Senior Success: 6 Vital Tips for a Flawless Portrait Session

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

Prepping for Senior Portraits

Preparing for your senior portraits can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. As your senior year marks a pivotal moment in your life, capturing it perfectly is essential. To ensure your portraits turn out exactly as you envision, here are six must-know tips to help you prepare like a pro.

Senior Photos

Plan Your Outfits

One of the most crucial elements of your senior portrait session is your outfit choice. Think about representing different aspects of your personality. Consider planning three outfits: one formal (whatever that means to you), one casual, and something in between.

The variety in your wardrobe will give your photos a dynamic range, allowing you to showcase different sides of yourself. Whether you lean towards classic elegance or trendy styles, planning your outfits ahead of time ensures you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera.

Class of 2025 Seniors

Bring Props That Represent You

Your portraits should reflect who you are at this moment in time, and what better way to do that than with props that hold personal significance? Think about the hobbies and passions that define you—whether it’s your favorite instrument, your trusty athletic gear, your beloved pet, or your letter jacket that you’ve worn with pride throughout high school. Including these elements in your photos will make them uniquely yours, telling your story in a way that words cannot.

Choose the Perfect Location

The backdrop of your senior portraits is just as important as what you wear. Consider what kind of environment resonates with you. Do you prefer a nature scene with lush grass and towering trees, or are you drawn to the urban vibe of buildings, streets, and graffiti?

When choosing your location, it’s also wise to consider the weather in the Houston area—our summers can be sweltering, and the right location can help you stay comfortable while looking your best. Whether it’s a serene park or a bustling cityscape, the right location will enhance the overall feel of your portraits.

Senior Portraits

Practice Your Poses and Smile

Posing in front of a camera can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not used to it. But don’t worry—I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way. Before your session, take some time to practice in front of a mirror. Try out different smiles and poses, and get comfortable with what feels natural for you. During the session, I’ll show you exactly what I want you to do in each location, so you won’t have to guess. The goal is for you to look and feel your best, and with a little practice, you’ll shine in front of the camera.

Consider Professional Hair and Makeup

To elevate your senior portraits, consider opting for professional hair and makeup. Our trusted HMU (Hair and Makeup) artist will come to you and ensure you look flawless for your session. From the perfect hairstyle to makeup that enhances your natural beauty, you can relax and let us handle the details. Having your hair and makeup professionally done can boost your confidence, ensuring you feel like the best version of yourself in every shot.

2025 Seniors

Think About Your Final Products

Finally, consider what you want to do with your senior portraits after the session. Most seniors like to have an album filled with their favorite shots, but think about all the possibilities. Do you need a digital image for the school yearbook? Perhaps you want small prints to give to grandparents or a piece of wall art that your mom can proudly display at home. Planning ahead for these final products will help you get the most out of your session, ensuring you have memories to cherish for years to come.

2025 Senior Photos

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your senior portrait session. Remember, this is your time to shine, so embrace it with confidence and creativity. Whether you’re planning outfits, choosing props, or thinking about the perfect location, every detail contributes to capturing the essence of who you are during this unforgettable milestone.

More Senior Portrait Sessions

Senior Photography The Woodlands

The Woodlands Photographer

Class of 2025 Seniors The Woodlands Tx

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

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@taraflanneryphotography

Not sure how formal your headshot should be? Start here. 👇

Your outfit plays a huge role in the story your headshot tells — and choosing the right look helps you show up with clarity and confidence.

Here are 5 levels of formality for men’s headshots and when to use each one:

1️⃣ Very Formal
Suit jacket + button-down shirt + tie
This look builds instant trust and authority.

2️⃣ Semi-formal (No Tie)
Suit jacket + button-down (no tie)
Polished, approachable, and confident.

3️⃣ Business Casual
Button-down shirt, no jacket
Comfortable and true to your everyday brand.

4️⃣ Branded Apparel
Button-down or polo with company logo
Keeps things clean, professional, and consistent — especially for team headshots.

5️⃣ Casual
Fitted t-shirt or polo (no branding)
Still professional — just more relaxed and innovative.

✨ BONUS TIPS:
– Stick to solid colors
– Make sure clothes are clean, pressed & well-fitted
– Avoid loud patterns or busy logos (unless branded)
– Bring a backup shirt or jacket to your session

🎯 The goal? Choose the level that fits your industry, role, and personality — and Tara will help you photograph it perfectly.

📆 DM to book TODAY!
📸 Express Headshot Special — Just $150 (Reg. $190)

Dads are impossible to shop for… but this year, we’ve got you covered.

Instead of another gadget or grill tool, give him something that actually works for him — a professional headshot that looks sharp, confident, and completely him.

✅ 15-minute in-studio session
✅ 1 fully retouched image
✅ Fast, easy, and giftable

Offer ends June 15, so don’t wait!
📩 DM to schedule or email tara@taraflannery.com with CODE: DADSDAY150

This year, skip the stress and give Dad a gift he’ll actually use (and love). 🙌

#fathersdaygift #professionalheadshots #giftfordad
Let's talk about it 👇🏻

Whether it’s your LinkedIn profile, website bio, or social media presence—your photo is often the first impression people get of you.

And if it’s outdated, poorly lit, overly casual, or just not aligned with who you are now… it’s doing more harm than good.

Here’s what a great headshot can do:
✅ Build instant trust with clients
✅ Attract job offers, press, or speaking gigs
✅ Help you show up confidently in a crowded market
✅ Make your personal brand feel polished and professional

It’s more than just a photo—it’s your reputation in pixels.

📸 I create relaxed, guided headshot sessions that reflect your style, your energy, and your goals. Let’s make sure your image is working for you, not against you.

Contact me to book your session or visit the link in my bio to schedule your free consultation.

Your future self will thank you. 👏
Goldfish have longer attention spans than most people online. If your visuals don’t speak fast, they’re not being seen.

And more often than not, it’s your photos doing the talking before you ever say a word.

High-quality, professional visuals do more than “look good.” They ⤵️

✅ Build Trust Instantly

People want to feel like they know you before they work with you. Clear, polished images of you (not stock photography) help potential clients connect with the face behind the business.

✅ Showcase Professionalism

From your website to your Instagram grid, cohesive brand photography tells the world you’re serious, credible, and ready for business.

✅ Create Brand Clarity

What do you want people to feel when they land on your page? Confident? Warm? Innovative? Your visuals should reflect that vibe—because clarity creates confidence.

✅ Set You Apart

In a saturated market, people are buying you as much as your product or service. Brand photography gives you a chance to stand out with personality, story, and style.

If you’re still using a mix of selfies, old photos, or generic images, you might be confusing your audience—or worse, losing them.

Let’s fix that. Let’s create visuals that stop the scroll and start the connection.

📸 DM me to learn more about a brand session or click the link in bio for details.

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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.