Facebook logo
Instagram logo
Pinterest logo
Linked In logo
Tara Flannery Photography logo
Business Headshots
Actor/Model Headshots
Branding
Family Portraits
Senior Portraits
Book a free
consultation
HOMEtake me home
all the latestBLOG
get to know meABOUT
get in touchContact

5 Tips for Preparing for a Business Headshot | Houston Headshot Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in professional headshots and can give you 5 tips for preparing for a business headshot.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

5 Tips for Preparing for a Business Headshot

There are a few things to consider when preparing for your business headshot session.  Here are a some tips to help you prepare!

  1. WARDROBE: Consider your industry and position.  Are you trying to get that next promotion?  If so, dress like the next level up.  Want to appear professional yet approachable?  Consider a jacket with no tie.  Own a small business?  Consider your brand colors and coordinate so that your look is cohesive.  Wardrobe is the single most important thing to consider for your headshot session.
  2. LOCATION: A headshot can take place in the studio, outdoors, or in your office.  Each has a very different look and feel.  The studio shot is a classic and can be matched with existing headshots for a company.  An environmental headshot gives the viewer a little more about you – the place where you work.  An outdoor headshot can be professional but open and flexible.
  3. HAIR AND MAKEUP: I highly recommend hair and makeup services for women (and sometimes for men).  My hair and makeup artists are skilled at applying makeup for studio lighting.  A professional HMU artist knows the difference between a nighttime glamour look and a business portrait look.  You’ll feel beautiful and confident knowing that hair and makeup is perfect!  Just show up to your session with a clean face and hair and your wardrobe.
  4. SKIN AND NAILS: Sometimes nails show up in a headshot portrait.  Be sure that they are manicured.  Ladies, if you have nail color, make sure it’s business-appropriate.  Men and women, be sure that skin is hydrated.
  5. RELAX: After all of this preparation and planning, it’s hard to relax for your headshot, but do!  Your professional photographer will guide you in wardrobe, posing, and expression to provide the very best you that you can be.  Take a deep breath and just be in the moment.  Your headshot will reflect the real you.

Talk to your photographer ahead of time and go over these details.  Then you’ll both have a great plan for your headshot session!

Recent Headshot Examples

From studio sessions to outdoor sessions and everything in between, we can help create your vision of your next headshot!  I can’t wait to see what we create next.

5 Tips for Preparing for a Business Headshotauthor headshotsauthor headshotsoutdoor headshotsstudio headshotscorporate professional headshots woman in grey suitprofessional headshotscorporate headshots man in red tie5 tips for preparing for a business headshotprofessional business headshot woman in black jacket5 tips for preparing for a business headshot

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman 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

When you show up like a pro, doors start opening.

We wrapped this session with a simple truth: “Kyle’s going to go off and do great things.”

And he will—because he’s putting his best foot forward, starting with how he presents himself. A high-quality headshot might seem like a small thing, but it can make a powerful first impression that opens doors to new jobs, clients, or collaborations.

When you look the part, you feel the part—and the world responds accordingly.

📸 Need to refresh your headshot? Send me a message and let`s make it happen!

#headshots

10 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18078568405767160
When you show up like a pro, doors start opening. We wrapped this session with a simple truth: “Kyle’s going to go off and do great things.” And he will—because he’s putting his best foot forward, starting with how he presents himself. A high-quality headshot might seem like a small thing, but it can make a powerful first impression that opens doors to new jobs, clients, or collaborations. When you look the part, you feel the part—and the world responds accordingly. 📸 Need to refresh your headshot? Send me a message and let's make it happen! #headshots

Ever wondered why your headshots look flat instead of flattering? 👀

It all comes down to lighting. In the studio, I use one main light source and strategically placed reflectors to bounce light and fill in shadows. This creates that soft, even glow that makes you look approachable and polished—while still keeping a touch of shadow to add shape and dimension to your face.

Flat lighting can make your features disappear. The right lighting makes you stand out. ✨

Ready to finally love your headshots?

📩 DM me or click the link in bio to book your session today.

#headshots #thewoodlandstxphotographer #headshotphotographer #headshottips

10 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18101432104594547
Ever wondered why your headshots look flat instead of flattering? 👀 It all comes down to lighting. In the studio, I use one main light source and strategically placed reflectors to bounce light and fill in shadows. This creates that soft, even glow that makes you look approachable and polished—while still keeping a touch of shadow to add shape and dimension to your face. Flat lighting can make your features disappear. The right lighting makes you stand out. ✨ Ready to finally love your headshots? 📩 DM me or click the link in bio to book your session today. #headshots #thewoodlandstxphotographer #headshotphotographer #headshottips

Here’s why 👇🏻

Most people wait for the “perfect” moment—when they’ve lost a few pounds, changed their hair, or finally feel more confident. But here’s the truth: there will always be something you’re waiting on.

