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
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.
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.
Exclusive Look: How I Photographed the Fresh Faces of Philanthropy Editorial for nFocus Magazine
Exclusive Look: How I Photographed the Fresh Faces of Philanthropy for nFocus Magazine. Dive into the behind-the-scenes details of our photo shoot at Sinema, featuring creative lighting techniques and unique setups. Discover the process of capturing Nashville's remarkable philanthropists for the June issue of nFocus.
Capturing Confidence: Simple Lighting and Seamless Paper for Stunning Headshots
The Renaissance Women's Summit was all about girl power, networking, and feeling like a boss. And what better way to capture all that confidence than with some stunning headshots?
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.
ATELIER // WOOD + BURKS STUDIO BY DEANNA BURKSU
This space is gorgeous! Perfect for an event of any kind!
About the Wood + Burks Studio – Our studio features beautiful furnishings and everything you need to have the perfect gathering. Host your next bridal shower, birthday party, corporate event, rehearsal dinner in our studio.
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.
View Headshot SessionsFor Photographers
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.