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.
The Faces Nashville Trusts: Photographing the WSMV 4 News Team
Photographing the WSMV 4 News team inside their Nashville studio was a full circle moment. From anchor desk portraits to behind the scenes moments, this editorial shoot focused on trust, credibility, and the human connection viewers feel every time they turn on the news.
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.
Stop the Hustle, Start the Flow: How Photographers Can Work Smarter and Earn More
Tired of the nonstop hustle? Running a photography business doesn’t have to mean late-night edits, endless emails, and chasing invoices. By streamlining your workflow, automating tasks, and refining your craft, you can attract high-paying clients while working smarter—not harder. In this blog, I’ll show you how to simplify your processes, position yourself as a leader, and create a business that thrives.
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.
One Light Studio Setup: How to Master Portrait Lighting With Minimal Gear
A one light studio setup is not a beginner's compromise. It is one of the most intentional approaches to portrait photography there is. In this guide, I break down three foundational lighting techniques using minimal gear: bounced light for soft, natural results; hard light for drama and edge; and modified light for polished, versatile portraits. Real setups, real gear, and the exact approach I teach photographers in my Nashville workshops.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
Behind the Frame | One Light Dramatic Portraits
What happens when editorial fashion meets bridal branding? During a creative session with Angelina Lopez of Velour Events, we transformed a hallway into a dramatic portrait scene using just one light and a frame installation by Overton Arts. With texture, shadow, and simple lighting, we crafted timeless, bold imagery that makes a lasting impact.
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

