About Nashville
Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and is a great place for culture, music, and food. Nashville has a rich history and is a dream destination for anyone who loves music. 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. The downtown area has some of the most iconic buildings in Nashville, like the Ryman Auditorium. Many of these buildings have been turned into museums and venues which you can tour for a small fee.
If you're looking for a Nashville photo shoot location, the city certainly has a wide range of options!
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 choice 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.
- 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 shoot.
- Decorations
Decorations will help bring your photo shoot venue to life. Whether you need furniture items, plants, artwork, or props, a local rental company can help set you up with anything you may need.
- 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.
- Caterer
Keeping your team well-fed is the key to a successful workday. Whether you want to provide coffee and snacks, appetizers, or a full meal, Nashville is home to many talented caterers who will be happy to help out. Choose from a set menu or design your own based on preferences and dietary requirements.
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.
- 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 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 events, 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, traffic, and local events 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
Nashville has everything from historic buildings to high-end hotels, outdoor venues, farms, and beyond. 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, and more any night of the week!
- Lots to do
Whether you're drawn to nature-oriented activities, historical sites, bar hopping, or something else, Nashville has no shortage of fun things to do.
- 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.
- Excellent food
Nashville's foodie scene includes farm-to-table restaurants, food trucks, barbecue joints, bakeries, and more. It's diverse and delicious.
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.
- Bad traffic
Nashville can be very congested during rush hour and due to construction zones through the city, so always allow extra travel time.
- 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.
- 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 photo shoot 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. This museum is a must-see for anyone who loves country music.
- 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 within Nashville. It 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.