Step 1: Invest in Professional Headshots | Houston Spring Head Shot Photographer

Invest in Professional Headshots

I work with a local Christian TV station called Keys Media.  http://www.keysmedia.tv/

In my research for information on comp cards (or composition cards), which all actors need to provide to agencies, I came across this article from the Houston Chronicle.  Notice that STEP 1 is to invest in a professional headshot!!  A professional photographer will be able to manage the lighting, posing, and editing of your images to make you look the best that you can be!  And that’s what you want to put forward.

This applies not only to actors but also to any professional.  LinkedIn is a professional networking site and in my opinion, your headshot should be professional and not a cropped photo of you on vacation!  You want potential employers to see that you take the job search seriously and professionally and that is what you will bring to your next job as well.

Tara Flannery Photography is always available for professional headshots.  We are currently creating a new package for aspiring actors that includes photography, digital images, and comp cards.  Contact us for more information!

How to Manage a Kid’s Modeling Career

by Faizah Imani, Demand Media

Kickstart and manage your child’s modeling career.
If you have a child who consistently rakes in compliments on her looks and personality, a modeling career may be right up her alley. Some parents seek outside assistance to oversee their child’s modeling career, while others choose to go at it alone. These solo individuals are also referred to as “momagers.” To successfully manage your child’s modeling career solo, you need to know how the modeling industry works and how to find gigs for your child.

Step 1

Invest in professional headshots. Child headshots should be simple and capture the look and personality of the child. For best results, choose a photographer who specializes in taking headshots of children. Some casting directors will accept amateur headshots for children; however, having professional shots will show that you’re taking this endeavor seriously.

Step 2

Turn the child’s headshots into “comp cards.” Comp cards are simply the child’s photograph printed on premium photography paper, with your child’s name and contact information printed on the bottom of the card. A good comp card includes several photographs (three to five) of your child to show off his or her modeling range. The comp card also includes a physical description of the child, including height, hair and eye color, weight and clothing size. Comp card companies, online and offline, can design and print the comp cards for around $1.00 or less per card. If you’re good with computers, though, consider using one of the many templates available online.

Step 3

Enroll your child in modeling classes or workshops. There is an art and technique to modeling, working the camera and walking the runway. Modeling classes are a great place for your child to learn these techniques. The fee for these classes vary by instructor. Research the instructor before signing your child up for a class. Ask the instructor for a portfolio of clients he has worked with, and ask what percentage of his students go on to book modeling gigs. If the percentage is lower than half, bypass that class. Get instructor and class recommendations from the parents of other kid models in your area.

Step 4

Create a modeling resume for your child. This resume should include her name, age, height, weight, hair color, eye color and clothing and shoe sizes. The resume should also include the child’s formal training and modeling experience, both professional and amateur.

Step 5

Check with your state’s department of labor to determine whether or not your child needs a work permit. In most states, children under the age of 18 need one before accepting paid entertainment gigs, including acting and modeling. Some states, such as New York require all children under the age of 17 to have a permit.

Step 6

Submit your child’s comp card and resume for new modeling gigs. To find gigs, visit modeling casting call boards. There are plenty of casting call boards online. Some boards provide casting information for free, and others charge a small monthly membership fee. Stay away from casting call boards that guarantees to get your child gigs, as no casting call site can back such a promise. If a casting director is interested in booking your child for a gig, he will contact you.

Step 7

Enroll your child in beauty contests and pageants. Talent scouts and agents often attend these events. You never know who may recognize your child’s modeling skills.

Step 8

Keep a copy of all print work your child is featured in. This copy is referred to as a “tear sheet.” Keep all of his tear sheets together in a physical portfolio or album. Use this portfolio to show off your child’s skills to future casting directors.

Step 9

Take your child to a kid’s modeling agency to get agency representation for your child. Whether or not the agency represents your child all depends upon whether or not your child has a marketable look that fits the agencies current needs. Once your child is signed on for representation, the agency will help the child find modeling gigs. You still retain management rights. However, the agency receives a percentage of the profits for each booked gig it finds for the child. If you find a gig for your child, without the assistance of the agency, you do not pay an agency fee.

 

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These 5 photos will completely transform your real estate brand 👇🏼

Whether you’re a solo agent building a personal brand or a growing team trying to stand out in a crowded market—your photos matter.

Because real estate is personal. People want to see who they’re working with and feel like they can trust you.

Here are 5 must-have brand photos I recommend for every real estate professional:

📸 Professional Team or Solo Portraits
Polished but approachable. Whether it’s a team shot or a solo headshot, these are the foundation of your brand.

📸 Cohesive Headshots
A unified look builds brand recognition and creates a stronger first impression—especially across platforms.

📸 Lifestyle Images
Show yourself (or your team) in action: walking a property, chatting with clients, reviewing listings. These help clients picture the experience of working with you.

📸 Detail Shots
From signage to coffee cups and closing folders, detail shots add depth and personality to your brand story.

📸 On-Location Photos
Highlight your market and your vibe—whether it’s downtown, the suburbs, or somewhere in between.

✨ Ready to level up your real estate brand? Contact me and let’s create images that actually work for your business.

📍Serving Houston, The Woodlands, and surrounding areas

#realestatebranding #realestatephotos #photosforrealtors #brandingforrealtors
Let’s be real—getting your photo taken can feel super awkward.
You’re standing in front of a camera, trying to look natural… and it doesn’t always come naturally. That’s where I come in.

My goal isn’t just to take a great headshot—it’s to make sure you feel great while we’re doing it.

🗣 I keep things casual and conversational so you’re not stuck in your head.
🙌🏼 I give real-time encouragement to help you feel supported and at ease.
📲 And I stream your images to an iPad so you can see exactly how things are going—and speak up if something feels off.

Because the best photos don’t happen when you’re perfectly posed.
They happen when you’re relaxed, confident, and feel like yourself.

Ready to finally love your headshot?
Contact me to schedule a session designed to make you feel good and look good. 🤍

#professionalheadshots #howtobeconfidentoncamera #confident #headshottips
What is your headshot or branding saying about you?

Because whether you realize it or not… your image is already telling a story.
The question is — is it the right one?

Your photo is often your first impression: on LinkedIn, your website, your business card, even your email signature. And people will make assumptions based on what they see.

✔️ Does your headshot show confidence and approachability?
✔️ Does it reflect your personality, values, and professionalism?
✔️ Or is it outdated, unclear, or totally misaligned with where you're headed?

Your image should tell your story before you even speak.
Make sure it’s the one you want people to hear.

Let’s capture photos that reflect the real you — with intention, authenticity, and style.

📸 Contact me to schedule your branding or headshot session!
How to feel confident in photos 👇🏻

Let’s be honest — not everyone loves being in front of the camera. But confidence in your photos isn’t about being a model… it’s about feeling like yourself.

Here are a few ways to boost your confidence before your next session:

✨ Wear something that makes you feel good.
Choose outfits that fit well, reflect your style, and make you feel like the best version of you.

✨ Practice posture + breathing.
Good posture instantly improves how you carry yourself — and deep breaths help you relax and release tension.

✨ Shift your mindset.
Instead of focusing on how you look, focus on what the photo represents — your personality, your story, your growth.

✨ Work with a photographer who gets it.
That’s where I come in. I’ll guide you through every step of the process — from what to wear to how to pose — so you feel confident, comfortable, and genuinely you in every shot.

📸 Let’s create photos you actually love. Contact me to chat or book 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.