Cool places to take pictures in Nashville: the best, and the most overrated
I’ve been living in Nashville for nearly 9 years now, and as a Nashville portrait photographer I’ve utilized some of the best and some of the most over-rated spots in Nashville.
Here are my top recommendations, as well as tips to know before you go!
The Pedestrian Bridge has the best Nashville skyline view. If you’re just visiting, or may are wanting to commemorate your time here, this is a great spot. Weekends are busier with more tourists, but if that’s the only time you can go, try the morning around 8/9am.
4th Ave and the streets around it are great if you want a big city vibe, and it’s a little further from Broadway, and therefore a little less busy. Pro tip: Go to Ellington’s at the Fairlane for a drink or app and ask to sit on the balcony. The side facing 4th has a nice view!
Cheekwood - This is a beautiful and historical spot, but you do need to pay to take professional photos there (you’ll be fine if you’re just snapping iPhone photos). If they catch you with a professional camera, you’re going to get in trouble. If you pay to photograph there, you can schedule to do so after hours and have the place to yourself! This alone is reason to not cheat them, as Cheekwood gets quite a few tourists daily.
The Parthenon - this is technically a big tourist spot, but the giant collumn’s and stairs are pretty epic for taking photos! Due to it’s popularity, it’s best to avoid weekends, or try to go as early in the morning as possible.
Bicentennial Park - There is a massive green space, some pretty walk ways through the trees, and it’s right next to the Farmers Market where you can pop in and get ice cream or some yummy boba tea!
OneC1TY Nashville - The design and architecture around here is pretty cool, offering a lot of variety if you want a more modern and semi-industrial vibe. There are some good restaurants and a coffee shop here too.
Germantown - the hidden gem of Nashville. It’s the most walkable and beautiful neighborhood in all of Nashville, and has a lot of charm due to it’s historic buildings and small businesses.
Here are some of the most over-rated spots that I don’t recommend:
The Gulch murals - always crowded, and absolutely no originality to be had here. Some of them you have to wait in a line to even have your photo taken… a photo that looks like every other photo on the internet. If murals are you jam, have fun and enjoy! But if you’re looking for a more authentic Nashville experience, this ain’t it.
12 South - This neighborhood is one of the busiest and most crowded due to the many shops. My advice - go here to buy cute clothes, not take cute pictures. My introverted self is usually in and out of this area in under an hour.
Percy Warner Park Stairs - Another spot that is busy with locals, people working out, and family/engagement photos. Personal opinion: when I think “basic/typical Nashville Christmas card” a photo that was taken here comes to mind. If this spot isn’t necessarily special to you, consider a different spot.
Love Circle - Parking is difficult, the view of the city isn’t that great compared to other options.
Cheers!
Nashville photographer photoshoot in Nashville, TN