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
Branding Headshots for Women: What to Expect, What to Wear, and What to Demand
A strong branding headshot does three things: communicates competence, feels approachable, and looks current. Here is how to get there, from wardrobe to photographer selection to session prep.
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.
One Model, Five Lighting Setups: Maximum Impact, Minimal Gear
How far can you push studio lighting with just a couple of lights? This shoot walks through five completely different setups using optical snoots, V-flats, and classic Rembrandt-style light. Proof that bold, high-impact studio portraits do not require a truckload of gear.Who Is Mary Louise? The Story Behind Tempo Hotel Nashville's Music Icon
Nashville commercial photographer Tausha Dickinson built an entire advertising campaign around a fictional musician for the Tempo Hotel by Hilton. This is how a character becomes a brand before a hotel ever opens.
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
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.
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.