Summer Portraits: 10 Reasons to Book Now Instead of Fall

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

Summer Portraits vs. Fall Portraits

Summer is here—and while fall may get all the attention for family photos, this sunny season might just be the perfect time to schedule your next portrait session. I know fall is the traditional favorite, but hear me out: summer portraits come with some serious perks.

From golden-hour light to flexible schedules and happy, relaxed vibes, here are 10 reasons why summer portraits might be your new favorite family tradition.

Summer Portraits

10 Reasons to Book Your Family Portraits This Summer (Not Fall)

  1. Summer Schedules Are More Flexible Without the rush of school days and packed calendars, it’s easier to find a time that works for everyone.
  2. College Kids Are Home Take advantage of having the whole crew under one roof—especially those kids who are off at college most of the year.
  3. Fall Gets Crazy Busy Beat the autumn chaos. Between school events, sports, and holiday prep, fall fills up fast.
  4. Longer Days = Golden Light Summer evenings offer more time and that dreamy sunset glow photographers love.
  5. You’ll Actually Enjoy It With fewer time pressures and nicer weather, sessions feel more fun and relaxed.
  6. More Wardrobe Options Think light, colorful outfits. Summer style is carefree, photogenic, and comfy.
  7. Beautiful Outdoor Settings Blooming flowers, lush green parks, and golden fields are perfect backdrops.
  8. Better Photographer Availability Summer is less hectic for bookings, giving you more flexibility in choosing a date.
  9. Beat the Holiday Rush Get your photos done early and be ahead of the game for cards and gifts.
  10. Capture Summer Memories The warmth, joy, and connection of summer deserve to be remembered.

Worried About the Heat? Indoor Options to the Rescue

Yes, it’s Texas. Yes, it gets hot. But that doesn’t mean you have to sweat through your summer portraits.

Here are some indoor-friendly options that still bring style and personality:

  • At Home: Cozy, meaningful, and 100% personal.
  • Studio Rental: Crisp, professional, and temperature-controlled.
  • Airbnb or Styled Space: Adds a unique, stylish backdrop for something different.

Indoor sessions offer comfort for little ones, reliable lighting, and no weather worries. You can still get that polished, heartfelt look—without braving the heat.

Bonus: Ideas to Make Your Summer Portraits Extra Special

Looking to make your session more personal? Here are a few fun ideas:

  • Bring a picnic blanket and snacks for relaxed, candid moments.
  • Include the family pet if they’re part of your summer story.
  • Add a splash of personality with summer props like sunglasses, hats, or a favorite book.
  • Choose a meaningful location like a favorite park, your backyard, or even a lakefront.

The more personal your session, the more meaningful the images will be.

Final Thoughts

Summer portraits offer more than just beautiful light. They come with freedom, fun, and the chance to capture your family’s joy in the moment.

Whether you’re dreaming of an outdoor golden-hour session or a cozy indoor setup, I’m here to help plan every detail.

Want to chat about summer portrait ideas or grab one of the remaining dates? BOOK HERE and let’s make it happen.

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

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@taraflanneryphotography

Marketing managers, be honest 👇🏻

How consistent are your team's LinkedIn profiles right now?

Take a quick scroll through your company's employee profiles.

Are you seeing:
→ Different backgrounds and lighting styles?
→ Photos that look like they're from different decades?
→ Some professional shots mixed with casual selfies?
→ A few people still using their college graduation photo?

Here's what happens when your team headshots are all over the place: Your company looks disorganized. Less credible. Less professional than your competitors.

Your team's visual consistency directly impacts how clients perceive your business.

The solution? Event-based headshot sessions that give your entire team cohesive, professional imagery in one efficient appointment.

✨ Same lighting, same style, same professional quality
✨ Everyone photographed at your office during a corporate event
✨ Private galleries so each team member controls their image
✨ Done in hours, not months of scheduling chaos

Is your team due for updated headshots? Let's make it happen.

Ready to elevate your team's professional presence? Link in bio to schedule your consultation.

