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
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.
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.
Workshop with Felix Kunze - A Photographers Honest Review
I recently had the privilege of participating in a photography workshop led by the renowned photographer Felix Kunze. I was lucky enough to attend the workshop with my friend Anthony Romano Creative. From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary, and I wanted to share my review with the world.
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.
From Mylar to Tinsel: The Magic of the Focus Spring Fashion Shoot
Go behind the scenes of the nFocus Spring Fashion Shoot, where shimmering Mylar backdrops met high fashion and creative lighting. From bold gowns to radiant glam, this editorial session brought the magic of spring to life in the most stylish way. Come see how we turned tinsel into pure gold!
Taking Family Portraits to the Next Level
While my current Franklin home studio space may be small, it's also quite mighty! I love taking a family portrait and elevating it just a bit for a fashion and luxury vibe.
How to Use the MagMod MagBox Outdoors for Off-Camera Flash Portraits // Nashville Photographer
One of my absolute favorite tools is the MagMod MagBox. It's just the right size for a variety of uses and it's ? MAGNETIC. You can use it with speed lights, or if you get the mount adapter you can use it with your strobe lighting as well.
Musician Portraits at The Jail at Warren Studios with AVVAY and Paul C. Buff, Inc.
I partnered with AVVAY (a digital platform that makes awesome spaces easily bookable for everyone) for a unique portrait experience for musicians in Nashville, TN. Paul C. Buff, Inc. swung by to get some behind-the-scenes content and also interviewed me about the event, the benefits of using AVVAY, and why I chose The Jail at Warren Studios as the space for the shoot.
STYLE NATIVE : BRANDI CYRUS : STREET FASHION
Brandi Cyrus is a well known for her KILLER fashion which can be at Style Native Blog as well as on her Instagram.
Brandi and I have been working together quite a lot lately. This project involved shooting fashion in a street style.
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.