good “toothy” smile for headshots. Sometimes it feels like you’re overdoing the smile but in reality, it just looks like a nice friendly smile. I’m okay when folks don’t want to show teeth but then you really have to smile with your eyes. We want to new clients, patients, and employers for you so I want you to look friendly and warm.

Headshot Examples

Here are a few recent examples of headshot sessions. Again, depending on your job and industry, your wardrobe, background, and posing can be adjusted to suit you.

HMU: Linna Rowell

woman in grey suit headshot woman in red headshot men's professional headshots woman in blue headshot

how to take a professional headshot outdoors

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

We all recognize faces differently.

Some people never forget one. Others (me included!) might need a few reminders.

That’s exactly why consistency matters in branding—especially when it comes to your headshot.

Your face is part of your brand. When people see it often (and in the right context), it becomes familiar. Trusted. Memorable.

A great headshot isn’t just a pretty picture—it’s a tool that helps people connect with you before they’ve even met you.

✨ Ready to update yours? Let’s create something that feels like you.

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When was the last time you updated your headshot? 👀

If your photo is from 10, 15, or even 30 years ago… it’s time.

Using an outdated headshot might seem harmless, but it can actually break trust — especially in professions where connection, credibility, and transparency matter (which is… all of them).

💬 Imagine a client or patient walks in expecting the person they saw online… and barely recognizes you.
It may feel small, but it instantly creates a disconnect.

Here’s the truth:
✅ Your clients want to see the real you.
✅ A recent headshot builds trust and shows you’re showing up with integrity.
✅ If your look has changed significantly (new hair, new role, new energy!) — it’s time.

Keep it current. Keep it real.
And if you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got you. DM me for a free consultation. 📸✨

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Pretty pictures aren’t enough.

If you don’t know who your audience is, your branding photos won’t do what they’re supposed to do — build trust, tell your story, and attract the right clients.

Before every branding session, I walk my clients through a strategy call where we get crystal clear on two things:

1️⃣ Who are you speaking to?
2️⃣ What message do you want to send?

Because a realtor needs to connect with buyers and sellers.
An attorney needs to earn trust.
A coach needs to show confidence and approachability.

Intentional imagery makes all the difference.
📸 Let’s create brand photos that actually work for you.

📆 Contact me to schedule your session or learn more about our branding process.

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Not sure what to wear for your headshot? You’re not alone.

From buttoned-up blazers to soft knits and summery tops, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—and that’s a good thing.

📸 Your headshot should reflect you: your profession, your personality, your brand.

In this post, I’m breaking down four wardrobe levels I guide clients through all the time. Whether you lean classic, casual, or somewhere in between, there’s a look that will help you feel confident and camera-ready.

👉🏻 Need help choosing the right outfit for your session? I’ve got you covered.

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What should you wear for your headshot session?
It depends on how you want to show up.

Your outfit sets the tone — and the right level of polish helps you appear confident, credible, and uniquely you.

Here are 4 levels of formality to help you choose the best look for your headshots 👇🏻

1️⃣ The Modern Suit Jacket
Crisp, structured, and powerful. Perfect for executives, attorneys, and leadership roles.

2️⃣ Soft Professional (No Jacket)
A sleek blouse or polished top with clean lines. Professional without being stiff — great for coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs.

3️⃣ Elevated Casual (Sweaters & Knits)
A fitted knit or stylish sweater gives an approachable, warm, and modern vibe. Ideal for creatives, educators, or small business owners.

4️⃣ Casual Short Sleeve
Simple, solid, and flattering. Feels relaxed but still polished — great for wellness pros, lifestyle brands, or startup teams.

✨ Quick Styling Tips:
– Stick to solid colors that flatter your skin tone
– Skip busy prints & distracting accessories
– Choose wrinkle-free, well-fitting pieces
– Bring a backup outfit or layering option!

🎯 Not sure what’s best for your brand?

We go over wardrobe during your pre-session consultation — so you’ll feel 100% confident in what you wear and how you show up.

📆 Contact me to book your headshot session!

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Summer might be the best time for family portraits—and here’s why.

Fall gets all the hype, but it also brings packed schedules, tight timelines, and holiday stress. Summer? It’s lighter. Looser. Happier.

The kids are home. The evenings are longer. And yes—there’s golden light and gorgeous greenery everywhere.

Whether you want an outdoor session or something cozy indoors (hello, air conditioning!), summer gives you the flexibility to actually enjoy the experience.

Swipe through for just a few reasons to book your family photos now—not later.

📅 Let’s chat about what kind of session fits your family best.

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Summer might be the best time for family portraits—and here’s why.

Fall gets all the hype, but it also brings packed schedules, tight timelines, and holiday stress. Summer? It’s lighter. Looser. Happier.

The kids are home. The evenings are longer. And yes—there’s golden light and gorgeous greenery everywhere.

Whether you want an outdoor session or something cozy indoors (hello, air conditioning!), summer gives you the flexibility to actually enjoy the experience.

Swipe through for just a few reasons to book your family photos now—not later.

📅 Let’s chat about what kind of session fits your family best.

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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.