Tausha Dickinson · Nashville & Beyond
Headshot Tips, Studio Lighting, and Business Strategy for Nashville Professionals and Photographers
Studio lighting breakdowns, headshot guidance, behind-the-scenes from commercial shoots, and business strategy for photographers. Written by Nashville commercial and portrait photographer Tausha Dickinson.
Nashville · Franklin · Middle Tennessee · Worldwide
About This Blog
What it actually looks like
to do this work well.
This blog covers two things: what it actually looks like to do this work at a high level, and how to think about photography as a craft and a business. Some posts are written for clients who want to understand what they're investing in. Others are written for photographers who want to build something worth having. Nashville headshot sessions, advertising campaigns, studio lighting education, and business systems for working photographers in Franklin, Brentwood, and Middle Tennessee.
Tausha Dickinson
Topics Covered
Headshots
Why Your LinkedIn Headshot Is Costing You Opportunities
Your LinkedIn headshot shapes first impressions in milliseconds. The most common mistakes Nashville professionals make and exactly how to fix them.
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Advertising
Who Is Mary Louise? The Story Behind Tempo Hotel Nashville's Music Icon
Dive into the immersive tale of Mary Louise at Tempo Hotel Nashville. A commercial campaign built around character, storytelling, and Nashville's musical identity.
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Photography Education
One Light Photography Made Simple: Key Takeaways from the Lighting Workshop
Bounced light, hard light, modified light. A recap of the ONE LIGHT, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES workshop with real images, lighting diagrams, and what attendees walked away with.
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All Posts from the Blog
Browse by Topic: Headshots & Branding | Editorial | Behind the Scenes | Advertising | Photography Education
Tethered Photography: Who Needs It, Who Doesn't, and Why It Changes Everything on Set
Tethering is one of the most valuable habits you can build as a photographer, but it is not for everyone. Here is the honest breakdown of who should be shooting tethered, who genuinely does not need it, and what it actually changes on set when you do.
How I Match a Subject to a Space: Behind the Nfocus Fresh Faces at The Manning Nashville
What does it take to photograph ten different personalities in one location and make each shot feel completely unique? This is a behind-the-scenes look at the nFocus Fresh Faces of Philanthropy shoot at The Manning in Nashville's Belle Meade neighborhood.
How to Look Confident in Headshots Even If You Hate Being Photographed
Looking confident in photos has nothing to do with being naturally photogenic. This guide covers the practical techniques Nashville clients use to relax in front of the camera, find their angles, and show up as the version of themselves they actually want people to see.
Your Google Results Are Your First Impression: Here's What Nashville Professionals Are Doing About It
Before you say a word in a meeting or send a single proposal, someone has already Googled you. Here's what Nashville professionals are doing to make sure what they find actually converts.
Branding Headshots for Women: What to Expect, What to Wear, and What to Demand
A strong branding headshot does three things: communicates competence, feels approachable, and looks current. Here is how to get there, from wardrobe to photographer selection to session prep.
AI Made Me a Better Photographer: Not How’d You Think
AI is not replacing photographers. It is replacing the version of you that spends Tuesday nights writing follow-up emails instead of resting or creating. Here is exactly what I use, what works, and where I still draw the line.
The 80/20 Rule for Photographers: Why Systems Beat Talent Every Time
Why do some photographers build profitable businesses while others stay stuck? The answer is usually systems, not talent. This post breaks down why workflows, client experience, and financial structure are the real difference makers.
Why Your LinkedIn Headshot Is Costing You Opportunities
Your LinkedIn headshot shapes first impressions in milliseconds. This guide breaks down the most common mistakes Nashville professionals make and what a strong headshot should look like. Here is what is quietly costing you opportunities.
Minimal Lighting, Maximum Drama: From 1 to 3 Lights in Artist Portraits
What can you create with one, two, or three lights and a Nashville singer-songwriter in the studio? This behind-the-scenes breakdown walks through five distinct lighting setups from a single session with Lauren River. Clean, cinematic, textured, and dramatic — all from minimal gear.
Can a Photoshoot Change How You See Yourself?
Most people do not walk into a photoshoot feeling confident. This post shares real stories from Nashville clients who came in nervous, unsure, or convinced they were not photogenic and left seeing themselves completely differently. A great photograph can change more than your headshot.
One Model, Five Lighting Setups: Maximum Impact, Minimal Gear
How far can you push studio lighting with just a couple of lights? This shoot walks through five completely different setups using optical snoots, V-flats, and classic Rembrandt-style light. Proof that bold, high-impact studio portraits do not require a truckload of gear.
The Faces Nashville Trusts: Photographing the WSMV 4 News Team
What does it take to photograph the faces Nashville trusts every night? This behind-the-scenes look at the WSMV 4 News team shoot covers everything from anchor desk portraits to candid moments, and why credibility in front of the camera starts long before the shutter fires.
How to Use a CRM as a Photographer (And Why It Will Change Your Business)
What is the difference between a photography business that runs smoothly and one that keeps you up at night? Usually it is a CRM. This guide breaks down how to automate workflows, improve client experience, and increase bookings with systems that actually hold up under pressure.
