From Dreams to Reality: Mary Louise's Story // The Tempo Hotel by Hilton
Embarking on the project for The Tempo Hotel, a Hilton property in downtown Nashville, was seriously a dream come true. It also was an adventure into uncharted creative territory. Unlike anything I had undertaken before, this project was not just about capturing images; it was about crafting an immersive narrative that would leave guests questioning the line between fiction and reality of Musician Mary Louise.
An Enigmatic Figure Brought to Life
The essence of Mary Louise's story was designed to be so compelling and vivid that guests might find themselves compelled to discover more about her. The goal was for each viewer to be so captivated by the authenticity and emotional depth of the artwork that they would believe Mary Louise to be a real figure—an icon of the Nashville music scene whose legacy was as tangible as the hotel's walls. We envisioned guests leaving with a sense of curiosity, eager to explore her music and story further, only to find that she was a masterpiece of fiction, brought to life through the lens.
Crafting a Legacy in Two Days with 15 Images
The challenge was monumental, yet exhilarating. We had just two days to create 14 Final images and One Additional image for the ALBUM cover to encapsulate a lifetime of dreams and victories across four distinct locations in Nashville. Each setting was a chapter in Mary Louise's story, from her humble beginnings to her ascent into the Award winning artist.
Adding to our narrative backdrop was THE CASTLE RECORDING STUDIO, a location that resonated with the essence of music and creativity, encapsulating the heart of Mary Louise's musical journey. Alongside Jaan's House, The Paper House, and Nashville Palace, each location wove its unique thread into the fabric of our story, creating a tapestry rich with Nashville's spirit and Mary Louise's legacy.
The Maestros Behind the Magic
This visual symphony wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and artistry of my crew, who brought their best to every frame.
Kirsten Vaselaar from HRI Properties - This entire story was her brain child and I am forever grateful she chose me to capture it.
Anthony Romano, The Producer, orchestrated our ambitious project with perfection. He also did all of the design for the Album!!!!
Emily Goodin, the Wardrobe Stylist, along with her assistant Ashtyn Rae dressed our narrative in authenticity.
Haley Beckham, our Set Stylist, transformed each location into a portal to Mary Louise's world.
Faith and Delaney added strokes of beauty with their hair and makeup artistry, and Joey Ramirez painted our stage scenes with light.
Haley Robbins, the Mary Louise herself, embraced this persona PERFECTLY.
Kennedy, Brooklen, and Nate stepped into their supporting roles with a passion that brought Mary Louise's story to life.
Jaime Bayer ensured not a moment was missed as our DigiTech, with Logan supporting every shot as my invaluable Photography Assistant.
Our journey was also enriched by the contributions from Art Dog Props, The Picture Car Company, Southern Trophy, and The Hip Zipper, each playing a pivotal role in adding layers of depth and realism to our visual narrative.
To my crew and every hand that contributed to this monumental endeavor: my gratitude knows no bounds. Here's to the stories we told and the memories we made.
Mary Louise writes her narrative. With each word, she delves into her rich journey through Nashville, her experiences interlaced with the city's musical heritage and historical depth, all captured from the tranquility of her retreat at her childhood home.
Mary Louise enjoys playing her guitar, her laughter mixing with the music. It's a simple, joyful experience, as her songs create a happy bubble. Each sound is cheerful, with every tune bringing a smile, all coming together in a carefree rhythm she makes up on the spot.
As the sun sets, casting a golden glow, Mary Louise, dressed in her favorite 70's outfit, takes her beloved guitar from her old car, a meaningful gift from her parents. This peaceful moment reflects her personal journey, highlighting the hard work and dedication she puts in privately, long before she gains any public recognition or fame.
Holding her guitar, Mary Louise shines on a cozy stage, her energy as captivating as her melodies. In this intimate setting, her acoustic set narrates a tale of persistence and delight, turning an average night into something unforgettable. Her music, mirroring her path, touches everyone present, showing that joy and success lie in chasing one's dreams, regardless of the stage's size.
In the studio, Mary Louise immerses herself in the music, her form embodying the pure emotion of the moment. With her head thrown back in sheer happiness, she merges with the melody, her voice echoing powerfully, bringing the room to life and filling it with the passion of her performance.
Before the curtain rises, Mary Louise is a picture of poise at her vanity, the soft lights casting a dreamy glow as she readies herself for the night's performance, her reflection telling a story of anticipation and artistry.
Mary Louise and her bandmates become one with the room, their laughter and chords mingling in the air that's rich with the resonance of a strummed guitar. The light catches them just so, casting long shadows that dance on the tapestry beneath. Together, every strum and smile spins a narrative of togetherness, their collective love for music shining through, transcending mere images and filling the air with endless creativity.
Captured in the glow of a single spotlight, Mary Louise is a vision of euphoria, her sequined outfit sparkling as vividly as her voice. She stands at the cusp of recognition, each jubilant note lifting her closer to the stars, her radiant smile revealing she's not just part of the show—she's becoming the showstopper, beginning to carve her distinct mark in the world of music.
The show continues as Mary Louise shares moments with her fans, her signature on their memorabilia sealing memories of a night where music and dreams intertwine. Her rise is not just about the spotlight—it's about the shared joy and connection with those who follow her journey.
In a room filled with character and stories, Mary Louise revels in the company of friends, their laughter and vibrant conversations bringing calm to her ever evolving celebrity.
NASHVILLE DAYDREAMS ALBUM
In the mellow hues of a Nashville sunset nestled in her creative home, Mary Louise weaves a tapestry of tunes in "Nashville Daydreams." Draped in contemplation and the rich colors of inspiration, she invites us on a lyrical journey through the heartstrings of the city's soul.
Illuminated by the spotlight, she stands—a symbol of hard work meeting success, her voice uniting the audience in shared admiration. At this moment, she embodies more than talent; she's a testament to perseverance, her journey to this stage marked by dedication. Her silhouette against the stage lights not just dazzles but signifies her arrival, a dream transformed into reality through relentless effort, signaling her rightful place in the limelight.
In a beautiful blend of lace and victory, her laughter is as genuine as the award she proudly displays. This moment transcends a mere musical achievement; it's a peak in life's journey, where dreams and reality merge seamlessly.
As the flashbulbs pop and the night comes alive, Mary Louise and her dazzling companions steal the spotlight, their sequined ensembles sparkling under the eager gaze of the paparazzi, a moment frozen in the timeless allure of Nashville's music scene.
Amidst the echoes of countless melodies, she sits—her silhouette a testament to the journey, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. Here, in this sanctuary of sound and solitude, each chord is a memory, each note a promise. The music may pause, but her story resonates, an endless refrain of dreams, determination, and the quiet introspection of an artist's heart.
GEAR USED:
Canon R5
Canon 24-70
Canon 70-200
Profoto B10x Plus
Kupo Click Stand
Impact Umbrella + Diffusion for Umbrella
Godox Umbrella
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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!
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