Exclusive Look: How I Photographed the Fresh Faces of Philanthropy Editorial for nFocus Magazine
Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 58mm
ISO 320
f/3.2
1/160
Profoto B10x
Photek 46 inch Umbrella
AD200 Pro
MagMod XL with Orange Gel
For the shot of Brandon, we utilized the downstairs bar at Sinema, which exudes a super cool vibe. I incorporated a vintage-looking lamp, the venue's unique wallpaper, a striking red velvet curtain, and gold accents, all of which complemented Brandon's blue outfit. We used a 46-inch umbrella as the main light, aiming for Rembrandt lighting from a slightly elevated angle. Additionally, we used an orange gel from the camera left to add a subtle touch of color to Brandon and enhance the background and bar reflection.
For the shot of Apphia, we utilized the stunning staircase, which features my favorite wallpaper and a gold winding handrail that creates an intriguing leading line towards Apphia. We used two lights for this setup: the main light was a 46-inch umbrella positioned to the camera left. Additionally, one of my assistants placed a 60-inch umbrella on a 9-foot stand downstairs to fill in the background and lightly illuminate Apphia from behind and fill in the shadows in background.
Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 64mm
ISO 250
f/3.5
1/200
Profoto B10x
Photek 46 inch Umbrella w/ Diffusion
Photek 60 inch Umbrella w/ Diffusion
Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 50mm
ISO 250
f/4.5
1/200
Profoto B10x
Profoto D2
Photek 46 inch Umbrella w/ Diffusion
Photek 60 inch Umbrella w/ Diffusion
For the shot of Jill, I used a 46-inch umbrella as the main light to highlight her features. To illuminate the bar area downstairs, which would otherwise be very dark, we placed a 60-inch umbrella to cast light in that direction. In post-processing, I noticed that the gold mirrors behind her appeared overly green, so I had to desaturate them slightly to achieve a more natural look.
Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 54mm
ISO 200
f/3.2
1/125
Profoto B10x
Profoto D2
Photek 60 inch Umbrella w/ Diffusion
Photek 36 inch Umbrella w/ Diffusion
For the shot of Spencer, we aimed for a moody and cool aesthetic, utilizing a spot in Sinema with velvety fabrics and intriguing Art Deco decor. We used a small umbrella as the main light to focus on Spencer and a 60-inch umbrella in the background to prevent it from going completely black. Positioning the main light overhead added a dramatic touch to the image.
Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 55mm
ISO 100
f/4.5
1/160
Profoto B10x
Photek 46 inch Umbrella
Given the Old Hollywood theme for this shoot, we captured a particularly cool shot of Samantha against a reddish-orange velvet background. Our set stylist, Bruce Pittman, brought in two lights that added the perfect accent and enhanced the overall vibe and that metallic dress… PERFECTION! We used a single 46-inch umbrella positioned to the camera right for lighting, achieving a classic and dramatic look.
Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 70mm
ISO 100
f/3.2
1/100
Profoto B10x
Profoto D2
Photek 46 inch Umbrella w/ Diffusion
For the shot of Sean, the final result turned out differently than originally planned. I envisioned a cool shot of him standing against the bar, with the background wall's interesting texture enhanced by a gobo to create a unique lighting pattern. However, during setup, my assistant was in between placing the gobo, and I captured a shot with the bare bulb that revealed a cool spotlight effect on the background. I decided to go with that look instead. We used a single 46-inch umbrella for lighting, but it cast too much light on the front of the bar. To address this, I had an assistant hold up a reflector to flag off some of the excess light.
Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 51mm
ISO 320
f/3.2
1/160
Profoto B10x
Profoto D2
Photek 46 inch Umbrella w/ Diffusion
Photek 60 inch Umbrella w/ Diffusion
For the shot of Ethan, we utilized the amazing staircase again, but in a different location to give the photos a distinct look and vibe. We lit this scene with two lights: the 46-inch umbrella as the main light, and the 60-inch umbrella to illuminate the background, highlighting the detailed wallpaper and the set styling Bruce Pittman arranged on the table. We aimed for a Great Gatsby vibe, which we all felt was perfectly captured in this setup.
Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 70mm
ISO 160
f/3.2
1/60
Profoto B10x
Profoto D2
Photek 46 inch Umbrella w/ Diffusion
Photek 60 inch Umbrella w/ Diffusion
AD200 Pro w/ Orange Gel
For this shot of Adam, which ended up being the cover, there was quite a lot going on in the image. We used our 46-inch umbrella as the main light and a 60-inch umbrella positioned in a room to the camera right to fill in the shadows behind the couch and illuminate the table. Despite these efforts, something still felt missing. To enhance the scene, I had one of my assistants place a light with orange gel in the room visible through the windows, adding an extra layer of interest. In post-production, I removed some distracting lighting above his head. The final image turned out beautifully.
Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 40mm
ISO 200
f/3.5
1/160
Profoto B10x
Photek 46 inch Umbrella
AD200 Pro
I have to say I'm obsessed with Mary’s dress—kudos to the Wardrobe Department. This was one of the toughest photos to capture due to the room being filled with mirrors and being small. This made lighting a challenge as it would reflect in the mirrors, and I had to position myself carefully to avoid being seen in them. We used a 46-inch umbrella as the main light. However, it was still a bit too dark and shadowy on her, and getting my assistant closer would have made them visible in the mirrors. To solve this, I used an AD200 to bounce light off the bathroom stalls, filling in some of the shadows. It was a complex setup, but I'm really happy with how the shot turned out.
Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 60mm
ISO 160
f/3.2
1/60
Profoto B10x
Profoto D2
Photek 46 inch Umbrella
Photek 60 inch Umbrella w/ Diffusion
AD200 Pro
This last photo of Tara was particularly fun to shoot. We utilized the beautiful backdrop wallpaper with a hint of gold in the background. I used a 60-inch umbrella as the main light, which illuminated her entire body while still maintaining a moody look with a slight Rembrandt effect. To make the velvety curtain stand out more, I placed a 46-inch umbrella to the camera left, filling in the curtain and adding a bit of side light on Tiara to give the image extra pop. I also added in another light behind the curtain and bounced that light to fill in the background area.
Wrapping up this series for the June issue of nFocus, celebrating Nashville's Fresh Faces of Philanthropy, was incredibly rewarding. Each Sinema location provided a unique backdrop, perfectly complementing these remarkable individuals. From dramatic lighting to the venue's stunning decor, we highlighted each philanthropist's essence. Capturing their dedication and passion was a privilege. If you want to learn more about these amazing philanthropists, read the June issue HERE. Thank you for joining me behind the scenes!
None of this would be possible without the AMAZING TEAM!!!
Editor: Janet Kurtz @musiccitytraveler
Art Director: Christie Passarello @passarello
Photographer: Tausha Dickinson @taushadickinson
Photographer Assistant: Anthony Romano @anthonyromanocreative , Phil Silverberg @phil_silverberg
Wardrobe Stylists: Emily Bache, Abigail Breslin (The Wanderlust Girls)
Hair and Makeup: Nichole Holloway-Smithson @hollowaysmithson, Danielle Rose | MHD Beauty @mhdbeauty
Set Stylist: Bruce Pittman @brucepittmaninc
Location: Sinema @sinemanashville
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About The Author
My name's Tausha Dickinson and I'm a photographer specializing is headshots, fashion and commercial work. I live in Franklin, TN, just outside of Nashville, with my husband and my son!