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
Out with the Old, In with the New: The Importance of Refreshing Your Company’s Photos
Outdated headshots send the wrong message. When The Mainland Companies updated their branding photos, they didn’t just modernize their image—they reflected their culture, boosted morale, and elevated their team’s online presence. If your company photos are still stuck in the past, it’s time for a fresh, personality-packed update.
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.
Why We Love Black and White Photography // Men’s Branding Session
Black and white photography is more than a stylistic choice—it’s a storytelling tool. For Nathan Aspinall, associate conductor of the Nashville Symphony, this branding session was designed to feel classic, intentional, and refined. With color stripped away, the focus shifted to emotion, composition, and timeless connection—exactly what great branding portraits should do.
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.
5 Photography Business Mistakes That Are Costing You Clients (And How to Fix Them)
Running a photography business takes more than creativity—it takes systems, strategy, and balance. If you're struggling with burnout, inconsistent workflows, or slow growth, you might be making one of these five common mistakes. The good news? They're totally fixable.
Embracing the Elements on an Outdoor Shoot // Make the Most of Your Surroundings
The weather may not always cooperate, but that doesn’t mean your shoot is ruined. For this outdoor session with Kim of Gatehouse Studio, wind and clouds created the perfect opportunity for dynamic, softly lit branding portraits that feel authentic and alive.
3 Tips to Fight Imposter Syndrome // Stop Feeling Like a Fraud
Feeling like a fraud in your creative career? You’re not alone. These three empowering tips will help you recognize self-doubt, shift your mindset, and reclaim your confidence—because you deserve to own your worth and thrive in your craft.
Celebrating the 2022 Friendship Ball in Nashville // Best Buddies of Tennessee
The 2022 Friendship Ball with Best Buddies Tennessee was a celebration of connection, joy, and inclusion. From heartfelt reunions to epic dance moves, this event was full of smiles and unforgettable moments. Here's how we captured the energy and love of the night through intentional lighting and storytelling portraits.
Make Your Next Event Unforgettable with Magazine Style Portraits // The Portrait Experience
Add a creative, high-end twist to your next event with The Portrait Experience—a luxury pop-up portrait studio that makes your guests feel like stars. With pro lighting, on-site delivery, and a unique editorial vibe, these magazine-style portraits go beyond the standard photo booth and deliver lasting impressions.
Luxury Realtor Headshots and Team Photos with The Lira Group
When Gabriela Lira, a leading Nashville luxury realtor, needed updated headshots for her team, she knew consistency and personality were key. We photographed her entire team in a gorgeous natural-light-filled home to create cohesive, professional, and fun portraits perfect for their website and social media.
How To Use The Space Around You for Fantastic Headshots
Learn how to take your headshot photography to the next level by using creative environments instead of plain backdrops. In this behind-the-scenes look at a session for Wildhorse Saloon’s leadership team, I share how One Fourteen’s neutral yet dynamic space brought personality and polish to each portrait.
Are You Collecting Reviews During Your Workflow // Collecting Customer Feedback is a Must
Client reviews aren’t just a “nice to have”—they’re a must-have. In this blog, I share how automating feedback collection through tools like Dubsado helped me elevate my client experience and grow my photography business. Plus, hear what one amazing client had to say!
How to Create Lifestyle and Branding Photos with Two Lights // Grab The Gold Marketing Images
Go behind the scenes of our lifestyle branding shoot for Grab the Gold and its founder, Danielle Ontiveros. With a soft two-light setup and a home studio kitchen backdrop, we created authentic, polished imagery perfect for marketing and social media. Learn how a simple lighting setup and a strong creative team made this food brand shine.
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.