Tips for High School Senior Portraits | The Woodlands Senior Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in senior portraits and can give you tips for high school senior portraits.  See more senior photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait today!

Tips for High School Senior Portraits

The senior photo session is scheduled with the photographer.  You’re now planning for the session.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind for your high school senior portraits:

  1. Do plan ahead for wardrobe.  Think about your wardrobe and lay out what you plan to wear…down to the socks and shoes.  Make sure that it fits and is clean and pressed.  Bring options for formal and casual wardrobe if you’d like.  Stick with solid colors instead of patterns.
  2. Consider props.  You’re welcome to bring props to your session like a letter jacket, track shoes, instrument, or something that represents who you are.
  3. Don’t worry about the things you can’t control.  I will take care of blemishes, stray hairs, etc. in post production so please don’t worry about those things.
  4. Hair and makeup for ladies – wear a little more makeup than you’d wear on a daily basis.  Keep powder on hand as well during the shoot.  Stick with hairstyles you are comfortable with.  Bring something to put up your hair for a different look at the end.

Senior Session with Conor

Conor and I had a fantastic senior session!  I am absolutely in love with the full body shot in the suit leaning against the white pillar.  So classic!  The sun was pouring in behind the gazebo and was just perfect.  We got several shots in the suit before he changed into a dark blue button down and jeans.  He felt comfortable in this outfit and you could tell that it was “him”.  He had a final outfit for the field as the sun went down.  Although he’s more urban than country, I still love that image with the field and tree in the background.

 

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Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in senior portraits.  See more senior photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait today!

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@taraflanneryphotography

It’s never just pressing a button.

It’s reading the room.
Adjusting in real time.
Knowing how to bring out confidence—even when someone feels uncomfortable in front of the camera.

The technical side matters.
But the connection, the instinct, and the ability to see what others don’t… that’s what turns it into something more.

📩 If you’re ready for photos that feel like you, you can book through the link in my bio.
Come along with me as I set up for a headshot + branding session 👇🏻

When you’re just getting started, it’s easy to think you need all the gear before you can take on client work.

You don’t.

For in-office headshots, a solid setup really comes down to a few essentials:
✅ reliable lighting
✅ a strong lens
✅ a backdrop
✅ reflectors to help control light and keep skin tones consistent

That’s how I’m able to create clean, professional headshots—without being in a studio.

And for branding? That’s where I shift.

Instead of a backdrop, I’m using the client’s space—capturing environmental images that feel more natural, personal, and aligned with their business.

Same session, two different approaches—both intentional.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about having more gear…
it’s about knowing how to use what you have.

📥 If you’re a newer photographer, I’ve put together resources to help with gear, lighting, and posing—click the link in my bio to check them out!
If your brand hasn’t been updated this year… this might be your sign 👇🏻

Summer is one of the best times to refresh your branding imagery—and most people don’t take advantage of it.

Things tend to slow down just enough to step back and actually look at what your brand is communicating.

And for a lot of businesses, this is when it becomes clear:
→ the photos don’t match the level you’re operating at anymore

A mid-year refresh isn’t about starting over—it’s about making sure your visuals reflect where you are now, not where you were a year ago.

But before you even book new photos… you need clarity.

What do you want your brand to feel like?
How do you want to show up?

That’s exactly why I created my Brand Personality Workbook—to help you define that first, so your photos actually align.

📥 Grab it through the link in my bio, and then let’s plan your next session.
Shooting outdoors doesn’t always mean “perfect lighting.” 👇🏻

One of the biggest challenges with natural light is inconsistency—
skin tones can shift depending on shade, surroundings, and even reflections (hello green grass 👀).

That’s why I use off-camera flash, even outside.

It helps create:
✅ consistent skin tones
✅ balanced lighting
✅ a cleaner, more polished final image

So instead of guessing what the light is doing…
I’m controlling it.

📥 If you’re a photographer trying to figure out lighting + gear, I’ve put together a guide with the setups I actually use—link in bio.
What it looks like behind the camera… vs. what you get 👇🏻

Different sessions, different people, different goals—
but always the same focus: helping you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

Headshots, branding, families, seniors, and more… it all comes back to capturing people in a way that actually feels like them.

✨ If you’re ready to start planning your session, you can click the link in my bio.

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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.