Life & Work with Whitney & Tommy Woodall of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney & Tommy Woodall.

Hi Whitney & Tommy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I used my very last paycheck from my job at the university to buy my first camera. I had a close friend who worked in photojournalism, and she taught me so much about how to really use a camera. From there, it was the classic beginning—I asked friends if I could photograph their families, reached out to families at church, and started building experience. At the time, our oldest son Samuel was just six months old, and I had this deep desire to document life with little ones. That longing to capture fleeting moments really became the heart behind my work.

As the business slowly began to grow, we were living in our first home, which we completely renovated. We created an apartment on the upper level, and a sweet friend, Katie Starks, moved in. She’s an incredibly gifted photographer, and she taught me so much—not just about photography, but about feeling a photo instead of simply posing one. I shot my very first wedding alongside her, and it was eye-opening. We were at the same wedding, shooting the same people, and yet our images looked completely different—not just technically, but emotionally. That was a huge turning point for me.

From there, I started investing in workshops, online teaching modules, and shadowing other photographers, including Elizabeth Sharrett, who was so generous with her time and experience. After a few more weddings, I really started to feel confident in my own voice and style as a wedding photographer.

In 2019, Tommy officially joined me, and we became a husband and wife team. Honestly, we’re best friends—we love doing everything together—so it just made sense. Having him as my second shooter has brought a whole new dynamic to our work, and it’s been such a gift to build something together.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part, it’s been a joy-filled journey. But if there’s one consistent challenge, it’s definitely been time management—especially with five kiddos at home that I homeschool. Balancing being fully present for my family while also serving my clients well requires a lot of intentionality. It’s taught me to set clear boundaries, to say no when needed, and to really protect our family rhythms. At the same time, I care deeply about the people I photograph, so I’m always striving to give them the very best. It’s a constant dance, but one I’m grateful for.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We’re a husband and wife team specializing in wedding photography. Our approach is simple—we aim to serve others the way we’d want to be served, and we hope every part of the experience reflects that. At the core of our business is our faith. Being grounded in Christ shapes how we work, how we love people, and how we show up on a wedding day.

We try to bring joy into everything we do—whether that’s helping a bride take a deep breath before walking down the aisle or quietly capturing a father’s teary smile during the first dance. We’re not just there to take photos—we’re there to support, encourage, and celebrate.

What we’re most proud of is the kind of legacy we hope our work leaves behind. We want our clients to look back at their photos not just days later, but decades later, and still feel something. We aim for real, honest photography—images that tell a true story, not just a styled version of one.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t get easily discouraged—success takes time. And more importantly, make sure you know what your definition of success is. For us, success has never been about going viral or booking out a calendar. It’s about serving people well, loving them through our work, and creating something meaningful that lasts.

Also, don’t shy away from working hard. Good things usually come through consistent effort and perseverance. There’s beauty in the process, even when it’s slow. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep pushing forward.

If you’re just starting out, take pictures of everything. Seriously, practice as much as you can to get comfortable with your camera. The technical side will come, but developing your eye and your intuition takes time and repetition.

Also, try to step into your client’s shoes. Think about what matters to them—what they’re feeling, what they’ll want to remember, what details they’ve poured their heart into. If you can understand what’s important to them, you’ll be able to capture not just the moment, but the emotion behind it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.whitneywoodall.com
• Instagram: @whitneywoodall_photography