Unveiling the Magic: having fun @ golden hour🌆📸 -

June 29, 2023

The golden time of day! My favorite time of summer is when we get golden hour, when the sun’s light hits perfectly at sunset.

On Monday, me, JJ, and Jesi had an amazing time and we had two models: Mac and Callie, and they brought their “A” game to this shoot! With Mac, it was just natural for him to be in front of the camera, same for Callie.

Mac was the first person to show up and he was just natural.

For me, I called this time of day “magic hour” , because the way photographs look at that moment it captures the essence of the person. As we were shooting these, I had music playing. The first song was “A Minute (Intro)” by Kelly Clarkson, because sometimes people need a minute to clear their head, do what they want to do, and have fun.

Callie was next and she was a vision in the light because she had personality when I shot her.

Content Day 2022

November 18, 2022

And let me tell you… It was COLD!

But also, I’ve been working on a lot of content lately, and trying to build more clientele. So a year ago, I moved back to Decatur (my hometown) and I’ve been working with a lot of my old friends along with some new friends. It was hard to get adjusted back to normalcy after living in Nashville, I’ll move back up there soon hopefully! But back to Content Day, I had a great time at this! My friend Jesi is the best at planning things and I’m grateful that I was apart of this!

NEW BLOGS COMING SOON! Stay Tuned

Coordinator: Jessica Livingston

Hair/Make-up: Hallie Johnson

Models: Cheyenne Sanchez, Stoney Osborn, JJ Jones, and Shelby Jordan.

Photographer: Jonte’ Swoope

All I can say is... what a night!

March 01, 2021

So what happens when you combine the following: pizza, wine, tattoos, and some playful banter? You get the most sexiest shoot ever. So my friends Kenzie, Josh, and I decide to do a Calvin Klein shoot at home. Some of it was inspired by past shoots I’ve seen, but i wanted to make it my own.

Some photos, i just thought it would be fun to be a little kinky with it, and be a little sexual.

Honestly, i was scared of what people would think if i posted them, but the responses were pretty posititve.

Bodybuilder on the rise!

October 19, 2020 in Bodybuilder, Fitness Model

We all have our own hobbies, dreams,and goals…

But my friend, Colton is living proof that he can achieve the impossible. Only 19, Colton is a fitness model and hopes to show people they have what it takes to push their limit. So, I wanted to do my own version of an ESPN body issue (without the full-frontal nudity lol) for one of my shoots for my Capstone class. I personally believe that the results turned out great.

Labor Day... but make it fashion

October 02, 2020

So it’s been a while since I’ve been on… but I’m back!

So I’ve been taking time, trying to reinvent myself when it comes to photography, so I wanted to do something fun with my friends and on labor day, I shot at Cornelia For Airpark in East Nashville, and I shot in a far field (almost stepped in cow shit lol) and got some pretty good shots. Most of this shoot was inspired by Peggy Sirota’s 2013 shoot w/ the “ Game Of Thrones” cast modeling fashions so I decided to make it my own.

There's a time of the day when the sun is going down...

June 03, 2019

That’s the golden time of day!!!

A lot has happened in last few months, but I’M BAAAACK!!! School was getting serious during the month(s) of January and April. Being 21 can be stressful and fun at times, but you find your way, even as a photographer

I’ve been shooting a lot of pictures, but my favorite hour of the day is Golden Hour when the sun is rising or setting.

I did a golden hour shoot at the beginning of the year with my friend Josh! He’s easy on the eyes ladies and he’s really cool.

Josh @ John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge - 01/06/19 — **Josh** @ *John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge* - **01/06/19**

For me, Tattoos compliment everything and I feel like Josh had no shame for his body art and I love that!

Now fast fowarding to May, I did 2 more shoots at Golden Hour with a few other clients and they were pleased with how the pictures came out!

I think these types of pictures are the most different but also common because as photographers, we find the right angles with the beautiful hour.

TJ is a new friend I’ve made and we did a golden hour shoot a few weeks ago and I loved how these turned out!