#teamheadshots #corporatebranding #marketingmanager #corporatephotography #thewoodlandstx #professionalheadshots
Doesn't this look fun? 🤩 📸

The posing cues. The lighting adjustments. The real-time direction that turns good shots into professional brand assets.

Here's what most business owners don't realize: branding sessions aren't just about getting photos - they're about creating strategic content you'll actually use across your website, social media, and marketing materials.

One efficient session = months of professional imagery that elevates your entire business presence.

✨ Ready to build your brand's visual library?

🔗 Click the link in my bio where you can book a FREE CONSULTATION or snag my BRANDING GUIDE.
This one is for the corporate admins 👇🏻

Is coordinating individual headshot appointments your nightmare?

Here's what usually happens:

❌ Chasing down 15+ team members for availability
❌ Booking separate sessions across multiple weeks
❌ Dealing with cancellations and rescheduling chaos
❌ Inconsistent photos because everyone went at different times
❌ The whole process takes MONTHS

Here's the solution I built specifically for this problem:

✅ Event-based headshot station at YOUR office
✅ Everyone photographed in one efficient session
✅ Consistent lighting and style across your entire team
✅ Private proof galleries so each person controls their image
✅ The whole thing is done in hours, not months

You handle the calendar invite. I handle everything else.

Is your team due for updated headshots? Let's make it happen without the scheduling chaos.

DM me or use the link in bio to schedule a consultation. Let me walk you through exactly how this works.

#corporateheadshots #corporatephotography #teamheadshots #thewoodlandstx #marketingmanager #teamphotos
There’s a reason I reach for this lens during branding sessions.

I get asked about camera gear all the time — especially during branding sessions — and while the tools matter, how they support the experience matters more.

I love using a zoom lens for portraits because it gives me flexibility. I can adjust framing and perspective without breaking the flow of the session, which helps my client stay relaxed, confident, and present.

That range lets me focus less on repositioning and more on connection, expression, and creating images that feel natural and intentional.

Every technical choice I make is about creating an effortless experience — not just a sharp photo.

If you’re a photographer just starting out and trying to decide where to invest first, remember this: the “best” lens is the one that supports how you shoot and how you want your clients to feel.

📸 Fellow photographers — what lens do you reach for most during portrait sessions?

Drop it in the comments 👇🏻 I’d love to hear.

#behindthescenes #photographygear #professionalheadshots #thewoodlandsphotographer #brandingphotography
Looking for a job right now? This matters more than most people realize 👇🏻

In a competitive job market, your professional photo often makes the first impression — before your résumé is read, before an interview is scheduled, before you ever get the chance to speak.

And the truth is, not all photos communicate the same thing.

A strong headshot signals confidence, credibility, and readiness — without feeling stiff or overproduced. It shows that you take your career seriously and understand how you want to be perceived.

What actually works:

✅ Professional lighting that looks natural, not filtered
✅ Images that translate across LinkedIn, email signatures, and company profiles
✅ Guidance on wardrobe and posing so you feel confident and comfortable
✅ A photo that reflects who you are now, not who you were a few years ago

Whether you’re entering the workforce, changing roles, or positioning yourself for what’s next, your professional image plays a bigger role than you think.

If you’re ready to show up with clarity and confidence, I’d love to help.

📩 Link in bio to book your session.

#careeradvice #professionalheadshots #linkedintips #corporatelife #firstjob #careerdevelopment #thewoodlandstx
Your 2026 version is calling, and she looks good. 📞✨

As we dive into the new year, the businesses that will stand out are the ones that lead with clarity and consistency.

When your entire team shows up with cohesive, high-quality headshots, it sends a message:

✅ We are professional
✅ We are a unit
✅ We pay attention to detail

These final results show exactly what happens when you prioritize your brand’s visual identity.

Investment in yourself is the only investment with a guaranteed return. How are you choosing to show up for your clients this year?

New year, new standards. DM me to discuss a headshot refresh for you OR your whole team!

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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.