Recent Projects
Nashville commercial photographer Tausha Dickinson shares behind-the-scenes shoots, studio lighting education, headshot tips, and business strategy for photographers and clients in Franklin, Brentwood, and Middle Tennessee.
Minimal Lighting, Maximum Drama: From 1 to 3 Lights in Artist Portraits
Want to see how far you can push your creativity with just a couple of lights? In this shoot, I walk through five totally different studio lighting setups using optical snoots, V-flats, classic Rembrandt-style light, and a few creative tricks in between. It’s proof you don’t need a truckload of gear to create bold, high-impact artist portraits. If you’re a photographer looking to level up your lighting without breaking the bank (or your back), this one’s for you.
One Model, Five Lighting Setups: Maximum Impact, Minimal Gear
Want to see how far you can push your creativity with just a couple of lights? In this shoot, I walked through five totally different lighting setups—using optical snoots, V-flats, classic Rembrandt vibes, and a few tricks in between. It’s proof that you don’t need a truckload of gear to create bold, high-impact studio portraits. If you’re a photographer looking to level up your lighting game without breaking the bank (or your back), this one’s for you.
Unstoppable Confidence: Headshot Tips Every Powerful Woman Should Know
Your headshot isn’t just a photo—it’s the first impression your brand makes! In this blog, we’ll help you find the perfect Nashville photographer who understands your style, share tips to prepare for your shoot, and show you how to create headshots that radiate confidence, power, and authenticity. Ready to elevate your brand and have fun in the process? Let’s get started!
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
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
Who Is Mary Louise? The Story Behind Tempo Hotel Nashville's Music Icon
Dive into the immersive tale of Mary Louise at The Tempo Hotel Nashville. Through vivid imagery and compelling storytelling, experience the journey of a musical icon brought to life within the vibrant backdrop of Nashville's soulful spirit.
The Power Behind a Portrait // How a Photograph Can Change Your Perspective
Sometimes, a portrait can do more than capture a moment—it can reveal a truth. During a Help-Portrait session, one man’s reaction to seeing his portrait was nothing short of transformative. With just light, connection, and a lens, he saw himself differently for the first time, and that moment is what makes portrait photography so powerful.
Unconventional Family Photos with Editorial Style | The Canter Family Session
Most family portrait sessions look the same. Everyone coordinates outfits in shades of cream, finds a field, and stands very still. That has never been my approach. I believe family portraits should feel like a reflection of how a family actually lives, not a catalog shoot. In this behind-the-scenes session, I walk through how I built three distinct editorial looks across two locations in one day for Franklin TN luxury interior designer L. Ashley Canter, including the three questions I ask every portrait client to turn a good session into a great one.
Get Creative // Portraits Don’t Have to be Perfect
Not all portraits need to play it safe. For Amanda Dease of Studio Dease, going bold with color, blur, and a disco ball helped her make a powerful visual statement. This creative branding session proves that when portraits reflect your energy, they make an unforgettable impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