I shot with Carson the other day in East Nashville and I feel like the images were more editorial based and inspired and I’m in love with how these images look. We wore so cool shirts and I was excited with how these final images turned out.

Carson @ East Nashville - 06/02/19 — **Carson** @ *East Nashville* - **06/02/19**

Can you see the sunset real good on the West side? You can see it on the East side too

Thank you guys for reading this week’s blog! Stay tuned for future blogs to come!

#nashville #photography #nashvillefashionphotographer #nashvilleconcertphotographer #nashvillenightlifephotographer #nashvilletattoophotographer #nashvillefoodphotographer #jswoopephotography

2018 - A year in Review

December 31, 2018

2018, was an awesome, amazing year for me. At the beginning of the year I had some tough challenges as a photographer, but there were some upsides to it. My spring semester was filled with some great new friends, one in particular would be Lincoln.

My summer was the best and way more opportunities. From shooting at Musician’s Corner to shooting at Mercy Lounge and meeting some really cool people, I was lucky enough to photograph Musician’s Corner this year and be apart of a good experience. Shooting some awesome musicians and trying to take on school it’s not as fun as it was. But it was a challenge that was completed. Musician’s Corner is one of Nashville’s best events to attend during the summer to listen to live music, have food from food trucks, artisans and crafts for children.

September was amazing because I got to help Rachyl Degman with her art show! She’s a really talented artist and I was glad that I reached out to her when I did. She aims to show people her skills at using watercolers to create beautiful displays of strong art.

Photographed: Kerry and Rachyl Degman, and their son Wolfgang - 9/8/18 — Photographed: **Kerry and Rachyl Degman**, and their son **Wolfgang** - **9/8/18**

Watercolor by Rachyl Degman — Watercolor by **Rachyl Degman**

One of my best highlights for this year, was getting to see Jet Black Alley Cat on their Lovers Tour. I got an opportunity shoot them at Mercy Lounge this summer and actually met a few of the guys before in 2017 and we bonded before then. With them on The Lovers Tour was The New Schematics, DBMK, and Hardcastle. The crowd was pretty big that night and I loved the atmosphere was amazing, but doing concert photography is difficult at times but you get to have fun with it.

Photographed: Joe Jett of Jet Black Alley Cat @ The East Room - 10/19/18 — Photographed: **Joe Jett** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ The East Room - **10/19/18**

When I met these guys, they’re the nicest people you’ll meet. When being a concert photographer, it’s hard to get the good photographs because of the low lighting but I feel like I came out on top with these photos when I use zoom lenses. But the night was filled with fun and good vibes

Photographed: Christian Harrison of Jet Black Alley Cat @ The East Room - 10/19/18 — Photographed: **Christian Harrison** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ The East Room - **10/19/18**

Photographed: Cristofer Johnson of Jet Black Alley Cat @ The East Room - 10/19/18 — Photographed: **Cristofer Johnson** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ The East Room - **10/19/18**

When October came, I hit a few walls with being creative and felt like I wasn’t good enough, but i pushed through it and made it out a really good photographer. I shot with Jet Black Alley Cat again for their MOTEL event! and they brought the house down!

Photographed: Bryant Lowry of Jet Black Alley Cat @ The East Room - 10/19/18 — Photographed: **Bryant Lowry** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ The East Room - **10/19/18**

Photographed: Zach Douglas of Jet Black Alley Cat @ The East Room - 10/19/18 — Photographed: **Zach Douglas** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ The East Room - **10/19/18**

It was cool to to do concerts and being in the moment and feeling the vibe of musicians.

One of my favorite shoots was with Taylor when it was Halloween. And we shot at the Pedestrian Bridge first. I loved how she was able to show her personality and just be herself. I love the feel of these photos because it shows a personality of a girl confident enough to show the world who she is as a person. I loved the hues of these edits because of the feel I wanted for the photos.

