A nationally recognized photographer based in Nashville, Ed Rode has spent most of his career, camera in hand, chasing meaningful moments in music history and making them permanent.
He isn’t only — or even primarily — a music photographer. Over the course of nearly four decades, Rode has captured sports legends, movie and TV stars, travel destinations, whiskey brands, and restaurant chains. But he moved to Nashville in 1990, just as country music's neo-traditionalist era was shifting into the shadow of arena fireworks, as legends were entering their golden years, and as Nashville itself was prepping for unparalleled change.
Growing up in the Midwest, Rode thought he might become a history teacher, relaying the narratives that emerged and lessons learned. But a high school photojournalism mentoring program showed him another way to hold onto history. A Master of Arts degree in Photo Communications from Ohio University helped fine-tune his skills. And a fresh-from-grad-school job as a staff photographer for The Nashville Banner, the city’s afternoon daily, brought Rode to Music City to find and tell stories.
In Nashville, Rode saw that history was unfolding all around him, and that meaningful moments were going undocumented. So for decades, he made sure to put himself — and his camera — where the moments were.
From that first newspaper post, Rode built a career and a reputation as a photographer with a storyteller’s eye and a historian’s instincts. His work has appeared in numerous national publications; in exhibits from the Nashville International Airport to the legendary Bluebird Cafe; and on album covers for artists including Willie Nelson, The Chicks and Peter Frampton.
Ultimately, Rode did become a teacher, too. Along with instructing, lecturing, and advising students at Vanderbilt University, O’More College of Design, Western Kentucky University, and Northwestern University, Rode works as a full-time instructor in the Journalism and Mass Communications Department at Murray State University, teaching young artists how to find their stories, focus their storyteller’s eye, and click.
"I deeply believe in the power of visual storytelling—it's my passion and life's work. Making authentic connections and capturing real moments bring stories to life."
– Ed Rode
Specialties
Music
Commercial Photography
Food
Fashion
Live Events
Drone Footage
Portraits
Architecture
Education
Nonprofits
Real Estate
Advertising
Documentary
Clients
Tractor Supply Corporation
Pilot Corporation
Cooper Alan
Country Music Association
Dave & Buster’s Inc.
Sony PlayStation
Bridgestone Americas
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Jack Daniels Distillery
Sony Music
Martha White
Habitat for Humanity
United Way
BMI - Broadcast Music, Inc.
Dept. of Tourism, State of Tennessee
Nashville Arts & Entertainment Magazine
ASCAP - American Society of Composers Authors & Publishers
SESAC - Society of European Stage Authors and Composers
Tour Photographer for Jason Aldean + Brooks & Dunn
Credits
Magazines + Other Media
Ed’s work has appeared in TIME, Sports Illustrated, People, Rolling Stone, Associated Press, Billboard, Guitar World, Country Weekly. His work is also internationally syndicated through Getty Images and a variety of media outlets.
Billboard Magazine (2024) Photographer Ed Rode Brings Country Royalty, And Its Behind-The-Scenes Creators, Into Focus
MusicRow (2024) Ed Rode Chronicles 30 Years Of Nashville Talent In New Photo Documentary Book
American Songwriter Magazine (2024) Ed Rode: Behind The Curtain
Books
Songwriter Musician Behind the Curtain with Nashville’s Iconic Storytellers and Players – (2024) Photo Documentary Book by Ed Rode
Step into the heart of Nashville's music scene with veteran photographer Ed Rode, whose 192-page photo documentary, Songwriter Musician, documents three decades of Nashville's stars, songwriters and session greats at decisive, unguarded moments in their careers. Alongside these images, Rode’s personal narratives reveal the unseen moments behind the camera, adding a unique layer of context. Also, artist biographies place each subject into the broader story of Nashville’s creative musical community.
Inside its pages, you'll find a teenaged Taylor Swift spinning and smiling, beaming as superstardom barrels her way. “I Fall to Pieces” songwriter Hank Cochran stretches back on a well-worn hammock, in the exact spot where he searches the sky for timeless hits. Michael Rhodes wraps his arms around his favorite bass, a tool that’s anchored sessions for greats from Johnny Cash to Elton John. The subjects span generations and genres, each portrait precisely capturing the individual, their humanity, and their artistry.
