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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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!
  4. 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 headshotwoman in red headshotmen's professional headshotswoman 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

What’s my favorite thing to see as a photographer? 👇🏻

My clients actually using their photos.

Profile pictures. Websites. Social media. Marketing.
Not just sitting in a gallery… but showing up in the places that matter.

Because the truth is—your photos are often the first impression people have of you or your business.

And when they’re intentional, consistent, and professional… it shows.

That’s the difference between “just a photo” and something that actually works for you.

📩 Ready to create photos you’ll actually use? Click the link in my bio or DM me to start planning your session.
One day, this will be a memory. Don’t miss capturing it.

Senior year has a way of slipping by faster than you expect… and before you know it, they’re graduating.

These photos aren’t just for now—they’re something you’ll look back on for years to come, remembering exactly who they were in this moment.

If you’ve been putting it off, this is your reminder—time is running out and spots are limited.

📩 Click the link in my bio or DM me to book your senior’s session.
Shutter speed is one of those things that feels confusing… until it clicks. 😉📸

For headshots, you don’t need anything complicated — just a solid, consistent range and an understanding of how your lighting plays into it.

If you’re a new photographer trying to figure all of this out, I’ve put together a few resources to help you get started — from gear to posing and more.

📥 Check the link in my bio to explore my guides!
🚨 QUICK! TIME IS RUNNING OUT 👇🏻

Senior season is here, and spots are filling up FAST!

This is one of those moments you don’t get back — and these photos become something you’ll look back on for years.

If you’ve been thinking about booking, now is the time.

📩 Click the link in my bio or DM me to secure your session!

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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.