Inside a High-End Bridal Editorial: Lighting, Styling, and Behind-the-Scenes
What does it take to shoot a high-end bridal editorial for nFocus Magazine inside a historic Nashville location? This behind-the-scenes breakdown covers the lighting decisions, styling choices, and creative direction that turned cinematic light and bold fashion into a published spread.
Your Face Is Your Brand: How a Headshot Changes How People See You -Nashville Photographer
Most people tense up when a camera points their way, not because they are unphotogenic, but because they have never been shown how to truly be seen. This post is about more than headshots. It is about visibility, leadership, and what changes when your photos finally match who you actually are.
The Best of 2025: Portraits, Projects, and People Who Lit Me Up
A visual love letter to 2025. From Kix Brooks to Dropbox and dozens of unforgettable portraits, here’s a look back at the moments, faces, and stories that defined the year behind my lens.
Who Is Mary Louise? The Story Behind Tempo Hotel Nashville's Music Icon
Nashville commercial photographer Tausha Dickinson built an entire advertising campaign around a fictional musician for the Tempo Hotel by Hilton. This is how a character becomes a brand before a hotel ever opens.
Headshot vs Branding vs Lifestyle Photography: What’s the Difference and Which Session Do You Need?
What is the difference between a headshot, a branding session, and lifestyle photography, and which one do you actually need? This guide breaks down each session type, when to choose one over the other, and how most Nashville clients get the best of all three in a single shoot.
How Much Do Headshots Cost in Nashville in 2026? Full Pricing Guide & What to Expect
Curious about what headshots really cost in Nashville? From quick LinkedIn updates to full-scale personal branding sessions, this guide breaks down pricing from $150 to $10,000+, what’s included at each level, and how to choose the right session to elevate your brand and presence.
Inside a Full-Team Branding Session That Delivers Personality, Not Just Headshots
What does it take to photograph 21 people in a single day and make every shot feel polished and personal? When AVKARE needed updated headshots and team branding photos, they chose a custom Nashville session that proved professional does not have to mean stiff. Great team photos can still feel like you.
Nashville & Beyond
Ready for photos
that do the work?
Executives, founders, network anchors, and NBA clients trust Tausha Dickinson for headshots and branding sessions in Nashville, Franklin, and beyond.
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Learn to shoot
at this level.
Small-group workshops and private mentoring in the Nashville area. Studio lighting fundamentals, subject direction, and the business strategy that makes it sustainable.
View Workshops & MentoringFrequently Asked Questions
Questions About Headshots, Lighting, and Working with Tausha
What is the difference between a headshot and a branding session?
A headshot is a single polished portrait for LinkedIn or professional profiles. A branding session is a broader shoot that captures your personality, environment, and story across multiple images for use across your website, social media, and marketing. View headshot and branding sessions.
How much do professional headshots cost in Nashville?
Nashville headshot pricing typically ranges from $150 for a mini session to $1,500 or more for a full personal branding session. Investment depends on session length, number of final images, and whether hair and makeup is included.
What should a professional LinkedIn headshot look like?
It should be recent, well lit, show your face filling 60 to 70 percent of the frame, and reflect your current career level. Avoid car selfies, group photo crops, harsh overhead lighting, and heavy filters. See the full LinkedIn headshot breakdown.
How do I look confident in photos if I hate having my picture taken?
Confidence in front of the camera comes from direction, not personality. A skilled photographer guides your posture, expression, and movement so the result looks natural even if you felt awkward the whole time. Book a session and see for yourself.
What gear do I need to start shooting studio portraits?
One quality strobe, a softbox or umbrella, and a clean background are enough to create professional studio portraits. Lighting knowledge matters far more than the number of lights or the cost of your kit. See the full gear guide.
What is the best way to light a portrait with one light?
Place a single key light at a 45-degree angle, slightly above eye level, angled down toward the subject. This creates natural shadow and dimension without additional gear. A softbox or umbrella adds softness and control. Explore the full lighting setups guide.
How do I hire a Nashville photographer for a commercial campaign?
Look for a commercial photographer with a portfolio that includes brand, advertising, or editorial work. Review their approach to art direction and subject guidance alongside their technical skills. Start a project conversation here.
Where is Tausha Dickinson located?
Tausha Dickinson is based in Franklin, TN, serving clients in Nashville, Brentwood, Cool Springs, and throughout Middle Tennessee. Studio sessions are available in Franklin, with on-location work available across the region and beyond. Learn more about Tausha.
What topics does this photography blog cover?
This blog covers two main areas: guidance for professionals and businesses seeking headshots or commercial photography in Nashville and the surrounding area, and education for working photographers on studio lighting, workflow systems, and business strategy.
How do photographers use a CRM to run their business?
A CRM automates client communication, contracts, invoices, and follow-ups. For photographers, tools like Dubsado reduce admin time and create a consistent client experience from first inquiry to final delivery. Read the full CRM guide for photographers.