Burn It Down – Documentary Book – (2016) Authored documentary book Burn It Down, the first official book published on country music star Jason Aldean. Ed was entrusted by Jason and his band to tell his story and given special, unfettered access to Jason on stage and backstage. Hardcover publication consists of 72 rare and exclusive color and black and white photographs documenting the wild ride Jason and his band experienced throughout the year-long tour that took them all over the world.
Rolling Stone Tattoo Nation: Portraits of Celebrity Body Art
Hardcover – Ed was selected to contribute to this collection of 100 candid photos that chronicle the gradual emergence of this evocative art form into mainstream society via pop-culture icons.
Capture Music City
Hardcover – Ed’s work was selected by over one million voters to be included in this fine art coffee table book that captures the best of Nashville’s most iconic landmarks and hot spots.
Exhibits + Lectures
Exhibit
Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Songwriter Musician Exhibit August 31— December 30, 2024 More than 30 years ago, photographer Ed Rode met Chet Atkins, one of the greatest figures in country music. Soon they were talking about where to find the good stories on Music Row — specifically, with the talented songwriters whose unseen contributions powered Nashville’s iconic sound. After many conversations, the Songwriter Musician project was born, resulting in “fly-on-the-wall” documentary portraits of a wide range of artists that bring to life the vulnerable, provocative, and unexpected moments inside Nashville’s rich tradition of songwriting. Featured artists include Willie Nelson, Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, The Chicks, Jelly Roll, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, John Prine, George Strait, and Keb Mo, amongst others. These photographs will be on display at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum August 31–December 31, 2024, alongside objects and memorabilia related to the artists captured by Rode’s camera.
Lecture
In 2024, Songwriter Musician makes its debut with an accompanying exhibition at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum (BOCM) in Bristol, TN-VA, where Rode will headline a special speaking engagement November 9, 2024. Joining him, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Don Henry will perform, showcasing his celebrated songwriting career. Further events and photo exhibitions will follow.
Lecture
Iris Nights Lecture Series:Country: Portraits of an American Sound
Annenberg Space for Photographers – Los Angeles, California (August 2014)
“A City of Masters: Nashville’s Songwriters & Musicians”
Television Interview
Channel News 4 –Nashville, Tennessee (May 2020)
“Prominent Nashville photographers say goodbye to Dury’s”
Print Interview
Music Row: Industry Ink (June 2017)
Photographer Ed Rode To Celebrate Songwriting Legends At Bluebird Cafe
Print Interview
The State Newspaper – Columbia, South Carolina (June 2016)
“A look at Columbia through the lens of a Dave and Buster’s photographer”
Radio Interview
SiriusXM Radio channel The Highway, interviewed by host Storme Warren (2015)
“Shooting the Nashville Scene: An Insider’s Story”
Lecture
Vanderbilt University, The University Club – Nashville, Tennessee (April 2014)
“Songwriters & Musicians”– Guest Lecturer
Print Interview
The Smoking Poet (Summer 2008)
Ed Rode: Feature Artist Interview
Lecture
Imagerie Gallery – Grand Rapids, Michigan (2008)
“Cityscapes, Songwriters and Musicians”
Lecture
National Parks and Recreation Association – Chicago, Illinois (1993)
“Digital Arts & Visual Media in Non-Profit Work”
Touring + International Experience
Documentary Photographer for Ken Burns – (2019) Acted as documentary photographer for Ken Burns on the media launch for the “Country Music” PBS documentary miniseries. The eight-part series chronicles the history and prominence of country music in American culture.
Official Photographer for Jason Aldean – (2014–2015) Documented North America and European tour of Country Music Artist Jason Aldean for exclusive book, Burn It Down, published in 2016. Tour covered 100 cities, with the band performing for a million fans.
Official Photographer for Brooks & Dunn – United States (2000–2005) Touring, documentary and production photographer for the band, creating imagery for their web site, tour documentary and merchandise.