Photographed: Carson Sheppard @ Printers Alley - 12/3/18 — Photographed: **Carson Sheppard** @ Printers Alley - **12/3/18**

In November, me and my best friends wanted to night shoot and there was some cool spots that I suggested too! We shot in Printers Alley and I loved the How we could play with the blue lights and everything

To all the people who I’ve met, thank you guys for making this the best year ever. I’ve had my ups and I most definitely had my downs, but I made it through the year being around amazing people and having alot of good times. I’m grateful for my internship, the friends I’ve met and the times I’ve had. More pictures at the bottom!

J. Swoope here wishing all my clientele and friends a Happy New Year and a wonderful 2019!

Jet Black Alley Cat - MOTEL

November 06, 2018

“tell our friends we fell in love with nightlife” - JBAC

On October 19th, I was grateful enough to shoot the last MOTEL event for Jet Black Alley Cat. I shot the guys before back in the summer when they did the Lovers Tour w/ The New Schematics, Hardcastle, and DBMK. This show was for their album, MOTEL, Which I happen to love every song by the band. I photographed the boys at The East Room in East Nashville last month w/ The Ivy and Hardcastle.

The band’s signature logo. The East Room (Nashville, TN)

Joe Jett of Jet Black Alley Cat @ The East Room (Nashville, TN) — **Joe Jett** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ **The East Room** (Nashville, TN)

Christian Harrison of Jet Black Alley Cat @ The East Room (Nashville, TN) — **Christian Harrison** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ **The East Room** (Nashville, TN)

When doing concert photography, it’s hard to get good images, but I have some good images from that night. The guys are really great when they are in their element, I never met 5 individuals who could come together and play their hearts out.

Zach Douglas of Jet Black Alley Cat @ The East Room (Nashville, TN) — **Zach Douglas** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ **The East Room** (Nashville, TN)

My favorite song would have to ‘Nightlife’ because I feel that people could dance with other people without anyone judging them. “And like Montel told us, this is how we do it” My favorite lyric from the song because a homage to the 1995 song.

Cristofer Johnson of Jet Black Alley Cat @ The East Room (Nashville, TN) — **Cristofer Johnson** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ **The East Room** (Nashville, TN)

Bryant Lowry of Jet Black Alley Cat @ The East Room (Nashville, TN) — **Bryant Lowry** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ **The East Room** (Nashville, TN)

These people are the best!, Thery’re expressive of who they are, and what they do. JBAC is the band that people should listen too and feel all the feels of theirselves.

A few things I love about Fall...

November 06, 2018

Pumpkin Spice coffee, pumpkin roll, and beautiful fall colors!

Wednesday, October 31st, I wanted to do fall fashion shoot with Taylor and Christian. We wanted to do a mix of street photography and just I think the results were expected… ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

I love the feel of this photo because it shows a personality of a girl confident enough to show the world who she is as a person.

As we were walking we all thought “how about we stop at a record shop?” and all of our faces lit up, we stopped at Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Broadway in Nashville. I thought it was a good idea to take pictures.

Taylor @ Ernest Tubb Record Shop(Broadway, Nashville, TN)

We stopped in Cumberland Park to take some fall fashion pics and we wanted to be more fall like, so that’s exactly what I did.

I loved the hues of these edits because of the feel I wanted for the photos.

Our final destination was Centennial Park in Nashville, TN. When we got there it was a perfect setting for Taylor because she was dressed as you would if wanted to do something like these next photos.

Thank you for reading this week’s blog! Stay tuned for more upcoming blogs!

A look back on Summer

August 23, 2018

Summer days are gone, school's back in session, and I feel like giving a look back on all the fun that me and my friends had this summer!

