Client Resource
Engagement Session in Nashville, TN
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
Nashville is a beautiful city and provides some lovely backgrounds for your portrait sessions; however, there are a few things you should keep in mind when planning a session here. Not only is it Tennessee's capital, it's music city, a tourist hotspot, host of several festivals, and home of the Tennessee Titans. Needless to say, Nashville is busy and full of people all the time. Traffic can be crazy. Parking can be expensive and scarce. And if you're photographing anywhere downtown, be prepared to share the space with other people trying to take photos.
Centennial Park & The Parthenon
This location has several picture perfect backgrounds to choose from. The park has a large pond, a garden, great landscaping, many mature trees, a bridge, and the Parthenon. The park is large, so there is plenty of room to move around, but be prepared. This park sometimes get a little crowded and this spot is a photographer's favorite and you are bound to be working right alongside another session regardless of what time of day you go.
Shelby Park
This is a great spot to break away from the city skyline and capture nature. You won't find any skyscrapers or tall buildings here. But there are however paved paths, huge trees, woods, lots of grass, and a few benches. The park is a largely used for people looking to be active and get some exercise. So especially when photographing on the pathways, you'll likely have to time your captures just right if you want to eliminate bystanders.
Downtown Franklin
So this one isn't technically Nashville, but it's close by. There is a lot of history that can be found in downtown Franklin. There are also many cute spots for photos as long as you don't mind fighting the hustle and bustle of the public. With so many things located downtown, it is very active area.
BICENTENNIAL CAPITOL MALL STATE PARK
Fantastic location to capture the capitol building (like shown at the very top of this page) along with some other cool elements, such as the bells, the Tennessee stars, and the amphitheater. Because it's located in downtown Nashville, you can easily do an outfit change and pivot to secondary location.
Nashville Bar
Nashville is full of bars and other establishments that are the perfect scenery to recreate a first date or capture a non traditional backdrop. Just make sure that you call ahead and get permission from the owner and/or manager and plan your session during their least busy time.
Nashville Zoo
They have a beautiful garden area with an old historic home that makes for some stunning images. Be prepared to share the area with other guests though. You also must pay to get into the zoo.
Skyline & Pedestrian Bridge
This one location provides you with multiple backdrops - the Nashville skyline and the pedestrian bridge. The bridge is a popular tourist location so be prepared to navigate crowds. The best time for pictures here is at sunrise.
Looking for a photographer? Check out LaVonda Gale Photography and discover why I am a top rated Middle Tennessee Wedding Photographer.
Lots of Love,
LaVonda Gale