Scotland Documentary Photographer – Scotland (1990) Ohio University Master’s Program: Traveled the countryside creating photo stories and essays documenting small-town Scottish culture.
Music Photography
2022 Album Cover, Jet Black Roses (Photography)
2022 Album Cover, Ronnie Dunn (Photography)
2021 “Tough Ones” - Cooper Alan (Director)
2019 Sweet Release – Reese Wynans (Photography)
2016 Live Book – Andy McKee (Photography)
2014 Beauty Is… The Final Sessions – Ray Price (Photography)
2013 4340 – George Ducas (Photography)
2013 Feels Like Carolina – Parmalee (Photography)
2011 This One’s for Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark – Guy Clark (Photography)
2010 Bridges and Barricades – Ryan Alan (Photography)
2009 Comfort and Joy – John Cowan (Cover Photo)
2009 More Like Me – Webb Wilder (Photography)
2009 Shout! Live – Mike Farris / Mike Farris & The Roseland Rhythm Revue (Photography)
2008 The Best of Del McCoury: The Groovegrass Years – Del McCoury (Photography)
2007 My Turn – Doug Stone (Photography)
2005 Marbletown – Blue Highway (Photography, Cover Photo)
2005 Wide Open Spaces/Fly – Dixie Chicks (Photography)
2004 Just Like There’s Nothin’ to It – Steve Forbert (Photography)
2003 Crazy: The Demo Sessions – Willie Nelson (Cover Photo)
2001 Live at the Bluebird – Don Henry (Photography)
2000 Live in Detroit – Peter Frampton (Cover Photo)
1999 Fly – Dixie Chicks (Photography)
1998 Del, Doc & Mac – Del McCoury, Doc Watson, Mac Wiseman (Photography, Cover Art Concept)
1998 Swamp Dog Blues – Mike Dowling (Photography)
1996 Attic Chronicles, Vol. 1 – Dennis Morgan (Photographic Reproduction)
1996 Alive and Ornery – Scott Ramminger (Photography, Cover Photo)
1996 Farther Down the Line – Bryan Hayes (Photography)
1996 Rise Up – Scott Ramminger (Cover Photo)
1996 Tennessee Moon – Neil Diamond (Album Art)
Education + Certifications
Master of Arts in Photo Communications: Ohio University – Athens, Ohio
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Aquinas College – Grand Rapids, Michigan
Integrated Airman Certification, FAA Remote Pilot Drone Certificate: Current
Teaching + Advising Positions
Instructor, Murray State University – Murray, Kentucky (Current) Teach photography and multimedia classes in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Student Media Photography Advisor, Vanderbilt University Student Communications – Nashville, Tennessee (2018–Current) Provide oversight, support and ethics coaching for student-sponsored publications. Instruct students on the use of analog and digital cameras, software techniques, ethics and photojournalism responsibilities.
Media Immersion Instructor (2018–Current) Teach the photo track program for undergraduate students who vary in skill level from beginner to experienced. Topics include social media, editorial strategies, art techniques, lighting, portraiture, photojournalism, and sports photography.
Adjunct Professor of Digital Photography, O’More College of Design – Nashville, Tennessee (2006–2008) Instructor and lecturer for computer-based courses on digital photography. Goals included increasing photographic skills through the use of computer and software programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Developed lesson plans from weekly course outline; adapted content, presentations and projects to inform and motivate students. Assessed assignments and exams; assigned course grades.
Adjunct Professor of Photojournalism, Western Kentucky University – Bowling Green, Kentucky (1998–1999) Delivered lectures and led hands-on classes introducing the basics of traditional and digital photojournalism. Facilitated review and critique sessions using theoretical models of art and provided guided direction for project outcomes. Developed lesson plans from weekly course outline; adapted content, presentations and examples to inform and motivate students. Assessed assignments and exams; assigned course grades.
Visual Media Advisor + Guest Speaker, Northwestern University – Evanston, Illinois (1993–2000)Evaluated and set goals for student-generated semester visual media projects. Developed and delivered lectures and presentations on trending photography and visual media issues. Provided instruction on the use of analog film and cameras, and darkroom and lab processes and safety. Demonstrated digital photography camera use.