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
Nashville’s Luxury Realtor Portraits // Photos Featured in nFOCUS Magazine
When nFOCUS Magazine called, I was all in! This luxury realtor portrait session featured some of Nashville’s top agents and was photographed at the stunning Collective 615 space. With custom styling by Emily Goodin and thoughtful lighting setups, each agent was photographed to reflect their brand and professionalism. Get the scoop on how we brought editorial polish and personality to every frame.
How To Light Individuals & Groups for e-Commerce
Lighting can make or break your e-commerce photos—especially when shooting multiple products or team members. In this shoot for AIM Apparel, a brand supporting women through ethical fashion, I set up two lighting stations to keep the flow efficient. Using silver umbrellas and strategic diffusion helped create bright, clean, and consistent images perfect for online shops. Whether you’re photographing solo models or groups, even lighting is key!
Do You Know Why Bounced Light is So Important?
Don’t underestimate the power of bounced light! Whether you’re in a tight space or without a modifier, knowing how to bounce your flash can elevate your portraits. In this post, I break down how I used bounced light for a hallway portrait of Ava and share tips for controlling shadows, using neutral surfaces, and why angling your strobe just right can create stunning results. More practice = more profit. Let’s dive in!
RE-CREATION SERIES / Inspired by a Portrait of Chadwick Boseman
Inspired by an iconic portrait of Chadwick Boseman, this re-creation with Nashville model Rollson Royce captures warmth, legacy, and soul through thoughtful lighting and composition. Using a two-light setup and post-production background replacement, we honored the original while creating something uniquely our own. A beautiful reminder that portraiture can pay homage and inspire all at once.
Adding Ambiance to Your Headshot
Looking to move beyond the basic studio backdrop? This branding session with Shervin Eftekhari of Zander Insurance shows how architectural details and natural textures can bring your headshots to life. With a simple two-light setup and an eye for ambiance, we created editorial-style images that still feel professional and on-brand.
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.
Portrait Session with Tressie McMillan Cottom
Photographing Tressie McMillan Cottom in Nashville was an unforgettable experience. Her strength, grace, and storytelling spirit made this portrait session as powerful as it was personal. Discover the inspiration behind the lens in this heart-centered branding shoot.
Cooking Up Simple Food Photos
Food photography doesn’t have to be complicated! At Boston Commons in Nashville, I used a single artificial light to add just the right pop to their bright and inviting menu images. One-light setups are a game-changer for photographers and brands alike—bringing energy and flavor to every frame!
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.
You Can Take Old Hollywood Glam Portraits Anywhere
Doing test shoots are a great way to work through new concepts, or lighting setups, without having the pressure of being on a time-sensitive paid shoot. Test shoots also help you stay fresh and add some personal projects to your portfolio. One of the looks that I did during my shoot with Kasanna was inspired by simple old Hollywood glamor portraits, but with a modern vibe.
Affiliate Disclosure
Transparency is very important to me so I want to make it very clear that I’ve included certain products and links to those products on this site that I will earn an affiliate commission from. My goal with everything I do is to help educate and help photographers grow, but please understand I am doing this as a for-profit business and not just a hobby.
Behind the Scenes | Nashville Aesthetic Dentistry
When your business is making people smile, it's only fitting that you shine a light on someone who helps make pearly whites the best that they can be!
Weird Times – Bright Spirits
Yesterday I gave my neighbors a 5-hour notice that I was going to walk around and photograph their families (from a VERY safe distance of course!) I let everyone do their own thing and I absolutely loved capturing these photos. We all had a good laugh.
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.
Lifestyle Branding Photography | runWestin
I love working with brands, both big and small! The Westin Hotel needed lifestyle branding images for their runWESTIN concierge service and even though the day of the shoot was CRAZY cold out, the models and the team did an excellent job staying positive and giving 110%! Take a peak behind my lens in the video to see my process when working on Lifestyle Branding shoots!
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.
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.
MODEL PORTFOLIO // JILL COMSTOCK
Jill and I collaborated on a shoot to showcase her many different looks to update her portfolio. We started the shoot at my studio in Franklin, TN and then went to Downtown Franklin and back to my studio to finish up with some fitness images.
MODEL // TAWNY SWAIN
I first found Tawny Swain on Instagram and started a dialogue. This is our first shoot of many to come. For this session I used the following gear: Nikon D750, Nikon D800, Sigma 50 1.4 ART, Sigma 85 1.4, Sigma 70-200 2.8, Neewer TT860 and TT850 Speedlights
Westscott Rapid, Box as well as Magmod grids and gels.
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.