About Nashville
Nashville is lovingly known as Music City. It has everything from honky-tonks to concerts at the Grand Ole Opry. It's been popular with songwriters since the 1950s and has spawned many legendary musicians such as Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Kenny Chesney.
Nashville's historic district has a lot of houses from the 1800s that are restored and preserved. Downtown Nashville has a few of the most iconic buildings, like the Ryman Auditorium and the War Memorial. Many of these buildings have been turned into museums and event venues which you can tour for a small fee. You can take a round, click a few photos, and enjoy a little bit of history.
If you're looking for a Nashville photo shoot location, the city certainly has a wide range of options. There is the Radnor Lake State Park and Cumberland River, the Nashville Mural, and Shelby Park for some picturesque spots. If you want, you could also consider Union Station or Nissan Stadium for engagement photos, photo shoots, and city pictures.
Think about a historic designer home for an engagement session, a rustic barn for a music video promotion, or a modern lodge for a product launch photo shoot. The possibilities are endless!
Photo Shoot Options in Nashville
Once you select the ideal venue for your photo shoot, it's time to begin planning the final details of your session. There are all kinds of things you may need for a successful photo shoot, from lighting systems and props to hair and makeup, styling, and catering. Fortunately, you're spoiled for choices in Nashville.
- Hair and Makeup
If your photo shoot includes human subjects, you'll want everyone to look and feel their best. Since Nashville is an entertainment hub, there are all kinds of professional hair and makeup artists available to work with. Be sure to peruse their portfolios and lookbooks to ensure you find someone with a style that suits your photo shoot, engagement sessions, or private events.
- Lighting Equipment Rentals
Lighting is a critical element of any photo shoot, and you can't afford to take any chances. Fortunately, there are many equipment rental companies in Nashville that will outfit you with the ideal lighting array for your next photo session. Remember, flash photography is different from a shoot under neon lights or taking photos in a barista parlor.
- Decorations
Decorations will help bring your photo shoot venue to life. Whether you need furniture items, plants, artwork, or props for a beautiful location, a local rental company can help set you up with anything you may need. Although there are many photo-worthy spots and natural locations like murals in downtown Nashville and waterfalls, having decorations will definitely make your photos more interesting.
- Stylist
Depending on the subject of your photo shoot, a stylist could be a valuable asset. Everything from the photography style to the decor to the wardrobe featured can help position a product or setting. Work with a local stylist to develop a selection of looks that suit the vibe of your photo shoot and capture the most inspiring photos. Nashville is home to the best stylists, even celebrity stylists who had the pleasure of working with celebrities like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and Reese Witherspoon.
- Caterer
Whether you want to provide coffee and snacks, appetizers, or a full meal, Music City is home to many talented caterers who will be happy to help out. You should consider caterers who can visit the best spots in town and deliver food whenever needed.
Photo Shoot Companies in Nashville
Photo shoots have a lot of moving parts. Even a small shoot still requires things like lighting setups, hair and makeup artists, and decor. Instead of taking on all of these responsibilities single-handedly, enlist some of the local service providers in Nashville to help out.
- Craft Hair Co.
Craft Hair Co is a full-service hair salon located on Nashville's music row. They offer hair cuts, color, and styling, as well as an array of conditioning treatments. They also provide makeup application or makeup lessons for those who wish to master their techniques. They are available for beauty shoots, engagement photos, weddings, and more.
- Draper James
Draper James was founded by celebrity, Reese Witherspoon. It is a popular clothing company that provides excellent and fashionable clothing items for productions and more. Draper James is a one-stop shop for your fashion needs, mainly focusing on Southern fashion.
- Nashville Lighting and Grip, Inc
Nashville Lighting and Grip specializes in providing service and equipment to productions in the Nashville area. They offer equipment rentals and crew to help support productions of all types. They have all the equipment you could possibly need to take pictures from camera lenses, fans and special effects equipment, grip trucks, and beyond.
- G Catering
This catering company specializes in creative cuisine and gracious service. They cater events of any size, from weddings to private parties, corporate meetings, and everything in between. They also provide bar services if necessary. Their service styles include boxed, drop-off, buffet, plated, appetizers, and more. They can accommodate anything you may need.
