Student Photojournalists Step Into Nashville’s Creative Scene Early

Seniors Ashleigh Darnell and Laura Rodio translate classroom experience into gallery exhibitions and published work

From the socially conscious photojournalism of LeXander Bryant to Christine Rogers' contemplative galleries, Nashville boasts a vibrant pulse of lens-based artistry. Now, two Belmont seniors are stepping into that community — not as students, but as emerging professionals already producing work with depth, purpose and real-world reach. Ashleigh Darnell (corporate communications) and Laura Rodio (photography) are poised to make a real impact on the artistic culture of Nashville. 

Bridging West Virginia and Nashville 

Darnell’s current body of work was born from an assignment in her Documentary Photography class. The project, centering around an old restaurant in her hometown of West Virginia, explores the lives and personalities of its regulars. “I wanted to convey the kindness of Appalachia,” she said. “I would go in and talk to the customers about their stories before ever bringing out the camera. Just chatting for a little while set up an important boundary, letting the people know that I wasn’t just there to grab my pictures and leave.” 

Darnell credits Jack Latham, associate professor of photography at Watkins College of Art, with helping shape her human-centered approach to photography. 

“Jack and I talked a lot about how to make meaningful work that isn’t exploitative,” Darnell remembered. “Through the process of making this project and having the conversations it required, I made real relationships with the people I photographed.” 

As a corporate communications major balancing a minor in photography, Darnell approaches projects like this with an interdisciplinary skill set — pairing storytelling instincts with the skills to promote and position her projects professionally. 

“I’ve always said my communications major helps me know how to support the business side of my creative work. It’s honed in me the people skills necessary for a project like this, and taught me how to promote it in a way that stays true to the work and who I am as a creative,” she said. Darnell has already secured media coverage for the project, even before its debut exhibition. 

The project can be seen at The Packing Plant Art Gallery from April 27-May 8, with an opening reception May 1 from 6-8pm. 

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Taking Photos to Tell a Story 

While Darnell’s work centers on long-form storytelling, Rodio is building her portfolio in a fast-paced editorial environment.  

Despite being a senior photography student in the midst of her thesis, she has already stepped into a professional role: photography editor at the new Nashville SUNN magazine. The Student United News Network (The SUNN), launched in 2024 by Vanderbilt professor Amanda Little, is a news outlet run by students in high schools across the country. Nashville’s branch, the first local arm of the paper, released its debut edition in November 2025. It is available at establishments all over town as a free physical paper, as well as online. 

“Caroline Allison, who I took the Documentary Photography course from last semester, put me in contact with Amanda Little,” shared Rodio. “The whole thing has been such a whirlwind.” 

Now Rodio, who has been more used to receiving feedback than giving it, serves as photo editor and leads a a team of novice illustrators and photographers. 

“We try to have each issue be about 70% photo and 30% illustration. Since my main area of expertise is photography, I keep the process collaborative and let the student illustrators take the lead,” she said. “My technical knowledge comes in on issues of composition and concept.” 

Sometimes Rodio herself leaves the desk to pick up a camera for a SUNN assignment. Speaking on photographing Nashville politician Aftyn Behn, she said, “I had never been part of a shoot like that. After meeting with Mrs. Behn during her congressional campaign and photographing her, we had some time to get to know her.” 

Rodio’s thesis — investigating the way in which family heirlooms stand in for what each generation passes to the next — has grown, in part, out of her work with the SUNN. “I’ve been photographing objects for this project in a documentary style,” she said. “After these months of taking photos for the paper, I’ve developed my eye for photos with a story.” 

Rodio’s thesis can be seen at The Packing Plant Art Gallery from June 1-12, with an opening reception June 6.

From gallery exhibitions to published editorial work, Darnell and Rodio’s experiences reflect a larger reality at Belmont — students aren’t waiting until graduation to begin their careers. They’re already contributing to Nashville’s creative landscape, building portfolios and telling stories that have real world impact.