Your headshot isn’t about some future version of you—it’s about showing up confidently in the season you’re in today. Because this version of you? The one leading your team, meeting clients, building your business—that’s the version people want to connect with.

When your photo feels authentic and current, it builds instant trust. Outdated or staged images can actually do the opposite, making it harder for people to recognize the real you.

So don’t wait for “someday.” The right time to show up as your best self is always now.

📸 Ready for a refresh? Let’s create a headshot that feels true to you.

DM me to book your session.

#headshotupdate #headshotphotographer #thewoodlandsheadshots #professionalheadshots

4 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18098257465620095
Here’s why 👇🏻 Most people wait for the “perfect” moment—when they’ve lost a few pounds, changed their hair, or finally feel more confident. But here’s the truth: there will always be something you’re waiting on. Your headshot isn’t about some future version of you—it’s about showing up confidently in the season you’re in today. Because this version of you? The one leading your team, meeting clients, building your business—that’s the version people want to connect with. When your photo feels authentic and current, it builds instant trust. Outdated or staged images can actually do the opposite, making it harder for people to recognize the real you. So don’t wait for “someday.” The right time to show up as your best self is always now. 📸 Ready for a refresh? Let’s create a headshot that feels true to you. DM me to book your session. #headshotupdate #headshotphotographer #thewoodlandsheadshots #professionalheadshots

🚫 Let’s talk wardrobe no-nos for headshots.

I want you to look polished, confident, and distraction-free in your photos—and sometimes that means skipping certain outfit choices.

For men:

❌ No undershirts peeking through

❌ If you’re wearing a tie, make sure your shirt buttons all the way up

❌ If it doesn’t, we’re ditching the tie

For women:

❌ Skip the sleeveless tops—your arms will compete with your face for attention

✅ A sleeve (even short) helps keep the focus where it belongs—on YOU

The goal? A clean, intentional look that draws people in and keeps their attention right where it should be—your face.

📸 Save this before your session so you can show up ready and confident.

#headshots #headshotphotography #HoustonHeadshots #whattowearforheadshots

16 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18082817308920860
🚫 Let’s talk wardrobe no-nos for headshots. I want you to look polished, confident, and distraction-free in your photos—and sometimes that means skipping certain outfit choices. For men: ❌ No undershirts peeking through ❌ If you’re wearing a tie, make sure your shirt buttons all the way up ❌ If it doesn’t, we’re ditching the tie For women: ❌ Skip the sleeveless tops—your arms will compete with your face for attention ✅ A sleeve (even short) helps keep the focus where it belongs—on YOU The goal? A clean, intentional look that draws people in and keeps their attention right where it should be—your face. 📸 Save this before your session so you can show up ready and confident. #headshots #headshotphotography #HoustonHeadshots #whattowearforheadshots

Let`s talk... ⬇️

If your headshot isn’t working on your website, LinkedIn, or social media...

👉🏻 it’s probably not the image.

👉🏻 it’s the crop.

Yep, even the most beautiful photo can fall flat if it’s not framed for the platform it’s on.

Here are 3 common cropping mistakes I see all the time (and how to fix them):

1️⃣ Too Close – When there’s no breathing room, the image feels cramped and overly intense.

2️⃣ Too Far – If we can’t clearly see your face, we lose the connection instantly.

3️⃣ Wrong Shape for the Platform – That rectangle you uploaded to LinkedIn? It just became a circle... and cut off half your head.

✨ The fix? Intentional cropping before you upload—so your headshot looks polished, professional, and approachable everywhere.

Want a headshot that works across all platforms? Let’s create one that does just that.

📩 DM me to plan your session or visit the link in bio to learn more.

4 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18033514481698346
Let's talk... ⬇️ If your headshot isn’t working on your website, LinkedIn, or social media... 👉🏻 it’s probably not the image. 👉🏻 it’s the crop. Yep, even the most beautiful photo can fall flat if it’s not framed for the platform it’s on. Here are 3 common cropping mistakes I see all the time (and how to fix them): 1️⃣ Too Close – When there’s no breathing room, the image feels cramped and overly intense. 2️⃣ Too Far – If we can’t clearly see your face, we lose the connection instantly. 3️⃣ Wrong Shape for the Platform – That rectangle you uploaded to LinkedIn? It just became a circle... and cut off half your head. ✨ The fix? Intentional cropping before you upload—so your headshot looks polished, professional, and approachable everywhere. Want a headshot that works across all platforms? Let’s create one that does just that. 📩 DM me to plan your session or visit the link in bio to learn more.

- 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.