Photographed: Joe Jett of Jet Black Alley Cat @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN) — Photographed: **Joe Jett** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN)

Photographed: Christian Harrison of Jet Black Alley Cat @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN) — Photographed: **Christian Harrison** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN)

Photographed: Cristofer Johnson of Jet Black Alley Cat @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN) — Photographed: **Cristofer Johnson** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN)

Photographed: Forrest Matlock @ Nossi College of Art (Nashville, TN) — Photographed: **Forrest Matlock** @ Nossi College of Art (Nashville, TN)

Photographed: Clarie Wright (Goodlettsville, TN)

Photographed: Gracie Carol @ Nossi College of Art (Nashville, TN) — Photographed: **Gracie Carol** @ Nossi College of Art (Nashville, TN)

Photographed: Gabbie Karademos @ Caesar's Pizza (Downtown Nashville) — Photographed: **Gabbie Karademos** @ Caesar's Pizza (Downtown Nashville)

Photographed: Taylor @ Cumberland Park (Nashville, TN) — Photographed: **Taylor** @ Cumberland Park (Nashville, TN)

Photographed: London Chavez @ Cumberland Park (Nashville, TN) — Photographed: **London Chavez** @ Cumberland Park (Nashville, TN)

Photographed: Forrest Matlock @ FGL House (3rd and Broadway) — Photographed: **Forrest Matlock** @ FGL House (3rd and Broadway)

Photographed: Manuel Delmonte @ Nossi College of Art (Nashville, TN) — Photographed: **Manuel Delmonte** @ Nossi College of Art (Nashville, TN)

So pretty much it's been a fun summer and summer semester, and all I have to say is thank you to all the people who gave me so much confidence to be who I am and letting me take their pictures and I hope to shoot with everyone again!

A Luminous Friday...

August 09, 2018

Friday was one of my good days last week because I got to shoot with my friend Gabbie, we photographed during the evening because it was perfect lighting. Once we got to downtown we pretty much stayed until late because sometimes the night owls come out around 10 or 11pm. Sometimes it's bestto create at night because you get to express your emotions through art

Gabbie Karademos @ Shelby Street Bridge (Nashville, TN)

Neon is always cool to play with in the night.

Luminance is the greatest thing that the world has. "At sunrise, everything is luminous but not clear"

Model: Gabbie Karademos

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Thank you for reading this week's blog post, more future blog post to come!

#NashvilleFashionPhotographer #NashvilleConcertPhotographer #NashvilleTattooPhotographer #NashvilleNightlifePhotographer #JSwoopePhotography

JBAC w/ The New Schematics, Hardcastle, and DBMK =...

July 30, 2018 in Music

A GOOD ASS SATURDAY NIGHT!

I had the opportunity to photograph Jet Black Alley Cat, along with The New Schematics, Hardcastle, and DBMK at Mercy Lounge here in Nashville, TN. I was glad to run into a few members of JBAC, and photograph some of the other bands.

Photographed: Cory Bishop of The New Schematics @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN)

Photographed: Jaron Lane of The New Schematics @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN)

Photographed: Micheal Bare of The New Schematics @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN)

It was really amazing to hear Hardcastle as well. Hardcastle are a pop indie band based in Nashville and they're really cool.

Photographed: Graham Linderman and Miles Linderman of Hardcastle @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN)

Photographed: Graham Linderman of Hardcastle @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN)

I was really digging DBMK last night with their music and it was extremely bananas when they were performing. It was really cool and the crowd was crazy at that moment DBMK was playing.

Photographed: Kyle Knusden of DBMK @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN) — Photographed: **Kyle Knusden** of **DBMK** @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN)

DBMK @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN) — **DBMK** @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN)

Now, for the main event... The grooviest, rocking band in Nashville, TN... JET BLACK ALLEY CAT! They got the crowd in a uproar of fun, grooving and moving, and the end of a Kick ass Saturday. It was really cool to see them again and actually photograph them live.

Jet Black Alley Cat @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN) — **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN)

Photographed: Zach Douglas of Jet Black Alley Cat @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN) — Photographed: **Zach Douglas** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN)

Photographed: Joe Jett of Jet Black Alley Cat @ Mercy Lounge — Photographed: **Joe Jett** of **Jet Black Alley Cat** @ Mercy Lounge

Thank you guys for reading this week's blog, more future blogs to come!

