2018 - A year in Review

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.

2018A_Lincoln_JSwoope029.jpg
Lincoln @ Printers Alley(Nashville, TN)

Lincoln @ Printers Alley(Nashville, TN)


2018B_MC051218_JSwoope032.jpg

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. 

2018B_MC051918_JSwoope019.jpg

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


2018B_JBAC_JSwoope008.jpg
2018B_JBAC_JSwoope036.jpg
2018B_JBAC_JSwoope006.jpg

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.


2018C_Taylor_JSwoope005.jpg

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.

2018C_Taylor_JSwoope006.jpg
2018C_Taylor_JSwoope011.jpg

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

2018C_LC-CS_JSwoope048.jpg
2018C_LC-CS_JSwoope045.jpg
2018C_LC-CS_JSwoope041.jpg

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!