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.
Read the Post
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.
Read the Post
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.
Read the PostThe Full Archive
All Posts from the Blog
Browse by Topic: Headshots & Branding | Editorial | Behind the Scenes | Advertising | Photography Education
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.
Can a Photoshoot Change How You See Yourself?
Most people do not walk into a photoshoot feeling confident. This post shares real stories from Nashville clients who came in nervous, unsure, or convinced they were not photogenic and left seeing themselves completely differently. A great photograph can change more than your headshot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
How To Create Branding Photos for a New Business // Eye-catching Images for Franklin Vision Care
When Dr. Annedrea Morreale opened Franklin Vision Care, she knew her brand needed more than just a logo—it needed imagery that matched her polished, professional, and approachable vibe. This branding session captured everything from staff portraits to product shots, creating visuals perfect for social, web, and print use.
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.
The Portrait Experience: Your Next Event’s New Best Friend
Forget the photo booth—The Portrait Experience is a high-end, pop-up studio designed to wow your guests. With moody lighting, editorial direction, and instant digital delivery, this unique offering turns any celebration into a personalized fashion shoot. See how we brought the magic to REED PR’s 10-year bash at Soho House Nashville.
Men’s Headshots // The 3 Things You Need To Do To Look Your Best In A Headshot
From what to wear to how to prep your skin, looking confident in a headshot doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide breaks down the top three things men should know before stepping in front of the lens—plus real examples from clients like Sage Freight and Adam Bergh.
Why Photography Is More Alive When It’s Collaborative
When vision meets collaboration, the results are magic. For Richland Fine Art’s rebranding campaign, a dream team of creatives came together to craft polished, personality-filled portraits designed for a full-page feature in nFOCUS Magazine. A refined shoot with heart, intention, and expert storytelling.
Finding Your Passion // How To Make What You Love Work For You
For Katie Barnes, movement is purpose—and photography brought that to life. This branding session at The K Studio Workout showcases Katie’s passion for health, wellness, and helping others thrive. It’s proof that when you do what you love, your story shows up in every frame.
Glowing Up Event Photos // The Portrait Experience
The Portrait Experience brings high-end editorial portraiture to your event—on-site and on-brand. At Gilda’s Red Door Bash, guests were treated to a luxury setup with moody lighting and instant delivery. This wasn’t just a photo booth—it was a full-on glow-up moment captured in camera.
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.
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.