#NashvilleConcertPhotographer #NashvilleFashionPhotographer #NashvilleNightlifePhotographer #NashvillePhotographer #JSwoopePhotography

A day in Nashville...

July 25, 2018

Wednesday, July 18th, 2018

I did a shoot with one of my friends Ryan and we wanted to an urban downtown shoot around most of the bars and honky tonks. We began at Honky Tonk Central and we got some pretty good pictures there.

Ryan @ Honky Tonk Central(Broadway, Nashville, TN)

Next destination was FGL House, great food, great drinks, and great people to talk to. We went up to the rooftop and shot at the bar where there was some cool neon signs.

After we raided Broadway, we went to Three Brothers Coffee on West End Avenue close to Centennial Park. We photographed where the black and white graffiti wall was and he may've showed of his tattoos as we were shooting.

Ryan @ Three Brothers Coffee(West End, Nashville, TN)

Tattoos to me, are a way of expression. Etched in ink, and coated with color, tattoos have a meaning to everyone around me!

Last stop, The Gulch. a pretty cool place here in Nashville. where the giant wing wall stands it's a really cool place; We shot at The Pub in Nashville, pretty much where everyone gets their fix on alcohol and food!

Thank you guys so much for reading, this week's blog! Next week, read all about Jet Black Alley Cat at Mercy Lounge!

#nashvillefashionphotographer #nashvilletattoophotographer #nashvillestreetphotographer #nashvilleconcertphotographer #jswoopephotography

Creating through the night...

July 16, 2018

This is when the night owls play...

Sunday, I was among other photographers as we did a creative meet up with Stand Still Solutions. It was pretty exciting for photographers and models to meet up and shoot together, and some photographers shot other photographers. We met up at War Memorial Auditorium here in Nashville, TN.

After we finished at War Memorial, we went to an underground parking lot and shot there, and played with objects such as sparklers; and lighters, pretty much we were playing with fire! It was pretty amazing how well I captured the fire.

After the underground parking lot we went to East Nashville and ate at Burger Up and was right next to the Soda Parlor, where we also took pictures at. We waited until it was about 8:00 pm, close to sunset.

Maggie @ The Soda Parlor (East Nashville, TN)

Shelby @ The Soda Parlor (East Nashville, TN)

Ryan @ The Soda Parlor (East Nashville, TN)

Between 8 or 8:30 pm, we pulled the sparklers and fairy lights outs as props, Honestly, I was scared to photograph the sparklers but I surprised myself and they turned out great. But they did.

Olivia @ The Soda Parlor (East Nashville, TN)

Gavin @ The Soda Parlor (East Nashville, TN)

Thank you guys for reading my blog this week; Next week, you can look forward to more images of Ryan, in the future you can look foward to me photographing Jet Black Alley Cat at Mercy Lounge!

#nashville #photography #jswoopephotography #nashville #nashvillestreetphotographer #nashvillenightlife

Sunday Funday...

July 09, 2018

Day drinking and good vibes!

We often use the term 'Sunday Funday'(or hashtag it) on social media, but I think my Sunday was pretty good. I decided to up my photography game and use my new 50mm f1.8 lens yesterday when I was with my friends London and Sam. We may have bar hopped while shooting

Photographed is London Chavez(@londonchavez) drinking Bud Light at FGL House. - 7/8/18

Samantha Meyers(@lolsamiam) @ FGL House - 7/8/18

I wanted to do a editorial for the day. But we were in Broadway all day until dawn, we shot at night time. So it was LIT!

Playng with fariy lights because it's adds a lot of meaning to dark photos.

The next photos I'm sharing are neon light pictures which are really hard to do in night time photography when you're hand-holding your camera. But I believe that I got them down to a tee!

These two are my favorites because they remind me of Brandon Woelfel's neon photography. I love how i got the reflection of the Budweiser and Bud Light neon signs.

For next week's blog, I'll be posting about the creative meet up sponsored by Noiseloft next week.