Pros and Cons of Photo Shoots in Nashville
Before you get too far along in your planning, it's essential to consider the pros and cons of a Nashville photo shoot location. Considerations like weather and traffic could all factor into which photo shoot venue you choose and when you schedule the event. Here are some things to think about.
Advantages
- Diversity of venues and attractions
The Nashville area provides the perfect backdrop for professional photographers and film producers, with everything from the historic buildings on Lower Broadway to high-end hotels, outdoor venues, Centennial Park and the on-site Athens-inspired Parthenon replica, botanical gardens, and a full-scale replica of a Gibson Les Paul Guitar. You'll have no trouble finding the perfect setting for your photo shoot.
- Awesome music scene
Nashville is known for the fantastic music scene, and it's not limited to country music acts. You can see live bands playing everything from blues and rock to jazz, pop, folk, retro and more any night of the week!
- Lots to do
Whether you're drawn to nature-oriented activities, live music, historical sites, bar hopping, or something else, Nashville has no shortage of fun things to do. You can shop at the Opry Mills, check in at the Opryland Hotel, look for photo opportunities at the best photo spots, do some sightseeing along the shores of the Cumberland River, and stop in for a drink at one of the city's rooftop bars to catch views the Nashville skyline.
- Accessibility
With an international airport and a central location between numerous city centers, Nashville is easy to get to from anywhere in the US and beyond. Nashville is one of the most accessible cities, where you can safely walk around the streets using every walkway in Music Row like the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge to go from location to location during your photo ops.
- Excellent food
Aside from the amazing views for photo shoots, filming, and wedding locations, Nashville's foodie scene is also worth mentioning. It includes farm-to-table restaurants, food trucks, barbecue joints, bakeries, and more. Cuisine in Nashville is diverse and delicious. From the west end to east Nashville, there are tons of food choices that you will definitely enjoy.
Disadvantages
- Poor public transportation
Nashville's public transportation systems haven't caught up with the city's growth. The best way to get around is in a personal vehicle. Although walking around is great in downtown Nashville, public transport might be difficult. Having your own car to move around is still best, especially if you want to visit nearby cities.
- Bad traffic
Nashville can be very congested during rush hour and due to construction zones throughout the city, so always allow extra travel time. Getting from Vanderbilt to other locations might be difficult when driving during the busiest hours. The good thing is, you can enjoy taking pics if you decide to walk.
- Very humid summers
In the summer, Nashville is incredibly hot and humid; your makeup may melt off, and your hair may frizz. Outdoor photo shoots pose challenges at this time of year. Although it does snow from time to time, it can get very humid.
- Possibility of natural disasters
Nashville is prone to floods and tornados, so always keep an eye on the weather report while you're there.
- Major events are frequent
Nashville frequently hosts award shows, festivals like CMA Fest, sports games, and concerts. Each of these events drives up occupancy rates and makes the city more congested and busy; you may wish to book your photoshoot around these events.
Famous Locations in Nashville
- Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame celebrates and preserves the pioneers, innovators, and artists who shaped what we know as country music for generations to come. It also serves as a vital educational resource related to the history of country music for scholars, students, historians, journalists, and fans. Three permanent exhibits showcase the story of how country music evolved from a regional genre into an international phenomenon.
- Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium is the home venue for the Grand Ole Opry, a live country music concert that has been performed weekly since 1925. The auditorium was built in 1892, and it was called the Union Gospel Tabernacle. The Ryman has become a popular tourist destination since undergoing extensive renovations and restoration work in 1994. If you visit the auditorium, you can see all kinds of different performances, from country concerts to Broadway shows and even gospel concerts. Book a photo shoot nearby so you can snap a couple of photos of this iconic landmark as well.
- Belle Meade Plantation
Belle Meade Plantation is a historic plantation in Nashville. Brimming with Southern charm, the property has been operational since 1813 and is one of the few plantations to remain active in the South. The plantation offers a variety of tours, events, and other things to do. Visitors can tour the grounds of this historic place on foot or by Segway. The tour includes three different homes that have been preserved with original furnishings that show how life was lived at this site in its heyday.