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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why Your Brand Deserves Photos That Tell Your Story (Featuring Alitura Veterinary Care!)
What does a brand photography session look like when the business itself is built around a philosophy? Dr. Eva Evans opened Alitura Veterinary Care with a clear vision of integrative, personalized pet care, and she needed photos to match. This is what it looks like when branding photography goes deeper than great images.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Brandon Jennings’ Exclusive Barrel Pick at Jack Daniels Distillery - Behind the Scenes
This unforgettable project with Jack Daniels, Brandon Jennings, and the Milwaukee Bucks captured the perfect blend of heritage and style. From the fiery charcoal-burning process to selecting barrels in the tasting room, every moment told a story. Explore how this collaboration brought history to life through dynamic commercial photography at the iconic Jack Daniels distillery.
Brett Boyer Foundation’s Red Bird Games Hosted by Luke and Caroline Bryan: The Portrait Experience
The Red Bird Games Portrait Experience was a creative, fun-filled event in support of the Brett Boyer Foundation. Teaming up with Amanda Deese, we transformed Luke Bryan's property into a space cowboy-themed studio, complete with an Airstream, fog, and gel lighting. Guests embraced the theme, bringing personality and excitement to each shot, making this year's Red Bird Games truly unforgettable.
Nashville Aesthetic Dentistry’s Branding Refresh: Showcasing Doctors, Team Spirit, and Radiant Smiles
Nashville Aesthetic Dentistry is one of my favorite clients, and I’ve been fortunate to work with them for the past four years, providing updated branding, headshots, and marketing photography. Their commitment to excellence matches my own, making our collaborations truly rewarding. This recent shoot was particularly exciting because they’ve added two new doctors to their team. It was definitely time for a visual refresh!
Throwing Paint and Finding Peace: Inside the THERAPAINT Experience
The transformation at THERAPAINT begins with a pristine white suit, like a blank canvas, and evolves into a vibrant, beautiful mess as the session progresses. Photographing in this environment felt like a colorful, high-stakes dodgeball game, capturing dynamic movements and raw emotions. It was an incredibly fun and rewarding experience
NASCAR's Corey LaJoie's Exclusive Barrel Pick at Jack Daniels Distillery - Behind the Scenes
In a recent collaboration, NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie and Julie Giese, the president of the Chicago Street Race, embarked on an exciting journey to the iconic Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. This exclusive tasting was for them to choose a barrel and create a limited-edition Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Personal Collection, available for a limited time in Chicago, to commemorate the 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Behind-the-Scenes: Creating Mary Louise's Story for Tempo Hotel
From scouting the perfect locations and styling outfits to designing the lighting that set the mood, you'll get an inside look at the artistry and teamwork that made this project a reality. Join us as we reveal the fun, the challenges, and the sheer creativity that turned Mary Louise's story into stunning visuals that are FLOOR-to-CEILING on every guest floor at The Tempo Hotel by Hilton
Exclusive Behind the Scenes: The Making of the nFocus Fashion Editorial Featuring Designer Prabal Gurung
Ever wondered what goes into creating the dazzling fashion spreads you see in magazines? Dive into the whirlwind world of high fashion with us on the set of nFocus’s April issue, featuring the breathtaking Spring Collection by Prabal Gurung.
4 Reasons Why One Light is All You Need for Stunning Entrepreneur Headshots
When it comes to crafting jaw-dropping entrepreneur headshots, sometimes the mantra "less is more" rings especially true. And by "less," I mean using just one light. Yes, you heard that right. One single light. Here are four fun reasons why embracing the "one light philosophy" is a brilliant move for stunning entrepreneur headshots.
Nfocus Bridal Fashion Editorial
Discover the magic of Clementine Hall in nFocus Magazine's wedding shoot, where elegance meets artistry. Tausha captures the essence of bridal fashion with a team of creatives, each frame a testament to their collective vision and impeccable style.
You Can Take Old Hollywood Glam Portraits Anywhere
Doing test shoots are a great way to work through new concepts, or lighting setups, without having the pressure of being on a time-sensitive paid shoot. Test shoots also help you stay fresh and add some personal projects to your portfolio. One of the looks that I did during my shoot with Kasanna was inspired by simple old Hollywood glamor portraits, but with a modern vibe.
Behind the Scenes | Nashville Aesthetic Dentistry
When your business is making people smile, it's only fitting that you shine a light on someone who helps make pearly whites the best that they can be!
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.