#nashville #photography #fire #LIT #jswoopephotography #teamcanon #canoncameras #canon5dmarkii #canonf1 #filmcameras #filmphotography #oldfashioned #dreamer #believer #apple #macbookpro #adobe #lightroom #bridge #photoshop #musiccity #hashtags #canonbringit #photographyskills #MODELSWANTED #summer2018 #selfexpression #nossisnapshot

The Best Thing about 4th of July...

July 07, 2018

Food, friends, fireworks, and some damn good times.

Being home for the 4th of July was really cool. from being with friends, eating some good barbecue, and watching some fireworks light up the night. Let's start with the First; being around my friends and hanging out at church, a good time of course when you do some mini sessions.

This is Malieq, an old classmate, we went to high school together.

My best friend from back home, Brett. a part of "The Thorough Three;"  Brett, our other friend Keanon, and myself graduated in the same class. Been a few years since we've hung out, but, we're still a good group of friends. — My best friend from back home, Brett. a part of "The Thorough Three;" Brett, our other friend Keanon, and myself graduated in the same class. Been a few years since we've hung out, but, we're still a good group of friends.

"Can you say delicious?" My family loves to grill and cook food. I'm talking chicken, steak, pork steak, lamb, hot dogs, and some brussel sprouts wrapped in bacon. I was full for the next two days after that deliciousness.

As I look on it, being around family during the 4th is everything to me! I love to be around my friends and family. But it's always kinda sudden, when you go home, everyone's always busy, but, I don't want to feel that way because maybe they have/or had a reason.

I love to play with sparklers and photographing them because it's as if light is dancing through your hands.

Music that gets me going...

June 30, 2018 in Music, Upcoming Artists

Music is a soundtrack to our lives. I have a highlight on my Instagram that has my favorite type of music from Cash Cash, Jet Black Alley Cat, Ellie Goulding, MNEK, Hailee Steinfeld, Rachel Platten, Kehlani, and much more. These artists motivate me to do more in photography because I love how I can jam and do a photo session in the studio, or listen to it to get my day started or when I'm shooting outside.

"Codes" by Ellie Goulding pretty much explains my life, because people always get a vibe from me sometimes. "Thank You" by Kehlani makes me feel grateful for the people in my life, but it also makes me feel grateful for my mom and my family. " I Don't Think About You" by Kelly Clarkson, a song that makes me think about things in my life that made me who I am today. As a photographer, that song makes me realize that I have my moments and I learn that I'm worth something to people.

"Colour" by MNEK and Hailee Steinfeld, a song for anyone to love and appreciate life because the world is black and white sometimes, but people learn to love one another. "High-Class Women" by Jet Black Alley Cat, it's a catchy song to me(Honestly, I pretty much dance to this song) but, this band is making moves and I'm appreciative of them and their music.

These songs are pretty much messages of love, friendships, gratefulness, growth, and just dance-worthy fun. I hope people use music in their photography because it makes it so much better

Brandon Woelfel Inspired Shoot

June 25, 2018

So as everyone knows, I’m a huge fan of Brandon Woelfel and his photography. I recently got inspired to do a fairy light shoot inspired, and as everyone knows, fairy lights are really cheap and good pricing. So I bought a 2-Pack of fairy lights to use for shoots, and using them with a 75-300mm lens? BIG NO NO! My photography coordinator recommended a 50mm f1.4 or f1.8 lens for the fairy light shoot. So I shot with my best friend, Victoria, and she has a 50mm. I shoot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II, and as I was shooting these images, they turned out exactly how I wanted them to turn out. Brandon Woelfel is a photographer based in New York City he’s extraordinary when it comes to shooting in low-light. Brandon has done partnerships with Apple, Urban Outfitters, Bose, Macy’s, Buzzfeed, etc.

Brandon’s work is great to use for inspiration and and to give insight too. I think he’ll inspire me more to pursue my dream of photography.

Brandon Woelfel's fairy light shoots has a magical vibe to them. So, I wanted to give him a thank you for inspiring me to shoot more and more everyday. If you want to see more of my Brandon Woelfel Inspired Shoot, Check it out , Victoria