The Best of 2025: Portraits, Projects, and People Who Lit Me Up

Headshots + BrandingProfessional HeadshotsPortraitsEditorialAdvertisingCharityFashion
Written By Tausha Dickinson

What. A. Year.

2025 was bold, bright, and full of bring-your-whole-self energy… and I loved every second of it. This year, I found myself behind the camera with everyone from CEOs and cowboys to podcasters, physicians, and powerhouse women making big moves. Every shoot was a masterclass in storytelling, confidence, and the kind of creative collaboration that makes this job pure magic.

From Nashville boardrooms to studio sets, podcast lounges to vineyards, I’ve had the honor of capturing moments that matter… brand stories, career milestones, family legacies, and a few viral-worthy headshots too. This blog is a highlight reel of the images that stuck with me, the portraits with soul, the campaigns with heart, and the people who reminded me why photography is about so much more than just looking good (though… we definitely looked good).

So grab your coffee or your cocktail (this space welcomes both), and let’s rewind through some of the faces, moments, and memories that made 2025 one for the books. 🎉

 
Portrait of Kix Brooks holding an award at Champions for Children Gala in Nashville, photographed by Tausha Dickinson

Photographing Kix Brooks backstage at the Champions for Children Gala was such an honor. He was being celebrated for over 20 years of giving back to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, and the impact he’s had on families in our community is huge.


Kix brought that calm, cool energy that makes photographing legends feel surprisingly easy. I kept the setup simple and timeless, with just enough style to hint at his country roots. And yes, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” may or may not have been playing in my head the whole time I was editing.

 
 
 

This one had me buzzing in the best way. Dropbox reached out to create a photo library for their employee recruitment campaign. It was clear they weren’t after cookie-cutter corporate headshots. They wanted portraits that actually felt like the people in them, full of joy, energy, personality, and connection.

This shoot reminded me how powerful it is when a company invites people to show up fully and then actually reflects that in their brand visuals. If this is what work looks like, sign me up.

 
 
Black and white headshots of diverse Dropbox team members smiling and laughing, captured by Nashville commercial photographer for a 2025 recruitment campaign.
 
 
 
Black and white portrait of Brothers Osborne at Champions for Children Gala in Nashville, photographed backstage

If I could bottle up the vibe from this shoot with Brothers Osborne, I totally would.

It all happened backstage at the Champions for Children Gala. These two walked into the room with effortless cool, but also this unspoken kindness that caught me off guard in the best way. They were about to perform, but still took the time to settle in and make the portraits feel like something.

We leaned into the moody, dramatic feel… rich blacks, bold expressions, just enough grit to match their vibe. I kept thinking about the lyric “It ain’t my fault” because honestly… their images turned out so good it might be.

 
 
 

This year I got to flex my editorial side with cover shoots that were equal parts polished and personal. Here are a few standouts:

There’s something magical about seeing your work in print… and even more so when it tells a story worth sharing.

Group portrait of Nashville women celebrating 20 years of the Symphony Fashion Show, photographed on stage at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center for the April 2025 cover of nFocus Magazine.
 
 
 
 

At the heart of it all are the portraits, the ones that show who someone really is. This year was packed with shoots that mixed strategy and soul, headshots with depth, creative portraits and branding sessions that feel more like storytelling.

I worked with businesses that care deeply about their people and their presence, including:

Each brand brought their own flavor, and I loved helping them show it through imagery.

I also had the joy of photographing some remarkable individuals this year:

I also had the deep honor of photographing for organizations like Best Buddies and Gigi’s Playhouse, whose missions remind me that photography can uplift, empower, and include.

