How To Take Professional Headshots

Tara Flannery is a  Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, 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 Professional Headshots

In our fast-paced world, having an impressive and professional headshot is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or simply someone looking to make a memorable statement, your professional headshot speaks volumes about you, your business, and your brand. But how do you capture that perfect headshot that radiates confidence and approachability? In this blog post, we’ll share four essential tips for taking professional headshots that will help you stand out.

4 Tips for Taking Professional Headshots

1. Collaborate with a Skilled Photographer

One of the most pivotal aspects of achieving a striking headshot is partnering with a talented and experienced photographer. While the DIY approach is tempting, a professional photographer brings expertise, top-notch equipment, and a creative eye to the table. They excel at finding your best angles, harnessing lighting to create flattering effects, and capturing your unique personality. Investing in a professional photographer is a surefire way to ensure your headshots truly shine.

2. Plan Your Wardrobe and Grooming

Before the photoshoot, take the time to meticulously plan your attire and grooming. Your clothing should align with your personal or brand identity and the context in which the headshots will be used. Choose solid colors that complement your skin tone and avoid distracting patterns. Ensure your attire is clean, well-fitted, and free of wrinkles. Additionally, pay attention to grooming details such as hair, makeup, and facial hair. A polished appearance will greatly enhance the professionalism of your headshots.

3. Select an Ideal Location

Choosing the right location can significantly influence the mood and style of your headshots. Whether you opt for a studio setting or an outdoor backdrop, it’s important to consider the message you wish to convey. A well-lit studio provides a controlled environment with a clean aesthetic, while an outdoor location can infuse your headshots with personality and character. Communicate your preferences with your photographer, and they can help you select the perfect setting that suits your vision.

4. Embrace Relaxation and Authenticity

A natural, relaxed expression is essential for capturing a professional headshot that reflects your genuine self. It’s normal to feel nervous during a photoshoot, but working with a professional photographer can help ease those jitters. They’ll guide you through the process, provide expert direction, and capture candid moments that showcase your true personality. Remember to take deep breaths, focus on positive thoughts, and let your authentic smile shine through. The more at ease and genuine you appear, the more compelling your headshots will be.

A professional headshot is a powerful tool for creating a lasting first impression. Whether you’re building a personal brand or representing your business, following these four essential tips will empower you to capture headshots that exude professionalism and authenticity. And, as previously emphasized, collaborating with an experienced photographer is the key to achieving headshots that truly stand out. So, invest in your image and capture headshots that leave an indelible impact on your audience.

Recent Headshots

Take a look at some of my most recent headshot sessions.

Houston Headshot Photographer

Houston Headshot Photographer

professional headshot

headshot photography

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

- INSTAGRAM -

@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! 🤍
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. 📸
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!

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

Facebook logo
Instagram logo
Pinterest logo
Linked In logo

FloDesk FREE STYLE GUIDE

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.