These portraits? They’re not just about angles and outfits. They’re about building legacy. About showing the world who you are before you ever say a word. And every single person here brought the magic

Bold editorial-style portrait of Tressie McMillan Cottom in a red suit, seated at a white table with confident expression
Editorial bridal portrait featured in nFocus Magazine, showing a woman in a dramatic white gown with voluminous sleeves, seated in front of rich blue curtains
Black and white western-style portrait of Kix Brooks in a cowboy hat with timeless lighting and expression
Young boy in a cowboy hat and denim shirt looking off-camera against a dark textured background
Portrait of a blonde woman with loose waves, wearing a white blouse outdoors with soft natural light and greenery in the background
Brothers Osborne pose with playful red and white cutout props at the Champions for Children Gala, studio-style portrait
Editorial black-and-white portrait of a woman in a strapless dress and jacket, smiling with eyes closed
Portrait of a woman standing confidently in front of a floral mural entrance at the Southern Tea Room
Portrait of a smiling man in a blue suit inside a modern optical studio with eyeglass displays
Close-up portrait of a red-haired woman with gold hoop earrings, neutral expression, set against a green studio background
Black and white portrait of Dr. Dennis Wells of Nashville Aesthetic Dentistry, wearing a black blazer with natural window light.
Professional portrait of a man in a navy suit standing confidently in a modern office setting.
Allee-Sutton smiling in a winter outfit with knit hat, scarf, and puffer jacket, photographed outdoors for Epergne Boutique marketing campaign by Nashville commercial photographer.
Group portrait of the Nashville Restorative Dentistry team standing in front of their office building.
Modern branding portrait of Gabriela Lira standing in a luxury home interior, wearing a green blouse and pencil skirt
Veterinary branding portrait of Dr. Eva Evans in a white coat, smiling while holding a black puppy
Professional portrait of a woman in a green top and navy skirt, standing on a modern staircase with arms crossed, smiling confidently in natural light
Cinematic portrait of Minwoo Jo against a vivid blue background with dramatic lighting and pose
Studio portrait of a man dressed as Elvis Presley, posing confidently in a white jumpsuit with playful energy
Editorial portrait of two musicians seated in a cozy lounge surrounded by guitars and framed music posters
Branding portrait of Shervin Eftekhari wearing a blue plaid jacket, standing confidently inside a modern office space
Studio headshot of Tressie McMillan Cottom wearing a bold red blazer, smiling with confidence against a light background
Elegant branding portrait of a woman in a black dress standing in front of a tall window with natural light.
Professional branding portrait of a woman in a black suit, smiling confidently in a modern office with city views.
Studio headshot of Memorie White in a black top with dramatic lighting and confident expression
Branding photo of the Money Guy Show with two hosts seated at a desk in a modern podcast studio with blue lighting
Studio portrait of Allee-Sutton Hethcoat in a red off-the-shoulder dress with soft directional lighting
Professional portrait of Shervin Eftekhari standing confidently in a modern glass-walled office wearing a gray blazer
Editorial portrait for nFocus Magazine of a man in a plaid blazer and bow tie, posing in a stylish library surrounded by rich wood bookshelves
Portrait of a man in a striped shirt leaning beside a wood sculpture, urban art-inspired background
Natural light portrait of a young man in a blue jacket and white shirt, smiling confidently in a professional setting
Studio portrait of a man in a black suit and glasses, sitting with a relaxed expression against a gray backdrop
Editorial black and white portrait of Minwoo Jo with a dramatic pose, open shirt, and intense lighting
Portrait of REN Dermatology staff member holding branded product, photographed in a bright kitchen setting.
Studio portrait of a young woman with long brown hair, wearing a black leather jacket.
Serene branding photo of a woman meditating on a yoga mat at sunset, with candlelight and mountain views in the background.

Looking back on 2025, I’m incredibly grateful for the stories, energy, and creativity that filled this year. Every portrait session, campaign, and collaboration was a reminder that when people show up with purpose, the results are powerful. Whether you were building a brand, launching something new, or simply stepping into your next chapter, you made it meaningful.

If you’re ready to create visuals that feel like you and move your story forward…

NOW IS THE TIME

Let’s make something unforgettable together.

BOOK AN INTRODUCTION CALL

Spots are already filling quickly so don’t wait to invest in yourself, your brand, or your next big idea. I can’t wait to collaborate with you and capture something honest, elevated, and impactful.✨

Tausha Dickinson
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Your Face Is Your Brand: Show Up, Be Seen, and Lead with Confidence